Vermont
New Mexico Joins West Virginia, North Dakota, Vermont, and More as a Must-Visit Destination for International Travelers – Travel And Tour World
Published on
December 15, 2025
New Mexico is rapidly becoming a top destination for international travelers, joining unique U.S. states like West Virginia, North Dakota, and Vermont. With its breathtaking natural beauty, including iconic sites like White Sands National Park, and a rich cultural heritage that stretches back centuries, the state offers an experience unlike any other. From scenic byways and adventure-filled landscapes to a vibrant blend of Indigenous and Spanish colonial influences, New Mexico is quickly drawing global attention. As tourism numbers soar, it’s clear that New Mexico is no longer a hidden gem—it’s a must-see destination for those seeking something extraordinary.
While iconic road trips like California’s Pacific Coast Highway and Route 66 often take the spotlight, New Mexico quietly rises as a must-visit destination for savvy travelers. The Land of Enchantment, long overlooked, offers everything a road tripper could want—stunning scenic routes, deep cultural history, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes. New Mexico delivers a travel experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
Tourism Boom in New Mexico: Record-Breaking Numbers
In 2024, New Mexico set new records by welcoming 42.6 million visitors—the highest number in the state’s history. This represents a milestone in both overall visitation and economic impact, as the state reached a new high of $8.8 billion in direct visitor expenditures. This marks the third consecutive year of growth, showing that New Mexico’s tourism industry is thriving. However, despite the impressive numbers, the state remains underappreciated compared to its more famous counterparts. While many tourists flock to other destinations, New Mexico continues to fly under the radar, its riches still largely untapped by the masses.
A Scenic Byway System That Rivals the Best
New Mexico boasts a unique feature that sets it apart from other states: its Scenic Byway System. The state is home to 26 designated scenic byways, eight of which are national scenic byways, offering road-trippers a diverse range of experiences. With more than 2,900 miles of scenic routes, travelers can drive from sun-scorched badlands to lush pine forests in a matter of hours. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, biking, skiing, or simply soaking in the stunning views, New Mexico’s byways offer unparalleled access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
What’s even more impressive is that the state’s scenic byways are meticulously curated to showcase the full range of New Mexico’s natural beauty. Each route offers a completely different experience—one moment you’re gazing at desert vistas, the next you’re winding through snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to explore the state at length, the byways ensure that every turn holds something new to discover.
Cultural Depth That Reaches Back Centuries
What truly sets New Mexico apart is its rich cultural heritage, which stretches far beyond what you’ll find in most tourist destinations. The El Camino Real National Scenic Byway, for example, is the country’s oldest and most traveled highway, stretching more than 600 miles through the state. It’s a historical route that once connected European colonists to New Spain, predating the arrival of the pilgrims by over two decades.
New Mexico’s cultural landscape is deeply intertwined with centuries-old Indigenous traditions and the influence of Spanish colonialism. The state is home to vibrant art scenes in cities like Santa Fe and Taos, as well as centuries-old pueblos where Native American communities continue to live and practice traditions passed down through generations. Unlike other tourist hotspots that often feature recreated villages, New Mexico’s culture is alive and authentic, offering visitors a true connection to the past.
International Visitors Are Ahead of the Curve
In 2024, New Mexico saw a remarkable 10.4 percent increase in international visitors, following a 34 percent jump the previous year. In total, 750,000 international travelers visited the state, contributing significantly to the local economy. What’s telling is that while international tourists are quickly discovering the allure of New Mexico, many Americans remain hesitant to explore the state’s untapped potential.
The economic impact of tourism is felt across every sector of New Mexico’s economy. In 2024, visitors spent $2.8 billion on lodging, $2.1 billion at dining establishments, $1.4 billion on retail purchases, and another $1.1 billion on recreational activities. These numbers illustrate that visitors are not merely passing through—they’re staying, eating, shopping, and fully immersing themselves in everything New Mexico has to offer.
Natural Wonders Without the Crowds
New Mexico’s natural beauty is equally impressive. While landmarks like Yellowstone National Park are overcrowded with tourists, New Mexico offers some of the most stunning natural wonders in the U.S. without the crowds. White Sands National Park, for example, features expansive dunes of pure white gypsum sand, creating a surreal landscape that feels otherworldly. Visitors can walk on the sand, go sledding down the dunes, or simply admire the view in solitude.
Beyond White Sands, New Mexico is home to Carlsbad Caverns, Bandelier National Monument, and the Gila Wilderness—each of which provides a perfect balance of breathtaking natural beauty and peaceful solitude. New Mexico’s extensive network of national parks, state parks, national trails, and World Heritage Sites ensures that nature lovers have no shortage of places to explore.
With 15 national parks, 35 state parks, and numerous historic landmarks, New Mexico remains a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and camping to stargazing and wildlife watching, the state’s public lands offer a diverse range of activities, all set against the backdrop of jaw-dropping landscapes.
Why New Mexico Is the Road Trip Destination You Didn’t Know You Needed
Despite the state’s stunning offerings and tourism records, New Mexico remains largely unexplored by the majority of American travelers. But for those who do make the journey, the rewards are many. Whether it’s the scenic byways, the rich cultural history, or the peaceful natural landscapes, New Mexico is a road trip destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
New Mexico is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for international travelers, joining states like West Virginia, North Dakota, and Vermont with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and record-breaking tourism growth. With its unique blend of natural beauty and history, it’s drawing global attention as a top travel destination.
So next time you’re planning your dream road trip, consider heading to the Land of Enchantment. With its unbeatable combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, New Mexico offers a road trip experience unlike any other—one that will take you through centuries of history, miles of awe-inspiring scenery, and unforgettable adventures. It’s a state that deserves to be on your radar—and one you’ll surely return to once you’ve experienced its magic.
Kevin Cassese has made his first big move as the head coach at Virginia, hiring Vermont head coach Chris Feifs as his defensive coordinator and top assistant. Inside Lacrosse first reported the news Wednesday, after which Vermont issued a formal announcement.
Feifs has previous experience in the ACC, having served as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator under Joe Breschi when the Tar Heels won the national championship in 2016. He left after that season to become the head coach at Vermont, where in 10 seasons he led the Catamounts to a 78-59 record and America East championships in 2021 and 2022.
“Chris poured his heart and soul into the program,” athletic director Jeff Schulman said.
Feifs was named the America East Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading Vermont to a regular season conference title.
“I will look back at the past 10 years as the single greatest growth period of my life,” he said.
Now he’ll play a key role in remodeling Virginia’s defense in his likeness. The Cavaliers ranked 39th in Division I last season allowing 11.12 goals per game. They do boast one of the best close defensemen in the country in John Schroter, who will be a redshirt senior next season. The goalie position is uncertain after Virginia turned to Air Force transfer Jake Marek as the starter this year and Kyle Morris entered the transfer portal.
Virginia has moved swiftly since making the surprise decision to part ways with Lars Tiffany on May 18 and issuing a terse press release announcing the departure of a head coach who led the Cavaliers to national championships in 2019 and 2021 and the ACC championship this year. Eight days later, they elevated Cassese — an offensive coordinator with extensive previous head coaching experience at Lehigh — to head coach.
Eight days after that, Cassese has his top lieutenant.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – The state of Vermont wants more flexibility in how it charges for access to state parks.
Right now, fees are determined by location, size, and type of camping.
However, leaders say parking at state parks and ponds is seeing more foot traffic, and costs of maintaining them have gone up.
The Department of Forest Parks and Recreation wants to be able to price campsites and day-use parks more dynamically.
There’s no proposal to raise fees now, but if approved, some state parks could see increased fees depending on their popularity, the date, and location.
“It is trying to find that balance of covering costs, providing the service parkgoers have come to expect and making sure we aren’t creating unintentional barriers for people who want to enjoy our fabulous state lakes,” said Julie Moore, Vermont Natural Resources Secretary.
She adds that last year’s Vermont ‘Parks Forever’ initiative, which allows for people who receive three squares benefits free entry to parks, meant an additional 30,000 visits last year.
Copyright 2026 WCAX. All rights reserved.
Vermont
Hundreds of housing units in the works at closely-watched project in Burlington’s South End – VTDigger
This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.
A long-awaited housing development that could bring hundreds of new apartments to a series of empty lots in Burlington’s South End neighborhood is beginning to come together.
The first phase of the major public-private deal, called the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project, got official sign-off from the Burlington City Council last month. The project’s backers have also scored key funding commitments from Treasurer Mike Pieciak’s office and state housing funding agencies.
The project on Lakeside Avenue is the beginning of “a neighborhood being born out of a big parking lot,” Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak told city councilors in May.
City officials and developers hope the project could eventually include over a thousand homes, making it one of the largest developments in Vermont – and putting a considerable dent in the Queen City’s housing shortage. Regional planners estimate that Burlington needs to add between 3,500 and 10,500 homes by 2050 to get the housing market to a healthy state.
The development is possible, in part, because of a 2023 zoning change in the formerly industrial area that allows for some of the densest housing development in the state, according to local planners.
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A rendering of the South End Coordinated Redevelopment Project, courtesy of Andrew Foley, development director at Jonathan Rose Companies. Credit: GOA Architecture.
The South End project’s backers include Champlain College, Champlain Housing Trust and Ride Your Bike LLC, the investors behind the nearby Hula coworking campus. They have brought on Jonathan Rose Companies, an affordable housing developer with projects from New York to California, as the lead developer. The South End project is the company’s first in Vermont.
The development agreement signed by city councilors in May greenlights the South End project’s first 204 units, estimated to cost roughly $100 million.
Per Burlington’s inclusionary zoning policy and state rules, at least 20% of the first round of apartments will be set aside as affordable. But the developers hope to secure enough funding to allow them to earmark a third of the 204 apartments with income restrictions, said Andrew Foley, director of development at Jonathan Rose Companies, in an interview. The development agreement offers the developers reduced city fees if the affordable units are priced even more modestly than required.
The lion’s share of the new apartments will be studios and one-bedrooms, Foley said. The building would include common social spaces for neighbors to gather, he added.
Like any large-scale housing project, the developers of the South End apartments are piecing together financing from a wide array of sources. They recently scored an $8 million low-interest loan from Pieciak’s 10% for Vermont program, along with a $6.7 million award from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to support 67 affordable apartments – including 10 reserved for people experiencing homelessness.
To build out new roads – along with wastewater connections and stormwater infrastructure meant to cut down on sewer overflows into nearby Lake Champlain – city officials are going after funding from a new state program. The Community and Housing Infrastructure Program, a tax-increment financing tool created by the Legislature last year, would allow the city and the developers to borrow the funds needed to build out the infrastructure against the development’s future property tax revenue.
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City officials and the developers are working together to submit an application for this CHIP financing. The South End development could be the first project in the state to utilize the program after its launch in January.
“I think a lot of other potential applicants are kind of saying, ‘I wonder how that South End project works out’ – for us to maybe go first,” Foley said.
With an eye toward lowering the project’s carbon footprint, the development will be all-electric, Foley said. The developers are looking to use mass-timber construction techniques, he added – essentially using large, prefabricated wood panels in place of steel or concrete. They also want to construct a rooftop solar array, employ a geothermal heating and cooling system and promote a “car-light” neighborhood in close proximity to bike paths and transit routes.
The developers hope to close on their construction financing by the end of the year.
“Everyone’s eager to see the construction start and housing built, so we’re trying to move as fast as we can,” Foley said.
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