Not sure if I am on the correct forum or chat place here. But we would like to find out about the kidnappings of gringos and mexicans on the mainland
as four rigs plan a trip around Mexico mainland this winter. Any info would be appreciated. Ben benalyn@juno.comUdo - 9-3-2008 at 08:06 PM
Hola, Ben!
You are correct as to whether you are in the right forum in Baja Nomads.
You have not given us any idea of your destination on the mainland, so may I suggest you go to http://www.yahoousergroups.com and type in the search "Mexico", and you'll come up with several user groups dedicated specifically with mainland
travel.
I do have three friends who are currently traveling the mainland pulling fifth wheels. They have primarily traveled on the west coast of the mainland.
Right now they are in Puerto Vallarta, and going further south. Then they plan on crossing Mexico at the south end and travel to Beliz. Then they plan
on going back up the east coast of the mainland. They are not experienced Mexico travelers, but have the right positive attitude, and so far have not
encountered any problems, or have been warned about problems.
Good luck on your trip!surfer jim - 9-3-2008 at 08:09 PM
Most of the info here will be about BAJA.....but maybe someone can provide some links to other sites.....My feeling is with 4 rigs traveling together
the most to worry about is corrupt police....the kidnappers are after business owners or rich people from what I have read.....Woooosh - 9-3-2008 at 09:23 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by surfer jim
the kidnappers are after business owners or rich people from what I have read.....
yes- which in their economic terms means anyone with an atm card. The mexican middle class is targeted just as often but for smaller amounts. I've
heard some victims work out monthly payments.Mango - 9-4-2008 at 10:27 AM
You should be fine. I've traveled all over Mexico for years by myself on buses without any problems.
I advise getting some cell phones that work and do the usual things when caravan. (Make sure everyone has a map, communication, and a known rally
point for the day if someone gets lost, etc.. )
Some places are a little more risky than others. I'd put TJ, Ciudad Juarez, and Mexico City at the top of that list. Even then I've walked alone in
some of the worst neighborhoods of Mexico City multiple times during the daytime without any problems.
My advice. Keep as low of a profile as you can. That will be hard with a 5th wheel; but, when in and around town you can control that some.
This is what I recommend/do:
-Don't wear a watch or jewelry. Keep your watch in your pocket.
-Keep your camera, cell phone, etc..in a small backpack not on your neck, waist.
-Avoid wearing flashy clothing or shoes. Believe it or not... you CAN really blend in while in crowds, etc.. (I cut labels off, don't wear clothes
with English logos, etc.. people think I'm German all the time. :LOL: )
-The ONLY place I'd worry about bandits stopping you on the road would be the coastal road south of Acapulco (to Totuxtla Gutierrez) and the road from
San Cristobal to Palenque in Chiapas. Both of these roads are a non-issue during the daytime.
-Don't (Really.. DON'T) drive at night. Your far more likely to encounter a drunk, large unmarked gravel pile, VW sized hole in the road, or sudden
end of the road than you will any kind of bandit.
If you don't have it or have not heard of it.. check out Carl Franz's book..."The people's guide to Mexico" It's probably in it umpteenth edition now
and is indispensable. Often it can be found at the local library; but, is well worth having. It has chapters on dealing with Mechanics, Driving,
Restaurants, Customs, Culture, Superstitions, etc.. etc..
Have a great trip and welcome to Baja Nomad.Udo - 9-4-2008 at 04:44 PM
I forgot about the books.
I one of you can read Spanish, pick up the book Guia Roji, available at Amazon. Even the locals use it all over Mexico. It will be the most accurately
informative travel book on Mexico you'll ever see.
Needless to say:
Vehicle insurance, visas, personal insurance, and just in case copy down the death information that Nomad Rob posted: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26508415
Also, log on to yahoo groups: mexico adveture, lots of real time travel information.Udo - 9-4-2008 at 04:50 PM
And, since you will be camping, here is the most favorite book: MEXICAN CAMPING by Mike & Terri Church, which you should already have if you have done your research.
