RVing Mexico: A Mini Series
by David Eidell
RVers Online is indebted to veteran RVer David Eidell, who has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and Central America -- and presently is writing a comprehensive guide book for those who may be contemplating their first RVing adventure to Mexico. We think you'll find his insights and guidance an invaluable source of information -- much of which is simply not available anywhere else. We hope this series will help make your RV travels to Mexico thoroughly enjoyable.
- RVing in Mexico: Evaluating the Risks
- Ultra Low Sulpur Diesel Fuel in Mexico: Here's the current status...
- ArtMexTiresBatteries.html In case you find the need to purchase tires or batteries in Mexico, you'll want to read this first.
- The Paper Chase This one is all about documents, permits, and regulations that pertain to taking yourself, your famility, and your vehicle into Mexico. Learn precisely what is required, and make your entry as easy as possible. (Updated 06/08)
- Understanding Mexican Fuels: Some important information about what to expect in the way of fuels when traveling in Mexico.
- Gift Giving Suggestions. For those that would like to take along a special item or two that would be greatly appreciated by someone living in Mexico.
- Costs for RVers Visiting Mexico, Summer 2008
- RVers Guide to City of Lazaro Cardenas
- RV Safety in Mexico -- May, 2008 Update
- Tourist Cards Update - Spring 2008
- Recommended Reading: David suggests books for travel in Mexico
- RV Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers in Mexico: Here's what the serious RV traveler to Mexico will want to know about staying comfortable.
- Treating No-See-Um bites -- survival in Mexico!
- RVers "Secret": A new discovery for RVers that may be in the vicinity of Playa Azul -- read on!
- Diabetic RVers Guide for Mexico: Some special information is provided here for those that need to travel safely with diabetic concerns.
- Tips on Money in Mexico: David provides some excellent insights into the various options for obtaining and using money in Mexico. Don't miss this one if you're headed south of the border.
- Mexico's Green Angels: What a wonderful sight to see -- the patroling Green Angel's truck pulling up to offer a free tire change that had you shut down on a highway in Mexico.
- Surviving a Breakdown: For some it sounds like the ultimate nightmare -- a breakdown in Mexico. But with the right preparation, and knowledge of how to proceed, many RV travelers to Mexico will have greater peace of mind after reading this unique contribution.
- Shopping Mexico Costco and Sam's Club Stores: One might expect that a Costco or Sam's Club in Mexico would carry the same goods one finds north of the border. Not so, according to David, who cautions what items you might want to bring along as spares.
- Precautions for Trailering a Boat to or through Mexico: In responding to a reader inquiry about trailering a boat through Mexico to Central America, David provides detailed advice on how to secure the trailer, and tips for how to get the job done safely.
- "Espeaking Espanish": Here's a set of ideas about how to learn some Spanish to make your next journey to Mexico much more enjoyable.
- The Top 5 Most Common Mistakes of Newbies RVing Mexico: David asked that this item to to the top of the list of his many contributed articles to provide guidance and information for RVers planning to visit Mexico. You'll see why!
- Mexico in the Summer? Many RVers consider Mexico only a suitable "winter" destination. But such may not be the case. See David's assessment of some great summertime RV destinations.
- Mexico Hwy 200: Confusion! Rvers heading south of the border are likely to miss one of the best new toll roads if they don't read David's "heads up" on this one...
- Fellow Travelers: An abstract writing that depicts the extra spirit of adventure that is frequently found in RVers who choose to extend their RV travels south of the border.
- RVers Guide to Patzcuaro Here's another of David's special finds in Mexico. This high-altitude destination is one that few RVers will likely ever see -- especially if they're driving big rigs. Another destination for the adventurous!
- American Gothic At Hot Eye: A catchy title describing the scene at a very out of the way retreat in Mexico most Americans would never find.
- Hurricane! While this article describes severe wind conditions in the context of RV travels in Mexico, surely it is applicable to RV travels anywhere that high winds might be encountered. There are some excellent tips here...
- Favorite Mexican Restaurants: David shares some secret tips for those in pursuit of that "very special" restaurant in Mexico.
- Mexican Insurance: Legal Aid: Everyone know that when you drive in Mexico you need liability coverage from a Mexican Insurance company. But what about that "legal aid" rider? Is that important. If you think not, think again after reading this article.
- All About Mexican Fuels: Any first-time RVer to Mexico will soon discovere there are some very different labels south of the border. Moreover, it's crucial to understand as well how to make sure you get what you pay for at the fuel pump!
- Overnight in a Pemex Station: It seems as if the Wal Mart spirit is alive and living at many Pemex stations south of the border. David explains the basics of how this is done.
- More on San Cristobal...: This location so captured David and a number of Canadian and American visitors that all postponed their departure from this town. Here are the "must see" highlights of the area.
- San Cristobal de Las Casas: This is an RVers "thumbnail guide" to a little know destination if the far southern portion of Mexico. Given the paucity of information about this area, this is a must read for anyone contemplating a trip here.
- I Heard a Jaguar: In this amazing and untamed rainforest on the border between Mexico and Guatamala one can find the most exotic creatures on earth. David expresses his anticipation of venturing into this unknown area.
- Insider's Look at RVing Chiapas: It seems that this supposedly dangerous place to visit might be far different that we've pictured.
- Mexico's Isthmus of Tehuantepec - Watch Those Winds! According to David, you may not find this information from any other source -- but if you plan to travel in this region, be forwarned about watching the weather before venturing across the passage he describes here!
- Tepantepec Oaxaca -- San Cristobal de Las Casas CHIAPAS. Passing a roadsign on southbound on Highway 190 signals you're departing Oaxaca, and entering Chiapas. A land of fascinating sights and more than just a little history of social and political unrest. Here are some first impressions.
- RVers Guide to Chiapas: This has to be one of the more adventuresome destinations for those RVingin Mexico. David explains the history of the problems in this southern portion of Mexico, and advises on steps to minimize the risks of travel there.
- Mexico's South Pacific Coast Highways: As part of a trip heading to Central America, David describes some of the the conditions you can expect to encounter along this ever-more-southern route.
- A DRIVING TRIP TO COZUMEL: In response to a reader inquiry about driving an RV to Cozumel, David provide an email reply that we thought was so good we would preserve it as a separate short article for those of our readers who might contemplate such a trip in the future.
- INSIDE MAZATLAN: After spending considerable time in Mazatlan, David wrote a note for our Mailbox detailing some of the special finds he's discovered there. Since we didn't want to lose these gems of advice, we've copied this Mailbox item into a short article here.
- BUDGETING YOUR RV TRAVELS IN MEXICO: The amount of money required to travel in Mexico can vary significantly, depending on your itinerary and travel "style". David explains some of the basic considerations that can help keep costs down while enjoying your RV travels in Mexico.
- THE LANGUAGE NON-BARRIER: Many RVers have trepidations about visiting a foreign country where they cannot speak the language. But a closer look at just how much of a problem is -- or really isn't -- should serve to assuage those concerns.
- VISITING OUR MEXICAN NEIGHBORS: Many RVers traveling to Mexico may be missing out on the most important resource they'll come across -- the wonderful Mexican people. However customs are different in Mexico, and most Americans are woefully uninformed about some simple things that can greatly enhance our interaction with the Mexicon people. This is a must read two part series.
- THE COLONIAL CITIES: When RVers think of Mexico, typically images of sandy beaches come to mind. But increasingly the interior colonial cities are attracting attention. Here's why -- and some suggestions for where to go.
- THE PACIFIC RIVIERA: After reviewing some of the Mexican beach resorts better known to RVers, David just keeps on heading south, exploring the much less traveled roads south of Mazatlan. There's something here for everyone!
- EMERGENCY MEDICAL IN MEXICO: Here David traces through a hypothetical medical emergency that might happen anywhere in Mexico, and provides a real-life example of how to deal with such a situation.
- GETTING ONLINE IN MEXICO: Only a short time ago even making a phone call from Mexico was an intimidating experience. But times are changing, and there are now some viable new options to stay in touch via the internet while enjoying the pleasures of RVing Mexico.
- THE WINE COUNTRY OF MEXICO: We enjoyed learning not only about some fun places to visit not far south of the border, but also an interesting and very helpful way to get there and back. We think many readers would like to learn about the option of entering and departing Mexico through Tecate.
- IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN MEXICO? Particularly in light of the unthinkable terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, RVers may wonder about any potential increased risks of RV travel in Mexico. Here's our expert's view on ths subject.
- WEATHER IN MEXIO: Most of us think about Mexico as a great place to find balmy weather even in the dead of winter. Here David explores in considerable detail the different weather patterns in various parts of Mexio. He helps you plan both when and where in Mexico you may wish to point your RV.
- MEXICAN INSURANCE FOR RVers: Responding in part to some questions of our own, David describes the basics of RV and towed vehicle insurance in Mexico; provides some online resources for comparing rates; and provides a comprehensive description of precisely what steps to take in the unlikely event that insurance policy should ever come into play. This is a MUST read.
- DRIVING IN MEXICO: This is perhaps the most comprehensive and instructive article we've seen anywhere. It's a must read for any RVer preparing to travel on Mexico's highways sytsem. You'll learn what to expect, how to "read" the signs (and non-signs!), and how to ensure your trip can be as incident free as possible.
- SHOPPING FOR FOOD IN MEXICO: Again, a "must read" article for the RVer who is considering spending considerable time in Mexico -- whether by caravan or solo. Learn what you'll need to take -- but equally important what qualifies as "You can leave home without it"... (updated 09/07)
- DINING OUT IN MEXICO: Another extensive article, this time outlining all the fine points of how to approach eating out in Mexico -- from the humblest of taco stands on the street corner to the largest tourist resorts. This one even includes a secret Mexican recipe for salsa!
- RV SAFETY IN MEXICO: We've had a number of RVers inquire about considerations of personal safety when traveling in Mexico. We were pleased when our expert on this topic, David Eidell, offered up some thoughts which we think you'll find excellent reading.
- BAJA TRAVEL: MULEGE TO CABO SAN LUCAS: For those heading to the far southern tip of Baja, here's some information you'll want to take along with you -- because you'll likely not find it anywhere else!
- BAJA BEACH CAMPING: For those who've always wanted to know how to set up your RV destination at one of those spectacular Baja beaches -- here's how it's done.
- A GUIDE TO MULEGE BEACHES: We've personally visited the sites described here, and we think this is an excellent summary of some wonderful places to consider...
- LA PAZ TO MATZATLAN BY FERRY: If you want to take this trip, we know you'll want to know all the tips you can gather to prepare for this adventure. David walks you step-by-step through everything you'll need to know.
- DON'T DRINK THE WATER? This seems to be the most common issue discussed about travel in Mexico. Here's all you'll need to get along in comfort and safety.
- PURCHASING "PROPANE": As you'll quickly discover, in Mexico the fuel used in Butane, not Propane. Find out how it works, as well as where and how to buy it.
- TIPS FOR ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS IN MEXICO: We may take a bit too much for granted based on what we're used to north of the border. As the need for air conditioning goes up to the south, we need to know how to survive on 15 amps.
- FORMULAS, FORMULAS: Instead of dollars, we use pesos. Instead of gallons, we buy liters. So how do you figure out what the price of gas or diesel is in Mexico?
- PURCHASING MEDICINES: With Mexico being such a popular place for visiting Americans to puchase various types of medications, you'll want to know how to shop for them -- what to purchase, and what to avoid.
- COMMUNICATIONS IN MEXICO: If you think Ma Bell is the source of an occasional problem, wait 'til you see what you need to know about calling home from Mexico. David also reviews the options for mail service -- from regular mail delivery to rural areas (a month if it arrives...) to some faster options.
- SOME TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY: It seems that many travelers to Mexico fear the worst from each Mexican beverage or meal. Our veteran Mexico traveler explores the myths and realities of "Moctezuma's Revenge".
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