The River Walk, San Antonio.
One Retinoblastoma World 2026 will take place in San Antonio, Texas
Located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States and one of its most culturally rich destinations. Deeply rooted in Spanish, Mexican, Indigenous, and Western heritage, the city blends old-world charm with modern energy.
Texas itself is vast and diverse – second only to Alaska in size and California in population. From desert plains and rolling hills to pine forests and the balmy Gulf Coast, its geography is as varied as its people.
San Antonio sits near the geographic heart of the southern U.S., making it easily accessible from most major U.S. cities and international hubs.
Visitors will discover historic UNESCO-listed missions, vibrant arts and music, a thriving culinary scene, and the beautiful River Walk flowing through downtown – where our conference hotel is located. The city offers a friendly welcome and easy pace, ideal for combining peer support and local to global impact at One Rb World.
We’re excited to welcome you! Here are some practical points for planning your visit to San Antonio and One Rb World 2026.
Travel Documentation Requirements
Some international visitors will need a visa or visa-waiver to travel to the USA. Please apply for your travel documents well in advance. We are unable to assist with this process.
Travel Documentation Requirements
Some international visitors will need a visa or visa-waiver to travel to the USA. Please apply for your travel documents well in advance. We are unable to assist with this process.
Visa Enquiries
When potential delegates contact us with concerns about visa approval, registration will be reserved at the level valid at the time of enquiry. Please contact Marissa Gonzalez (Marissa(at)wechope.org) if you require an invitation letter.
Time Zone
Central Time. Texas observes the summer Daylight Saving Time change. In September 2026, CDT will be GMT/UTC -5.
September Weather
With warm, welcoming weather, September is a wonderful time to visit San Antonio. Daytime temperatures typically range from the upper 80s to low 90s, while evenings cool into the 70s – perfect for outdoor dining or an evening stroll along the iconic River Walk. During this time of year, there is a small chance of rain.
Getting to San Antonio
San Antonio is served by San Antonio International Airport (SAT), which offers multiple daily flights from across the US and some international routes. The airport is conveniently located about 8 miles from downtown San Antonio.
Several transportation options serve the transfer. Taxis are readily available at the airport, costing $25-$30 as of June 2025. The ride-sharing services Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Wridz also operate at SAT. We recommend booking your airport transfer ahead of time to ensure a smooth arrival and departure. There is no shuttle operated by the Hyatt Regency San Antonio River Walk.
San Antonio’s public bus system, VIA Metropolitan Transit – Route 5 connects the airport to downtown. The best stop for the event hotel is St. Mary’s & Commerce, a 2‑minute walk. The bus also stops at Navarro & Commerce, about 3‑minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Climate-Friendly Travel
Choose Low-Carbon Airlines
Choose airlines that have more environmentally conscious practices and use more fuel-efficient aircraft. Here are three easy ways to identify these airlines:
- Look for certifications such as the IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Program certification or the Airport Carbon Accreditation which indicate an airline’s commitment to managing and reducing its carbon footprint.
- Independent environmental rating programs like Skytrax and Atmosfair provide rankings for airlines based on their environmental performance.
- Check if the airline offers a carbon offset program and whether that program is transparent and certified by credible organizations.
Offset the Carbon Cost of Your Travel
Carbon offsetting programs encourage businesses and individuals to invest in environmental projects to compensate for the carbon emissions their activities cause. They are based on the principle that, since climate change is a global issue, reducing emissions anywhere has the same positive impact on the environment.
Programs such as these typically support projects like renewable energy, reforestation, habitat conservation, and sustainable development in communities most affected by climate change.
The United Nations offers a carbon offsetting program that anyone can participate in, supporting varied projects in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Getting Around
Renting a Car and Driving
Renting a car in San Antonio can be useful if you plan to explore the Hill Country or travel outside the city. However, for conference-related activities and downtown sightseeing, a vehicle is not necessary. Our conference hotel, the Hyatt Regency San Antonio River Walk, is located in a highly walkable area surrounded by restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and parks.
Parking at the conference hotel ranges from $49-$65 per night with other lots available offsite.
Most major car rental companies operate at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).
Alternatives to Car Hire
Rideshare & Taxis: Uber and Lyft are widely used. Taxis are also available but less common.
VIA Metropolitan Transit: Locals simply call it “VIA” (pronounced “Vee-uh”). Regular bus service operates throughout the city. Visit VIA’s website for full details and to download the app for live service information.
Sightseeing Tours: Several companies offer hop-on, hop-off bus and riverboat tours with guides and flexible schedules.
Cycling
BCycle offers an affordable bike-share program, and rentable e-scooters can be a fun way to get around short distances. Ride safely and with consideration for other cyclists and pedestrians, and park your bike or scooter away from pedestrian areas to ensure it is not an obstacle or trip hazard.
San Antonio requires all riders under 18 years to wear a helmet in public places, and recommends riders of all ages do so for their own safety. We recommend you bring your own helmets if you think you may want to hire a bike or scooter while in town.
Walking
Downtown San Antonio is extremely walkable. From the Alamo to the King William Historic District, many attractions are within a short walk of our conference hotel.
The conference hotel is situated directly on the beautiful River Walk, a treasury of entertainment and fun.
Some parts of the River Walk are below street level, and step-free alternatives are not available at every bridge or access/exit point. You’ll find detailed accessibility info and maps at the San Antonio River Walk website.
Travelling with Kids?
When you book your hotel stay, check about reserving equipment like crib, playpen and rollaway bed. Several local companies also offer a wide range of baby gear rentals, delivering directly to the hotel in time for your arrival, and collecting when you’re ready to leave.
They stock everything you’d likely need for your little ones during your stay, from cribs, strollers, wagons and car seats to changing mats, potty chairs, bottle warmers and sterilizers, high chairs, playpens, toys, and safety gates.
BabyQuip – San Antonio Rep, Jessica Montanez
Cloud of Goods (also rents scooters, wheelchairs, and medical equipment)
Language
English is the primary language spoken in San Antonio. However, you’ll also hear Spanish widely spoken due to the city’s strong Mexican and Latino heritage. Many public signs and services are bilingual.
Electricity
Standard voltage is 120V. Power outlets use Type A and B plugs with two vertical flat pins (Type A) plus a round grounding pin (Type B). Bring U.S.-compatible adapters if needed.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in the U.S. Here are some general guidelines:
- Restaurants: 15–20% of the total bill based on quality of service provided by the waitstaff.
- Taxi / Rideshare drivers: 10–15% of the fare.
- Hotel bellhops / porters: $1–2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: $5 per day.
- Concierge: Not required, but $5–20 is appreciated for exceptional service (e.g. booking reservations or arranging special requests).
Travel Responsibly
We encourage all visitors to San Antonio to travel mindfully and help to protect the environment. Please respect local communities, preserve shared resources and spaces, and support local businesses whenever possible.
We’ve put together some top tips for responsible travel to One Rb World 2026, because when we visit with care, everyone benefits!
More About One Rb World 2026
San Antonio 2026 | 2026 Program | Child Life | Conference Hotel | Registration | Partnerships | Travel Facts | Discover Texas – Stay Longer | Responsible Travel
