Mexico
Between the United States to the north and Guatemala/Belize to the south lies the wonderful country of Mexico. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean (west/south) and the Gulf of Mexico & Caribbean Sea (east). With an estimated population of 125 million people, Mexico is a vast area that encompasses an incredibly diverse array of landscapes - deserts in the north, tropical jungles in the south, mountains, volcanoes, beaches, and fertile valleys.
Mexico also holds a rich and diverse set of old and even ancient cultures. Traveling from one state to another, one can find various differences in food, language, music, and art. Simply put, Mexico is a travelers dream.
While Western media tends to paint Mexico with a wide paintbrush of stereotypes, the seasoned traveler will know and understand that to visit one part of Mexico does not mean you have experienced anything close to all that Mexico has to offer.
And while there are dangers within the country, there are so many other areas that are safe to visit, enjoyable and will bring lasting memories. As always, research the area you are interested in. Use common sense and utilize resources such as the United States State Department, travel sites and local news from the area you are looking to travel to.