Mexico

Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover Mexico's real distances -- Aeroméxico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus connect Mexico City with every major region cheaply and frequently.

Long-distance buses are Mexico's real strength for regional travel -- first-class lines are comfortable, reliable, and far more extensive than passenger rail. Renting a car is useful for exploring the Colonial Highlands or Yucatán's ruin sites at your own pace.

Within Mexico City, the Metro is extensive, cheap, and the fastest way to avoid the city's notorious traffic, while app-based rideshares are the standard, safer alternative to hailing a taxi on the street.

Mexico's safety varies enormously by region and is often misunderstood abroad -- the country's major tourist zones (Mexico City's historic center and Roma/Condesa, the Yucatán's ruins and beach resorts, the Colonial Highlands) see millions of safe visits every year, while certain border states and specific regions tied to organized crime activity carry real, well-documented risk that's largely separate from the tourist circuit.

• Check current government travel advisories by state before finalizing an itinerary -- risk in Mexico varies dramatically state by state, and a blanket "is Mexico safe" question misses that a destination like Mérida can be dramatically safer than a specific stretch of a border state hundreds of miles away.
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• Petty theft and scams are the most common issues tourists actually encounter -- pickpocketing on crowded transit, overcharging at unlicensed taxis (use app-based rides or hotel-arranged transport instead), and distraction thefts in busy markets and beach areas.
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• Tap water isn't safe to drink in most of the country -- stick to bottled or purified water, including for brushing teeth, and be cautious with ice and raw produce washed in tap water at informal food stalls.
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• Driving at night on intercity highways is generally discouraged outside major toll roads (cuotas), which are well-maintained and patrolled -- free roads (libres) are more prone to potholes, poor lighting, and occasional roadside incidents.
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• Natural hazards: hurricane season (June-November) affects both coasts, and Mexico sits on an active seismic zone -- Mexico City in particular has a real earthquake risk, with building codes and public earthquake-alert sirens a normal part of daily life there.
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• Emergency number: 911 works nationwide and connects to police, fire, or medical services.