TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

The 13 Best Treehouse Rentals in Texas—from Aubrey to Kirbyville

The 13 Best Treehouse Rentals in Texas—from Aubrey to Kirbyville

Looking for a ticket into the wild in the Lone Star state?

Just beyond hubs like San Antonio and Houston wait some of Texas’s most gorgeous and stately landscapes, from spring flower-filled meadows to bayou-like lakes. If you’re into unique rentals and getting a bird’s eye view, then check out the best treehouse rentals in Texas.

Along with true treehouses (which use trees as actual support), you can find and book awesome stilted projects, imaginative homes, and cozy, fairy-like wooded rentals. It’s a surprisingly whimsical range of treehouses that reflects the Texan spirit of hyper-independence and expert craftsmanship.

Which one will you book first?

Best treehouse rentals in Texas: true treehouse picks only

The Hobbit’s Nest (Paige)

This hand-made and funky treehouse is like something out of a Studio Ghibli film. While it’s more of a stilted home than a true treehouse, I’m listing it here because its wooden features make it hard to tell where the Hobbit’s Nest begins and the forest ends.

It’s got character, views, and fantastically rustic facilities, including an outdoor shower and compost toilet. That puts this stay back into true treehouse territory, as ‘pure’ treehouses are usually off the grid.

Leaf Treehouse at The Meadow (Fredericksburg)

Resting partly in the mature oak trees, this gorgeous treehouse is built from a range of materials, including metal, tile, and even brick. It has stunning features, including two separate reading nooks (where I’d happily disappear for hours) and a sheltered, outdoor tub (where I’d also happily disappear for hours). It’s definitely leaning into lux territory, especially when you factor in those high thread-count sheets and great toiletries.

Live Oak Treehouse at The Meadow (Fredericksburg)

This treehouse is on the same property (The Meadow) as the former, and you can expect a similarly photogenic setup. From those lovely reading nooks to the building materials used, it offers a perfect balance between rustic treehouse camping-style vibes and modern needs like AC.

Ryders Treehouse (Baird)

Ryders Treehouse is hard to critique in any fashion. Nestled in the trees overlooking the rugged landscape, it feels like an oasis—one that’s totally private and off the beaten path. The treehouse is entirely bespoke, offering unique features like a spiral staircase, a stone firepit, a stone-lined grill, a bird’s-eye patio lookout, and plenty more. It’s the type of place I imagine guests return to year after year.

Best treehouse rentals in Texas: stilted substitutes

Romantic Treehouse in the Pines (Kirbyville)

This cozy little A-Frame is like something from a picture book, giving you a stylish escape in the middle of the forest. There’s a lake on the property that’s equipped with kayaks and canoes, as well, letting you immerse yourself in nature. Plus, a mini-farm with friendly goats and dogs. But there’s also a claw-foot tub inside the treehouse—and its views might keep you hostage for a while.

Cozy Treehouse with Hot Tub and Farm Animals (Kirbyville)

If the treehouse above doesn’t catch your fancy, here’s an alternative from the same property. And its tub is located outside the cabin, meaning you can wash up right in Mother Nature’s embrace. Though located on the same property, it’s large, meaning you can expect privacy.

The Nut House (Aubrey)

From the outside looking in, this acorn-shaped treehouse looks like something from a carnival. It’s kitschy and attention-grabbing where it sits in a sparse woodland. But on the inside, it’s like something from a designer digest magazine.

(I used the image of the exterior so that you’ll have your mind blown when you head to the Airbnb profile and see the interior. It’s worth a few little clicks, I promise.)

The wooden features, from the winding staircase to the cabinets, are perfectly done. Meanwhile, the upstairs sleeping nook looks like it was created by one of Nobu’s designers. It’s way more modern, thoughtful, and sleek than any acorn-shaped rental has the right to be.

Air Castle Treehouse (Ladonia)

Full disclosure: this isn’t a treehouse. It’s a mashup of four shipping containers that has a whopping sixth floor (fit with a crow’s nest lookout) and five balconies. And its rooms look like they’re straight from a city center.

But in the way of traditional treehouse design elements comes total creative freedom—one that lets you live amongst the canopy just like you would in a ‘normal’ treehouse, while also letting you enjoy large, suburban-style living areas.

Yellowstone Treehouse (Saturdays only) (Forestburg)

If you have kids who are dying for a treehouse escape (it’s only natural), look no further. Yellowstone Treehouse comes with a winding slide that you can take from the porch back down to earth. Just know that this is more like a mobile home on stilts. Regardless, you’ll be located high in the canopy, giving you that immersive treehouse feel.

Looking for a romantic treehouse escape, as well? The same property in Forestburg offers a Hobbit Treehouse, which looks perfect for a cozier and intimate getaway. (Open on Fridays only.)

Tiny Home Mountain Getaway (Pipe Creek)

Like a jewel in the Texas Hill Country crown, The Nest is a tiny-home getaway nestled in the canopy. The interior has modern amenities and an adorable design that makes the space feel large and bright. Plus, the patio is expansive and even includes a mesh, in-laid bed. Best of all, this cozy treehouse-esque tiny home comes with great hosts who are ready and willing to help you customize a special visit.

Luxury Tree House & Magical Forest Pool (Fredericksburg)

Hidden among the live oak trees near downtown Fredericksburg, this shipping container-turned-treehouse curves around one of the largest 60-foot oaks. It’s a multi-floor property with two bedrooms, another one of those in-laid, mesh beds, and access to the property’s large outdoor pool and its lounge areas—many of which are incorporated into the landscape.

THE NEST by Skybox Cabins (Glen Rose)

Part fairy-like bungalow and part treehouse, this charming treehouse takes you into a world of bohemian intrigue. That makes this my favorite of all the treehouse rentals in Texas, even though it’s a stilted substitute and not a ‘true’ treehouse.

Regardless, it looks perfect for a romantic escape or a weekend solo getaway. Expect to unwind with the tranquil songs of the birds while you enjoy those calming views. If you want to book a weekend trip, do so in advance—THE NEST has become a favorite for Dallas locals.

The Most Common Tourist Scams in 2025

Is danger lurking around every corner when you travel?

The answer depends on whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist. I’m an optimist, which means I’m rarely worried about getting scammed. That being said, I’ve been scammed before, and I’m sure I’ll be scammed again.

Though many of us are aware of the most common tourist scams out there, like stepping into an unmetered taxi or being the victim of a bump-and-grab pickpocket, there are new tourist scams constantly lurking in the shadows.

I have good news: those stories about Airbnbs being robbed after crooks use a gaseous sleeper chemical to knock travelers out are fake.

I have bad news: most scams are now a lot headier and complex, such as car rental companies that push (see: manipulate) really hard for you to buy insurance, which isn’t actually necessary.

Ready to get your Jason Bourne badge of authority on avoiding the most common tourist scams in 2025? These are the risks you need to know about.

Most common tourist scams in 2025

Scam #1: Hiking up prices when there’s a conversion involved

If you’re visiting a country where there’s an awkward conversion, beware. It’s easy for vendors to hike up the price at the last minute in the local currency, leaving you an unpleasant surprise for later on. Most upcharges are for a portion of the stated price, but some vendors will double or triple the original offer.

I have two suggestions to protect yourself in these situations. First, if you have an iPhone, you can use the calculator app to make immediate currency conversions.

Second, I suggest writing a little note for yourself with easy conversions for amounts between $5-100, depending on your spending budget. And always double-check the price before you swipe or tap your card.

Scam #2: Car rental companies overcharging for… almost everything

I live in Barcelona and often rent cars for day trips and weekend getaways. Because my partner rents the car with an international ID, sales reps try to upcharge for everything—especially optional insurance that adds around $50 to the rental per day.

In reality, the EU requires car rental companies to offer basic insurance that comes with a reasonable deductible. That’s the case in many regions, so do a little research about what is and isn’t legal before you rent a car.

On top of that, car rental experts recommend going for the full-to-full fuel policy and also checking mileage limitations if you’re going to be zipping around long distances. Lastly, be wary of add-on fees—some rentals will even charge you daily for GPS access.

Scam #3: Distraction-based pickpocketing

This classic scam isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon. It comes in many shapes and forms. The most common is one I mentioned in the intro—the scam when someone pretends to bump into you and apologizes, before making off with your wallet. But distractions come in many forms, and some of them might catch you off guard.

For example, a common distraction-based scam here in Barcelona is when someone approaches a patio where people are sitting and eating. They set a piece of paper on the table that has a short explanation of their situation, which they’ll show to the whole table slowly. In reality, the scammer wants to distract you while they pick up your phone, which is shielded by the paper.

But I’d also caution you about being overly wary of these types of scams—I’ve been on the other end. A few months ago, I was walking back to my apartment carrying heavy planting pots.

I was worried they would slip, so I asked a young man to help me carry them so I could readjust my grip. But he was a tourist, and immediately got spooked, thinking I was planning to distract him and rob him, and shook his head at me and kept moving. A neighbor came to my rescue, then I went home and took a hard look in the mirror.

Scam #4: Fake tickets to museums & landmarks

Similar to the distraction scam, hawks with fake tickets to museums and landmarks aren’t likely to let up. In fact, this scam is evolving. Many hawks now have official tickets—but they’re up-charging for them for last-minute visitors desperate for entry to major sites.

If you want to avoid this type of scam, then buy your tickets well ahead of time—especially if you’re heading to a city that’s renowned for its museums, landmarks, and other cultural sites.

Most common tourist scam #5: Rental scams—from illegal Airbnbs to fake Airbnbs

It’s been a tough year for Airbnb. For years, the website has been a favorite for scammers looking to lure would-be renters in with slashed prices for gorgeous apartments.

In fact, I fell prey to this scam back in 2018 when I first moved to Barcelona. It wasn’t just a well-placed scam—it was a professional operation.

That being said, I think many travelers are now wise to that fake Airbnb (or another vacation rental platform) scheme. Now, the issue with Airbnb is renting unlicensed apartments that are wreaking havoc on housing markets and contributing to anti-tourism sentiments.

That being said, I wouldn’t dub unlicensed Airbnbs as a travel scam since most renters end up having a great time and the platform has plenty of security protocols to keep everyone safe—it’s often locals who have the problem with illegal Airbnbs.

Still, it’s worth keeping on your radar. If you’re renting Airbnbs, look for licensing information on the booking profile. Otherwise, you might be participating in something that’s not technically a scam but also isn’t legal.

8 Airlines Just Sold Your Personal Passenger Data to ICE

You read that correctly. Thanks to a recent acquisition, personal passenger information from eight major US airlines is now being shared with the Department of Homeland Security’s US Customs and Border Protection branch.

And that data will be used primarily by one subsect of the CBP: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, aka ICE.

This won’t change the flying experience for the average American traveler, but it’s an unprecedented decision by US airlines, and it concerns your personal data, so it’s worth covering. Here’s what you need to know.

Passenger data comes from Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC)

Personal passenger data comes from the Airlines Reporting Corporation or ARC. The ARC is owned by Delta, Southwest, United, American, Alaska, Canada, Lufthansa, and Air France.

It’s responsible for storing global airline tickets that contain passenger information, including names, financial details, and flight itineraries. Why hold onto that information?

That data can be used for statistical reporting and settlements, for example. It helps airlines learn more about flyers, which helps them improve and streamline operations, amongst many other benefits.

But the ARC’s data includes a Travel Intelligence Program (TIP), which was created post-9/11 to provide data to certain law enforcement branches in the US. In May 2025, the TIP database was acquired by the Department of Homeland Security, meaning it can be used by CBP and ICE. The DHS has access to the TIP until May 2028.

To summarize: passenger data that has been used by eight international airlines for settlement and statistical reporting was sold to ICE in May 2025 as part of a three-year contract that ends in May 2028.

What does this mean for travelers?

Like I mentioned up top, ICE’s acquisition of ARC passenger data probably won’t throw a wrench into your travel plans. But it’s piggybacking on other air travel privacy updates, from the roll-out of Real IDs to quickly expanding biometric programs like CLEAR.

It’s worth noting that the DHS already has a biometric information collection department, known as HART or Homeland Advanced Recognition Technology.

Any biometric data collected from non-US citizens is automatically stored in the identity database for 75 years.

Already, watchdog organizations have pointed out that HART could be used beyond the scope of identifying certain passengers, and instead be used for surveillance purposes.

In short, while new data habits in air travel might not affect your travel plans over the coming years, the expectation of a traveler’s right to privacy is being actively challenged and reshaped.

Sources for this article include Katya Schwenk of The Lever and Acacia Gabriel of Travel + Leisure, along with 404 Media and Airlines Reporting Corporation.

Ready to Relax in Paradise? Do it at the Best Spas in Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs is undoubtedly one of California’s most stylish oases.

That’s thanks to the city’s effortlessly chic and timeless mid-century modern architecture. From its residential homes to its hotels to its Airbnbs, it’s a feast for the eyes.

But those who visit this desert spot year after year aren’t there just for the architecture or style.

They come for the spas.

Along with hubs like Miami and Scottsdale, Palm Springs is renowned for its spas and spa culture. In fact, the city’s name comes from its hot springs, which were believed to be medicinal by the local Cahuilla tribe.

When Palm Springs boomed as a resort town in the early and mid-1900s, much of its growth was thanks to the nearby hot springs. It became a hotspot for Americans with issues like tuberculosis, asthma, and arthritis.

Slowly, the city’s reputation as a wellness center transformed, and Palm Springs became one of the area’s top wintering zones, its spa culture hedged into the spotlight.

And it hasn’t left. Looking for the best spas in Palm Springs, CA? Start with these ten classic, celebrated locations.

Best spas in Palm Springs

Best spas in Palm Springs

For the OG hot springs experience: The Spa at Sec-he

Located on the actual grounds of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring, this wellness destination lets you soak up the sacred waters from the 12,000-year-old spring. The name ‘sec-he’ comes from the Cahuilla language, meaning ‘the sound of boiling water’.

In fact, this spa is owned and operated by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Along with soaking in the mineral-laden hot springs, you can enjoy award-winning treatments from a quartz bed massage or facials on a bioacoustics bed.

Great for couples: The Spa at the Andreas

If you’re visiting Palm Springs with a love interest, the best spot for a couples massage is The Spa at the Andreas. This no-frills spa has all the treatments you could wish for, from foot treatments to facials. But it’s particularly known for its couples’ massages thanks to its intimate and relaxing atmosphere. As a bonus, it won’t break the bank, either.

The locals’ pick: Estrella Spa at the Avalon Hotel

Usually just called Estrella Spa, this full-service location has all the basics covered, from deep-tissue Swedish massages to outdoor day beds where you can spend the day horizontal. But there are a few specialties you should know about, including Estrella Spa’s lauded aromatherapy treatments and its hot stone massages.

Easy to book and bundle: Spa at Marriott’s Desert Springs

If you’re a Bonvoy member, you don’t need to wander off the resort for a great spa experience. The Spa at Marriott’s Desert Springs resort is mostly renowned for its outdoor pool and gorgeous views, along with its range of services. Though they’re a little pricey, you’re paying for the added space and—again—that unbeatable and peaceful outdoor pool setup.

Ultra-lux: The Ritz-Carlton Spa

It’s pure opulence at this Ritz-Carlton location, from the surrounding mountain views to the desert-inspired décor. The on-site spa is just as impressive, offering all the treatments you could hope for, including contemporary favorites like plunge pools and meditation rooms. Plus, the Ritz-Carlton showcases the area’s indigenous heritage and traditional treatments, similar to Sec-he.

Budget-friendly: Miracle Springs Spa

This day-use spa is one of the most accessible in Palm Springs. There are multiple outdoor pools, including a mineral pool and a jacuzzi. There’s an on-site Italian restaurant, as well, and a long list of basic spa treatments. Just know that the discounted prices are due to the facility’s slightly outdated setup. If that doesn’t bother you, then book a day pass now—the setup is simple, but hard to beat.

A fresh take on spa treatments: Grounded Bodyworks

Forget the spa culture you thought you knew. Grounded Bodyworks is one of Palm Springs’ newest spas—and it’s quickly become one of its most popular. Thanks to its minimal and elegant décor, along with its long list of unique therapies, it feels almost like a wellness center. Along with massages and facials, you can book unique treatments that you won’t find elsewhere, like cupping, nails, waxing, and extraction services.

Party vibes… at a spa: Sea Mountain Resort

Sea Mountain Resort is a naturist-friendly, adults-only resort with pools, lounges, and a spa with basic treatments. That makes it perfect for spa enthusiasts who enjoy shedding their layers. But there’s a catch: Sea Mountain Resort is all about festivities. It hosts nightly entertainment, along with social activities for resort-goers. Think of it like a social butterfly’s favorite spa—especially fi that social butterfly likes to live au natural.

Delta Sets New Precedent with Insane New In-Flight Entertainment Offer

If you’re an anime nerd and you fly Delta, I have very good news for you.

Delta Airlines recently partnered with Crunchyroll, the world’s premier anime streaming platform, to bring a whopping 2,000 anime titles to Delta flyers later this year.

By late 2025, Delta announced that close to 170,000 seatbacks will offer anime from the Crunchyroll library as part of its in-flight entertainment center and via Wi-Fi.

To reiterate, Crunchyroll will be selecting 2,000 of its most popular series and movies to showcase, meaning there will be around 50,000 anime episodes for passengers to explore. That equates to around 25,000 hours of anime content.

We don’t know which shows have made the cut quite yet, but many fans are already speculating. It’s the very first Crunchyroll partnership of its kind, meaning this whole situation is incredibly cool and unprecedented.

And while it might seem a little tailored toward anime fans, Delta is sweetening the deal for any first-time viewers. Those who decide to connect to Wi-Fi and watch Crunchyroll content on their smart device will also be given a free 24-hour trial on the anime platform.

If you’re planning to fly Delta later this year and enjoy anime, check back in for more details on which shows made the cut.

The partnership with Crunchyroll is yet another reason to consider flying Delta, along with perks like the Airbnb miles-to-dollars program.

The World Tour of Oopsies: Chapter 11—The Festival

[The World Tour of Oopsies is an ongoing series of travel stories about my first decade of travel. During these adventures and misadventures, I had to unlearn many things I thought I knew about life. Welcome to my miseducation.]

Catch up on the World Tour of Oopsies:

Part I / The festival

People attend a concert during the Envision Festival in Puntarenas, Uvita, 240 km south of San Jose, Costa Rica, on February 24, 2017. (EZEQUIEL BECERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Halfway through my freshman year of college, I’d yet to experience a frat house or a block party. Instead, I was meeting Frenchies and learning about the spirituality of surfing (see: Ch. 10) and learning beautiful secrets from terrifying artists (see: Ch. 11).

And that’s how it would go all four years of my college career.

I’d trade off traditional experiences for novel, unforgettable moments.

But have no fear—my thirty or so classmates and I still knew where to find a party.

Enter Envision Festival, one of Costa Rica’s premier hippie-dippie, sustainability-minded, and dance-all-night-in-a-fairy-costume weekend-long parties. (These are sometimes called ‘burner’ festivals after Burning Man.)

From what I can tell, Envision Festival is still going despite high production costs and the fact that not too many people can afford to fly to Costa Rica for a weekend-long event.

When I attended back in 2012, the festival was in its second year of operation—meaning it was full of spirit and cool ideas but hadn’t caught its production stride yet. In other words, it was a striking, psychedelic mess set in the tropics.

One that progressively became more dangerous as the weekend went on. (Don’t worry—nobody died, and I even managed to fall in love.)

Part II / A world tour of thieves, drought, crocodiles, & riptides

After clinching tickets to the festival at the last minute, a group of five or so classmates and I packed our bags, borrowed tents, and headed to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast near Uvita.

We were on the hunt for an unforgettable party. Having already ingratiated ourselves into the Tico electronic music scene (think: Latino mountain raves), we were now heading into the ‘burner’ territory I mentioned before. (You can find an actual lineup and setlist of the 2012 Envision Festival, if you’re interested.)

Although these types of boho music festivals, which combine ideals like sustainable and alternative living with electronic DJ sets with dizzying visuals, are now par for the course, it was a pretty mindblowing concept at the time.

After a short bus ride, we arrived at the festival grounds. The area was beautiful and surrounded by lush forest. There were multiple lounges where we could hang out, chat with others, grab a bite to eat and drink, and sleep through the hottest portions of the day. These were framed by small stages where the music never let up, apart from a few midday hours.

The first day, we were in awe of everything we saw. The performers, the interactive art, and the general ambiance were alluring. Within hours, we felt right at home.

The next morning, the vibe began to change.

Costa Rica is a small country, and festivals like Envision aren’t well-kept secrets.

On the second day of the festival, my crew and I woke to realize most of our tents had been opened and rifled through. Anyone who brought anything of value lost it that night; a DSLR camera, a handheld camera, and a passport. (We didn’t have eSIMs or iPhones, so we all used old school cellphones with local SIM cards.)

We rallied, not having lost anything too essential, like a wallet or a credit card that would help us get home.

Then we trudged to the showers, eager to scrub ourselves from a night of dancing, sweating, and shouting conversation over the music. That’s when we learned the festival was facing a water shortage—already. The showers were shut down to preserve potable water for drinking.

No worries—we rallied again, had a bite to eat, and decided to head for the beach.

Which was located across a tropical little lagoon where large logs had been laid in an impromptu bridge.

On our approach, we found a few frantic staff members who ushered us back toward the main area. They pointed to a very long round-about path for us to take, then cryptically admitted, “The lagoon is full of crocodiles.”

(How do you know an event wasn’t organized by locals? The presence of a beast like a crocodile; locals usually know where the larger predators live, and wouldn’t advise anyone to plan a festival there.)

Again, no worries—we turned around and found another path to the beach. We were diverted to another series of logs that extended over the little lagoon, and this one was being manned by several staff members, who were (I guess) ready to grapple with a crocodile to keep us safe.

Finally, we made it to the beach.

But not long into our lounging, there was a commotion toward one end of the beach. One of the festival-goers had gotten caught in a riptide, and one of our friends (shout out to Forrest) had leapt into the water to save them. While I didn’t see the rescue in action, it topped off maybe one of the most eventful days of my life.

Let’s just say that, in 2017, when news of a doomed Fyre Fest hit the airwaves, I wasn’t surprised to learn that would-be partiers found themselves in a survival situation. Envision wouldn’t be my first or my last hectic festival on my world tour.

Part III / First love

I’d hate to make my adventure at Envision seem like a dangerous letdown.

First, the festival was relatively new, and operating those types of events was a pretty novel concept at the time. Staff were adaptable in the face of (several) disasters.

Second, I was nineteen, meaning a lack of water and presence of crocodiles and riptides wouldn’t keep me from a good party.

Third, and most importantly, I was falling for someone in our group.

The festival’s risks and rewards were the perfect stage for a fledgling romance to play out, offering excitement, a touch of danger, and really cool outfits. I mean it—that someone is still in my life almost fifteen years later, and we still go to festivals where mini-disasters happen like clockwork.

TL; DR my world tour of travel stories: If you’re going to a music festival in another country, expect hiccups—and try not to let them ruin the experience.