REC for Domestic Travel Destination - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hi everyone, this is Rei! I hope you are doing well:) I just got back from Albuquerque, New Mexico, since I got chance to visit my boyfriend who is studying abroad just like us in University of New Mexico! Since I still have some fresh memories from there, I would like to share how it looks like over there and also, what to prepare for domestic flights in case you already got a plan for Spring break or anytime soon! 

White Sand National Park

Where is Albuquerque, New Mexico? 

Albuquerque (also known locally as Duke City or ABQ) is the largest city in New Mexico and the 32nd largest city in the United States with a population of 559,277 as of 2016. Founded in 1706 as Albuquerque, the city is characterized by a mix of European, Hispanic, and Native American populations and cultures!

Places to Visit in New Mexico:

1. White Sands National Park 

This place was one of my favorite parts of the visit! At 275 square miles, White Sands National Park is the largest area of gypsum dunes in the world, and it looked and felt like a completely different planet. The powder-white dunes look like mountains of snow, and you can hike, sled down, even enjoy picnic any time of the year. The park is also apparently famous for its handful of white-colored animals, including rats, lizards, crickets, spiders, and moths, which have changed to a lighter color over time to adapt to their environment.

2. Old Town Albuquerque

With its winding narrow streets and adobe architecture, Old Town Albuquerque offers a small town and uniquely colorful neighborhood experience. Although much has changed since its founding in 1706, this dynamic tourist destination has remained the heart of the city. Despite its small 10-block radius, Old Town is packed with more than 150 privately owned restaurants and boutiques. The city also hosts more than 40 events a year, including the world-famous Ballon Fiesta Week! 

3. Sangre de Cristo Mountains 

While I caught glimpse of many volcanoes from my stay in Albuquerque, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains seem to have something for everyone, including scenic trails for hikers of all experience levels. Explore aspen, ponderosa, and pinyon juniper forests and meadows of colorful wildflowers, and take in breathtaking views from ridge-lines and summits. For those of us who spend time with nature in Washington State, experiencing the nature of each state will be a fun part of our trip. 

Although my visit was a short one-week one, I immediately felt the difference in climate between Washington State and New Mexico when I arrived at the airport. New Mexico is located at a higher elevation and has a dry desert environment where you can wear short sleeves during the day even in February. Coming from Washington, where it rains every day, I was exposed to such strong ultraviolet rays that my eyes would turn red in the afternoon form the sunlight during the day. 

Lastly, I forgot to mention one of New Mexico's most important attractions - Mexican food! In New Mexico, where the Mexico-U.S. border is also located, there are tons of restaurants run by Mexicans. Of course, I am sure there is good, authentic Mexican food in Washington as well. However, perhaps due to the physical closeness to Mexico, the tacos we had in New Mexico are still unforgettable to this day. 
 

With this year's Spring Break just about a week away, I know that many students are thinking about where to go and what to do. During the break, you may want to stay in the forms to catch up on your rest, or since you are in the U.S., you may want to enjoy a trip within the U.S. For domestic trips, you do not need a special Visa signature at the International Student Office, and all you need is your passport! If you are still undecided about your spring break plans, it might be a good idea to start thinking about what you would like to do to motivate you to get done whatever you have to finish!  

- Rei