Ever Been To Mexico?

Ourneighboring country of Mexico has been a long time favorite destination formillions of Americans each year whether for study, tourism or business. RVersare no exception because with an exotic coastline and a beautiful landscapeit's no wonder so many Americans cross the border each year. Since you needstickers for your motorized vehicles and tourist visas when you visit Mexico,the process can be time consuming and a bit extensive.

Roads are something else worthconsidering. The below par free roads and relatively poor toll roads will makedriving a bit tough. Make sure to asses the best driving conditions accordingto your rig type and driving experience. Any visitor should always attempt totravel on main roads, especially highways, as the fast moving flow of trafficdecreases risk of violence. Speed bumps and potholes make it especially hardfor the motorhomes. Maps are a must but even with that said most signs are notconsistent with the town on the map that goes on the sign for a particularroute so one map may say one town and the next may say another town. Beforeleaving the United States take note that there are a lot of restrictions onwhat food you can take across the border. Check before you go to see what therestrictions are at the time. Cost of produce is very inexpensive and meat isgenerally less than in the US. Before embarking on your trip find a trustedperson who to have contact with in the U.S. in order to be well informed ontrip plans, location stays, and trip route in case something happens andauthorities must be notified.

Buy a calling card that worksinternationally and/or purchase a SIM card offered by most cellular phonecompanies which allow for cross border functionality. If you go with a callingcard, make sure to contact the calling card company and get an access phonenumber to use in Mexico. Take note of Internet cafe locations in your triproute. Even the smallest communities normally have some sort of Internetconnection and some RV Parks had a computer or two available. The cost istypically $1 to $2.50 an hour. As a minimum you will need to get liabilityinsurance for your rig and tow/toad vehicle. Prices vary from company tocompany. Learn about your coverage in detail by reading the policy yourself.

It is veryimportant that visitors understand the risks of travel to Mexico and how tobest avoid dangerous situations. According to the Overseas Security Advisory Councilthe greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. It isimperative that American citizens take caution in unfamiliar areas and exercisecommon sense precautions like getting most activities done during peak daylighthours. There has definitely been a heightened risk of violence in recent yearswith dozens of U.S. citizens being kidnapped and the never ending battlebetween the Mexican government and drug cartels. The fight for narcoticstrafficking is rooted along the U.S. Mexico border both amongst different drugcartels and with the Mexican government. This is one reason travelers willencounter military checkpoints and should cooperate fully with the Mexicangovernment. 

You do notneed to speak Spanish to travel in Mexico, although it would make your tripmuch easier.  A simple Spanish - Englishdictionary will get you by especially because of the American, English speakinginfluence near bordering cities. The Mexicans are very kind people and willalmost always try to communicate with you and even help you learn a few words.