Community Forums

FLYING BUTCH · 04-24-2011, 07:02 AM

The RV club next to us is planning a trip to Rocky Point Mexico. There was just a warning on TV about travel there as the local sheriff was just shot. I am very hesitant to go even with a few other RVs going. Anyone been there lately or have any thoughts?

RVNeophytes2 · 04-24-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYING BUTCH

The RV club next to us is planning a trip to Rocky Point Mexico...

DW, sitting on sofa, knitting: "Why would you go to Mexico?"

Even in areas yet to see the extreme violence that makes Iraq pale by comparison, Americans might be viewed as a provocative presence. Americans in motorhomes take that effect to a whole new level. I'm not with the State Dept, but feel I can speak on their behalf: "It'd be foolish."

John_N_Terry · 04-24-2011, 07:32 AM

I think I'd wait until things get a little more peaceful down there. There are many great places in the U.S. to go and see...why take the chance?

Of course the other side of that is media hype...things are usually not as bad as they appear on TV. But in this case, I think they may be. I have some friends that went down to Mexico for a mission trip. They returned with pictures of armed militia riding the streets in Jeeps. They also reported that someone was murdered right in front of the orphanage they were staying at.

By the way they were only there for two days...

akadeadeye · 04-24-2011, 07:39 AM

Just be sure there are enough rigs to form a circle. You know, like the wagons did when crossing through Indian country.

Seriously, Mexico is just not the place it used to be. Violence is erupting in many places thought to be safe only months ago. We live in San Antonio and we hear horror stories from Mexican business people almost weekly. They are moving their businesses and families here by the thousands to escape being kidnap victims. We are very sad to have made the decision that our Mexico visiting days are probably over.

Don

rmmpe · 04-24-2011, 07:44 AM

I'll spend my money in the U. S., thank you very much.

TXiceman · 04-24-2011, 08:23 AM

With all of the news coverage of the problems and killings in Mexico, why would anyone even consider going to Mexico? I am keeping my money on this side of the border.

Ken

Norm4015 · 04-24-2011, 08:46 AM

I have crossed into Mexico many times and even led a caravan to Rocky Point in 2006. Loved the place. BUT... I have not returned since 2006 and I will never go back. The last couple of weeks I have traveled along the Rio Grande in Texas and looked into Mexico, but I had no desire to cross the water.

Here is the latest on Rocky Point.
US warns of travel to Rocky Point

vegascouple · 04-24-2011, 09:31 AM

A couple of years ago we were on a Caribbean cruise. We could not stop at the island of Cozumel as that is part of Mexico and there was swine flu in Mexico City. However, we could stop in Belize even though it boarders Mexico and is not an island.

I think the biggest problem we have is that we don't read below the headline. If it seems to justify our paranoia we believe anything. We got back from Rocky Point about 3 weeks ago after spending 2 weeks there. I will admit that given the level of paranoia in this country there were more RV's in the park than I expected. I was warned on here about kidnappings of Americans on this board. That all sounds terrible, but when ask for specifics those same people grow silent.

The drug war is a tragic thing for Mexico and we are the cause of the war! We are also the only ones who can stop the war. We need to intelligently look at our drug laws and change them. The drug war is not directed towards RV'rs. Yes they are taking over towns along the boarder and murdering people. Yes there is a fight between the drug cartels. Yes they are killing police who might try to stop them. Yes, many of our customs and border patrol are on the cartels payroll! However, they are not kidnapping RV'rs. If you are in the drug business it is a dangerous place to be! However, we are the customers! The drug cartel is smart enough to know that they don't want to kill their customers!

If you do travel to Mexico or anywhere else there is a rule, DON'T BE STUPID! Do a little home work before you leave. The number one rule is the same as it's always been, Don't Drive at Night on lonely highways in the middle of no where!

As an interesting side note, when we returned from Mexico we had at least 15 RV couples who asked if we would take them with us next year.

We really enjoyed our stay on the beach in Mexico this year. If it's not your thing then by all means do whatever pleases you, but don't chastise others for having the courage to do things you are afraid to do!

Michael

2005 Dutch Star 40' 4 slide
2005 BMW K1200LT on lift
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid

dons2346 · 04-24-2011, 10:11 AM

We were in Rocky Point in February. There were no problems at all. Well, yes there was, the road on the malacon was torn up and all the shrimp vendors were scattered everywhere. The people there have fallen on hard times. A vendor selling a 5 buck had is a huge sale.

The rv parks we drove through were less than half full so dining out was a piece of cake.

As far as the big swine flu epidemic of a couple of years ago...BS. We were in Mazatlan, tourism was way down because of our press going on and on about the swine flu. There were no reported cases of swine flu in Mazatlan! Zero, zip, nada.

Sure there were hanging heads and such but those weren't Americans.If you watch where you go and stay out of bad areas (ask the locals) you will have no problems.

We will be headed back to Mazatlan in October, can't wait.

Arch Hoagland · 04-24-2011, 10:30 AM

The first time we went to New Orleans everybody on the forums had us scared to death. Worst city for crime, don't go out at night, etc. We've been there four times now. Haven't found it to be any different than any other big city.

So I'd take the hype with a grain of salt.

ps.... Been nice knowing you.

Cat320 · 04-24-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

With all of the news coverage of the problems and killings in Mexico, why would anyone even consider going to Mexico? I am keeping my money on this side of the border.

Ken

Exactly!!

akadeadeye · 04-24-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346

Sure there were hanging heads and such but those weren't Americans.If you watch where you go and stay out of bad areas (ask the locals) you will have no problems.

We will be headed back to Mazatlan in October, can't wait.

"Hanging heads and such"?

Sounds like a wonderful place to visit. I can just see the brochure now.

I rest my case.

Don

Grimesy · 04-24-2011, 12:36 PM

Was there in early March and have made reservations for next year. Have never felt any type of uneasiness about the people or location. Would probably not go to Juarez or similar border towns but Penasco is another story. Wife broke her leg and got very good medical treatment.

Close inspection by border authorities comming back but thats okay too.

Don, WIT 70041

Mothership · 04-24-2011, 01:19 PM

Consider this. http://www.dissidentvoice.org/2011/02/is-mexico-safer-than-the-u-s/.
We have been down the Baja coast about 2 time a year for 3 years and have not had any issues. We even got stopped by the Rosarito Police and they were very pleasant. The Military checkpoints between Tijuana and Ensenada have been deactivated. I like to say, "Have you heard about how many shooting/killings there were in.........Chicago, SF, New York today?" Just like in the U.S., you have to be careful in the cities and in some areas don't travel alone or at night, but in my opinion most of Mexico is safe.

Sorry!! Try this: http://dissidentvoice.org/2011/02/is...-than-the-u-s/