The word 'desert' conjures images of a barren land, with very little to offer in the way of entertainment or bustling activities. Albuquerque is a city that defies that description, allowing tourists to enjoy its Southwestern atmosphere that's a combination of old-world charm and modern conveniences.

Tourists can expect to enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and the outdoors in general, because Albuquerque is blessed with 310 days glorious days full of sunshine! Mountain hiking or camping are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed with the whole family, or even if you want some alone time.

Speaking of ideal weather conditions, Albuquerque gives outdoor enthusiasts a choice of whether to ski or play a round of golf - without leaving the city! A trip to the Sandia Peak is a must for those who crave the adrenaline rush of winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. The area is just a few minutes away from downtown, with facilities and attractions catering to both winter sport experts and beginners alike.

The public golf courses of Albuquerque are ranked among the top courses in the country by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest. Golf enthusiasts have the chance to play on diverse courses, while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city's scenic river valleys, mountains and desert plains.

Albuquerque is known as the Ballooning Capital of the World - thanks to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is the largest hot air balloon festival in the world. Held annually every October, the event draws thousands who want to either photograph the hundreds of colorful hot air balloons dotting the sky, or take a flight of fancy aboard one. There are also local companies who offer hot air balloon rides year-round, for those who want to avoid the crowds and have the sky to themselves. Hot air balloon enthusiasts should not miss a trip to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque international Balloon Museum, which is the world's foremost facility the history, art, science and sport of hot air ballooning.

A variety of cuisines await visitors to Albuquerque - the diverse variety of food is evident in the ingredients mainly influenced by Native American, Spanish and Mexican cultures. New Mexican cuisine, as it is now known, is a beautiful merger of the three cultures mentioned above; one would see a lot of tamales, enchiladas burritos and a multitude of other dishes that offer an explosion of flavors in the palate. Albuquerque is the country's oldest wine-making region, so visitors should include winery tours and wine tasting to their itinerary.

Accommodations are not a problem to those who want to stay a bit longer in Albuquerque. A number of quaint hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfasts dot the city, to ensure that people have lodging choices depending on their preference or budget.

It's not enough to just read about Albuquerque - the place should be experienced first-hand to discover what is it that makes people come back to this city, year after year, without fail.