Houston CLOSER TO YOUR CURE
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Introduction Houston Map
Facts
Medical Tourism
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Who is VoyagerMed? 10 Our Team 12 What We Do
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Why Medical Tourism? 14 Houston: a Medical Tourism Destination
Houston Healthcare
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Texas Medical Center 20 More Hospitals 22
Content
Common Treatments 26 Aftercare 34
Travel Arrangements
Hotels
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Flights 46 Transportation 48
What to do
Restaruants 52 Entertainment 54 Shopping 56
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Introduction
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Houston Facts Population 2.3 million
Size 699 sq. miles
Languages English Spanish
Fourth most populous city in the USA
Currency USD
Founded 1836 6
Capital of Texas Austin
Elevation 43 ft.
“Texas” comes from the indian word “friendly”
Song “Texas, our Texas”
Nickname Lone Star State
Time zone UTC-6 7
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Medical Tourism
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Who is VoyagerMed? VoyagerMed is redefining the way people access life changing medical innovation. Traveling for medical care is a new concept for Americans. But people from Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America have been using “medical tourism” for decades to save money on lower cost medical procedures and surgeries like: plastic surgery, orthopedics, spine, heart surgery, weight loss surgery, dental care and more.
We only select top doctors in their fields who have an interest in working with traveling patients from all over the world, even from other places in the U.S. We hand pick each of our doctors to ensure they meet the VoyagerMed criteria for excellence in medical care as well as attention to meet the unique needs of medical tourism patients. When you become a patient of one of VoyagerMed’s doctors, we will be here to help facilitate all your needs around travel and logistics. Your wellness is our priority. We’re here to help match you with the best doctor for your medical condition. Whether you’re traveling just across the state to save money or coming here from the other side of the world to get the top expert medical innovator in the country, we help you connect with the healthcare provider that can help you the most.
We built a website for medical tourism that will help you search, evaluate and travel to the best doctors in the United States for your particular medical condition. We also help you find an affordable healthcare option that fits your budget through our “VoyagerMed Real Price” network of doctors and healthcare providers who give you the lowest price surgery without sacrificing the quality that the American healthcare system provides. 10
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Our Team
Anthony Girand CEO
Dr. Struan Coleman, PHD CO-FOUNDER
Katelyn Lemasters VICE PRESIDENT
Bryan Hanypsiak, MD MEDICAL OFFICER
David Lundquist STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Jakub Malusevik WEB DEVELOPER
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What We Do 1. Search for treatment and destination We have found the best doctors for your medical condition. Narrow down by using our simple search bar for treatments and destinations.
2. Evaluate your options VoyagerMed gives you doctors that treat your specific condiiton and you can evaluate based on reviews, cost, distance, insurance, education and hospital affirmation.
3. Choosse the right doctor You can see all about your doctor, where they are located, their experience and insurance accepted. 4. Choose your hotel in that doctor’s location Make your reservations right from your chosen doctor’s page! We make it simple to search, evaluate and go! 13
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Why Medical Tourism? The global growth in the flow of patients and health professionals as well as medical technology has given rise to new patterns of consumption and production of healthcare services over recent decades. A significant new element of a growing trend in healthcare has involved the movement of patients across borders in the pursuit of medical treatment and health; a phenomenon commonly termed “medical tourism�. Medical Tourism has grown to be over a $60 billion industry, and is expected to increase every year. Medical Tourism has become a popular choice for patients as an alternative healthcare option. There are three main reasons why patients decide to travel to seek medical care. The first reason is access to higher quality care. Many patients want access to the highest medical technology and are willing to travel to other countries to find it. 14
The second reason for medical tourism is lower costs. There are a lot of scenarios where you can travel to different areas in the U.S. to receive the exact same quality care for half of the price. For example a knee replacement in New York City can cost over $60,000 and the exact same procedure can be done in Las Vegas for $30,000.
1. Inbound Medical Tourism: This is patients traveling to the U.S. to receive medical treatments. 2. Intrabound Medical Tourism: When U.S. Patients travel within the U.S. to receive medical care. The most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include cosmetic surgery, oncology, orthopedics, and heart surgery.
The last reason to travel for medical care is quicker access. For many procedures there can be a long waitlist to see your physician so it can be quicker to travel elsewhere to seek the care.
Types of Medical Tourism: 1. Outbound Medical Tourism: 15
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Houston: a Medical Tourism Destination M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann Health System have in those countries.
Houston medical facilities have become a popular healthcare destination for traveling patients. These patients can be from other countries, or patient’s traveling across state borders.
One of the largest medical centers in the world is Texas Medical Center, which includes 21 hospitals, 13 support organizations, 8 academic and research institutions, 6 nursing programs, three public health organizations, 3 medical schools, 2 universities, 2 pharmacy schools, and a dental school.
In Houston, there has been an increase in Medical Tourism with over 20,000 international patients coming to Houston a year. The majority of international patients come from Mexico and Saudi Arabia because of the connections Houston Methodist Hospital, University of Texas
The hospitals in Houston are 16
centers, and old-fashioned hospitality. The location is perfect for traveling patients because of the 17 international airlines that fly into Houston. The goal over the next few years is to make Houston the top medical tourism destination in the U.S.
known to be leaders in the movement to improve quality and affordability for healthcare services. As a healthcare destination, these medical facilities are dedicated to providing high quality care at transparent costs. Mexico has been a major competitor when attracting international patients because of their low costs, but what differentiates Houston from Mexico is the quality of care, safety regulations, and technology a patient will receive. Houston is becoming a hot spot for medical tourism because of the ideal location, top medical 17
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Houston Healthcare
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Texas Medical Center ble breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment happen at the campus’ eight different academic and research institutions, not to mention the 21 different hospitals.
The Texas Medical Center is the largest life sciences destination in the world. With 106,000 employees, 54 institutions, and thousands of volunteers and patient visits, over 160,000 people visit Texas Medical Center each day. Over the course of the year, the campus welcomes more than 7.2 million visitors.
The TMC is home to the renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the No. 1 cancer hospital in the world. Other major institutions include Baylor College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Health, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, The Texas Heart Institute and the University of
Today, people come from across the country and all over the world to receive care from the best doctors in their field at Texas Medical Center. Incredi-
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decoding the human DNA genome which is leading to a new era of personalized medicine all occurred in Houston. It is little wonder that more than 18,000 international patients come to Houston for care each year.
Texas Health Sciences Center, just to name a few. Did you know that more heart surgeries are performed in the TMC than anywhere else on the globe? In fact, the annual survey conducted by US News and World Report on “America’s Best Hospitals� has ranked at least one Texas Medical Center institution in all 19 categories of care for adults and all 10 care categories in pediatrics. Pioneering medical discoveries and procedures in cardiac care and organ transplants, space medicine, spinal cord surgery and the
When people come for extended treatment at TMC, often they have to stay for a period of time. That may mean friends and family need to secure hotels and other accommodations. Voyagermed will be here to help facilitate all your needs around travel and logistics.
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More Hospitals Houston Methodist Hospital Houston Methodist is located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas and was established in 1919 as an outreach ministry of Methodist Episcopal Church. It is one of the most comprehensive teaching hospitals in the United States, with leading specialists in every field of medicine. The hospital is consistently ranked as “One of America’s Best Hospitals” according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital has earned worldwide recognition in multiple specialties including cardiovascular surgery, cancer, epilepsy treatment and organ transplantation.
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Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center is a nationally ranked hospital at the Texas Medical Center. Founded in 1925, it is the primary teaching hospital for The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. It is one of three certified Level I Trauma Centers in the greater Houston area. The Memorial Hermann Life Flight air ambulance service operates its fleet of helicopters from Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center. Texas Children’s Hospital Texas Children’s Hospital is a pediatric hospital located in the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas. With 639 licensed beds and 465 beds in operation, it is the largest children’s hospital in the US and is affiliated with the Baylor College of Medicine as that institution’s primary pediatric training site. As of 2011, U.S. News & World Report ranks it #4 amongst the pediatric hospitals in the nation. 23
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Texas Orthopedic Hospital Texas Orthopedic Hospital has been serving the greater Houston area since 1995, and has grown to also become an international destination for patients seeking specialty orthopedic care. The majority of their orthopedic surgeons are members of Fondren Orthopedic Group, an association of physicians globally recognized for leadership in orthopedic medicine. The physicians are internationally renowned, and many have completed fellowships in the subspecialties they excel in. As a result, patients at Texas Orthopedic Hospital receive precise diagnoses and the very latest in treatment options. Subspecialties include conditions relating to: sports medicine, foot and ankle, hand and upper extremity, shoulder, spine, trauma and Ilizarov reconstruction, joint replacement, pediatrics. 24
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Baylor St. Luke’s Med Center
It is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care. It is located in central Houston in the Texas Medical Center.
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is the jointly owned and operated private adult hospital that is part of the CHI St. Luke’s Health system.
U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” survey has ranked MD Anderson the nation’s top hospital for cancer care. It has been ranked the leading cancer hospital for 11 of the past 14 years. The institution has been named one of the nation’s top two hospitals for cancer care every year since the survey began in 1990.
The medical staff at Baylor St. Luke’s includes full-time Baylor faculty, as well as community physicians. Located on Bertner Street in the Texas Medical Center. It is an 850-bed hospital that offers a range of specialties: orthopedics, oncology, urology, digestive disorders and neurosciences.
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Common Treatments Cancer
Doctors treat more rare cancers in a single day than most physicians see in a lifetime.
Deciding where to seek cancer treatment is difficult. You have many options. MD Anderson is one of the largest cancer centers in the world. They have been working to eliminate cancer for more than six decades.
MD Anderson has been ranked as one of the top two hospitals in cancer care every year since 1990. Advances in cancer treatment are happening every day at MD Anderson. Learn more about the treatments.
MD Anderson is your best hope for cancer care. They focus on cancer and have seen cases of every kind. 26
Surgery:
Radiation therapy:
Ablation Breast Reconstruction Minimally invasive surgery Robotc surgery Transoral laser microsurgery
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) Gamma Knife radiosurgery Proton therapy Radiation therapy Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRST)
Chemoterapy: Angiogenesis inhibitors Gene therapy Hypethermic intraperitoneal chemoterapy (HIPEC) Immunotherapy
Other cancer treatments: Clinical trials Complementary medicine Palliative care Stem cell transplantation 27
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Plastic Surgery
trauma, burns and disease. It is dealing with the repair or improvement of lost, injured parts of the body.
Cosmetic surgery is entirely focused on enhancing a patient’s appearance: improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry and proportion are the key goals.
VoyagerMed has connections with the best plastic surgeons in the United States and in Houston. We will help you organize your trip and assist you during your recovery.
Plastic surgery is dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, 28
Body:
Face:
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Body Lift Brazilian Butt Lift Breast Augmentation Breast Lift Breast Reduction Laser Hair Removal Liposuction Mommy Makeover Tummy Tuck Fat transfer 29
Botox Chemical Peel Chin implant Face Lift Forehead Lift Juvederm Lip Augmentation Mini Lift Rhinoplasty Wrinkle Treatment Contact: 503 601 5251 www.voyagermed.com
Dental
A number of conditions may require oral surgery including impacted teeth, tooth loss, jaw-related problems, facial injury repair, snoring, temporomandibular joint disorders, congenital jaw defects, bruxism, aesthetic appeal and symmetry and more. Oral surgery is also necessary for the placement of dental implants.
Patients travel abroad to obtain high quality dental cares they are unable or disinclined to get at home. Houston is an ideal destination for dental surgery, the city hosts many of the best dental centers and surgeons in the world, who can provide you the latest techniques of surgery and the best quality care at affordable price.
An oral surgeon can also provide you surgical treatment for 30
Common dental treatments:
obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if you have a sleep disorder.
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Many dental treatments and surgeries can be completed in a few days with very little discomfort. Voyagermed will not only help you find the best dental surgeons in Houston, but will also make sure that you plan the appropriate amount of time for your stay. 31
Dental Implants Invisalign Veneers ZOOM! Whitening Smile makeover Endodontic Implants Extractions Fiberotomy
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Fertility
fertility centers and specialists in the world, VoyagerMed will orient you towards the most outstanding doctors and surgeons.
About 20,000 to 25,000 couples annually seek assisted reproductive technology services abroad.
Common Fertility Treatments: • • • • • • •
The United States is a destination frequently chosen by many Europeans and Asians because of the higher success rates and moderate regulations. Houston hosts some of the best 32
Artificial Insemination Sperm Injection or ICSI Fertility Drugs In Vitro Fertilization Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer Gamete Transfer Laparoscopic surgery
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Aftercare Patients might have concerns while traveling for medical care. But we are here tto assist you in every single step of the process.
cedure and the time of recovery needed. Once your physician allows you to leave the hospital, VoyagerMed will make sure that a safe transportation is waiting for you outside to drive you at the hotel.
How long will I stay at the hospital after the treatment? Depending on the type of the surgery, you might not even need to stay a single night at the hospital. Your doctor will explain you in details the pro-
How many hotel nights should I plan to book? The recovery time after a surgery may vary a lot depending on the
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surgery itself, but your doctor will give you all the details before you start the treatment. When you start to plan your trip, your VoyagerMed consultants will help you book your hotel rooms based on your doctor recommendations. In general we suggest you to stay approximately 3 more days in Houston to discover the city.
ter the surgery, but your VoyagerMed consultants will provide you a planning of activities and things to do tailored to your medical condition.
Will I be able to go out and discover Houston? You will need to rest a while af-
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.
Your consultants will also make sure that a safe transportation is always available, and that the hotel and hospital staff stays at your disposal for any request.
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Travel Arrangements
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The Four Seasons Hotel Just steps from Houston’s renowned cultural attractions, luxury Four Seasons Hotel Houston blends warm sophistication with Texan charm. The Four Seasons Hotel Houston is a luxurious five-star, 20-storey tower in the heart of Houston’s downtown business district. It features 404 well-appointed guest rooms and luxury hotel suites. The refined rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and iPod docks. Upgraded suites add separate living areas with pull-out sofas, and poolside rooms offer semi-private patios and direct pool access. There’s a complimentary car service to explore the downtown area. Additional amenities include a resort-style outdoor pool with an adjoining cafe, as well as an Italian restaurant and a lobby lounge.
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Courtyard Marriot The New Courtyard by Marriott Houston Medical Center provides greater flexibility and choices for the guests. This Medical Center hotel is within minutes to major centers in Houston such as the Texas Medical Center which houses the world renowned MD Anderson, Reliant Park, Downtown Houston, the famous Business District of the Galleria but also close to companies such as Shell, Schlumberger, R-Stahl and NDT System. The highlights of this new hotel features an inviting lobby, flexible spaces to work or relax in and free Wi-Fi throughout.
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The Lancaster
This hotel is located Downtown Houston, which is a great choice for travellers interested in live music, sports and entertainment. This hotel is boutique hotel listed as a Texas historical landmark. The Houston Museum District is only 3 miles from the Hotel. The guest rooms are elegantly furnished and the hotel features free Wi-Fi and intimate dining experience at its bistro. The Lancaster offers a gourmet continental breakfast buffet, including fresh pastries and fresh juices. 42
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Granduca This luxury hotel is located Uptown Houston and features a beautiful terrace with an outdoor pool and cabane area. The hotel is across from the boutiques, restaurants and spas at Uptown Park Shopping Center. The shops at The Galleria are 1 mile from the hotel; This hotel offers elegant guest rooms with a full kitchen and a sitting area. A hot tub and a fitness Center are available for the guests. The hotel offers also a fine Italian cuisine at the Ristorante Cavour, Sunday brunch and live music performances.
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Flights • • • • •
The primary city airport is George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which currently ranks fourth in the United States for non-stop domestic and international service with 182 destinations.
Airlines that fly into William P. Hobby Airport:
Airlines that fly to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SAS Scandinavian Airlines Singapore Airlines TACA Airlines Turkish Airlines Viva Aerobus Airlines
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Air Canada Airlines Alaska Airlines American Airlines Delta Airlines Frontier Airlines Spirit Airlines United Airlines US Airways Airlines Aeromexico Airlines Air China Airlines Air France Airlines British Airways Airlines Emirates Airlines Interjet Airlines KLM Airlines Korean Air Lines Airlines Lufthensa Airlines Qatar Airways Airlines
Southwest Airlines American Airlines Jet Blue Airlines Delta Airlines
Average Prices: From New York $260-$350 From Los Angelos $87-$350 From Miami $250 Transportation to the Hotel: Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport is 30 min away from the Hotel and William P. Hobby Airport is 20 min from the Hotel. The hotel is able to provide a car service to pick you up as well. There are also taxis available at the airport. 46
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Transportation MetroRail
1,700 limos and town cars. The City of Houston has authorized a flat taxi fare of $6 for all trips in the downtown area.
MetroRail offers convenient accessible service within the heart of the city between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. You can purchase a day pass for use of the MetroRail for just $3 a day
Greenlink Buses (Free transportation in Downtown Houston)
MetroBus System Local service runs mostly on city streets, stopping at every other corner along its route. One-way fare is $1.25. Park & Ride service is for long-distance commuting. The 28 Park & Ride lots provide bus service to key destinations in the service area. One-way fare ranges from $2 to $4.50, depending on distance.
Seven buses operate in Downtown Houston Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., about 7-10 minutes apart. The route spans 2.5 miles with 18 stops and connects Metro transit stops, the convention corridor, hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Greenlink buses stop at popular downtown destinations including GreenStreet, George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green, Main Street Square, City Hall and the Central Library and connects to Metro Park & Ride services and to the Main Street MetroRail line.
Taxi Services Houston has more than 2,400 taxis in its fleet. There are also 49
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What to do
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Restaurants Houston is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world. There are more than 10,000 restaurants in the Houston area with culinary choices that represent more than 70 countries as well as regions across American. No matter what you fancy Houston has something to satisfy your tastebuds. On the next page you can find our top picks that you should try when you visit Houston. 52
024 Grille 945 Gessner Rd Houston, TX 77024 (281)501-4300
Agora 1712 Westheimer Rd. Houston TX77098 (713)526-7212
1600 Bar + Grille 1600 Lamar St. Houston TX77010 (713)353-4400
51 Fifteen 5115 Westheimer Houston TX77056 (713)963-8067
Adaie Kitchen 5161 San Felipe Houston TX77056 (713)623-6106
59 Diner 3801 Farham Houston, TX77098 (713)523-2333
1308 Cantina 1308 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX77019 (713)807-8100
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Entertainment way to spend the day with your family. It is both educational and interesting.
America’s fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class arts, shopping and nightlife. There’s so many things to do in Houston, you may want to schedule an extra day or two before your procedure or after your recovery!
Houston Zoo The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world.
Museum of Natural Science This Museum has a dinosaur hall & other permanent exhibits, planetarium, IMAX Theater & butterfly house. It is a great
Houston Symphony The Houston Symphony has played a central role in Hous54
ton’s cultural and civic life for more than 100 years. Founded in 1913 by the guiding hand of Miss Ima Hogg, the Houston Symphony is one of America’s oldest performing arts organizations with a distinguished musical history.
traveling exhibits, attractions and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human spaceflight program – all for one admission price. The experience is designed to engage adults and children alike.
Space Center Houston Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America’s exciting space program. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and
Schlitterbahn water park Enjoy more than 35 thrilling water adventures that provide a variety of entertainment for everyone!
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Shopping The fourth largest city in the nation, Houston is arguably the style capital of the South. It’s home to a Project Runway winner and more than a dozen distinct shopping areas, with retail that runs the gamut from vintage to high-end designer. International shoppers can take advantage of tax free shopping. In the following page you can find the shopping districts in the city, from outlet centers to luxury shopping districts. 56
The Galleria The Galleria is the reigning mall champion of Houston. In addition to its upscale shops like Fendi, Chanel, Gucci, Coach and Louis Vuitton, it also has an enormous skating rink. The mall is located just West of Loop 610.
ping districts. The Village is home to stores like Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Express and many more. This district exhibits an eclectic personality due to its amazing Thai restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques like Z. Bead.
Highland Village The Highland Village is a stylish shopping center is just east of the Galleria on Westheimer Road, and is full of charm. Stop by Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, the exclusive Tootsies, and Restoration Hardware for starters.
The River Oaks The River Oaks Shopping Center is one of the oldest in Texas. It features the upscale resale shop Twice New, and the do-ityourself pottery shop The Mad Potter. Uptown Park Spas, restaurants and neat boutiques make Uptown Park a distinctive shopping experience to discover. Uptown Park is making a name for itself with its unique European style villages. Try Andre’s Pastry Shop after a full day of shopping excellence.
Katy Mills Mall It is a must-see for serious shoppers. It includes tons of outlet stores like Off 5th - Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Bose Factory Outlet, The Children’s Place Outlet, and ever-so-popular The Gap Outlet.
First Colony First Colony Mall is located in Fort Bend County, this mall features over 100 different stores, including Dillard’s and J.C. Penny.
The Village Located near Rice University, The Village as its known to most Houstonians is one of the city’s oldest and most prized shop57
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www.voyagermed.com anthony@voyagermed.com 503 601 5251
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