Founded in 1706, Albuquerque is one of the United States’ oldest cities. Today, this metropolis of nearly 600,000 in New Mexico offers an attractive combination of natural beauty, unrivaled history, and innovation as a hub for tech companies and artists alike.
If you’re ready to experience everything that Albuquerque has to offer, get ready to pack your bags, buy the right Albuquerque travel insurance, and take off!
Albuquerque Travel Insurance – FAQs
When you travel a long distance to visit a new city, you have to plan ahead. You’ll have to book your airfare ahead of time, not to mention your accommodations and tickets to any events you want to attend. But what would happen if you had to cancel your trip? Would you get your money back for these expenses? With trip cancellation insurance, you can ensure that you can.
Why should I get travelers insurance for my Albuquerque trip?
Most prepaid travel expenses are either nonrefundable, or they charge large cancellation fees. If you get sick, have a personal emergency, or some other unavoidable event prevents you from traveling, you could get stuck paying for a trip you can’t take.
You can avoid this with trip cancellation insurance. So long as the cancellation is for a covered reason, your policy can help you get reimbursed for the nonrefundable portion of your prepaid trip expenses.
What can be covered by travel insurance for Albuquerque?
Beyond just coverage for trip cancellation, a travel insurance plan for your Albuquerque trip can offer protection in cases such as trip interruption, travel delay, lost luggage, and delayed luggage. It can even offer emergency medical coverage in situations where your regular health insurance is not sufficient.
Take time to compare several plans on this website. Look at their prices, levels of coverage, and benefits offered. Using this information, you can find the best travel insurance plan for your needs.
Albuquerque’s Most Popular Places for Travel
A cityscape surrounded by mountains and mesas, Albuquerque offers myriad adventures both in and outdoors. Here are a few of our top picks.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Pueblo Indian Culture has existed in this region for over 2,000 years. One of the best ways to learn about it is by visiting the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The center is operated by the 19 Indian Pueblos of the state, and chronicles the history and milestones of the Pueblo people, from their beginnings in the Pre-Columbian era to the present day. There are permanent and temporary exhibits on display, and dances and artist demonstrations that are open to the public on weekends.
Petroglyph National Monument
Located along 17 miles of the city’s West Mesa, this national monument is a volcanic basalt escarpment that features an estimated 24,000 petroglyphs made by Ancestral Pueblo peoples and Spanish settlers. There are also several volcanic cones and countless architectural sites to explore, all contained within this 7,236-acre monument.
Sandia Peak Tramway
Experience a whole different view of the area from the longest aerial tram in the Americas. Sandia Peak Tramway runs 2.7 miles from the edge of the city to the top of Sandia Peak, at an elevation of 10,679 feet. Each tram car can carry up to 50 passengers, and offers incredible views of the mountainside some 900 feet below. The longest single span stretches 7,720 feet, making it the third-longest aerial tram span in the world. Once atop the mountain there is a restaurant, and the start of several hiking and backpacking trails.
Old Town Shopping Opportunities
The Old Town shopping area of Albuquerque is sure to satisfy your retail therapy needs. The district offers numerous galleries, jewelers, and artisan shops. You can browse until your heart’s content for locally made silver and turquoise jewelry, pottery, and hand-made local items. There is also a quartet of restaurants to choose from in Old Town, so you can satiate your appetite once your shopping bags are full.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Taking place during the first full week of October each year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon festival in the world, with over 500 hot air balloons on display and taking to the sky. The Fiesta runs for nine days, and features an array of different events from sunrise until sunset.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Albuquerque
Whenever you travel to a new destination for the first time, you’re bound to come across things you weren’t expecting. To help you best prepare for your time in Albuquerque, we recommend you follow these guidelines.
Crime and Safety
The crime rate in Albuquerque is roughly 2.5 times higher than the national average, and slightly higher than similarly sized US cities. To reduce your risk, be sure to lock the doors of your accommodation and vehicle at all times, and never leave your valuables unattended. Try not to wander through poorly lit areas of town alone at night, and never accept drinks from strangers at bars.
Weather Concerns
Albuquerque has an arid, semi-desert climate. This means it has extremely hot summers, fairly cool winters, and wide temperature swings between day and night. For example, it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop as much as 30°F overnight. This means that it’s a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater, even if you’re visiting during the summer when daytime temperatures are quite high. Albuquerque receives a fairly low amount of rain, with the majority falling during July and August. However, thunderstorms can pop up quickly, so check the weather forecast before heading out on a hike.
Local Transportation
As is the case with most cities in the Western US, transportation is primarily dependent on private automobiles. Renting a car is the easiest way to experience all of the sights of Albuquerque. However, the New Mexico Rail Runner Express does provide commuter rail access between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and Albuquerque itself is known for being one of the more bicycle-friendly cities in the United States, with a variety of bicycle paths and trails.
Getting to Albuquerque
Most who fly to Albuquerque will do so through Albuquerque International Sunport, which has 25 gates and receives regular flights from larger cities. Those traveling to Albuquerque from abroad will most likely fly into New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, or another large international airport, prior to taking a connecting flight to Albuquerque.
Outdoor Risks
While the surrounding desert and mountains of Albuquerque can be wonderful places to hike and explore, they aren’t without their dangers. Rattlesnakes are native to New Mexico, and their bites can be deadly. Dehydration, wildfires, and getting lost are other risks to be managed. If you’re unsure about going out in the wilderness alone, don’t risk it. Hire a guide service, or take a guided tour instead.
Homeless Population
As is the case with many American cities, Albuquerque has a fairly large homeless population. This can lead to large homeless encampments and pervasive drug use, particularly in the International District and in areas near downtown Albuquerque. Try to avoid these encampments when possible, and politely walk away if harassed. If harassment continues, do not hesitate to contact local law enforcement.
Before You Travel to Albuquerque – Do This
- Pack for a wide range of temperatures – Even in the summer, Albuquerque weather can vary significantly depending upon the time of day and elevation.
- Consider an October visit – Temperatures are generally the most pleasant, and you’ll get to experience the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
- Buy travel insurance for Albuquerque – You may not be able to prevent every travel mishap, but the right insurance can allow you to be prepared for whatever comes your way.