5 weekend trips from Houston for an inspired pandemic getaway 5 weekend trips from Houston for an inspired pandemic getaway Rent a stand-alone beach house in Port Aransas. Photo courtesy of Cinnamon Shore We’re big fans of the small-town weekend trip and even more so in these days of crowd avoidance. Texas may be reopening, but the pandemic is still of major concern, so keep your group safe and protect the locals by choosing the right kind of lodging (a standalone rental property or cabin), cooking your own meals or getting curbside takeout, and enjoying a wealth of outdoor activities. From charming Hill Country getaways to secluded Gulf Coast vacations, here are some great bets for a pandemic-appropriate road trip this spring.