RIVERFRONT OASIS

Breathtaking Hill Country hideaway is Vrbo's only Texas Vacation Home of the Year

A magnificently hidden home in Dripping Springs has been chosen as one of Vrbo's "Vacation Homes of the Year" for 2023. It was the only Texas home chosen out hundreds of thousands of private residences on the vacation rental site.

The Vacation Homes of the Year showcases several popular homes throughout the country (with the occasional international spot) that range from "idyllic lakeside escapes to cozy mountain retreats and desert paradises." In all, two homes are based in California, and one each in Arizona, North Carolina, Oregon, New York, Florida, South Carolina, Idaho, Colorado, and Mexico.

Texas' Hill Country Riverfront Hideaway is tucked away on five acres of land bordering the Pedernales River. The home spans 2,150 square feet with an open-concept living area, three spacious bedrooms, two lavish bathrooms, a modern chef's kitchen, fireplace, and a breathtaking wrap-around terrace.

Floor-to-ceiling windows complete the space, allowing guests to take in the tranquility of the Hill Country. With the home's 430 feet of river access, visitors can enjoy escaping the city and relax into the views of the vast canyon below.

Dripping Springs Riverfront Hideaway It's about an hour-long drive to Fredericksburg.Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The property is within a half hour drive to many of the finest wineries, breweries, and must-see outdoor recreation spots in Dripping Springs. Fredericksburg is an hour's drive west for those wanting to head deeper into the Hill Country, and downtown Austin is an hour's drive to the east.

The average nightly cost for the riverfront oasis is $475.

Photo courtesy of Vrbo

The Hill Country Riverfront Hideaway was the only Texas home chosen on Vrbo's list.

Expedia Brands president Jon Gieselman shared in a press release that there were plenty of eye-catching homes to wade through for the report.

"This year’s Vacation Homes of the Year range from an urban oasis and a cozy ranch home under $400 a night to a beachfront estate that can sleep the whole family and more," said Gieselman. "Every single Vacation Home of the Year has a beautiful view, and combined boast seven private pools and fire pits, eight hot tubs and even five putting greens."

The full list of Vrbo's 2023 Vacation Homes of the Year are:

No. 1 – The Oasis Estate in Palm Springs, California
No. 2 – The Happy Roadrunner in Phoenix, Arizona
No. 3 – The Chasestone in Lake Norman, North Carolina
No. 4 – The Contemporary Gem in Manzanita, Oregon
No. 5 – Ocean View Oasis in Montauk, New York
No. 6 – The Riverfront Hideaway in Dripping Springs, Texas
No. 7 – 30A My Way in Rosemary Beach, Florida
No. 8 – Port of Call in Isle of Palms, South Carolina
No. 9 – Salmonfly Lodge in Victor, Idaho
No. 10 – Trestle House in Winter Park, Colorado
No. 11 – Villa Luna Nueva in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Hill Country Hideaway hill country hotels reports vacation

Ticked-off Travelers

DFW Airport lands at No. 1 among America's most stressful airports

DFW Airport

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Nothing aggravates a lot of airline passengers more than flight delays and cancellations. If a new study is an accurate indicator, Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some super-aggravated travelers.

Dragged down by flight delay and cancellation rates, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport ranks as the most stressful airport in a study by Rightway Parking of 55 major U.S. airports. Rightway helps travelers find parking at airports, cruise ports, and events.

Using U.S. Bureau of Transportation statistics and Google Maps data, the study gave equal weight to five factors: 2025 flight delay and cancellation rates, change in delay rates between 2021 and 2025, and driving distance and time between an airport and downtown.

DFW had the highest rate of flight delays, 27.86 percent, and the third-highest rate of flight cancellations, 2.76 percent, making it the only airport in the top three for both measures.

A recent poll by HotelTonight of frequent flyers indicates how peeved they are about flight delays and cancellations. Nearly one-third (32) of flyers cited delays and cancellations as their No. 1 concern. The No. 1 travel frustration: Forty percent picked armrest hogging as their biggest gripe.

DFW fared better in the study’s three other categories:

33.67 percent increase in delay rates between 2021 and 2025
22-mile driving distance between DFW and downtown (Dallas)
26-minute drive time between DFW and downtown (Dallas)

Still, compared with Texas’ four other major airports, DFW had the highest increase in delay rates and the longest airport-to-downtown drive time.

None of the four other major airports in Texas landed among the 10 most stressful:

Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport ranks 11th.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport ranks 36th.
Houston’s Hobby Airport ranks 38th.
San Antonio International Airport ranks 44th, making it the least stressful major airport in Texas.

Dallas Love Field isn’t included in the study.

So, if DFW is the most stressful airport among major U.S. airports, which one is the least stressful? That accolade goes to Salt Lake City International Airport.

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