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viejomalogato

Apr 25, 2003, 6:06 AM

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Stories

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I am planning on driving to Mexico (Guadalajara) on the 4th of May, going through Nogales. Have received some cautious remarks from persons who are either from Mexico or have been there. I think the fact that going alone is the main concern. However, being a conservative individual (due to age, not desire) I feel that the trip should not have any more issues than going through some parts of Salinas, Ca, where I live. I do not want to think of Mexico or the Mexican people as something to fear, as I dearly love the ones I have been fortunate to have become acquainted here. Thank you for any input.

Richard

Uncle Donnie

Apr 25, 2003, 6:55 AM

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Re: [Richard McBride] Stories

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Richard,

I've been all over mainland Mexico and parts of the Baja for years now and have never had any problems. If you stick to the main roads and stay out of cantinas you should have nothing to worry about except running off the road because you're so distracted by the beauty of the countryside.

Toss a cooler in the back, ice down some water and soft drinks, load a pack of road snacks, check your route before you leave and keep your road map handy; and if you've already put a few miles on your rig bring spare belts, hoses, and a fuel filter. As a conservative, don't drive at night.

Get plenty of pesos at the border so you can pay tolls (use your largest bills for this) and don't be afraid to stop at small restaurants along the way (keep small bills and lots of coins for these places).

Gas will not be a problem in general but never let your tank drop below half full just to be safe.

Have a great trip!

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

pathall

Apr 25, 2003, 7:20 AM

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Re: [Richard McBride] Stories

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My husband and I have been driving to Mexico (San Miguel de Allende) from Canada, going through the border at El Paso/Juarez and now through Santa Teresa, NM (much less traffic) for the last 5 years. No problem at all. Like Uncle Donnie said, don't drive after dark (mainly because of the livestock on the roads; we've never seen a "bandito"), keep the gas level at half full even though there are lots of gas stations and we see more every year, have lots of pesos for the toll booths and the gas stations (they only take cash), have a good road atlas (we find the Guia Roji the best for navigating through cities). We eat at the Pemex (the only gas station) restaurants (which also only take cash). Cross the border into Mexico early in the morning because we find there are not any big cities with good hotels until you get at least 4 hours' drive from the border. Have your vehicle ownership, driver's license, passport, and credit card photocopied and ready at Mexican customs (which usually are a 20 - 25 kilometres into Mexico). Take the toll roads -- they are far better (usually four lanes) and will make your journey smoother and faster. Ask directions. You'll find the Mexican people friendly and helpful and honest.

anna

Apr 25, 2003, 12:02 PM

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Re: [Richard McBride] Stories

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Hi

I have crossed the border at Nogales on the bus twice and my parents have crossed at Nogales a couple times as well. They had little or no complaints, were barely searched (they joked that they could have hid an immigrant or two in the motor home on the way back) etc. It is not a pretty place by any means but the mexicans at the border were very pleasant with us. They also took the toll highways most of the time. especially on the way back when they were bringing talavera pots with them! Anyway it you have any specific route questions I can probably get more info from them or give them your e-mail address.

Anna