The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Why Mexico?

When we bought a motorhome, we were originally planning on spending the winter in the southern United States as many "snowbirds" from Canada and the northern United States do. But our friends Glen and Steve were planning on exploring the Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and we decided to join them.

At the end of our Baja trip, we took the ferry to Mazatlan and then the inland highway back to Laredo, Texas. We didn't do much exploring during this portion of the trip, but what we learned was that there is a LOT more to see and do in mainland Mexico than there is in the Baja.

The majority of our first winter was spent on the Baja Peninsula between (A) and (B).

The next winter, once again we were planning on the southern U.S. but this time Glen and Steve invited us to join them for mainland Mexico. We hummed and hawed, but eventually decided that we would probably never do it on our own so we joined them once again. 

Our second winter in Mexico.

And then we were hooked.

I don't think there's one single reason we would rather come to Mexico, however there is a combination of reasons that for us make Mexico far better than the southern U.S.. In no particular order...

The Weather. In the southern U.S., good weather is not guaranteed. Yes, California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida typically have the best weather in the U.S., but it can be cold, wet, and windy. Mexico on the other hand has a lot of choice depending on what you're looking for, and it's pretty much guaranteed. Want blue sky and sunshine with temperatures every day of 32C (90F)? Head for the Pacific Coast between Acapulco and Puerto Escondido. It's pretty much guaranteed that's what you'll get every single day of the winter. Want cooler daytime highs? Head inland only a few hours and you'll be up in the mountains where things get a little cooler.

The Prices. From food to fuel to booze, everything is cheaper in Mexico. Although if you hang around in touristy areas that have a lot of "gringos", you will pay more than you need to. If you try and do things the way the locals do, you can get by on very little money compared to the rest of North America.

The People and their Culture. This one is hard to explain unless you've been here to experience it. Because really, we have met wonderful people all over North America. But for some reason, the Mexican people have a different attitude towards welcoming strangers. They are exceedingly warm and hospitable people. Of course you won't really experience this in places like the Cancun beach zone, or Puerto Vallarta. But that's one of the reasons we stay away from those types of places. 

The exploring. We'll agree that there's lots to see in the warmer parts of the U.S., and some time we want to explore New Mexico, more of Texas, and we've never really seen much of California. We would like to see more of those places. Florida isn't our style, and we've seen and done as much as we want to do there. But when you've seen the ruins at Palenque, or the monarch butterflies in the mountains of Morelia, you realize how much more there is to offer down here.

The main palace at the ruins of Palenque.

Thousands of monarch butterflies weigh down the tree branches.


34 comments:

  1. I, for one, am glad you're in Mexico and sharing your experiences with us.

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    1. Thank you Jim and Sandie. We are happy to pass them along to our readers too!

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  2. Gosh, so many places to explore! BTW, you forgot(?) to mention Arizona in those future Southern US explorations. Of course, by the time you get here, we're be there! I'm sure we'll meet up somewhere in the future. I really enjoyed reading your reasons for traveling Mexico. We wanna go!
    Grace & Steve (in Tucson)

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    1. I did forget Arizona! Although we have been there before, there is a lot more to see.

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  3. Hey guys, keep on sharing!
    We look forward to reading about your tenting trip.
    Cheers, P&S.

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  4. X2 on everything you said about Mexico.

    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

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  5. Mexico sounds a great place to be. Climate and prices appeal to me.

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    1. You need to come and visit Paul. We could do a "home/motorhome" swap with you! :)

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  6. We enjoy reading about your travels no matter where you go. Hubby just asked "What are our friends up to today?" I had to laugh! Carry on, friends!!!
    Connie in PA

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  7. I may be criticized for suggesting this---but I am wondering if the warmth and hospitality exhibited by Mexicans is simply because they see us as cash cows. I just wish there wasn't such a stark economic disparity.

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    1. No, I don't think that's the case Diugo. It's simply a cultural thing.

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  8. I sometimes have a problem posting on your blog. My comment days ago about setting anytime for Happy Hour didn't get through. On today;s blog you mention the possibility of cool and rainy weather in Florida in winter, but winter is the dry season. Why in the world would ANYONE choose Mexico over Florida?

    Of course this is coming from Paul and Helen who spend the winter in Mexico, the summer in Canada, and spring and fall in Inverness, Florida.

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    1. Not sure why you are having a problem commenting Paul. We haven't heard from anyone else saying that they were having problems.

      Florida may not have the rainy weather in the winter but they have had some very cool/cold winters over the past five years or so. Florida, is just too busy, crowded and touristy for us. Mind you we have found a number of places that we did enjoy in central Florida but not enough to make us want to go back any time soon.

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  9. I completely agree with you about Mexico and we did three months there enjoying the small towns and villages. But just cannot get my wife to agree to go again. Two reasons, she gets a little (a lot) panicky, where I just love it but thats her, so is not worth the aggravation. Second reason is we can stay for the same period of time in Arizona on BLM land and membership parks saving the extra cost of vehicle insurance, permits, tolls and fuel.
    I envy you and guess I will have to enjoy Mexico thru your eyes.
    Florida eh, been there done that, not for us yet, maybe when we get too old to go further, never know.
    Keep up the good work!

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    1. One day we too, will enjoy the sights of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and the list goes on. There are just too many places calling out to us!

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  10. Mexico has a lot more to see and do than most Norte Americano's will ever know or dare to find out. Fear sell, but it's a gift to those that are willing to look deeper.

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    1. So very true. I think another reason that we love Mexico so much is there is still so much out there that is still in such a natural state without the commericalism that you see in many parts of Canada and USA.

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  11. Great post. One of the neat things I like about the Mexican culture is the oft stated goal of having things "tranquillo" or "tranquil" in English I guess.

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    1. Yes, we love the fact that things are very laid back here and people just don't get upset at the little things.

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  12. I love that shot of the fishing boat silhouetted against the sun with the pelicans looking on...just beautiful. Loved it the first time around, too...

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  13. Best way for me to describe Mexico is if you remember the feeling in the 1950s among people, you will understand the feeling in Mexico. NOT cash cows but true interest and manners.

    Florida, what can I say. Have RV'd both and no comparison. Problem is you have to RV in Mexico to understand. MUCH, Much, much more relaxed in Mexico. Unfortunately we have to take the RV to Florida this winter but it is a 80% business trip. Would do it if $ were not involved. Will make it to Mexico withing weeks after our return from FL.

    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

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    1. Have to agree with you on your analogy of Mexico being life was like in the 1950's. People care about each other, take the time to talk to their neighbours, help one and other and spend time with their families.

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  14. Wow I should check my text before I push the publish button. Sorry!

    "Would NOT do it if $ were not involved. Will make it to Mexico WITHIN weeks after our return from FL."

    Sorry again,
    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

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  15. Sounds like an "intro" for a new book on Mexico rv travel. Hmmm.

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  16. Why Mexico?.....it's the people of course! and how they prioritize life...Which is in this order:
    #1 Family
    #2 Friends
    #3 Work
    Majority of North Americans are just the exact opposite. Gotta keep up with Jones crap!
    We've spent many many months in the Akumal,QR area over the last 10 years and made many Mexican friends..

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    1. We so totally agree with you on this! We too have made many Mexican friends and will enjoy meeting up with them throughout our travels this winter.

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  17. do you have any blog entries about the rv parks and roads away from tourist areas. I'd love to revisit where I spent a lot of time in the Yucatan and mountains but we have a 50 amp sucking big rig (42'). Any chance there's decent parks beyond Baja and north MX?

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    1. In the Yucatan area there is only one RV park suitable for a big rig, and it's ridiculously expensive. There are some places you can find on the Pacific coast. Lo de Marcos has one... http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2014/12/tlaquepaque-bungalows-and-rv-resort.html

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    2. There is one other one in the state of Michoacan that has 50amp service and can accommodate at 42' unit but it is rather difficult to get to. Once you are there it is wonderful and the host is amazing. Definitely not a tourist area either.
      www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2016/02/san-juan-del-lago-rv-park.html

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