Set in New Mexico’s high desert next to the Sandia Mountains, Albuquerque is known for its stunning landscapes. If that’s not enough to lure you in, the city’s unique Old Town architecture and museums will entice. Plus, as a cultural hub of the American Southwest, Albuquerque is also a short drive to some of the region’s most interesting cities and sites. Here are the best road trips from Albuquerque.
Fabulous Road Trips from Albuquerque
Santa Fe
64 miles / 1 hr.
Want to make a quick escape to Santa Fe, one of the Southwest’s most atmospheric cities? You’ll get there in an hour from Albuquerque via I-25 N. Or you can take the longer, more scenic Turquoise Trail, which officially kicks off on the historic Route 66, where you’ll find a musical road that plays the song America the Beautiful as you pass over the rumble strips going 45 miles per hour. After that, take NM 14, which winds through beautiful landscapes and charming little towns. In Santa Fe, the city’s downtown plaza is utterly enchanting, with historical buildings that house shops, restaurants, and over 250 art galleries. The city’s rich Native American history is woven throughout the city. The best way to spend a weekend in Santa Fe is on foot, meandering through the remarkable Spanish Pueblo-style architecture that the city is known for.
Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve
95 miles / 1 hr. 30 mins.
Just an hour and a half south of Albuquerque along I-25 S, you’ll find Bosque Del Apache Wildlife Reserve, a 57,331-acre bird lover’s paradise. Tucked between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the reserve is a great place to get out in nature. Expect to see cranes, geese, ducks, and other migrating waterfowl throughout the year. But the main draw is the annual migration of Sandhill Cranes in the fall.
Bandelier National Monument
103 miles / 1 hr. 45 mins.
Head northeast from Albuquerque along I-25 N to get to Bandelier National Monument. This is New Mexico’s rocky canyon and mesa country. Bandelier National Monument preserves historic Ancestral Pueblo settlements—dating back 11,000 years—and scenic lowlands around the Rio Grande River. The Upper Falls on Frijoles Creek is a popular hike, no matter the season. And if you camp in the park, you’ll get a spectacular glimpse of the Milky Way in the night sky.
Taos
133 miles / 2 hrs. 30 mins.
Two-and-a-half-hours north of Albuquerque via I-25 N and NM-68 N is Taos. Tucked in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is a year-round destination, with skiing in the winter, and hiking, fishing, and biking in the summer. In town, be sure to visit Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex inhabited by Native Americans for centuries. Taos is also an artsy destination: The city’s many galleries, shops, museums, and festivals showcase regional artwork.
White Sands National Park
225 miles / 3 hrs. 30 mins.
A bit farther afield, White Sands National Park is a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Albuquerque along via I-25 S and US-380 E. But it’s absolutely worth the trek. White Sands National Park is one of nature’s greatest wonders. Massive wave-like dunes of gypsum sand rise from the heart of the Tularosa Basin. Hike the extensive trails, pack a picnic, and try your hand at sand-sledding.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can drive a rental car from one country to another in Europe.
Hertz is my recommendation if your plan is to drive across Europe. It’s cheaper than hiring private drivers. And they have great coverage.
They offer unlimited mileage, so if you require a car to take you on a longer trip, you can rent more cars.
Do I have to pay for hail damage if I rent a vehicle in the United States?
All damage from natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and others will be covered by your insurance company. You can ask your rental agency to clarify if your rental vehicle qualifies for this coverage.
Is it possible to rent a car in Italy, and then drop it off in France?
It is possible to rent an Italian car and drive it all over Europe, but this may not be feasible. You could try Europcar which provides rentals across Europe. For information about renting cars in Italy or dropping them off, you will need to contact them directly.
Can I use credit cards to pay for a rental car?
Yes. But, be aware of any additional fees that could apply when you use your card internationally. Compare rates before making any reservations. Some websites will allow you to reserve without paying until after you arrive, saving you money.
If I’m from another country, can I rent a car in America?
If you are not an American citizen, you cannot rent a vehicle in the United States unless you have been granted permission by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This may include a visa waiver program for certain countries. Additionally, you will need to have valid documentation like a passport and proof that you are insured. Additional information is available on the DHS website.
To rent a car in Europe, how old must you be?
In most European countries, you must be at least 21 years old to drive legally. If you are younger than 18, you may still be permitted to rent a vehicle from an adult (normally over 25). However, rental car policies vary by country. In some places, you may even be able to rent a car without being older than 15.
What is the largest car-rental company in the world
The largest car rental company in America is Hertz Corporation. Harry Hertz founded it in 1919 as Hertz Corporation.
Hertz Corporation has more than 6,000 locations around North America and Europe. Hertz Corporation also owns other businesses like hotels, financial service providers, and automotive parts manufacturing.
Today, the company employs more than 4 million people in all over the world.
Statistics
- I’d say 70% of the time, we have a hassle-free encounter, but there have been certain companies that we prefer not to use anymore. (theworldpursuit.com)
- American Airlines, for example, offers AAdvantage members 35% off Budget and Avis — but you need to rent from an airport. (nerdwallet.com)
- The perks vary from partner to partner, but you can expect discounts of up to 35 percent on some rentals and the ability to earn anywhere from 50 bonus American AAdvantage miles per day or 500 per rental. (afar.com)
- Automatics are more expensive (usually about 50 percent more) and may only be available if you upgrade to a bigger, pricier car. (ricksteves.com)
- You can rent an automatic but these cars can cost as much as 50% more than a manual vehicle. (earthtrekkers.com)
External Links
avis.com
kayak.com
enterprise.com
sixt.com
How To
How can I make sure that I don’t get charged for damage done to my car before it is rented?
If you take a rental car for a few days, what happens when the vehicle is returned to the rental agency? Are you responsible for damages to the vehicle that are not your fault? This is a common issue, especially among people renting vehicles from different companies. Even though the customers did not cause any damage, agencies may charge them for this. To avoid these charges, you should always ask whether you will be charged for any scratches or dings on the vehicle. These are some of the ways to ensure you won’t be charged for damages that were already done to your car before renting it.
- Ask for a copy.
- Please read the entire description.
- Carefully read the fine print.
- Ask for a free cleaning service
- Pay attention to the condition of your car.
- Keep everything in the car.
- Renting a vehicle? Always have cash on you
- Keep all payments in receipt.
- You must not allow anyone to touch your car without your consent.
- Never accept a gift of the company.
- Only use a reliable rental agency
- Remember to bring the contract along with you;
- Restore the vehicle to its original condition.
- Please provide your contact information to the agent.
- Do not use the same company too often
- Write down important details about the car, such as the mileage, model, engine size, color, etc. ;
- Take photos to show the extent of the damage.
- You can clean the car yourself
- Have the car inspected by a third party;
- Never agree to pay additional fees
