hill country escapes

Hill Country oasis makes list of best vacation rentals of 2025

An extraordinary resort-style home in the Austin-area suburb of Dripping Springs is the sole Texas property to make vacation rental company Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year.

The fourth annual awards showcase 10 top vacation rentals in popular destinations around the country at various price points. More than 2 million U.S. properties were sorted based on their high ratings, positive guest reviews, standout amenities, and more.

This isn't the first time a Hill Country vacation rental has been featured; a breathtaking Dripping Springs riverfront hideaway was highlighted in Vrbo's 2023 list. In 2024, a modern retreat in Westlake (an Austin neighborhood) was the sole Texas property to make the cut.

Dripping Springs Social is a spacious nine-bedroom property located less than 250 miles south of Dallas, featuring panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country. The 6,070-square-foot primary residence can accommodate up to 20 people and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, a grill, fire pit, three full RV hookups, a fully equipped kitchen, and much more.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, pool Watch the sun go down by the pool.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property has plenty of space for guests to stretch out by the pool, on one of the multiple balconies, or on the back patios.

"Laze your days away poolside or hang out in the beach cabanas for that extra touch of luxe," Vrbo says. "Enjoy almost 360-degree views of the wild countryside from the spacious back patio or the glorious hot tub."

The most impressive feature of the property is the dedicated entertainment barn. Guests can host movie nights or play video games using the built-in projector, play pool or shuffleboard, or play a round of poker at the convertible dining table. The barn also comes with plush seating areas, arcade games, a private kitchen and bar with a keg connection, a full-size fridge, and a separate ice maker.

The barn also contains a bedroom furnished with a queen-sized bed and XL twin bunk beds.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, aerial

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The spacious property has a private pool and an entertainment barn.

Dripping Springs Social, Vrbo Vacation Rentals of the Year 2025, entertainment barn The swanky entertainment barn is the go-to spot for parties.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is located less than half an hour away from popular outdoor Hill Country attractions like Pedernales Falls State Park and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Dripping Springs also boasts several breweries, wineries, and other fun vacation activities.

"Travelers love that our rentals look like designer hotels but offer all of the amenities they enjoy at home — and then some!" said property owner GuestSpaces Vacation Rentals.

The average nightly cost for the rental is $2,188, making it an ideal destination for large groups or a corporate retreat.

"The vacation rentals on this year's list reflect nearly 300 10/10 guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms," said Vrbo general manager Larry Plawsky in a press release.

The full list of Vrbo's 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year are:

No. 1 – "Domus Pacis" in Seagrove Beach, Florida
No. 2 – "Deep Water Days" in Folly Beach, South Carolina
No. 3 – "Dripping Springs Social" in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 4 – "Scottsdale Luxury Family Estate" in Paradise Valley, Arizona
No. 5 – "Under The Tram" in Jackson, Wyoming
No. 6 – "Heaven's Crown" in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
No. 7 – "Luxury A-Frame" in Bethel, Maine
No. 8 – "Woodpecker House" in Jewett, New York
No. 9 – "Lake Michigan Beach Estate" in Saugatuck, Michigan
No. 10 – "Villa Fabulosa" in Temecula, California

vacations travel vrbo dripping springs hill country

Down Under News

American and Qantas step up winter flights from DFW to Australia

American Airlines

Awww look, the two planes are hanging out.

American Airlines and Qantas are enhancing service on flights from DFW to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Qantas will increase operations to daily services between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Melbourne, Australia (MEL), starting December 3 through the end of January 2026.

Qantas will also operate all of its services between Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Sydney, Australia (SYD) on its A380 aircraft from January.

“American is proud to partner with Qantas to increase travel options for customers to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne this winter,” says American’s Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer Steve Johnson in a statement.

It's the fourth consecutive year that American and Qantas formed a Joint Business partnership to expanding connectivity between the U.S. and Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. After launching service between DFW and MEL in 2022, daily service operated by Qantas in December and January between these two hubs will allow for one-stop connections from across the U.S. to Melbourne. Ohhh, one-stop but not nonstop.

They'll also bring back American Airlines flights from DFW to Brisbane, a popular winter flight that was introduced in 2024. Service will start on October 25.

American recently introduced its newly designed Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring 51 Flagship Suite seats and 32 Premium Economy seats, available on all flights between DFW and BNE. Customers can purchase a Flagship Suite experience on this route now.

American and Qantas offer networks connecting North America with Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific from these key gateways: DFW, Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), and Vancouver, Canada (YVR), with connections to more than 200 other airports across North America.

The four major gateways in Australia and New Zealand are Auckland (AKL), Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL), and Sydney (SYD) with connections to nearly 70 destinations.

transportation airport