I would agree by plane because it's the fastest way to get there and there's no water or anything to be in the way :)
I would say at night, when it's cooler. At night, desert temperature lowers due to the lack of water. Deserts cannot support much vegetation, so at night the sand loses all of its heat, making it colder. Sand is a major reason why deserts are hot.
Horrible situations we have in the world is, racism still, inequality, homeless people, homeless animals, mental illnesses- depression, anxiety, have increased in this era. As for Mexico, Mexico is also located at a high altitude, the sunlight is stronger than that on the sea level, causing pollutants to react with each other producing a toxic gas called ozone.
There is a U-shaped region called The Fertile Crescent.
Hope this helps!