Texans are known for their big personalities, even bigger hats, and a sense of pride as wide as the Lone Star State itself.
While most Texans are just friendly folks with a love for brisket and football, there are moments when a few travelers take the Texas spirit a bit too far.
Here are 7 times Texan tourists leaned hard into the stereotypes — and gave everyone a story to remember.
1. The Cowboy Hat That Couldn’t Fit in the Overhead Bin
A Houston couple boarded a flight to New York City with two full-size cowboy hats — not the packable kind either. When the overhead bin couldn’t close, they politely insisted the flight attendant “just hold it for ‘em.” After a five-minute negotiation, the hats got their own row. Because in Texas, even your hat deserves a seat.
2. BBQ Sauce in the Carry-On
At an international airport, a TSA agent stopped a man from Dallas trying to bring a full 32-ounce bottle of BBQ sauce through security. When told it was too large, he responded, “But it’s family recipe — I don’t trust customs with this.” He proceeded to grill the agent about brisket, ribs, and regional dry rubs for a solid ten minutes.
3. “Y’all Got Sweet Tea?” in Switzerland
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A Texan family dining at a cozy café in Lucerne asked the waitress if they had sweet tea. When informed that iced tea isn’t really a thing in Switzerland, the dad pulled out a Ziploc bag of sugar packets and said, “No worries, we brought our own.” That’s preparation — and dedication.
4. Boots on the Beach
In Cancun, a group of Texans in matching tank tops and jeans strutted down the beach in full leather cowboy boots. Sand? Who cares. One even claimed, “I brought my swim boots too — these just ain’t ‘em.” Bonus points for the American flag belt buckle.
5. Asking for Chili in Thailand — “Real Chili”
In Chiang Mai, a woman from Lubbock politely asked a street vendor if their chili was “Texas-style.” When they offered something spicy, she tasted it, coughed once, and said, “That’s cute. But where’s the meat?” She then launched into a five-minute TED Talk on why beans don’t belong in real chili.
6. Trying to Pay with a $100 Bill at a Paris Café
After a scenic walk through the streets of Paris, a Texan tourist tried to pay for an espresso with a crisp $100 bill. When the waiter looked horrified, the tourist smiled and said, “That should cover the coffee, right?” It’s true what they say: everything is bigger in Texas — even expectations about change.
7. The Alamo Comparison in Rome
While visiting the Colosseum, a tour guide explained its historical significance. A proud San Antonio native raised his hand and said, “So it’s like your version of the Alamo?” The guide, confused but amused, nodded. The Texan, satisfied, said, “We get it. Y’all got history too.”
Sure, some of these stories may toe the line between stereotype and legend — but that’s the beauty of Texan charm. Whether it’s cowboy boots on the beach or sweet tea diplomacy in Europe, Texan tourists always bring a little Lone Star flair wherever they go. And let’s be honest — the world’s a little more fun because of it.
