The best overall time to visit New Mexico is March through May or September through early November. Spring brings mild temperatures (60sâ80s°F) and colorful desert blooms, while fall offers crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, especially in southern areas like White Sands and Carlsbad, but northern mountain towns like Taos and Santa Fe stay comfortable in the 70sâ80s°F range. Winter brings snow to the ski resorts near Taos and Santa Fe, making it a surprisingly great cold-weather destination.
For the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta:
If youâre planning to attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, book early and visit in early October. The event spans nine days and is one of the most photographed festivals in the world, with hundreds of colorful balloons floating over the Rio Grande Valley. Expect chilly mornings (30sâ40s°F), warm afternoons (60sâ70s°F), and clear skies perfect for sunrise mass ascensions.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: Experience one of the worldâs most breathtaking events every October.
Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road: Explore art galleries, museums, and historic adobe buildings in the nationâs oldest capital city.
Taos Pueblo: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a glimpse into centuries-old Native American life.
White Sands National Park: Wander through vast, gypsum-white dunes that feel straight out of a dream.
Carlsbad Caverns: Descend into an underground wonderland of massive cave chambers and bat flights.
Bandelier National Monument: Hike among ancient cliff dwellings carved into volcanic rock.
Route 66 Road Trip: Cruise through nostalgic neon towns like Albuquerque, Tucumcari, and Gallup.
Georgia OâKeeffe Museum: See the landscapes that inspired her iconic desert paintings.
By Air:
The main gateway to the state is Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), located just a few miles from downtown Albuquerque. Other smaller airports include Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) and Roswell Air Center (ROW).
By Car:
New Mexico is easily accessible via major interstates â I-40 runs east-west (through Albuquerque), and I-25 runs north-south (linking Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe). Many travelers combine New Mexico with road trips through Arizona, Colorado, or Texas.
By Train:
Amtrakâs Southwest Chief line runs through New Mexico, stopping in key cities like Albuquerque, Lamy (near Santa Fe), and Gallup.
Book early for Balloon Fiesta. Hotels and rental cars sell out months in advance.
Stay hydrated. The high desert climate is dry year-round â always keep water handy. This is my favorite way to stay hydrated-LMNT.
Adjust to altitude. Santa Fe sits at 7,200 feet and Taos even higher; take it slow your first day.
Pack for layers. Even in summer, nights can be cool, especially in higher elevations.
Try both red and green chile. Locals call it âChristmas style,â and itâs a rite of passage.
Support local artisans. New Mexicoâs markets are filled with handmade jewelry, pottery, and woven goods that make authentic souvenirs.
While larger cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe have Uber, Lyft, and local buses, most travelers find renting a car essential for exploring. Many top destinations â like White Sands or Ghost Ranch â are spread out and not easily accessible by public transportation. Be sure to fuel up before long drives, as gas stations can be few and far between in rural areas.
POV: you just found your new favorite travel account đâď¸
Hi, Iâm Wendy⌠and if you love finding the good stuff when you travel (think hidden beach clubs, cruise stops worth your time, and places that actually live up to the hype), youâre in the right place.
I share honest recs, real itineraries, and everything I wish someone had told me before I booked. No fluff, just the good stuff.
Follow along⌠weâre just getting started. đ
Link in bio for the full blog! đ
If youâre flying into or out of South Florida, chances are youâll pass through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).âď¸
⢠Only 10 min from the beach & cruise port â perfect location!
⢠4 color-coded terminals â Yellow, Red, Purple & Green
⢠Gate C tip: water bottle fillers are UPSTAIRS, not at the gate level
⢠Arrive 2 hrs early for domestic, 3 hrs for international flights
⢠Food options include Shake Shack, Starbucks & more â eat AFTER security
⢠Uber/Lyft pickup is easy & organized â but wait 10-15 min if surge pricing is high
⢠Rental car center is near Terminal 1 with all major companies available
⢠Cruising? FLL is basically next door to Port Everglades â super convenient!
My Fort Lauderdale Airport guide covers what to expect before you fly, from terminal layout to transportation and food options.
Head to the blog to read exactly what you need to knowâŚâ¨
Is one day in Fort Lauderdale enough?đ¤
Yes. Between the bakeries, murals, shops, canals, and beach access, one day in Fort Lauderdale is plenty of time to see a lot especially if you focus your time around Las Olas Boulevard.
You can start the morning with coffee and pastries, walk past murals and shops, see the canals, spend time at the beach, and still have room for gelato and a giant Italian sandwich.
If youâre looking for an authentic Italian bakery in Fort Lauderdale, PanâE Dolci Bakery Fort Lauderdale is absolutely worth a stop. This cafĂŠ-style bakery is known for its Italian pastries, desserts, coffee, and massive savory sandwiches. The display cases are filled with cannolis, cookies, croissants, and breads, and they even have 22 flavors of homemade gelato.
Everything looks so good that itâs honestly hard to decide what to order.
#fortlauderdale #bakery #cafe #travel #florida
So what is a @virginvoyages cruise really like... hereâs a quick lookđâď¸
@virginvoyages is my absolute favorite cruise line and you can see why I keep coming back again and again!â¤ď¸
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
