I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Joanie, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Joanie is from the United States, and submitted the following report about her New Mexico road trip. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events, and attractions)
Red Mountains at Ghost Ranch
Reasons to Take a New Mexico Road Trip
I was looking for some natural beauty and solitude and I found it in the mountains of Abiquiú, New Mexico.
After flying into Albuquerque, I rented a car for an exquisite road trip up the Turquoise Highway. I stopped in the funky art town of Madrid, continued on to Santa Fe, then took the high road to Taos. I drove to Abiquiú, staying at Ghost Ranch (Georgia O'Keefe territory), and finally back to Albuquerque after a quick stop at Bandelier National Monument.
Santa Fe filled my need for art and local Indian culture. There are lots of galleries, museums, and shops to wander through.
When in Taos, I walked across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge where I saw a family of long horned sheep resting on the side of a mountain. I visited the Taos Pueblo, and enjoyed the tremendous public art and galleries.
I drove the Rio Chama corridor to Abiquiú. I had tea at the Purple Adobe Lavender Farm and purchased some Herbs de Abiquiú. I stayed at Ghost Ranch, where I rode a horse through the O'Keefe Landscape and basically chilled out in awe of my surroundings while exploring the ranch.
The spiritual nature of this trip was punctuated by respect for the land, learning about the Pueblo Indians, the art and light, and the generosity of the people I met.
The stable of horses at Ghost Ranch
Artists love the special quality of the New Mexico sunlight.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
