The best overall time to visit New Mexico is March through May or September through early November. Spring brings mild temperatures (60s–80s°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 70s–80s°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 you’re 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 (30s–40s°F), warm afternoons (60s–70s°F), and clear skies perfect for sunrise mass ascensions.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: Experience one of the world’s most breathtaking events every October.
Santa Fe Plaza & Canyon Road: Explore art galleries, museums, and historic adobe buildings in the nation’s 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 O’Keeffe 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 — 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:
Amtrak’s 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 — 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 “Christmas style,” and it’s a rite of passage.
Support local artisans. New Mexico’s 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 — like White Sands or Ghost Ranch — 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.
Cozumel is one of the easiest cruise ports to explore on your own if you know where to start.
✨ Walk straight off the ship into downtown San Miguel
✨ Grab coffee at a local café before the crowds hit
✨ Wander the waterfront, peek into a church, find a coconut stand
✨ Add a beach club or excursion if you want more
If you’re looking for a packed, every-minute-scheduled kind of port day, this isn’t that. But if you want easy, walkable, and low-stress with actual local flavor? Cozumel delivers every time. 🌊
Full itinerary linked in my story!
If you’re seeing this… your algorithm already knows. 🍽️
I’m Wendy and yes, I absolutely plan my trips around the food. No apologies.
I’m talking fresh French toast in a colorful courtyard in Curaçao, street-side bites at cruise stops most people walk right past, and gelato as a legitimate meal decision.
If you eat your way through a destination and call it research you’re going to fit in here just fine.
Follow along. Link in bio for the full blog. 🔗
#FoodieTravel #TravelAndEat #FoodTraveler #TravelWithWendy #FoodieAdventures
Lunch with a side of snorkel gear? Yes, please. 🌊 @tortugasbeachclubcozumel in Cozumel is the kind of stop where you show up for food and somehow end up on a paddleboard an hour later... and honestly, no complaints.
The day pass runs about $22–$25 and comes loaded:
✨ Lounge chairs + restrooms/showers ✨ Snorkel gear, kayaks & paddleboards ✨ Inflatable water park ✨ WiFi & parking ✨ Fresh guacamole nearby (non-negotiable)
The water is clear like, actually stop-and-stare clear and perfect for snorkeling right off the shore. Fair warning though: this isn’t your lay-flat-and-do-nothing beach. It’s an active stop, and if that’s not your vibe, it might not be your spot.
But if snorkeling is the whole point of your Cozumel day? You can also book a guided tour ahead of time, way more structured and worth it if you want to make the most of the water. 🤿
POV: you just found your new favorite travel account 👀✈️
Hi, I’m 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), you’re 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… we’re just getting started. 🌍
Link in bio for the full blog! 🔗
If you’re flying into or out of South Florida, chances are you’ll pass through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).✈️
• Only 10 min from the beach & cruise port — perfect location!
• 4 color-coded terminals — 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 — eat AFTER security
• Uber/Lyft pickup is easy & organized — 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 — 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 know…✨
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
