This month on Unpacked, we're diving into Afar's just-released ⁠Where to Go list⁠—but this year's picks are different. In 2026, we want to lessen the burden on overtouristed destinations and expand visitation to other parts of the world. Our editors carefully selected 24 emerging regions and overlooked locales that will inspire your next great adventure.

For Albuquerque, that means looking beyond a quick stop on the way to Santa Fe to discover what New Mexico's largest city really offers—especially as Route 66 celebrates its centennial in 2026.

In this episode, host Aislyn Greene talks with Matt Kirouac, a writer who fell in love with Albuquerque several years ago during Balloon Fiesta and has returned many times since. He shares why this "flyover city" deserves a second look—from its 18-mile stretch of neon-lit Route 66 to native-owned breweries, centuries-old restaurants in Old Town, and petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes.

Plan Your Albuquerque Getaway

(First, listen to our Unpacked episode about the city and explore our New Mexico travel guide. )

Stay
—Book a room at ⁠Arrive Albuquerque⁠, a renovated 1930s motor court with a pool, Pan-Asian restaurant, and onsite gallery featuring Indigenous and local artists
—Stay at the historic ⁠Hotel Andaluz⁠, which recently opened a rooftop speakeasy-style bar and wood-fired restaurant, Char
—Watch for the new boutique hotel opening in the ⁠Hiway House⁠ motel in Nob Hill

Eat and Drink

—Dine at ⁠M'Tucci's⁠, an Italian restaurant in a former Route 66 service station (don't miss the speakeasy in the alley)
—Have lunch at ⁠Church Street Cafe⁠ in one of Albuquerque's oldest buildings, dating to the 1700s
—Eat traditional New Mexican fare at ⁠Mary & Tito's Cafe⁠, known for decades-old homespun recipes
—Visit ⁠Bow & Arrow Brewing⁠, a native- and women-owned brewery known for southwestern-inspired beers like blue corn pilsner
—Explore ⁠Sawmill Market⁠, a food hall with local vendors

See and Do
—Walk or bike the 18-mile Route 66 stretch along Central Avenue, lined with historic neon signs and motor courts
—Visit ⁠Petroglyph National Monument⁠ to see some of the 25,000 petroglyphs scattered across dormant volcanoes
—Take the ⁠Sandia Peak Tramway⁠ to the top and dine at the restaurant, or hike the 17-mile round trip trail
—Explore ⁠Old Town Albuquerque⁠ for galleries, turquoise jewelry, pottery, and the Rattlesnake Museum
—See a movie or concert at the recently renovated ⁠KiMo Theatre⁠
—Browse queer cowboy art at ⁠Anthony Hurd Gallery⁠

Resources

• Follow Matt's work on ⁠Instagram⁠
  


• Check out his new book, Secret Oklahoma
  


• Explore all 24 destinations on Afar's ⁠Where to Go in 2026 list⁠
  


• Follow us on Instagram: @afarmedia
  

Listen to All the Episodes in our Where to Go 2026 Series

E1: T⁠⁠his Island in the Bahamas Promises Pink Sand, Historic Hideaways, and Perfect Solitude ⁠⁠

E2: ⁠⁠Why Peru's Second City Might Be Its Best-Kept Secret⁠

E3: ⁠The New 170-Mile Hiking Network Connecting Stockholm's Dreamy Archipelago⁠

E4: Route 66 Turns 100—and Albuquerque Is Ready to Celebrate (this one!)

Stay Connected

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  Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and ⁠Travel Tales⁠⁠⁠, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.

  
  

Unpacked by Afar is part of ⁠⁠⁠Airwave Media⁠⁠⁠'s podcast network. Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on our podcast.

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