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El Paso Travel Resources

El Paso Travel Resources

El Paso Texas, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Sun Metro GO Pass:

    For public transit, schedules, and digital fares.

  • Uber/Lyft:

    For convenient ride-sharing services.

  • Navigation Apps:

    Google Maps/Apple Maps/Waze for directions; download offline maps.

  • Food Delivery Apps:

    DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub for local dining.

  • Weather Apps:

    AccuWeather or local news weather for climate updates.

Useful Websites

  • Visit El Paso:

    Visitelpaso.com - Official tourism site with comprehensive information.

  • TX Parks & Wildlife:

    Tpwd.texas.gov - For state park info and Hueco Tanks bookings.

  • City of El Paso:

    Elpasotexas.gov - Official city government site for local news.

  • Sun Metro:

    Sunmetro.net - Details on public transportation routes and fares.

  • CBP:

    Cbp.gov - Current border crossing info, wait times, and ESTA details.

Social Media & Podcasts

Social Media Accounts

Follow @visitelpaso on Instagram, Facebook, and X for visual inspiration and event updates.

Follow @visitelpaso

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for podcasts on "El Paso history," "Chihuahuan Desert," or "Borderland culture."

Local News Outlets

Follow accounts for the El Paso Times or local TV stations for current events and happenings.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • Free city maps at hotels, airport, or Convention & Visitors Bureau.
  • Consult general Texas or Southwest guidebooks from reputable publishers.
  • These provide broader context on Texas and the Southwest.
  • Find them at bookstores or online.

Books About El Paso

  • "Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza" by Gloria E. Anzaldúa.
  • "The Texas Rangers" by Walter Prescott Webb for historical context.
  • Look for local history books at the El Paso Museum of History gift shop.
  • Independent local bookstores offer unique perspectives.

Local Publications

El Paso Times

  • The daily newspaper.
  • Local news, events, and community information.
  • Stay informed on current happenings.
  • Accessible digitally and in print.

What's Up El Paso

  • A weekly entertainment guide.
  • Lists local concerts and events.
  • Includes dining specials and arts happenings.
  • Often available for free around the city.

Visitor's Guides

  • Often found at hotels and tourism centers.
  • Contain maps and attraction listings.
  • Valuable for quick reference.
  • Pocket-sized and easy to carry.

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
  • Free to call from any phone, including mobile.
  • Non-Emergency Police (El Paso Police Dept): (915) 832-4400
  • Use for non-life-threatening situations.

Hospitals & Clinics

  • University Medical Center of El Paso: 4815 Alameda Ave.
  • The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus: 2000 Transmountain Rd.
  • Las Palmas Medical Center: 1801 N Oregon St.
  • Numerous urgent care centers across the city.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report loss/theft to local police; obtain a police report.
  • Contact your country's embassy/consulate for replacement.
  • Credit Cards: Immediately call your bank to report and cancel.
  • Save international emergency numbers separately.

Natural Disaster Protocols

General Awareness

  • Monitor local news for weather advisories or warnings.
  • During monsoon season, heed flash flood warnings.
  • "Turn Around Don't Drown"—never drive or walk through flooded roads.

Specific Weather Events

  • Dust Storms (Haboobs): Pull safely off the road if visibility drops.
  • Turn off your lights and wait for visibility to improve.
  • Know where to seek shelter during severe weather; hotels generally provide info.

Consulate Information

U.S. Citizens Abroad

  • If issues arise in Mexico, contact an U.S. Embassy/Consulate there.
  • For issues within the U.S., contact the U.S. State Department's American Citizen Services.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers handy.

Foreign Nationals

  • Contact your respective embassy or consulate in the U.S.
  • The Mexican Consulate in El Paso is at 910 E San Antonio Ave.
  • Visit Consulmex.sre.gob.mx/elpaso/ for details.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  1. Search for documentaries on "El Paso history," "U.S.-Mexico border life," or "Chihuahuan Desert."
  2. Local archives or PBS may offer historical footage or regional productions.
  3. Explore films set in the border region to experience the unique cultural landscape.
  4. These resources deepen your appreciation for the area.
  5. Discover stories about the region.

Music & Art / Online Communities

  1. Listen to Tejano music, Norteño, or other genres popular in the border region.
  2. Explore Southwestern art styles, reflecting the desert landscape and cultural blend.
  3. Join online communities like r/ElPaso on Reddit for local tips and discussions.
  4. Utilize travel forums on sites like TripAdvisor for specific questions.
  5. Babbel helps with Spanish phrases for future trips.

Language Learning

Spanish Basics

Continue learning basic Spanish phrases. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel are good starting points.

Phrasebooks

A simple Spanish phrasebook is a handy reference for future trips or daily interactions in El Paso.

Cultural Immersion

Learning a few words can break barriers and show respect for the city's bilingual nature.

Important Note on Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from a provider like World Nomads. This helps protect against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

Additional Exploration

Deepen Your Understanding

Documentaries & Films

  • El Paso History:

    Search for documentaries exploring the rich past of El Paso.

  • Border Life:

    Explore films and series focused on life along the U.S.-Mexico border.

  • Chihuahuan Desert:

    Content highlighting the unique ecosystem of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Music & Art

  • Tejano & Norteño Music:

    Listen to popular regional genres reflecting border culture.

  • Southwestern Art:

    Explore styles that depict the desert landscape and cultural blend.

  • Local Productions:

    Seek out music and art by El Paso artists.

Online Communities

Reddit

Join r/ElPaso for local discussions, tips, and current events shared by residents.

Visit r/ElPaso

Travel Forums

Utilize forums on sites like TripAdvisor to ask specific questions or read other traveler experiences.

Local Interaction

These platforms allow direct interaction with locals for authentic insights.

Language & Culture

Spanish Phrases

  • Apps like Babbel or a phrasebook can assist.
  • Even a few words foster better connection with locals.
  • Showing cultural respect is always appreciated.

Cultural Immersion

  • Engage with locals, listen to their stories, and ask questions.
  • A genuine interest in their culture is a valuable form of respect.
  • Immerse yourself in Mexican-American culture, including traditions.
  • Appreciate its distinct culinary identity and flavors.

Responsible Travel

Support Local Economy

  • Dine at local restaurants and shop at independent boutiques.
  • Purchase directly from local artisans.
  • Tourism dollars stay within the community, directly benefiting residents.
  • Engage respectfully with locals, listening to their stories.

Environmental Stewardship

  • Conserve water; take shorter showers and turn off taps.
  • Minimize waste; use a reusable water bottle and Shopping bags.
  • Stay on marked trails in parks and outdoor areas.
  • Do not disturb wildlife or remove natural elements.

Sustainable Travel Tip

Properly dispose of trash and use recycling bins where available. This practice protects the local environment.

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