Ever since we announced our plans to retire and travel the world we have been the source of constant unsolicited advice by people who get their opinions from cable news regarding the hardships and danger.
This time I discuss our driving trip through “dangerous” Mexico and all the “hardships” we encountered after crossing the border in Laredo.
See also:
- Non-Financial Tips to Enjoy Your Retirement
- Traveling to Panajachel, Guatemala
- Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing
I know everyone is different and our experience is by definition unique but we had no unusual problems at all. The only thing I might do differently next time is to take several more days en route to see the sights along the way. Mexico is a beautiful and highly diverse country.
While everyone needs to use common sense if you are afraid to come to Mexico because of the media hype, you are missing out on a very special place. During our drive w, of course,e encountered desert but we also saw, lush forests, huge mountains and volcanoes, waterfalls, raging whitewater rivers, lush agricultural areas and more.
Almost every different area had a different feel and depending on the area, different roadside vendors selling every imaginable food item from strawberries and cream (fresas con crema) to drinks made with cold coconut milk and sugar (pozo frio), cactus fruit (tuna), to delicious barbeque.
We have also made several road trips around the Yucatan Peninsula during our stay so far and have encountered no problems other than where to stop for lunch and choosing what to see. Again, all experiences are different and trouble can find you anywhere but because we have not let fear paralyze us into staying home, we are getting to have a lot of experiences we might have otherwise had.
I traveled Mexico solo for four months last year, everywhere from Baja California del Sur to Palenque in the southern state of Chiapas. Even stayed two weeks at the bottom of remote, gorgeous Copper Canyon. I never had a single bit of trouble and as you say, Mexico is a stunning place, especially if you get off the beaten track of “created” tourist towns and into the interior of the country. Thanks for echoing my sentiments about Mexico being a safe destination, as long as you use common sense.
I’ve never been to Mexico, but your post reminded me of our trip to West Texas last spring. People warned me that it would be boring, there’d be nothing to do, etc., but we had a wonderful time! I thought the landscape was so fascinating, and we enjoyed our time in Marfa and Big Bend NP. Just goes to show you, you have to experience a place for yourself rather than let others tell you what it’s “really” like.
EXACTLY! You should try Mexico. The geography and the history is amazing!