Since 1961, Flying Longhorns, a program powered by Texas Exes, has taken UT alumni around the world. With dozens of fully planned excursions each year, the program only requires a Texas Exes membership (available to alumni and fans starting at $50). The Daily Texan compiled a list of upcoming stand-out vacations to take part in across the continents.
In January, Flying Longhorns jets off to the Southeast Asian countries of Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in a 10-night land-only excursion. Featuring an array of local cuisines, highlights of this trip include a Chao Phraya River cruise, a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat and a train ride on the Eastern & Oriental Express. This small group trip also features local tour guides and a rich history.
Offering an item off the bucket list, Texas Exes will travel to Kenya in July for an 11-day safari and an opportunity to spot the Big 5: the endangered black rhino, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and lion. The trip promises educational opportunities to visit some of Kenya’s national parks and wildlife conservations and talk with locals on community visits. With an additional fee, travel-goers could also fly above Maasai Mara National Reserve during a hot air balloon sunrise safari.
Closer to home, Texas Exes will travel to the Kentucky Derby this upcoming April. During a four-night stay in downtown Lexington, guests will tour horse farms and a distillery along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail before watching the races at Churchill Downs. Guests will also dine at the American Saddlebred Museum and Fasig-Tipton, a Thoroughbred auction house open since 1898.
This Oct. 25 through Nov. 5, Flying Longhorns will travel to Chile and Argentina aboard a small cruise ship to walk in the footsteps of European explorers for 12 days. Trip highlights include a tour of Santiago with a wine tasting at Maipo Valley vineyard, a visit to the Chilean national monument Punta Arenas Cemetery and the opportunity to see Magellanic penguins on Tucker Islet.
Quickly becoming a trendy travel destination, Croatia boasts culture in its beautiful coastlines and historic architecture. Next September, Texas Exes will venture on a high-intensity 10-day trip to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, including seven nights cruising the Adriatic Sea. Highlights include visits to three islands, Plitvice Lakes National Park, and an immense meal plan.
