American Idol is heading to Houston, and since everything’s bigger in Texas, we’re expecting some big voices. You won’t have to break the bank to go to Houston; the city was named one of the top 10 value destinations! Many musical talents originated in Houston, from ZZ Top to Kenny Rogers. It’s hot in Houston!

Transportation

Although Houston is known for its busy freeways, there are plenty of ways to travel without a car. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) provides public transportation via buses, light rail, and lift vans. The Sunset Limited Amtrak train takes passengers from Los Angeles to New Orleans with many stops in between, including Houston, in the northern part of downtown. The largest airport in Houston is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and you can also fly commercially to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

Sightseeing

You won’t be bored in Houston! The largest city in Texas has an active nightlife, tasty cuisine, amusement parks, great shopping, many museums, and plenty of parks. Known as Space City, visit Houston’s Space Center and experience simulators, watch footage on enormous screens, and see what it’s like to be an astronaut. Save $5 per ticket to Space City by buying your tickets online. Houston has a great theater district in the center of downtown Houston where you’ll find Bayou Place: an entertainment complex with restaurants, movies, plazas, and parks. Summer is the season for baseball, so scope out a Houston Astros game. After working up an appetite at auditions, venture out and dine on Tex-Mex cuisine or have a meal at a steakhouse.