Guadalajara, Mexico

The Tequila Trail entertains as much as it educates, and that's only a taste of the region's vibrant flavor.

Why it's a great value: Mexico is an overall bargain these days, and although Guadalajara is a favorite of local tourists, it’s off the radar for many resort-obsessed foreign visitors.

How to get there and around: Continental had the best deals on flights from Boston to Guadalajara as of mid-August (800-523-3273, www.continental.com); with one stop in Houston, round-trip fares were as low as $414 on Orbitz.com. Rent a car at the airport (877-222-9075, www.alamo.com) or sign up for one of the organized tours, some of which will pick you up at your hotel.

Where to eat: Locals swear by Casa Fuerte in Tlaquepaque (52-333-639-6481, www.casafuerte.com). La Tequila (52-333-640-3110, Avenue Mexico 2830, Guadalajara) offers some 250 tequila varieties served alongside tasty and inexpensive Mexican specialties.