ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Travelers looking for an affordable vacation should head to Albuquerque.

AAA recently released the results of the 2008 Annual Vacation Costs Survey, ranking the least and most expensive cities to visit in the U.S.  AAA ranked Albuquerque as the second most affordable travel destination, based on the low daily costs of lodging and food. 

The top five most economical destination cities are Tulsa, O.K., with an estimated daily food and lodging cost of $179, Albuquerque, N.M, $179; Wichita, K.S., $194; Oklahoma City, O.K., $194; and Fresno, C.A., $207.  The survey recommends an average travel budget for two adults traveling together in North America of $244 per day, to cover lodging and meals.

Albuquerque offers a diverse travel experience, with influences of Native American, Hispanic and Western cultures.  Once in Albuquerque, visitors can choose from a variety of activities including outdoor recreation, museums or performances, many of which are free or less than $10 per person.  Visitors also enjoy the unique New Mexican style cuisine and get a taste of the world famous green chile, which adds a kick to any dish. 

"AAA's ranking showcases the tremendous value that Albuquerque offers to travelers, especially as fuel and other basic costs continue to rise," said Dale Lockett, President/CEO of the Visit Albuquerque. "From free concerts and museums to extremely accessible outdoor recreational activities and excellent values on golf, our city delivers a great value any time of year."

 

What You Can Do in the Duke City for FREE:

·      Outdoor recreation - hiking, nature trail walks, cycling, mountain biking, fishing

·      Performing arts - public concerts and performances

·      Explore historic Old Town Plaza, the eclectic Nob Hill district and Historic Route 66

·      Sample the local fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s markets

·      Visit the sculpture garden at the Albuquerque Museum

·      Museums at the University of New Mexico

o   Maxwell Museum of Anthropology

o   Museum of Geology and Institute of Meteoritics Meteorite Museum

o   Jonson Gallery

     

What You Can Do in the Duke City for Less Than $10:

·      Admission to one of 16 museums

·      Admission and/or concert tickets at the Albuquerque Biological Park (includes Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium, Botanical Gardens and Tingley Beach)

·      Sporting events including the Albuquerque Isotopes AAA baseball

·      Petroglyph National Monument

·      Watch Native American dancing at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

 

How Far $100 Can Go in Albuquerque:

·      New Mexico Wine (St. Clair Winery, Old Town) $12

·      Turquoise Jewelry (Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts, Downtown) $10

·      Punched Tin Frame (Sumner &Dene, Downtown) $20

·      Salsa or Chile Products (Grocery Store) $4

·      Goldie Garcia Bottle Cap Magnet  (National Hispanic Cultural Center) S10

·      Dreamcatcher (Skip Maisel’s Indian Jewelry and Crafts, Downtown) $3

·      Andrew Thomas Native Flute CD (Indian Pueblo Cultural Center) $12

·      Mini Chile Ristra (Old Town) $15

 

For more information about planning an affordable adventure in Albuquerque and to find discounts on dining and activities, visit www.summer.itsatrip.org