The enjoyment of another culture, scenic beauty, festive atmosphere, history, another language, shopping and traveling in a foreign country are all things that make a trip to Mexico special.

Escape winter weather this year by joining us for a relaxing, leisurely trip to sunny Mexico. Imagine a warm tropical trip down the coast of the Sea of Cortez or to the Yucatan and the Caribbean Sea. There is little rain in most areas. Temperatures average in the 60s during the evening hours to the 80s in the afternoons.

Dining is one of the most popular events of any Mexico visit. They have a variety of menus at prices less than those in the United States or Canada. Mexico has many large grocery stores that carry almost everything you can get in your local stores. There is no need to take extra food or groceries. There are even Wal-Marts and Sam's at some stops.

If you haven’t been to Mexico recently, you may not be aware of the “new” Mexico. Their cultural heritage survives and reminders of their ancient history are strongly evident everywhere you go. Mexico is meant to be explored and savored. The best way to see Mexico for the first time is with a professionally guided RV caravan that knows where to go and what to see. You will be with other RVers, many of whom will become your friends for life.

Visitors are likely to encounter impeccable politeness and gracious manners from the local Mexican population. Families often line up alongside roads to wave at our caravans as we pass through their neighborhoods. It does not take long to create a special place in our hearts for these warm and friendly people. After your first visit you will want to return again.

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is Mexico’s second leading industry and one of the top ten tourist destinations of the world. In the last several years, especially under President Fox, Mexico has taken giant steps to the point that it has very little crime compared to the US. We find it interesting that several foreign countries have issued warnings about traveling in the United States but no such warnings exist for Mexico. Sound judgment should prevail regardless of your destination. The same behaviors you use at home to maintain personal safety should also apply in Mexico. Remember, Mexico is the most popular foreign country in the world for Americans to live and they will tell you that they feel safer in Mexico than back home in the US.

Mexico’s RV parks are not up to US standards and many of them are cramped. In some areas, especially on Central America and Yucatan trips, there are no RV parks and it is necessary to stay where they have partial hookups or none at all. Park selection is based on points of interest, convenience and availability of services. Electric hookups in Mexico usually do not have sufficient capacity to permit the use of air conditioners and most of the time the amperage is only sufficient to permit minimal use. Potable water is available throughout our caravan routes. Sewer hookups and dump stations are available throughout Mexico. Propane gas is readily available. Bathroom and shower facilities are often not up to the standards of Canadian and US campgrounds and cleanliness and their condition may vary widely.

In your Trip Preparation Packet we recommend how to filter and treat water for normal household use. Bottled drinking water that is processed by reverse osmosis can easily be purchased throughout Mexico at less than $2.00 for 5 gallons.

Roads in Mexico have many miles of four-lane divided highways. You can drive most of the way from Nogales, AZ to Mazatlan on a four-lane highway. Just as anywhere else in the world, road construction, rough roads and potholes are a constant problem.

Two-lane paved roads can be compared to most of our country’s two-lane highways, although most are narrow with shoulders that are small or non-existent. Slow down in Baja when you meet trucks on narrow roads. The Yucatan, East Coast and Central America trips have numerous rough stretches of highway requiring reduced speeds. Most of Mexico’s smaller cities have numerous speed bumps (topes) so traffic cannot speed through their streets.

Mexico has developed many nice new four-lane highways, which have tolls. We will take some of these as they are generally newer roads with fewer curves, almost no traffic, and will save a lot of travel time. Some of the tolls are expensive. Recent rates averaged as follows depending on the number of axles your rig has: Baja—$20 to $30, Piggybacks and West Coast—$150 to $450, Twin Piggybacks—$200 to $225, Central America—$200, East Coast, Colonial and Yucatan $200 to $400 depending on the trip.

Since 1990 Mexico has developed high-quality unleaded gasoline with octane ratings of 87 and 93. Mexican diesel fuel is clean and of high quality. Most of their stations are large, modern facilities similar to our truck stops with many pumps. You will enjoy the convenience of getting fuel easily.

Mexico vehicle liability insurance is required. If your US or Canadian collision and comprehensive insurance does not cover you in Mexico we have negotiated a caravan insurance rate that is among the lowest you can obtain anywhere. Details and forms will be sent to you in an insurance packet prior to rendezvous. You may also phone Caravan Insurance Services direct at 1-800-489-0083 or visit the website.

Dogs and cats are welcome but dogs require a rabies shot and health certificate from a veterinarian. Pets are welcome on Ferry Crossings and the Piggyback Train. Pets cannot ride the Copper Canyon Passenger Train or stay at the hotel in Batopilas but a trained veterinarian or park personnel will walk, feed and water pets left at the RV park for a small fee. Pets are not allowed on Central America trips.

Some guests say roads and RV parks are better than expected, others say they are worse than expected. This is a third world country and we don’t want you to be surprised. That is why we tell it like it is. Even though reservations are made far in advance, many campground and vendor operators over-book or keep poor records and sometimes last minute changes need to be made. The most important requirement while traveling in Mexico is to be flexible and prepared for the unexpected. The happiest RVers are those who have an open mind, are congenial, easy to get along with, can roll with the punches and don’t expect Mexico to have all the nice conveniences of the US and Canada. In some ways Mexico is 50 to 100 years behind the US. This is part of its mystique and charm but can be a source of frustration for some people. Check your personality to see if you are suited to this kind of travel. If you can accept new experiences and conditions as they present themselves, you should have unforgettable memories and a wonderful trip not soon forgotten.