Mexican Border troubles

[Clifftall]

We're planning a trip around Texas to stay at Retima Village near Mission. I hear there may be some problems arising out of the drug wars around border towns.

Any comments would be appreciated as we don't want to end up in the middle of any of that.

Cliff

[TXiceman]

I think they are pretty much telling Americans to stay on this side of the border.

Ken

[H. Miller]

Google "mexico travel" and note the US State Dept. comments.

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by H. Miller Google "mexico travel" and note the US State Dept. comments.

I never planned on entering Mexico this year. It's just that I heard that there was a rise of illegal border crossing around the Mission Texas area causing thefts to some rv'ers and wanted to know if this was true.

Cliff

[geeksrus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by clifftall We're planning a trip around Texas to stay at Retima Village near Mission. I hear there may be some problems arising out of the drug wars around border towns. Any comments would be appreciated as we don't want to end up in the middle of any of that. Cliff

For the last 2 winters we have stayed next door at Bentsen Palm Village... never any problems in this area. Progreso Mexico was 'safe' other than a shoot-em-up last December south of the gringo-shopper area. But no other problems for the rest of the winter here. Avoid Reynosa as this has become a bad area.

Eh!

[read & learn]

Returned from Rocky Point, Mexico on April 6th 2010 was there from Jan. 30, 2010. While there we had no problems, saw no problem's and did not hear of any problems.
Are there problems in Mexico YES.
What you must do is your home work and find what areas have problems. Just about all areas that have a border with Texas. Why take a look at how long there border is. Are the border cities safe, good question Most tourist area are just as safe as anywhere in the USA as long as you don't leave the tourist areas.
Is there any area or city I would not cross it is El Paso, TX into Juarez, Mexico. This border town is so bad former Mexicans are afraid to go across to visit family. One woman told my wife it is the wild, wild west and no one is safe.
We will be returning to Rocky Point again next winter and we go across the border at Lukeville, AZ.
In Spanish Rocky Point is Puerto Penasco and we stay at the Playa Bonita RV Resort.

[Ray,IN]

We visit Neuvo Progresso, MX when we winter in the RGV. This town depends upon tourist trade for survival. It is comforting to see armed troops on guard at the bridge, but Progresso does not have a local police department, depending instead on Reynosa(I think) police when needed.
We are hesitant to return to Progresso after the gun battle last year.
About five years ago we visited Juarez. Took a taxi downtown to the plaza, shopped, ate lunch, had our portrait drawn in pencil, had a great time. I was alert all the time, really frazzled my nerves by the end of the day. I would not do it now.

[TXiceman]

I have a fellow worker that works in Houston and returns to Monterrey every two weeks for a long weekend to see his family. He has said he does not feel safe going home and is trying to get his wife to move to Houston. He has all of the permits taken care of.

Ken

[Rick&Cheryl]

The violence across the border seems to be increasing regardless of the town of crossing. Progresso is not only your closest crossing, but also the safest. If you have concerns about safety, ( which I do as well ), my suggestion is to only venture in as far as necessary. Prescription drugs, liquor, cigarettes, and dental services are all available within one block of the border. Venturing further, IMHO, serves no real purpose. Shopping and dining really isnt much cheaper when you consider the extra risk as you venture further.
The US side really hasnt seen that much of an increase. Most of the rv parks have adequate security, and many of the larger shopping centers do as well. Frankly there are US cities that are equally as dangerous and we dont have concerns beyond what we would consider common sense.
So I say, come on down, but dont forget to stay alert, just as you would anywhere else.

[solovino]

We travel to Baja every winter, cross at Tecate and never have trouble. Always check with a travel club like Vagabundos, Escapees etc for recent information. Once you get through the border and a 100mi. or so south there is very little danger of trouble. We always travel alone, no caravans. Take a dog with you, Mexicans generally are afraid of dogs, if they ask us if our dogs bite, I just tell them they only bite a "little". There are many millitary checkpoints on the highway but the personell are friendly and efficient. Just be friendly and smile.

[solovino]

The farther south you go the safer it is, and more friendly

[rvmike]

The further south no longer maters. I always went to a small town 60 miles south of San Felipe (200 miles from border?) and they now have had 2 deaths which where drug related. I first started flying to Baja in 1979 but my last trip was 2005. Miss the place but much to see here in the good old USA.

[Elkhartjim]

Cliff...stay on the north side of the creek and you will be okay.

When are you going to be in the area? We have a Texas Boomers rally Memorial day in Johnson City that will be a great time.

BTW...while in the Texas valley, you can get the mh washed and waxed for less than $100.
Maybe you can get the PG's worked on also.

[azloafer]

I have been going to Nogales, Mexico for dental work for the past 5 years. It is a 40 mile trip. I was not worried as the drug cartels didn't bother with the average visitor until recently. I have stopped going across because I have read stories about Americans being kidnapped and held for ransom. My wife works with many Hispanics who have family there and they have reduced their visits because of the danger. I feel that having family there, they know more than I do. They have told me not to go over the border. So now I must pay full price to the dentists in the USA. I was paying about 1/3rd of the US prices. The waiting room at the dentist would normally have about half of the people from the US and on my last visit there were no Americans. Since 1960 the drug cartels have been responsible for 14,000 murders in Mexico. About a month ago the assistant police chief of Nogales was gunned down. Some people say that they see no danger in going to Mexico. Maybe they have just been lucky. Joe