Mexico Travel Answers

I have lived in Mexico for 18 yrs, (and still am) and have been travelling around it for over 30 yrs and usually do not advise against travel here, because most areas ARE safe for turists; BUT, all the things you mention are on the high end of the risk factor......i.e., the southern border of the country I believe, is one of the biggest problem areas for both people and drugs (the other worst area being the northern border with the US). Mexico, too, has a big problem with people from other countries coming across their border illegally. Also, 2 women travelling in an RV might also have more problems, such as repairs?? AND of course, the summer temperatures could be brutal, along wth it being HURRICANE season.... in general, of course, the people of all those countries are wonderful, and the cultural experiences could be great, but again, I just think that 2 women in an RV would be more vulnerable than car/hotel,UNLESS you can find knowledgeable peoople in the area who you could join in a small caravan.....how long a trip are you looking at? and how would you get an RV down that far? it is a long way to the southern border. Maybe someone else on here will have some suggestions.

I also live in Mexico and have to agree with Viajesdelmundo; I don't think it's a great idea. You don't mention where you are starting from with your RV, but Mexico is a large country and distances are long. However there are excellent long-distance buses to get you around economically and without the hassles of driving, let alone the cost of fuel. There are low-cost airlines with great special deals. There are also very reasonably-priced small posadas and food is cheap and plentiful. Of course there are also small-group tours that will take you to all 3 of these countries, they organise the transport and where to stay and you are free to experience the places without the hassles.

I agree with the opinions above, that the RV part of your plan is perhaps not such a great idea. I don´t think you will have any trouble travelling in Mexico in terms of safety and ease if you stick to planes, buses or a car. The interesting places like colonial cities have narrow roads and no setup for RV´s, I think only some places on the pacific coast like Mazatlan have RV parks for the Canadians. Its totally easy and economical to travel here on the bus and using Volaris or Interjet airlines if you need to cover big distances. Hotels are great value also. I have lived in Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi for 8 yrs. and travelled here many years before, travel sola and have never had safety concerns. The problems are at the border towns, if you are involved in the drug trade or anything illegal. Just research where you want to go, and for summertime be aware the beach areas are superhot but its delightful here in the mountains.

I have frequently traveled to Mexico, and I also strongly urge you to drop the RV idea. I do not believe that it will save you money and it would add significantly to your risks. For Mexico alone, you would need "money" to guarantee that you will not be leaving it in Mexico and Mexican insurance. RV parks are not common in cities. And consider the risks of a breakdown. The distances are long and your plans involve crossing two or three border areas once or twice where the risks to isolated travelers are high. In Northern Mexico this area of risk extends far to the south. Also with only two people in your vehicle the gas cost will be high per person. An RV is also not in my opinion a good way to see and interact with cultures. There are inexpensive hotels in most cities and towns, and a few hostels. The best way to travel around is by bus. There are all styles and high frequency. The convenience is beyond your imagination. As mentioned in an earlier post cheap internal flights also now exist, and can save time. (Also if you willing to fly to a northern city they can save you the flight expense of flying a international carrier all the way to Mexico City, but I really do not think you should consider this option.) I would recommend that you fly to Mexico City avoiding the northern border and Sonoran desert. There is so much to see in central and southern Mexico you probable will not have the time or inclination to go on to Guatemala and Belize, but you can go by bus. You will need to evaluate the general risks of travel in Guatemala before you decide to include this as part of your trip. One other suggestion is that you plan to include a week or more at a language school in a smaller city. (Not Mexico City or Guadalajara!) You might even include a homestay with a Mexican family. Most of the schools will make the necessary arrangements. Even with the costs of a language school, I believe that flying to Mexico City, traveling around by bus, and staying at inexpensive hotels you will have a cheaper, saver and more exciting cultural trip than you would taking your RV. Good luck, bob