Nicknamed "Space City" because of its own NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston is a city of 4 million people located in southeast Texas on the banks of the Gulf of Mexico. Built on oil and maintained by the space industry, Houston is also home to many of the nation's largest corporations (including Enron which went bankrupt in 2002 and brought controversy to the community) and the second largest port. Because of this commercial wealth, Houston has had the privilege to accumulate some of the finest museums and performing arts companies in the nations. Houston also has a 6-mile system of underground tunnels connecting buildings and hotels which make the city more accessible.

Galleria: Located in the center of Uptown Houston, this shopping areas features world-class shopping, entertainment, restaurants and even an ice skating rink.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center: Houston’s most popular tourist attraction, is located at Clear Lake, 20 miles southeast of downtown. Tram tours run every half hour taking in the highlights, including Rocket Park where retired spacecraft come to rest, Mission Control and even astronauts in training.

Montrose Center: Tendy area of the city with clubs, tattoo parlors and vintage stores. Montrose is also the site of the Menil Collection Museum.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Noted Houston philanthropist and collector Ima Hogg donated this elegant early 20th century mansion along with art pieces dating back to the 1600's.

Finding cheap flights to Houston: From October through April, hotel, flight and rental car prices are slashed drastically and there are great deals available. If you're traveling to Houston in the summer months, be sure to plan in advance to attain the best deals possible.