Mexico’s varied geography across its 32 states draws travelers for nature, recreation and culture. From the snowy peaks of Cabo San Lucas to the crystalline waters of the Yucatan, this vast country has much to offer. Here

In addition to the typical beach vacations and all-inclusive resorts, Mexico is a prime destination for independent travel. With a little planning, you can easily explore the country’s many cultures, cuisines and landscapes without spending much money.

Traveling to Mexico: The Best Times of Year to Visit

As with all trips to foreign countries, the safety of your trip to Mexico will largely depend on your behavior. Vaccines can protect you from certain diseases, but avoiding risky behaviors is the best way to keep yourself healthy while traveling abroad.

The US State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico is a must-read before you pack for your trip, and their travel alerts for specific regions of the country can help you stay safe. In general, you should avoid areas with a level-two (“Exercise Increased Caution”) rating (like the state of Sonora and parts of Michoacan), stay away from drug-related violence (including buying, selling or even just being around drugs), and don’t walk around at night outside of major cities in fringe neighborhoods.

Vaccination recommendations for Mexico differ by region, but all travelers should be up to date on routine immunizations for measles, mumps and varicella. For travellers who expect to be in contact with people with infectious diarrheal disease, hepatitis A vaccine is recommended. For those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, including during medical procedures, the hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended.