RVing Mexico

Swine Flu: Is It Safe to RV Mexico?

2009-04-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

While the big RV Mexico travel season is winding down, some RVers find Mexico an enjoyable off-season attraction. But with reports saturating the media regarding the outbreak of swine influenza, some wonder if it's wise to travel south of the border at this time. Yesterday the US Department of State and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) weighed in on the matter, issuing a Travel Alert. Here is a portion of that official notice:

"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. " That advisory is in place until July 27.

How do you weigh in on what is "essential" travel to Mexico? During a call-in segment on a National Public Radio yesterday, callers agonized over the situation. One father reported his son was slated to travel to Mexico as the Best Man for a big wedding. What would the "experts" recommend? Of course, the experts cautiously pussyfooted around the issue, urging the callers to use their best judgment as to differentiate between "nonessential," and "essential. We can empathize with would-be travelers. This columnist recently had a Mexico-installed dental crown come loose. Do I consider getting the thing fixed "essential" and run whatever risk there is, traveling into Mexico, or do I put up with the missing mouth part?

For us, we've decided to take a "wait and see," view of the matter. For my part, I'm chewing on the other side of my mouth and waiting to see how the influenza situation shapes up over the next week or two. Others may feel that their needs in Mexico outweigh perceived risks. If you're among the latter, here's some "boiled down" advice from the CDC:

Before you go, visit your doctor and ask about getting a prescription for an antiviral to take in advance of visiting a possibly infected area. This is particularly recommended for folks with chronic health conditions. Consider obtaining medical evacuation insurance--should you come down sick in Mexico, getting "home" treatment is a big plus. You might also lay in a small stock of surgical masks.

Take personal precautions: Wash your hands frequently--that means with soap and water, and not just for a few seconds. A minimum of a 20-second scrub is generally recognized as safe by health officials--and don't shut off the water with your hands, use a paper towel. If you can't lay your hands on soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue. If you don't have tissue, don't use your bare hands, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Be sure to wash up again! And avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as influenza and other viruses are easily spread by this route.

Don't hang out in places where infected persons might be confined with you--a theater or subway, for example. Listen to local health authority notices and follow their instructions.

What are the symptoms of the influenza? Fever, cough and sore throat, aches and pains and tiredness, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If you feel you are getting ill, don't travel except to seek medical care. If you don't know where to find a doctor, call the US Embassy or Consular office. If you don't know how to find one, call back to the Overseas Citizens Services desk at 00 1 202-501-4444.

Be safe.

Washington RVers Can Enhance Their Driver License for Mexi-Travel

2009-04-08T13:22:00.001-07:00

Ever since Uncle Sam decreed that a passport or passport card would be required to return from Mexico by "ground entry," there's been an off-again on-again flurry of activity to make the system work. Passports are expensive critters, particularly if you don't plan on going anywhere but Mexico or Canada by ground or sea. Now Washington State makes it possible to pass the border checkpoints with your Washington driver license.

Under the new program, Washington residents can get an "enhanced" driver license or identification card with the required electronic chip that Border Patrol officials can read with their sophisticated equipment. If you already have a standard driver license or ID card, for another $15 you can add the enhancement features.

There are a few "catches," involved. You'll need to apply in person at one of the state's participating driver license stations, and provide proof of birth, residency, etc. You'll also need to agree to having the chip in your new card, and agree to a biometric scan. The latter is a process where a photo of your face (without glass or head covering) is made, and computerized measurements are taken from the photo and entered into a database. This will prevent anybody that kind of "looks like you" from snagging your license and trying to pass themselves off as you.

The new enhanced driver license or ID card will be good for travel into both Canada and Mexico.

Travel Alert advises Americans to be careful in Mexico

2009-02-26T17:48:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Government issued the following Travel Alert on Feb. 20, 2009 for U.S. citizens traveling or planing to travel in Mexico:

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Safe to RV Mexico? AAA Says Yes

2009-02-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

The automobile club, AAA of Arizona says that reports of Mexico being an unsafe travel destination for RVers may be highly exaggerated. As reported in dcourier.com, a AAA spokesman reports that reports of violence on American tourists are sparse, and generally not where Americans commonly travel.

Focusing on one area where the Norte Americano dollar goes a long way, AAA says Rocky Point (just below Lukeville, Arizona) is a great destination, with some bargains to be found in RV resorts. As quoted by dcourier, Linda Gorman, a AAA tourism specialist says, "Rocky Point is pretty Americanized. A lot of the people speak English, and there are some chain businesses popping up down there. But the bottom line is, it's still a foreign country so don't be lulled by a sense of security."

First, she said, check your car. Make sure it's in good running order, and that you carry a car care kit. "You don't want to break down in Mexico," she said.

A regular visitor to the area, Mike Johnsen told the dcourier that one of the biggest improvements is to Highway 85 that runs from the border 60 miles to Rocky Point.

"In the early days, it was all you could do not to fall off the edge of the road. Today, it's nicely paved, with wide shoulders and reflectors, and it's striped well," he said.

Nevertheless, don't forget to insure your rig with insurance provided by a recognized Mexican insurance carrier--American policies don't count south of the border. Sticking to the main traveled highways is recognized as an important safety consideration.

photo: D Guisinger on flickr.com

RVers Report Some Tourism Falloff

2009-01-15T14:15:00.000-08:00

With the American economy 'in the tank,' and warnings of violence south of the border, some RVers are reporting a falloff in the number of "Norte Americanos" who're bringing their RVs into Mexico this winter.

One RV forum member now in San Blas, on deep in the south end of Mexico's Pacific coast reports about the same number of tourists as earlier years, but notes resorts to the north are seeing less traffic. Another RVer writes from the south end of the Baja Peninsula (Los Barrilies) that tourism is so far off that hotels have closed, charter fishing companies have dry docked their boats, and restaurateurs are closing early.

Overall, it seems tourism is down, down, down the closer you are to the US.

photo: mikelicht,notionscapital.com on flickr.com

Mexico Travel Warnings: Controversy on the Hoof

2008-12-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Over a month ago we discussed warnings from US government officials about the inadvisability of Mexico travel. Has the situation changed since then? It depends on how you listen to.

In Arizona, military officials have taken a stand with soldiers posted at Fort Huachuca. "The nearly 7,000 troops based at the southern Arizona post now must receive permission from a top commander before traveling to Mexico, base officials said. An additional 11,000 or so family members, civilian staffers and contractors at the fort are 'strongly urged' not to visit Mexican cities such as Naco, Agua Prieta and Nogales, a popular shopping, dining and nightlife destination," this from the Arizona Republic.

Granted, the Sonora state has seen its share of bloodletting, and out on the coast, even Tijuana has had reports of machine gun fire and tossed hand-grenades in public places by day. But not everyone is turning a thumbs-down on Mexico travel. The same story from the Republic makes this citation: "Epifanio Salido Pavlovich, the director of the Sonora Office of Tourism, called the Army action worrisome and took exception to the notion that tourists are in danger. The killings are occurring between drug cartels and law enforcement, he said.

"Not one single tourist has had problems in the state of Sonora," Pavlovich said. "And we are going to great efforts to make sure no one is affected." While Sonoran officials may give those assuring reports, it isn't all rosy on the frontier. This spring, four Americans were found executed, reportedly "drug cartel style," in Rosarita, a little seaside village just south of Tijuana.

Two frontier towns which have not been so-far affected by violence are in the Snowbird track: San Luis, Rio Colorado state, just south of Yuma, Arizona, and Los Algonones, BC, just to the west of San Luis. While neither could be dubbed a "resort destination," they are still good places for dental work, low cost prescription drugs, and genuine south-of-the-border meals.

photo: US Embassy, Mexico

Tips for driving to Mexico this winter season

2008-10-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Thousands of RV Snowbirds drive to Mexico during the winter months to vacation. Mexpro.com, a leading provider of insurance for Mexico recently released a list of tips about driving to Mexico this winter.

Mexico insurer solvency and financial conditions
There are fewer than 20 insurance companies in all of Mexico who offer tourist auto insurance coverage. When buying your coverage from Mexico insurers, it is important to check the specific A.M. Best Rating for that insurer. Some large Mexico insurance providers have not been rated by A.M. Best Company. You should never buy your coverage from unrated insurers in the US, let alone Mexico.

At a time when even old stalwarts such as AIG have seen their stock valuations decrease dramatically and are under ratings review with negative implications, it is more important than ever that you make sure you are buying your Mexico coverage from financially stable, AM Best Rated insurers.

For a complete listing of Mexican Insurer's Financial Results, please visit mexpro.com. The company represents only carriers (or their parents) that maintain an A.M. Best A rating or better.

Gas prices less in Mexico
Although US gas prices have taken a dip, gas prices in Mexico continue to be far less. Since Mexico regulates gas through Pemex, their lone gasoline distributor, the gas is the same price whether you fill up in Cancun or Tijuana. For RVers and others traveling to the interior of Mexico this winter, the savings can add up to hundreds of dollars.

If you're crossing the border, keep in mind that you must carry auto insurance for your vehicle.

More bang for your buck
The US dollar is weak, but not in Mexico where the exchange rate is still very favorable. The US dollar has increased 30 percent over the Mexico Peso in the last two months.

With the faltering economy and devalued dollar, Mexico offers a great close-to-home alternative for Americans with Maui-like beaches for a fraction of the cost. Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes survey found that Mexico is the number one destination for Americans.

New Passport card available
The US Department of State has begun mailing out new passport cards: these smaller, less expensive passport cards fit into a wallet. The card is being used in lieu of the larger, traditional passport book, which costs $100 for a new applicant. It is a steal at $20 if you already have a passport, and $45 for first-time applicants. The card can only be used for land or sea travel - not for air travel - in North America.

The passport card features an embedded radio transmitter that allows customs agents to quickly access passport information from government databases. This speeds up the border crossing process and allows customs agents to make better judgments regarding a person's entry into a country. The processing time for the new passport card is about four weeks.

US Issues Travel Alert for Mexico

2008-10-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

The US Department of State has updated its cautionary information to US citizens who are planning travel in Mexico. On October 14, the department posted new information on areas where it feels travelers should exercise particular caution when traveling.

In a nutshell, several "frontier" or US/Mexico border areas come in for caution. Ever-popular Tijuana, just below San Diego, California has seen an upswing in confrontations between the Mexican government and illegal drug cartels. "Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and, on occasion, grenades. " The agency adds, "Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. "

Travelers moving south from Texas into Cuidad Juarez (crossing at El Paso) are particularly warned by the State Department. "Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed there this year. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make provisions to pay for those services with something other than cash."

Other areas of vulnerability? "Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo. "

The agency continues to warn that the 'bad guys' are getting trickier: Many criminals are now dressing up in military or police look-alike clothing, and at times driving vehicles that look like government issues.

How can you stay safe? The State Department recommends that when you travel by road, stick to travel on main highways, preferably toll roads, and travel by day. They also suggest staying at tourist destinations, rather than getting off the beaten track. And take a cell phone that's GSM-enabled and that works internationally. Don't wear expensive jewelry or 'look like you're loaded,' as that will only attract the kind of attention you don't want.

Running the Diesel in Mexico

2008-09-30T15:46:00.003-07:00

When the United States made the switch to ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) with model year 2007, it may have caught some in the RVing community off-guard. For those of us with "older" (should we say, "venerable") diesel rigs, the "new" fuel can cause grief with fuel system leakage, and a noticeable loss of fuel economy.

But what about those with the "newer" engines that US law mandates be operated only on the ULSD? Filling up the tank here in the US is not a problem--stations across the country have made the switch to the super low sulfur diesel. But for those taking the rig into Mexico, there could be some problems.

While the Mexican government has directed that diesel produced there should meet the US standards of ULSD by now (September 2008), the reality is things aren't moving quite at that speed. Some insiders think that it could be as late as 2010 before Mexico meets the ULSD standards, because at this time, the refineries are still catching up with changes to gasoline. Still, in border towns along the frontier, it is said that most (if not all) of what is sold as diesel is ULSD, in order for Mexican trucks to be able to cross into the US legally.

But getting away from the border, the standards are not tight, and like as not, most feel you'll be buying "low sulfur" diesel--the kind we used to sell in the states. What happens if you run your ULSD designated truck or car on the "low sulfur" variety. Dire warnings have been posted by the government. One energy site in Alaska suggests engine damage could result.

But the web site, greendieseltechnology.com has this to say: "Tests indicate that filling the tank of a low-emitting diesel vehicle with regular diesel fuel on a rare occasion won't damage the filter system. However, this shouldn't be a habit. Use on a repeated or regular basis would do damage."

That leaves RVers with the newer diesel engines in a distinct quandry. When in Mexico there's really no way to know if the diesel you're pumping is really ultra-low or just "low." And you can't be reasonably assured that if you do pump the "wrong" stuff if you'll suffer damage or not. It's a troubling issue, and one that looks like it'll be with us for some time.

New vaccine could quell Montezuma's Revenge

2008-06-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Travelers to Mexico sometimes fear the bandits of the highway. More likely they should fear the bandits of the bathrooms. Travelers' diarrhea is a bane to those traveling south of the border. If clinical trials of a new vaccine prove up as they have been, in the future you may be able to kiss Montezuma goodbye.

Researchers at The University of Texas School of Public Health have found that patients given a travelers’ diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea than those who received placebo, according to a study published in this week’s edition of the Lancet. Happily, you don't need to get needled for the fix--it's a patch-based vaccine.

The study, which followed 170 healthy travelers ages 18-64 to Mexico and Guatemala, found that of the 59 individuals who received the novel vaccine, only three suffered from moderate or severe diarrhea, while roughly two dozen of the 111 who received a placebo suffered from moderate or severe diarrhea. Only one of the 59 volunteers in the vaccine group reported severe diarrhea, compared with 12 in the placebo group.

Of the few vaccinated patients who became sick, the diarrhea lasted only half a day on average, while those in the placebo group endured two days of illness and more than twice as many loose stools. Although not statistically significant, the frequency of new-onset irritable bowel syndrome, a long-term consequence of travelers’ diarrhea, was three times greater in placebo than vaccine recipients.

The vaccine developer plans on phase 3 trials next year. If testing follows the typical pattern, hundreds if not thousands of folks will be involved to check for side effects as well as benefits. It could be a while before the "if and whens" of the approval process are completed. Meantime, hang onto the Pepto and remember, the expression is, "Donde es el baño?

State Department Finally Gets "Passport Card" Program in Gear

2008-02-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

The collective government combine of the Secretary of State and Homeland Security has finally meshed the gears and let the clutch out. Taking the RV to Mexico or Canada? Now you don't need to buy an expensive passport, you can spend less and get in with a Passport Card.

We've touched on the idea a number of times. Instead of fully-blown passport, the card is a simple card about the size of a credit card, allowing land or sea crossings of the US border. It's much less expensive, $45 for a first-time applicant, versus $100 for a passport.

But there's still a few glitches in the system. As we wrote earlier, Homeland Security wants you to bring proof of citizenship when crossing the border--for most of us, that translates to a birth certificate. But when applying for the new passport card (or a passport) you'll need to hand over your birth certificate along with the application. Yes, you'll get your birth cert back when your new passport card arrives. But at this point, passport card processing times are taking (supposedly) about two months. So, what do you do about "proof of citizenship" in the meantime? Can you say, "Better have TWO certified copies of your birth certificate?"

When we queried local authorities about this seeming problem, they suggested we forget about the passport card and simply 'go for the gold,' and get a passport. After all, the processing time for a passport is now said to be a lightning fast four weeks.

For more information on Passport Cards, visit Uncle Sam's website.

Passports and Mexico: Changes Again!

2007-12-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

Want to visit Mexico but don't have a passport? Don't worry! Uncle Sam's plans have changed once again. Check out our story in our sister blog, RVing Quartzsite.

RV rail tours through Copper Canyon discontinued

2007-11-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

El Paso, Texas-based Tracks to Adventure no longer offers its railroad tours into Mexico's Copper Canyon after the Mexican government decided to prohibit the practice of allowing RVers to stay in their motorhomes or trailers that rode atop flat cars while traveling through the picturesque canyon in the northern state of Chihuahua. According to RV Business, the Mexican government said the practice was not safe, although Tracks President Larry Olsen said there had been no serious mishaps during the 33 years that he arranged trips for some 8,000 RVers. Tracks still offers the Copper Canyon tour but now RVs are parked and visitors take the 172-mile-long canyon rail in passenger cars.

Books about RV travel in Mexico and Baja. Click here.

Terror on the Baja

2007-11-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

A California newspaper website says American RV tourists are increasingly reporting violent encounters with bandits in paramilitary clothing. See the story on our sister website, RVs in the News.

Faster return for RVers at popular Mexico border crossing

2007-10-26T07:08:00.001-07:00

RVers returning from popular Mexico town Puerto Penasco through the Lukeville, Ariz., Port of Entry will now find the process faster according to a story in the Arizona Daily Star. Every Sunday and Monday, RVs will be directed into the commercial lane to help ease congestion. When the renovated Lukeville port opened in 1976, there was one hotel in Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point. Today, there are 42 hotels and motels and 14 RV facilities that attracted approximately 2.3 million people in 2006, a nearly fivefold increase from 2001. The port with its three passenger lanes and one commercial-truck lane was built to handle 400 vehicles a day. This past fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, the Lukeville port processed up to 5,000 per day on holiday weekends.

Best Times to RV in Mexico

2007-06-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Mexico is a diverse country and has diverse weather. The best time to RV in Mexico depends on where you want to travel and what type of weather you want to experience. We RV’ed Chihuahua with 5 degrees below in January and had balmy 60 degree weather in Puebla in July. When the summer heat and humidity becomes unbearable in August and September along the coast, the interior colonial cities provide a temperate relief.
Most folks come to Mexico when the weather turns cold in the US and Canada or just after Christmas. The second week of December marks the exodus southbound and highways are filled with rigs heading for warmer climates. By the 3rd week of March, most RV’s are heading North. As an experienced Mexican RVer I know that I better have a reservation and be parked at a destination that I want to spend some conserted time if I want to travel at this time. RV parks have waiting lists and you won’t get the prime spots.
Baja
The Baja has some great camping spots but during the winter months you will not be guaranteed good weather unless you are south of the Tropic of Cancer. Our favorite time to RV here on this magnificent peninsula is in November and early December and then in March to June. Late June to late September can just get too hot without AC and some of the best camping places just don’t have power; the Bay of Conception and Bahia de los Angeles.
The West Coast of Mainland Mexico is similar to the Baja. The Tropic of Cancer is just north of Mazatlan. Expect cool weather in December, January and February north of Mazatlan. South of Mazatlan tends to be perfect in late November through to June. If your goal is to get the best camping spots with the least crowds, go in late March to June. Likely you will have the RV Park to yourself or with only a few neighbors. If you RV in late June, July, August and September south of Mazatlan, expect unbearable heat.
The interior north of Guadalajara can be very cool in the winter months. The Copper Canyon for example, is far too cold during the winter for my liking and I found we just didn’t have enough bedding to make it comfortable. The summer months are perfect for visiting the interior Colonial cities and I highly recommend a trip at this time. Campgrounds are nearly always empty in the interior regardless of the season and are not a factor when planning a trip.
The Yucatan gets very hot in the summer and it too is crowded in the late December to March season. If you want to get the good spots, think October, November and late March to June.
Of course every camping spot on Mexico beach communities are filled with Mexicans during Semana Santa – Holy week and Easter. Best to stay put before and after the celebrations as the roads are filled to with impatient and risk-taking drivers.

WANTED: Travel Companions

2007-06-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wanted Traveling Companions
We often get requests for people who want to travel to Mexico with another rig or two. This is especially helpful for first timers.
Let this be the board!
Please leave you name, email, the location you want to travel and the approximate dates under comments. This way, potential travel buddies can get together.(As a side note: We have found it very enjoyable taking first timers to Mexico. It is wonderful helping them explore and discover.)

Mexico is Not For Everyone

2007-06-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Mexico is Not For Everyone
I say this time and time again and emphasize it every time I lead our “Almost-free Caravan” down to Puerto Vallarta. Mexico is not for everyone. I am an unabashed fan of south of the border, but I recognize what drives people nuts.
If you are the type of person that needs “exact” in your life, well you should look elsewhere for your piece of paradise on this planet. Mexico is a nearly place; a place where mañana means not today and not necessarily tomorrow. If “on time” is your nature, look elsewhere because in business and social occasions it is a rarity here to be on time. In some circumstances it is rude. Getting a car or RV part or something fixed can be more than frustrating experience. Time is a flexible instrument and can be easily altered by attending to kids, doctor’s appointments, a good friend visiting. A watch or calendar is a best guess not a promise.
Of course time IS IMPORTANT to Mexicans when they get behind a wheel of a car. Put a normally laid back Mexican in the driver’s seat and watch out. They drive like they should have been there yesterday. Double solid lines mean speed up to pass and right of way is non existent. You have to be extraordinarily defensive when you drive and anticipate impatient drivers and irrational maneuvers.
If noise bothers you, Mexico’s not for you. It is noisy here. Right now as I write this blog the neighbor is playing his car stereo full blast. Kids laugh and cry, roosters crow and dogs everywhere howl to the moon. In one RV Park in Mazatlan (The California), the music plays in the adjacent bar well into dawn every single night. The last time we visited, the music amplifier was all of 10 feet from our rear bedroom. From all accounts this situation continues today.
There is still poverty in this developing nation. Many gringo’s get annoyed by the street and beach vendors constantly pestering for a sale. Others get annoyed by the garbage and litter. “It’s just not like home” they say.
For me the positives overwhelmingly outweigh the inconveniences and negatives. I love that families are respected as families and individuals can genuinely enjoy an inter-generational get-together. Old people are respected and not tucked away in an old folks home. I like the freedom of being able to ride in the back of a pickup truck and to go for a beach picnic anywhere I feel like. I enjoy the warm weather and warm friendships. I love being “not busy”, not competing with the Jones’s and not caring if I am 15 minutes late. I love that mechanics rebuild things, charge $5 an hour and are proud of their work. Ditto for all kinds of occupations and workers.
Mexico is definitely not for everyone but for those of us who love the place, it has changed our life for the better. After every caravan we are told by the vast majority that “Mexico has changed their life.” This past year one woman explained that she didn’t expect to like it and was essentially dragged down by her husband. “But Mexico changed me,” she said. “I don’t think I like who I was before and I don’t ever want to go back to being that person.” I’d like to hear from you what you love or hat and why Mexico has changed you or your life.

RVers Want Company to Circumvent Mexico

2007-06-07T06:12:00.001-07:00

Every now and then we get letters from folks who want to team up as they travel through Mexico. We thought we would print this letter as it sounds like a great trip with folks that are not only experienced in Mexico travel, but also have a Datastorm Satellite dish which would allow 24/7 communication.

“We traveled Pharr, TX south to Lake Chapala and over to the Pacific coast at Melaque and then north up the coast to Nogales in 2004.
We are set to do a circumnavigation of mainland Mexico, entering somewhere between Brownsville and Pharr the first week in Jan., down the Emerald Coast, around the Yucatan then cross west to the Pacific and work our way north along the Pacific coast and re-enter the U.S. in late March.
We are full timers traveling in a 40' Dutch Star diesel pusher with toad. We are looking for company, like 2 or 3 others who would like to travel along with us. No schedule. Understand more Spanish than I speak. We have traveled all 48 states, all the Canadian Provinces except Manitoba and several trips to Alaska.
We have Data Storm MotoSat which should give us internet capabilities the whole trip.
If you know of anyone interested in making such a trip in this time frame please ask them to contact us.
We travel with two small dogs.
Bob and Pat Pence sixpence@hughes.net
Thanks!”

Check Before You Go This Summer

2007-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

Many RV Parks, especially along the coastal areas, are closed during the summer. If you are headed south, check your directory to see if they are open. Lots aren’t because it is just too hot for most travelers. Church’s Book is good or you can check our website for summer closures.
On the other hand, the summer is a perfect time to visit the interior Colonial Cities. There is usually lots of room “at the inn” and the weather is refreshingly cool.

Destination Camping VS Traveling

2007-05-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

RVing in Mexico is different than RVing in Canada or the US. I think the majority of Mexico RVers are destination RVers that return time and time again to the same place – generally for the December to March season. Their neighbors are the same and the predictability of their visit is guaranteed.

RVs are used essentially as cabins, temporary houses for a few months. Folks rent a bit of ground, usually the same space that they have occupied for years at the same RV park. In some parks, folks have built kitchens or tiny bodegas to store their “stuff” and give them more room. Some RV parks have allowed construction of massive grass houses called palapas which completely camouflage the RV. These are loved by the so-called permanents but detested by the traveler as they block the views and consume the best spots.

Often RVers will rent a bodega or storage room close to their destination RV park. They store tables, chairs, and all kinds of toys that will be ready and waiting for them when they arrive “next season.” Lots of folks store their boats, toy haulers and ATV’s. In my neck of the woods, just 40 miles North of Puerto Vallarta one more storage yard has opened and is already building more capacity.

My family has visited every state in Mexico via RV and we are a decided minority amongst our peers. Most folks seem to have found a piece of paradise and quit enjoying the “traveling part” of RVing. Why is this? Is it that their rigs are just too big and the roads too narrow? The language barrier? Maybe the adventurous spirit gets enough adventure in everyday life here in Mexico.

Would love to hear your views.

VOIP - Cheap Calls To and From Mexico

2007-05-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

In Mexico cell phones can get very expensive. Our daughter pays $40 to $60 per month and she is very careful with her calling. As a teenager she needs it to keep in touch with her local Mexican friends, calling us at the RV park, and for emergencies. She text messages when she can but the cell bill takes up her allowance plus a good portion of her dog-sitting money. I use SKYPE to contact her cell.

I love my SKYPE phone service and can’t tell you how many times I have used it here in Mexico. SKYPE is a phone over the internet service that allows you to phone anyone in the world very inexpensively. It is perfect for RVing in Mexico and allows you to stay in touch with relatives and friends anywhere in the world without costing a bundle.

I have a virtual phone number in Washington as most of my friends and relatives are in or close to that state and they do not incur long distance charges when they call me. I have a voicemail so that if I am not online, I can receive a message and call back at a later time.

You can use the already built in mic and speaker system in your computer but the sound quality is usually poor. A common complaint is an echo. While a headphone with microphone improves the quality, I have found a VOIP phone that attaches to a USB port works best.

It is so inexpensive that calling from my Washington State number to a Mexican number is cheaper than using a Mexican cell phone. Go figure.

All Things Mexico

2007-05-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

I’m Dorothy Bell and my family I have traveled throughout Mexico by RV. In fact we have been to all of the 31 states of this incredible country many times. We have the largest website on the internet for RV Travel in Mexico (www.ontheroadin.com) have taught seminars to newbies at trade shows and colleges in the US and Canada, and written numerous detailed road logs for many of the highways. For the last 3 years we have led an “Almost-free Caravan” to introduce new folks, first-hand, to this country.
Four years ago we gave up our day jobs, sold our house and processions and hit the I-5 Southbound. While it was a challenge initially for our two teenagers, our family has never looked back. We live in Mexico full time and every day we wake up and are thankful that we made the right decision for us.
My goal in this blog is to discuss RVing and travel in Mexico. I will be commenting on everything from roads, destinations and RV spots, to useful technology to FM3’s. Medical to mechanical. The magical and mundane.
Stay tuned, comment and enjoy the ride.

Mexico here we come!

2007-03-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

Hola!