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How to Book a Fall Trip to Santa Fe

How to · Travel

How to Book a Fall Trip to Santa Fe

Visit the high desert for $83 a month by spreading your travel costs over an 18-month window.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $83.33/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Santa Fe in late fall is the sweet spot. The summer art crowds have thinned out, the air is crisp, and you can smell pinon wood smoke from the fireplaces. It is the best time to wander the historic Plaza or see the adobe architecture of the nearby pueblos without a tourist in every photo.

A typical trip for two runs about $1500. Instead of dropping all that cash at once, we can use a specific timeline to break the cost into smaller monthly chunks. It makes the high desert more accessible without draining your savings in one go.

This interest-free period is a deadline, not a pass. If you still have a balance on the card when those 18 months are up, interest will start accruing on the remaining amount at the standard rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Go in November

    The massive summer art markets are finished and the winter ski rush hasn't started. Hotel rates are lower and you won't need a reservation weeks in advance for a good bowl of green chile stew.

  2. 02

    Fly into Albuquerque

    Check flights into the larger airport nearby rather than flying directly into Santa Fe. It is usually cheaper and the hour-long drive through the desert is a great introduction to the landscape.

  3. 03

    Secure the timeline

    Use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This window lets you pay $83.33 a month to cover the $1500 total.

  4. 04

    Visit the Taos Pueblo

    Drive north to see one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. The multi-storied adobe buildings are iconic and look best in the soft autumn light.

  5. 05

    Budget for the food

    Put your savings toward the local restaurants. Stick to spots off the main plaza for the best blue corn enchiladas and breakfast burritos. Always say yes when they ask if you want red or green chile.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is Santa Fe expensive in the fall?

It is much more affordable than the peak summer months. You can find better deals on historic inns once the art market traffic slows down.

Do I really need a car?

Yes, if you want to see the pueblos or hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Public transit won't get you to the best architecture sites outside the city.

What should I pack for late fall?

The high desert gets cold at night. Pack a heavy jacket for the evenings even if the afternoons are sunny and mild.

Can I pay more than the minimum?

You should pay enough to clear the balance before the 18 months end. $83.33 is the math for a $1500 trip, but paying more won't hurt.