Texas brings bold personality to the Southwest, from the cosmopolitan energy of cities like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio to wide-open ranchlands and classic Route 66 towns. Deep-rooted cowboy culture sits alongside world-class dining, live music and historic missions, while the state’s sheer scale delivers everything from desert plains to Gulf Coast shores. Whether it’s barbecue, blues or big skies, Texas sets the tone for the region’s larger-than-life character.

Arizona and New Mexico showcase the Southwest at its most visually striking and culturally rich. Arizona is home to iconic natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the red-rock landscapes of Sedona, offering unforgettable scenery at every turn. Neighbouring New Mexico adds a distinctive blend of Native American and Spanish influences, seen in adobe architecture, ancient pueblos and vibrant arts communities like Santa Fe and Taos. Together, these states capture the soulful essence of the Southwest, a place where dramatic deserts, sacred landscapes and centuries-old traditions create a journey unlike anywhere else in the USA.