Winter road trip - south of the border

[luvrbus]

You guys are braver than me. Haven't been to Mexico, LA, or Chicago since the '70s. Only been back to NYC on business a hand full of times since then and it certainly was not a pleasure. I don't get time to travel for pleasure much but when I do, it's gonna be to somewhere that has folks that say howdy, yes sir, no mam, sug, and hon.

TOM

I wouldn't go to Mexico now our government has open the gates of hell paying 6 billion in ransom to free some Americans ,it's open season for kidnapping Americans in foreign countries   

[bobofthenorth]

I wouldn't go to Mexico now our government has open the gates of hell paying 6 billion in ransom to free some Americans ,it's open season for kidnapping Americans in foreign countries

I understand the sentiment but I have the advantage that my vehicles aren't worth stealing and I'm not worth kidnapping.  Seriously though, I think flashier vehicles probably increase the risk.  We have family friends (Mexicans) who had their late model Escalade carjacked in broad daylight on a toll road close to Monterrey taking the family home for Christmas. It definitely happens but people get mugged in Regina and Winnipeg too - even Yorkton. 

I think the biggest risk of foreign travel is that we have an innate radar for danger in familiar environments but that "sixth sense" doesn't necessarily work in a foreign location. I can recognize dangerous locations in Saskatoon but I may not recognize them in San Francisco or San Luis.

[luvrbus]

Crimes were the worst here in the 80's but the last couple of years the crime rate makes the 80's seem like a Chruch picinic,it's bad when preachers are CWC in chruch

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

You should go sometime, the Cocktails make the trip all worthwhile in themselves.

[windtrader]

I completed reviewing the links Gary provided and find going as a group has a number of benefits and some negatives, each are personal leaning of course.
As Gary states, one big benefit is there is expertise to guide you through the process of entr/exit and increasing confidence and safety when travelling in a pack, always in real-time communication. At least for we busnuts driving half century old vehicles, it is comforting to know there are some pairs of hands to help out if needed.

Having the trip planned means you don't have to do that - deciding where to stay, what to see and eat, etc. Yet, it seems to offer great latitutde and time to do as you please. The organized aspects seem pretty like and offer a structure to guide without impinging on one's own wishes.

For three weeks, the price of a thousand for a couple seems quite reasonable. Fee includes all campsites, some meals, etc. Pretty bare bones but that can be a benefit or negative. Personally, we travel quite inependently so the minimum is fine.
Another aspect, benefit or negative, is travelling in a group of 50-100 people and getting to make new friends and avoid some too. LOL I think what is nice is having the option to go solo around or connect with a few others amd name a group day trip.
As to safety, the routes this group takes are as safe as possible. Major well-travelled routes and again safety in numbers. Given the proximity to the border and tourist filled cities, English should not be a problem.

Probably the most concerning after reading and watching it all is the weather. There was mention of it being cold and lots of jackets. It seems during the day it's shorts and tees but evenings might get chilly.
If anyone is seriously considering this trip, read up and be prepared to sign up on the first day. Last trip got sold out in 90 minutes.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I completed reviewing the links Gary provided and find going as a group has a number of benefits and some negatives, each are personal leaning of course.
As Gary states, one big benefit is there is expertise to guide you through the process of entr/exit and increasing confidence and safety when travelling in a pack, always in real-time communication. At least for we busnuts driving half century old vehicles, it is comforting to know there are some pairs of hands to help out if needed.

Having the trip planned means you don't have to do that - deciding where to stay, what to see and eat, etc. Yet, it seems to offer great latitutde and time to do as you please. The organized aspects seem pretty like and offer a structure to guide without impinging on one's own wishes.

For three weeks, the price of a thousand for a couple seems quite reasonable. Fee includes all campsites, some meals, etc. Pretty bare bones but that can be a benefit or negative. Personally, we travel quite inependently so the minimum is fine.
Another aspect, benefit or negative, is travelling in a group of 50-100 people and getting to make new friends and avoid some too. LOL I think what is nice is having the option to go solo around or connect with a few others amd name a group day trip.
As to safety, the routes this group takes are as safe as possible. Major well-travelled routes and again safety in numbers. Given the proximity to the border and tourist filled cities, English should not be a problem.

Probably the most concerning after reading and watching it all is the weather. There was mention of it being cold and lots of jackets. It seems during the day it's shorts and tees but evenings might get chilly.
If anyone is seriously considering this trip, read up and be prepared to sign up on the first day. Last trip got sold out in 90 minutes.

That is exactly why I joined this group.  I had never driven my RV to Mexico before, but this group gave me the opportunity to travel with a group that has done all of the legwork upfront and I knew they would teach me everything I need to know to make this trip, with a lot of hand-holding along the way.

This group will teach you everything regarding insurance, border crossing, Mexican etiquette etc. so you will be very well prepared before you cross the border. I did a 3-hour presentation last year on what to look out for and the customs of the country, such as not flushing TP at the meeting point on this side of the border where we spent 3 days getting prepared and quelling any concerns of issues in Mexico, which are mostly misinformation.  These are great people and it reminds me of back in the 60s when I grew up in a small town.

As for driving an old vehicle, my bus is over 50 years old, and once you get there, you will quickly realize that Mexicans are just like mechanics of old here in the U.S.  They can fix ANYTHING, and they will do it for a fraction of the cost of what it will cost you up here.  So you don't have to be worried about getting repairs done. You actually be shocked when you see their bill in most places. You will think you are living in the 60's again. Also when traveling with this outfit, you are broken up into groups of 5-9 rigs, and there is a leader and a Tail Gunner in each group. If you break down or get stopped by the police, everyone will stop to wait for you and assist.  We try to have one Spanish speaker in each group as well.

The price is cheap. This is a non-profit organization.  Every penny you pay goes toward the rally and to charity causes there. Most other groups charge over $3,000 for the same experience, and can run up to $9,000.

It can get chilly at night, or even in the day.  The average temperature in February is in the 70's during the day, and most Canadians wear shorts at that time, but a short sleeve shirt will be fine most days.  At night, you may want to join the group campfire.  Don't plan to swim in the ocean at that time, but you can wade in.  The problem this year, is that we usually have a nice sandy beach, but the campground this year is a bit dumpy and is not on the beach, and it is not a sandy beach anyway.

Last year the rally sold out in 1 hr 18 minutes, but I was the Wagonmaster and did a well-received presentation about the upcoming rally at the big event in Tuscon and in Rock Springs before that, and put out weekly notices starting in May about the upcoming rally, and I pretty much taught everyone what to expect long before we met at our starting place. 

This year however, the leaders are more laid back, and are not putting much information about this rally out like I did, so I expect this years rally to be more like the norm, which usually does not sell out until around December, or January.  But we will see.

[windtrader]

Gary - I tried to get more info on the trip but it is part of Chapter 8 of Escapees. Apparently, one must join both organizations to be "in". What does Escapees offer these days that one can not easily find on the internet between Facebook groups, other forums, to numerous blogs and social media sites?
The Ecapees membership is only 50 bucks but I could not find any value in the listed benefits.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

Gary - I tried to get more info on the trip but it is part of Chapter 8 of Escapees. Apparently, one must join both organizations to be "in". What does Escapees offer these days that one can not easily find on the internet between Facebook groups, other forums, to numerous blogs and social media sites?
The Ecapees membership is only 50 bucks but I could not find any value in the listed benefits.

Yes, you must join the Escapees club then pay another $10 to join the Mexican Connection group.  I do not attend any Escapees functions except to go to the national rally the past two years to give a presentation on the upcoming Mexican Connection trip.  They have a lot of members, mostly stick-n-staple units and many people enjoy their rallies.  They have several different mini-groups called Birds of a Feather for particular interest as they cover almost everything.  I recommend you join for a year and see what may interest you and if you do not see anything of interest to you, do not renew your membership another year.

[luvrbus]

Escapees work good for full timers that is what is geared towards. Not for the average RV user 

[windtrader]

Escapees work good for full timers that is what is geared towards. Not for the average RV user

Sure as long as you don't want to go on a group trip. Then you need to pay to play.
I'm just feeling like the recent repeated hits for money to join this or that does start adding up. I joined Thousand Trails with Trails Collection ($875), Harvest Host ($140 inc. Bookdockers), Coach-net($250), insurance($850). That nearly two grand just to get on the road the first mile and a place to stay.
Funny, maybe I just talked myself into throwing in another 60, chump change. lol

[luvrbus]

I belonged to group for a year,they had nothing to offer for me,lol then I waste money on FMCA for over 25 years what a deal>If Sonja health was better and they would let you sleep in your RV now I would to the complete Alaska Marine Hiway on the ferry. We did the Bellingham WA to Ketchikan AK in the 90's it was a fun trip and then you could sleep in your RV.I didn't like Copper Canyon Mexico train ride she booked us on 1 year it sucked to me 

[windtrader]

As I was scanning through the Escapee forum, it was feeling like a bunch of old folk moaning and bitching about just about everything, not much positive until one post mentioned Xscapers? Somehow related to Escapees?
It is like the new generations of RV travelers form a RV lifestyle group under the Escapees umbrella. Lots of enthusiasm, interesting people, varying interests, and desire to be on the road. https://xscapers.com/about/  https://bash.xscapers.com/about-us/
They have numerous meetups throughout the year, mostly in the southwest. Here is a link to the big annual gathering. https://bash.xscapers.com
Taking part in this group makes joining Escapees a simple decision now. Like Chapter 8, these sub groups need to be promoted in a way to attract new members.

[windtrader]

Gary - you were right, the winter trip is sold out. That is a big group, pluses and minuses. Understand there is safety in numbers and group wisdom but a small group is able to stay in smaller parks. But until one experiences it first hand, it's very difficult to know what you like the best. I'm on the wait list, will see.

[Melbo]

I am signed up for a one bus caravan and rally to Rocky Point.  I have the bus and didn't have to pay a membership fee.  No rally fee and I get to plan what the meal is and what time it is served.  We take daily excursions to special activities all planned and arranged by me and the rally coordinator.  However we will be staying at Playa De Oro and will have to put up with the bad cell and internet service.

Melbo and Billie

[luvrbus]

Mel does Starlink work down south ?