Snowbirding in Texas

[Bones]

We are spending our first winter in TX this year. Has anyone ever stayed at Country Palms RV and MH Park in San Juan? Do you go shopping in Mexico? Let me know any tips you have for a first time Snowbird!

[Elkhartjim]

A friend just got back from the Rio Grande valley and did not cross the border. The sight of the Mexican army with machine guns made him think it wouldn't be worth it to save a few bucks on a bottle of Tequila.

[Jim Stewart]

We used to winter in South Padre Island and enjoyed our stays. Southeastern Texas was nice in the winter, but can be cool at times with rain. We used to drive to Matamores Mexico and park on the US side and walk across the bridge. Yes, you occasionally see the military police at the border towns, but that made us feel safer.

The prices on everything are pretty good, but mostly, we enjoyed the uniqueness of the atmosphere of another country just a walk away. The poverty certainly makes you feel lucky about what you have. My Wife used to say that we saved on what we bought and I gave it all away to the beggars.

We also spent several winters in the Florida Keys. Texas is much cheaper. The Keys had more to do and the weather was better, but was expensive in comparison. We ended up living in Florida and starting a business. We now are retiring again and bought an RV lot in Marathon Florida in the Keys. We like to snorkel and fish and the Keys are as good as it gets for those types of activities. Also, Spanish has become the major language there, reminds you of Texas.

[JayC]

We spent a month in Donna TX this year and plan to go back next year. We did cross the border four times and were surprised to see the Mexican army there for security. There were no problems where we crossed and we will go back.

Keep in mind that a passport is now needed to return to the United States.

[Elkhartjim]

News flash!!!!!

Should not be any more problems, at least on the Texas side of the border because the governor has sent the Texas Rangers to help secure our border. Give them a day or two and it'll be as safe as it was playing under the front porch when you were a child.

[Bones]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim News flash!!!!! Should not be any more problems, at least on the Texas side of the border because the governor has sent the Texas Rangers to help secure our border. Give them a day or two and it'll be as safe as it was playing under the front porch when you were a child.

Good to know!
Thanks for the update!

[Bones]

Keep in mind that a passport is now needed to return to the United States.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the reminder!
We are in process of getting the newer Passport Cards that are being issued for border crossings,(FYI: not good for international travel).
Wallet sized and easy to use!

[yogi154]

We are also planning on a stay in Texas in the valley. Leaving in Jan or Feb waiting for Dr. app. Wondering if any one would know of any roomy parks that your not on top of the trailer next to you. I don't mind paying a little more for a nice spot with some nice grounds.
OK our dog will be traveling with as he is Family. He weight is just a 100 lbs. I have read of some parks with a 30 lb limit for a dog. I don't think Yogi will loose that kind of weight by Jan. Well I guess we are looking for a park that allows a big friendly dog.
Any help would be Great
Thanks
Wayne

[TXiceman]

One of my co-workers is a Mexican citizen and travels back to see his family every 2 or 3 weeks and he said things in Monterrey are not as bad as along the border, but he does not feel safe there with all of the drug gangs and the lack of police.

I vote and make it heard by keeping my money on this side of the border.

Ken

[EngineerMike]

Ken- Try Baja for a change. Once you get south of Ensenada, and assuming you stay out of Cabo & surrounds, there is nothing but petty theft, which is as good a crime rate or better than sleepy old Auburn, CA. The border area and the big mainland towns can be intimidating, but the rural areas are generally as hospitable as Old Mexico ever was. And even with the recent drop in the dollar, the exchange rate is still pretty favorable. We just got back coupla weeks ago from Mulege (630 miles south of San Diego). Wonderful trip.

[Lorna]

Wow... things must be really different in the RVG. We are in Corpus Christi/Rockport/Fulton area. We've had a heck of a time getting a site for Nov thru May. We found one in Fulton but will be moving to Corpus at the end of this month. Of course we have too many vehicles... or rather "two" many vehicles.

We've been told we needed to make reservations (didn't have any) far in advance... like this past summer. I guess it was a good thing we left NM a month earlier than we planned.

[yogi154]

Lorna ,
I will be interested where you settle in the Valley. We are planning on mid Jan but with No Res I guess I screwed up again. Hope you can find some thing.

[Barbaraok]

Lorna,

Come January you will find that the parks will be singing a different tune because the cancellations will have come in by then. In fact we were there last January and every park had open sites - some with signs out front advertising their sites.

Barb

[yogi154]

Thanks Barb , I guess you know the Drill as
I called three CC's today they all said they were full or two sites left. One Lady told me call when your ready and they will have a spot. When I asked about the two sites she said "they tell us to say that" She later told me they have had cancellations today and last week.
I did call the Victoria park in Donna the rate was $ 750 a month or more. Did look like a nice park but Me staying there would be like putting Purfume on a Pig. LOL
Thanks Again Wayne