National Geographic recently listed its “20 of the coolest travel adventures in 2024” as part of its annual Best of the World feature, and Route 66 in New Mexico made the list.
The iconic magazine stated the list serves as “a celebration — of travel’s power to transform us and our connections with one another.”
Here’s what National Geographic stated about the Mother Road in the Land of Enchantment:
For nearly a century, Route 66 has beckoned to travelers. A trip along the Mother Road through New Mexico hits timeless landmarks, such as quirky motels and curio shops in and around Tucumcari and symbolic etchings in Petroglyph National Monument. In Gallup — mentioned as one of the places to “get your kicks” in Nat King Cole’s 1946 hit song “Route 66” — you can take in performances featuring Zuni, Lakota, and Diné (Navajo) dancers.
Some 18 miles of the highway traverse Albuquerque, the longest urban interlude of the route in the United States. And it’s getting a half-million-dollar glow-up with the ongoing restoration of vintage neon signs along Central Avenue.
While cruising down the brightened strip, stop at the new West Central Route 66 Visitor Center, with its museum and outdoor amphitheater. The center will host events like lowrider car shows, drive-in movies, and artisan markets.
Route 66 was No. 7 on the list.
It’s quite a compliment when you look at the breadth of the rest of the list.
- Go on horseback safari in Kenya
- Run an Olympic marathon in Paris
- Ski tour UNESCO sites in Georgia
- Bear watch in Katmai National Park
- Hear legendary live music in Kyoto
- Cruise an epic river in Colombia
- Explore ancient art in Algeria
- Dive with sharks in Western Australia
- Hike a volcano in Panama
- Catch the eclipse at Niagara Falls
- Trek a glacier in Chile
- Step back in time on Menorca
- Ride classic rails in Scotland
- Find authentic flavor in Thailand
- Wander tea trails in Sri Lanka
- Gallery hop in São Paulo
- Raft the rapids in West Virginia
- Go antiquing in Hudson Valley
- Sleep on the water in British Columbia
(Image of the Buckaroo Motel sign in Tucumcari, New Mexico, by Chuck Coker via Flickr)