If you’re looking for a memorable vacation experience, getting behind the wheel and taking to the open road can provide the perfect opportunity to create your own journey and explore at your own pace.

When planning a road trip, the first step is choosing where your travels will take you. A destination like New Mexico, known as the Land of Enchantment, is a haven for the unexpected and offers a variety of budget-friendly activities that can inspire creativity and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Before you jump in the car and set off to make memories, there are a few things to consider when building your trip’s itinerary, such as climate, lodging, restaurants, activities and your budget.

Weather
Due to its mild climate and abundant sunshine, New Mexico beckons travelers year-round. With low humidity, minimal rainfall and temperatures ranging from the high 50s to low 80s during the fall months plus highs in the 50s during winter, visitors are almost always able to enjoy outdoor events and activities during their trips.

Lodging
When looking for a place to stay, New Mexico is home to many one-of-a-kind inns and hotels. For example, Hotel Santa Fe is wholly native-owned by the Picuris Pueblo Indian tribe and features private butlers along with amenities and furnishings with the authentic flavor of the region. Other unique lodging options include Hotel Luna Mystica in Taos, a chic vintage inn made up of trailers from the ’50s and ’60s with dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Food and Drinks
Exploring new places can be a perfect opportunity (or excuse) to indulge in exquisite foods you may not be able to find anywhere else. For example, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm is set among 25 acres of lavender fields and lush gardens where you can enjoy artisan, hand-crafted cocktails and a true farm-to-fork dinner featuring seasonal ingredients at CAMPO. Visit the Farm Shop for handmade lavender products, as well as handmade jewelry and salts, snacks and other seasonings.

Relaxation
Road trips are all about hitting the reset button and finding a happy place. Take a step back and soothe your body, mind and spirit with activities such as a private soak at Ojo Caliente. Many generations of Pueblo Indians have sworn to the healing powers of these hot springs, the only location in the world with four different types of sulfur-free pools. The full-service spa also offers soothing and restorative treatments including massages, reflexology and hydrating skin and body treatments.

Shopping
No trip is complete without souvenirs to remember the adventure and gifts for loved ones back home. Consider stopping at the historic Santa Fe Plaza, where you can find a wide array of boutique shops and the Palace of the Governors market, where top artisans from local tribes offer one-of-a-kind handcrafted treasures such as art, furniture, Native American pottery, clothing and collectibles.

Find more unique road trip experiences and destinations at newmexico.org.

Photos courtesy of Aleksandra Zee (campfire) and Allison Crawford (trailer)

Sponsored by New Mexico Tourism