Be Safe: Although many people consider Mexico to be unsafe, most of the violence is concentrated closer to the US border; Central Mexico is mostly safe. Nevertheless, one should exercise caution. In Mexico City, all of the neighborhoods featured in our itineraries are safe during the day. At night, one should avoid walking alone or down dark/empty streets. If you can't avoid nightlife, always have a safe plan to get there and back, and try not to deviate from the plan. Uber is generally a safer option than public transportation at night and it's relatively inexpensive compared to other cities. In the surrounding villages and countryside, try to get most of your driving in during daylight hours and be sure to stop for gas often so you don't find yourself stranded. 

Blending in: As with most poor countries, you should never carry large amounts of money with you or flaunt any valuables, otherwise you're making yourself an easy target. Try your best to blend in. Mexicans dress pretty modestly so you don't want to stick out wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals or expensive-looking clothing.  Don't Get Sick: Walking the streets of Mexico City, you'll be tempted to try a variety of street foods; some of the best cuisine is found on the street. You may be wary, as you should be, but if you see a long line of non-tourists lining up at a street cart you can rest assured that you'll be fine. Also remember to never drink non-bottled water and never get drinks with ice. You should even use bottled water for brushing teeth.

Talk the Talk: Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn. Knowing Spanish will elevate your experience in a wide variety of countries. But if you don't have it in you, Spanish-speaking countries are among the friendliest hosts to folks who don't speak Spanish. In Mexico City, as in any other major metropolitan area, many people speak English, especially in the touristy neighborhoods. In the non-touristy areas, you would do well to learn a few phrases, depending on what you plan on doing there. If you're traveling outside Mexico City (Parts 3-6), you'd be much more comfortable speaking Spanish or at least traveling with someone who speaks good Spanish. If that's not an option, stick to the popular towns and try to absorb as much as possible on the way.

Driving Around: Driving in Mexico is as safe and easy as your make it. If you stick to the regions covered in the itineraries above and get most of your driving done in the daytime, you greatly reduce your chances of things going awry. Map out your stops for gas and stop as often as possible. As for rules and etiquette of the road, let's just say you're better off not following the lead of Mexican drivers, who often don't heed street signs, and sometimes drive drunk, especially at night. Stick to toll roads to get places much faster but carry enough cash to pay for all the tolls. If you plan to visit off-road sites, such as hot-springs, caves and hiking areas, you're better off renting an SUV than a standard vehicle. Also, be sure to opt in for a mobile hotspot or GPS.