...You'll have to take the Tequila Express

Tourism used to be a simple equation. You went somewhere, checked out views, temples, eateries, and soaked in whatever else the place had to offer. But, now, sights and shopping aren't enough. You need a side of spectacle. Think vibes, curated playlists, mood lighting, the right Instagram filter. And if you've got extra dosh, throw in a themed train ride - with a tequila bar - that could make a mariachi weep.

Hop on to the Tequila Express. This isn't some novelty name - it's a real train chugging across Mexico's agave-covered terrain. First launched in 1997 to kickstart 'tequila tourism', it took a break and is now back - refurbished, refuelled, and ready to serve 1.2 mn tipsy tourists a year. And this isn't just transport. It's a full-blown rolling fiesta connecting Guadalajara with Tequila, Mexico, complete with enlarged windows, soft lighting, piped-in mariachi music, and flat-screens flashing tacos and distilleries - basically, Agave Netflix while you sip your third shot before noon. Meanwhile, rival trains like the Jose Cuervo Express charge even more to wobble through the same cactus-studded scenery. The best bit? Tequila is now a Unesco World Heritage site. So, yes, getting sloshed on a train officially counts as cultural enrichment. Moral of the story: It's not where you go, but how you sell the ride. Just add lime and call it heritage.