Community Forums

Kayjulia · 05-25-2010, 09:11 PM

I spent several months in Mexico this winter and had a good time met a lot of nice folks both Mx Cd and US. No more problems (maybe less) than up here in the U.S.. Of course nobody believes me

JohnLori · 05-26-2010, 10:01 AM

Here's a link to a new Mexico forum. It's just getting started but we see potential for it to be the 'go to' forum for Mexico traveling. We've spent the last 2 winters in Mexico and love it.

MEXICO RV FORUMS • Index page

The more people that know about this forum, the faster it will grow and the better it will be so spread the word.

hamguy · 05-26-2010, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanbnv

I still would like to see a Mexico traveler forum on here, we have a Canuck forum, why not one for Mexico travelers. RVnet has one which is why I go there anymore, but it usually deteriorates into some jerks who don't have a clue, slamming Mexico and calling anyone who travels there stupid, and then the moderators have to spend their time deleting posts. It might take some time for people to find out about it so it might take a while to catch on though.

Anecdotal evidence is not dispositive. And I certainly don't believe you are stupid. But as one who has traveled into Mexico for nearly 50 years, I see changes down there that have convinced me to use extreme caution when considering a trip into Mexico.

You can dismiss the thousands of murders within 100 miles of the border if you choose, but I will forego trips down there until the Mex. Gov't puts forth an effort to stabilize that area. Besides, why should I spend $$ in a country that is doing its darndest to harm US.

Stanbnv · 05-26-2010, 10:34 AM

There are many folks who feel as you do hamguy, we are sort of leaning the same way, although it is a moot point until Oct 2011, as we are taking care of medical problems and won't be traveling until then. There seem to be, as you say, particular areas where the violence is most prevalent, although it seems to be spreading, as in the incident on the 21st outside Las Varas, and the hijacking several weeks ago outside Mazatlan. That is why I like to see as much first hand reporting as I can.

vegascouple · 05-27-2010, 10:39 AM

I think you should use common sense and caution traveling anywhere. That is where you get into problems, if you do stupid things, you'll have problems. Many American cities are far more dangerous than most towns in Mexico.

As for the drug war, it’s our fault! We can’t give up the failed war on drugs. We spend Billions trying to control Marijuana, for example. Our legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco are far more dangerous, and they are by far more expensive public health problems. Anyone want to make the case that our war on drug is making Marijuana hard to get? Anyone know of a DA anywhere in the country that is enforcing Marijuana possession laws? Why continue these failed policies that bring murder to every major city in the US as well as Mexico? Why is it that we continue to send Billions to our enemies who supply us with drugs and oil? We are a country who always wants to blame someone else, but in this case the responsibility is ours! Would it not make more sense to legalize Marijuana and tax it?

As for spending money in Mexico, follow this logic. If we spend money in Mexico they won’t need to come here to feed their families. If you don’t want Mexicans in the US then travel there and spend a little money. Having said that I’d prefer you didn’t all do it at once. We’ll have to compete for RV spaces! We’ve been in Mexico twice this year with the motor home, never seen or even heard of anyone having a problem.

hamguy · 05-28-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegascouple

I think you should use common sense and caution traveling anywhere. That is where you get into problems, if you do stupid things, you'll have problems. Many American cities are far more dangerous than most towns in Mexico.

As for the drug war, it’s our fault! We can’t give up the failed war on drugs. We spend Billions trying to control Marijuana, for example. Our legal drugs, alcohol and tobacco are far more dangerous, and they are by far more expensive public health problems. Anyone want to make the case that our war on drug is making Marijuana hard to get? Anyone know of a DA anywhere in the country that is enforcing Marijuana possession laws? Why continue these failed policies that bring murder to every major city in the US as well as Mexico? Why is it that we continue to send Billions to our enemies who supply us with drugs and oil? We are a country who always wants to blame someone else, but in this case the responsibility is ours! Would it not make more sense to legalize Marijuana and tax it?

As for spending money in Mexico, follow this logic. If we spend money in Mexico they won’t need to come here to feed their families. If you don’t want Mexicans in the US then travel there and spend a little money. Having said that I’d prefer you didn’t all do it at once. We’ll have to compete for RV spaces! We’ve been in Mexico twice this year with the motor home, never seen or even heard of anyone having a problem.

Ho Hum.

read & learn · 06-01-2010, 06:10 AM

We have also spend 2 winters in Mexico and love the area we stay in. Now having said that, Will we go back, as of right now yes. Do we feel we have to watch what is happening in Mexico, Yes just like we watch what is happening in the USA.
In 2 years the only problems we heard was Mexican vs Mexican and a couple with an RV that broke down on a deserted area of road when some Mexicans stopped and wanted to help, the couple became a little bit nevous. Now the Mayors of the 2 town have increased patrols in this area.

JohnLori · 06-02-2010, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegascouple

I We’ve been in Mexico twice this year with the motor home, never seen or even heard of anyone having a problem.

As much as we love going to Mexico, and have spent the last couple of winters in Zihuatanejo, it is a disservice to others who are planning the trip to simply dismiss the fact that there are some hazards involved.

These two Canadian couples were camped with us at Chimulco, which is about an hour south of Guadalajara, near Lake Chapala. Canadian couple's vacation turns into a nightmare | Canada | News | Toronto Sun

Yes, there are dangerous US cities, and yes, the problems in Mexico are not usually targeted at Gringos (who are mostly Canadians, since we met up with very few Americans that far south), but a traveler needs to be aware of all the facts in order to be able to make an informed decision.

read & learn · 06-02-2010, 07:24 AM

Even after what happen to the Millers they still plan on going back to Mexico as stated in the article.
They realize what happen to them could have been anywhere.
John Lori will this problem stop you from returning to Mexico or like myself check out what is happening next winter to decide what we will do.

JohnLori · 06-02-2010, 10:19 AM

Read and learn: Let me be clear, the problems in Mexico will asolutely NOT deter us from going back. We love Mexico and her people.

Like you, we will assess the situation next fall, but I would rather base my decision on all the information I can get, and not blindly assume that there are no problems.

While I agree crime can happen anywhere, when was the last time you heard of two RV's being stopped at a roadblock and stolen in the US or Canada? Obviously, this kind of crime is also very unusual in Mexico as well, but to be forewarned is to be forearmed. The other side of the coin is that, after the Mazatlán incident and this incident, we saw a greatly increased presence of Federales on the cuotas.

Gary - K7GLD · 06-02-2010, 12:10 PM

We've made several trips to Mexico in the past - as tourists, not Rvers on extended stays. And while the country, prices, and general population are decent and attractive, the government and "law enforcement" worry us enough that you couldn't PAY us to return - even in past years, let alone current conditions.

Mexico "no more dangerous than the US"? You must not really be paying attention to current events - or else you commonly drive your RV thru the gang areas of L.A., Chicago or N.Y....

There are enough scenic areas on THIS side of the border to keep us occupied, without taking a chance traveling thru a potential war zone to get in and out of Mexico!

hamguy · 06-03-2010, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD

We've made several trips to Mexico in the past - as tourists, not Rvers on extended stays. And while the country, prices, and general population are decent and attractive, the government and "law enforcement" worry us enough that you couldn't PAY us to return - even in past years, let alone current conditions.

Mexico "no more dangerous than the US"? You must not really be paying attention to current events - or else you commonly drive your RV thru the gang areas of L.A., Chicago or N.Y....

There are enough scenic areas on THIS side of the border to keep us occupied, without taking a chance traveling thru a potential war zone to get in and out of Mexico!

I was a criminal defense attorney in AZ and had the opportunity to see and compare the legal structure between the two countries. I will say one thing: You can expect equitable treatment in the US. You have NO civil rights in Mexico. You are totally at the mercy of the local law enforcement. And I can tell you that it is not fun.

Should you be stopped for some infraction, either real or imagined, you will NOT enjoy the outcome.

Gary - K7GLD · 06-03-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamguy

I was a criminal defense attorney in AZ and had the opportunity to see and compare the legal structure between the two countries. I will say one thing: You can expect equitable treatment in the US. You have NO civil rights in Mexico. You are totally at the mercy of the local law enforcement. And I can tell you that it is not fun.

Should you be stopped for some infraction, either real or imagined, you will NOT enjoy the outcome.

It's been a few years since we were last down there - but the "payoff a cop" routine was in full force - get stopped for NO reason, and then fork over a few US dollars bribe money to get released and on your way - to the NEXT imaginary infraction and payoff...

Don't pay - and be VERY sorry...

JohnLori · 06-04-2010, 12:57 PM

To be fair, Mexico is diligently trying to change the culture of mordida. In the last couple of years we have seen real progress, in that we have had several interactions with the policia and other officials, and they were all very professional. There were no bribes requested or offered.

In one case I was stopped for running a red light (which I could not see due to the myriad of other lights and signs on the pole--but that is another matter). The Bucerias municipal police officer explained my transgression, suggested I watch more closely in the future, shook my hand, and we parted ways.

Granted, this was not the case 10 or even 5 years ago, but now it is the consensus among fellow travelers we met that this is so.