Albuquerque

Why: If you ever wanted to see this city, head there now for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta October 6–15 and channel your inner photographer while walking among the launching balloons. Tickets $6, kids admitted free.

How: About two and a half hours by air; flights averaged $390 at presstime. Northwest offers the only nonstops.

Stay: About fifteen miles north of the fiesta, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is a pueblo-style hotel offering pools, golf, spa treatments, and horseback riding. Rooms from $245. 505-867-1234

Eat: Check out the rooftop cantina and Southwestern specialties at Seasons Rotisserie & Grill just north of Old Town Albuquerque. 505-766-5100

Pack: Layers—the desert can be very cool and very warm this time of year.

P.S.: This colorful event is a competition and therefore a spectator sport. If you want to take your own hot-air balloon ride, Rainbow Ryders is authorized to take off from the fiesta grounds.