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Dallas and Houston are getting ready to welcome the world in 2026. With the FIFA World Cup coming to town, these two major Texas cities will host international matches, festive events, and an electric atmosphere that goes far beyond the stadiums. They’ll be in the spotlight, making it the perfect time to discover everything they have to offer.
But beyond soccer, Dallas and Houston are both fascinating destinations to explore. Dallas attracts visitors with its modern architecture, rich history, renowned museums, and vibrant arts districts. Houston charms with its cultural diversity, unique connection to NASA, award-winning restaurants, and spectacular urban parks.
Whether you’re planning a trip to catch a match, take a Texas road trip, or simply explore these iconic cities, this guide will help you plan a smart and memorable stay. You’ll find tips on what to do, how to get there, where to stay for every budget, and most importantly, how to save on travel and accommodations with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
Home of the Dallas Cowboys, this impressive stadium offers guided tours and hosts major sporting events. Even when there’s no game, its architecture and sheer size make it a must-see attraction.
This is the largest urban arts district in the United States. Here, you’ll find the Dallas Museum of Art, featuring masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh, as well as the Nasher Sculpture Center, known for its contemporary exhibitions. It’s a must-visit for art lovers.
This museum recounts the history of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and its impact on American history. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, it offers immersive exhibits and fascinating historical archives.
A sprawling park that’s home to museums, performance venues, and the iconic Texas Star Ferris wheel, which stands 65 metres tall. It’s also the site of the Cotton Bowl, hosting sporting events and concerts.
An iconic Dallas plaza famous for its bronze sculptures depicting cowboys and longhorns in motion. It’s a must-visit for photos and to experience the city’s cowboy spirit.
Don’t miss Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse, a Texas BBQ classic. For a lively atmosphere, check out the Margarita Mile, a collection of bars famous for their frozen margaritas.
The official NASA center in Houston, Space Center allows you to admire space shuttles and discover interactive exhibits on space exploration. It’s a fascinating experience for space enthusiasts of all ages.
Houston has about a dozen museums to visit, including The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Asian Society Texas Center. The city’s cultural diversity is reflected in these institutions, offering a rich artistic and historical experience.
Midtown attracts visitors with its lively atmosphere and wide range of restaurants. The Heights is more residential, perfect for strolling along tree-lined streets filled with parks and charming cafés. For upscale shopping and nightlife, head to Uptown and The Galleria.
Buffalo Bayou Park is perfect for walking, cycling, or enjoying the waterfront. The botanical gardens and arboretum offer quiet spaces to relax away from the urban hustle and bustle.
If your trip coincides with the event, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is an immersion into traditional Texan culture with shows, rodeo, and local cuisine.
Dallas is served by two main airports: Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) and Love Field.
Depending on where you’re coming from (such as Canada), DFW is more likely to be your arrival airport for major international or cross-border flights, thanks to its excellent connections.
Once there, you can use DART (train + bus) to get around the city (especially between downtown, Fair Park, etc.).
Houston is primarily served by George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the city’s largest and a major international hub. William P. Hobby (HOU), a smaller airport, mainly handles domestic flights and offers easy access by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or public transport.
From IAH, bus line 500 connects directly to downtown, an economical and convenient option to reach your accommodation.
Aeroplan (Air Canada)The Aeroplan program allows you to redeem your points for flights to Dallas (DFW) or Houston (IAH) on Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners. Pricing varies by zone and distance travelled, and you can combine points plus cash to reduce the cost of your ticket. Fixed fees apply for certain reward tickets operated by partners.
VIPorter (Porter Airlines)With VIPorter, you earn points on your flights, baggage, and seats. The number of points required for a flight to Dallas or Houston depends on the ticket price. You can pay entirely with points or combine points and cash, and use your balance to book any Porter flight, with no blackout dates or destination restrictions.
WestJet RewardsThe WestJet Rewards program allows you to earn points on your flights, vacation packages, car rentals, and upgrades. Depending on your status (Teal, Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you earn 1 to 8 WestJet points per dollar spent. You can then use your points to pay for your flights to Dallas or Houston, vacation packages, and get additional benefits, such as lounge access and free baggage.
Scene+The Scene+ program offers great flexibility: you can redeem a flight to Dallas or Houston from any airline or book directly through Scene+ Travel (powered by Expedia). Every 1,000 points = $10 applied to your travel expenses, whether for a flight, hotel, or car rental.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you earn up to 4 Scene+ points per dollar spent on Expedia bookings for Scene+, no foreign currency conversion fees, and six complimentary airport lounge visits per year.
The Scotia Passport Visa Infinite Card offers exclusive benefits for frequent travellers. By enrolling in the Visa Airport Companion program, you get complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including six complimentary visits per year.
At Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), you can access partner lounges, such as Plaza Premium Lounge, offering amenities such as meals, beverages, showers, and comfortable workspaces.
In addition to lounge benefits, you can redeem your points for travel to Dallas, Houston, or any other destination, without restrictions. Book your next getaway through the Scene+ Travel Service, Scotiabank’s dedicated travel agency, to maximize your points and access exclusive rates.
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW):
Houston – George Bush Intercontinental (IAH):
Renting a car in Dallas or Houston can quickly become expensive, especially if you want to explore the surroundings at your own pace. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to reduce your costs: use points earned with your credit cards.
All major Canadian loyalty programs allow you to earn points redeemable for car rentals, offering not only savings but also additional benefits, such as insurance or status-related privileges.
Scotiabank’s Scene+ program is particularly convenient for car rentals. Points can be earned through your purchases on a Scene+ credit card or with selected partners. You can then redeem them directly to reduce the cost of your rental: 1,000 points = $10. And if you change your mind, you can just as easily use your points for other expenses, such as your daily purchases.
With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you get exclusive benefits with Avis Preferred Plus, including:
By combining your Scene+ points with these benefits, car rental becomes not only more affordable, but also more convenient and enjoyable for exploring Dallas, Houston, and their surroundings.
Airbnb is an official partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and will offer accommodations in all host cities, including Dallas and Houston. It’s an excellent solution for having more space, cooking on-site, being near stadiums or in lively neighborhoods, often for a better price than a hotel, especially during such a popular event.
The major advantage? Airbnb bookings can be paid for and then reimbursed with flexible points, such as Scene+ points, thanks to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card.
For an urban and cultural stay, Downtown and the Arts District are ideal locations, near museums, nightlife, and the city’s main attractions. If you prefer a more local and artistic atmosphere, Deep Ellum stands out with its murals, live music, and unique cafes, perfect for an Airbnb with character.
In Houston, travellers who want to be in the heart of the action choose Downtown, close to museums, the theatre district, Minute Maid Park, and convenient transit connections. If you’re looking for a lively vibe with restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and easy access to attractions, Midtown is ideal, especially for shorter stays.
Here’s how to maximize your points:
With Scene+, you earn points through:
Thanks to the Scene+ program, the points you earn with your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card can easily be used to reimburse your Airbnb accommodation. The conversion is easy to understand: 10,000 Scene+ points equivalent to $100 in travel credit.
Specifically, if your stay in Dallas or Houston costs $550, you could fully reimburse it with 55,000 Scene+ points, with no restrictions on dates, platform, or provider. It’s total flexibility: you choose your accommodation, you pay, then you apply your points, and your stay is paid for with your rewards.
For those who prefer traditional hotels, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors are two excellent choices in Dallas and Houston. These programs offer a wide selection of well-located establishments, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels, while allowing you to earn and redeem points for free nights, upgrades, or exclusive benefits.
In Dallas, establishments like the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, the Renaissance Dallas Hotel, or The Westin Dallas Downtown allow you to be near the main attractions while enjoying Bonvoy benefits. In Houston, the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria, the Marriott Marquis Houston (famous for its Texas-shaped pool), or the Westin Houston Downtown offer an excellent compromise between comfort, location, and member benefits.
With the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs, travellers can enjoy benefits such as early check-in, late check-out, VIP lounge access, room upgrades, or even complimentary breakfasts depending on their status.
To quickly earn points redeemable for free nights, several Canadian credit cards are particularly advantageous:
These cards offer welcome bonuses of over 50,000 or 60,000 points, as well as bonus points on travel, hotel, restaurant, or transportation purchases. These points can then be transferred to hotel programs or used to pay for your stays.
Even without a specific local promotion, the combination of earned points, hotel status benefits, and potential upgrades significantly reduces the cost of your stay in Dallas or Houston, while enjoying superior comfort and exclusive services.
The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card allows you to make the most of your accommodation expenses in Dallas and Houston:
Additional points: 3 points per dollar at partner grocery stores, 2 points per dollar at restaurants, entertainment venues, and on public transit.
By combining the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card with a points programs like Scene+ or Marriott Bonvoy, you can book your accommodations in Dallas and Houston while saving and earning benefits for your next trips. It’s a practical and flexible solution to fully enjoy your stay, whether to visit the city, attend a World Cup match, or explore the surroundings.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, bringing together 48 teams for 104 matches across 16 host cities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Among them, Dallas and Houston will host several matches, offering North American fans a unique experience of the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
Dallas will host 9 matches, including a semi-final, at AT&T Stadium (dubbed “Dallas Stadium” for the occasion). The stadium, famous for its impressive size and modern architecture, will become the focal point of the action and soccer atmosphere.
Houston will host 7 matches at NRG Stadium, including several group stage matches and knockout games. Both cities will offer fans a complete tournament experience, blending sports, culture, and festivities.
Demand for tickets and accommodations will be extremely high, especially near the stadiums and in the central districts of Dallas and Houston. To maximize your chances:
Book your accommodation now, whether it’s an Airbnb or a hotel, especially if you want to be close to AT&T Stadium or NRG Stadium.
RBC and Visa offer an exclusive opportunity to their cardholders: by entering their contest, you could win priority access to purchase tickets for the 2026 World Cup. 3,185 unique codes are available to be won, each allowing the purchase of up to two tickets.
To get tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, check out our complete guide.
Eligible cards: Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, RBC ION Visa Card, RBC ION+ Visa Card and RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card.
Pay for your tickets and accommodation with a flexible points card. For example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card allows you to earn up to 3 Scene+ points per dollar and use your points to cover your World Cup-related expenses (flights, hotels, transportation, tickets). With 10,000 points = $100, your purchases can quickly be covered.
Airbnb, an official partner of FIFA 2026, offers accommodation in all host cities. Simply book normally, pay with a flexible points card, then apply your points to cover your stay, an ideal option to save money while staying close to the matches and fan zones.
To complete your planning, consider optimizing your flights, accommodation, and transportation by combining your rewards programs and points cards, to fully enjoy Dallas and Houston during the 2026 World Cup.
Dallas and Houston make the perfect pair for a Texas getaway: Dallas with its impressive art, history, and modern attractions, while Houston stands out for its cultural diversity, museums, and close connection to NASA. With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, you can maximize your benefits (flights, lounge access), especially if you’re taking advantage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Renting a car, choosing the right neighbourhoods for your stay, and booking early during the World Cup period will help ensure a smooth and memorable experience.
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