8 days in Austin, Taos & New Orleans Itinerary

Despite its laid-back college vibe, Austin is an influential center for politics, technology, film, and music.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Austin: San Antonio (Brackenridge Park, The San Antonio River Walk, &more). There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Texas State Capitol, take an in-depth tour of LBJ Presidential Library, get outside with Outdoor Activities, and hike along Barton Creek Greenbelt.

For reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Austin day trip planning site.

Newark to Austin is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Newark to Austin is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Newark in September, expect Austin to be a bit warmer, temps between 93°F and 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Taos.

Many residents have shunned fast-paced city living for Taos's laid-back vibe and blend of Spanish, Native American, and Anglo cultures.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): view the masterpieces at Enchanted Circle Pottery.

To see maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Taos online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Austin to Taos takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Austin to Taos. When traveling from Austin in September, plan for little chillier days in Taos, with highs around 76°F, while nights are much colder with lows around 44°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to New Orleans.

Known for its Creole cuisine, rich musical tradition, and nearby swamps and plantations, New Orleans is one of the nation's oldest cities.

New Orleans is known for historic sites, nightlife, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the extensive heritage of French Quarter, pause for some serene contemplation at St. Louis Cathedral, examine the collection at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, and go on a hair-raising tour with a ghost and vampire tour.

For maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our New Orleans online visit planner.

Traveling by combination of car and flight from Taos to New Orleans takes 9.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and car. The time zone difference when traveling from Taos to New Orleans is 1 hour. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Taos in September: highs in New Orleans hover around 83°F, while lows dip to 83°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can fly back home.