Swine Flu: Is It Safe to RV Mexico?

While the big RV Mexico travel season is winding down, some RVers find Mexico an enjoyable off-season attraction. But with reports saturating the media regarding the outbreak of swine influenza, some wonder if it's wise to travel south of the border at this time. Yesterday the US Department of State and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) weighed in on the matter, issuing a Travel Alert. Here is a portion of that official notice:

"The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an April 27 notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. " That advisory is in place until July 27.

How do you weigh in on what is "essential" travel to Mexico? During a call-in segment on a National Public Radio yesterday, callers agonized over the situation. One father reported his son was slated to travel to Mexico as the Best Man for a big wedding. What would the "experts" recommend? Of course, the experts cautiously pussyfooted around the issue, urging the callers to use their best judgment as to differentiate between "nonessential," and "essential. We can empathize with would-be travelers. This columnist recently had a Mexico-installed dental crown come loose. Do I consider getting the thing fixed "essential" and run whatever risk there is, traveling into Mexico, or do I put up with the missing mouth part?

For us, we've decided to take a "wait and see," view of the matter. For my part, I'm chewing on the other side of my mouth and waiting to see how the influenza situation shapes up over the next week or two. Others may feel that their needs in Mexico outweigh perceived risks. If you're among the latter, here's some "boiled down" advice from the CDC:

Before you go, visit your doctor and ask about getting a prescription for an antiviral to take in advance of visiting a possibly infected area. This is particularly recommended for folks with chronic health conditions. Consider obtaining medical evacuation insurance--should you come down sick in Mexico, getting "home" treatment is a big plus. You might also lay in a small stock of surgical masks.

Take personal precautions: Wash your hands frequently--that means with soap and water, and not just for a few seconds. A minimum of a 20-second scrub is generally recognized as safe by health officials--and don't shut off the water with your hands, use a paper towel. If you can't lay your hands on soap and water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue. If you don't have tissue, don't use your bare hands, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Be sure to wash up again! And avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as influenza and other viruses are easily spread by this route.

Don't hang out in places where infected persons might be confined with you--a theater or subway, for example. Listen to local health authority notices and follow their instructions.

What are the symptoms of the influenza? Fever, cough and sore throat, aches and pains and tiredness, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If you feel you are getting ill, don't travel except to seek medical care. If you don't know where to find a doctor, call the US Embassy or Consular office. If you don't know how to find one, call back to the Overseas Citizens Services desk at 00 1 202-501-4444.

Be safe.

Washington RVers Can Enhance Their Driver License for Mexi-Travel

Ever since Uncle Sam decreed that a passport or passport card would be required to return from Mexico by "ground entry," there's been an off-again on-again flurry of activity to make the system work. Passports are expensive critters, particularly if you don't plan on going anywhere but Mexico or Canada by ground or sea. Now Washington State makes it possible to pass the border checkpoints with your Washington driver license.

Under the new program, Washington residents can get an "enhanced" driver license or identification card with the required electronic chip that Border Patrol officials can read with their sophisticated equipment. If you already have a standard driver license or ID card, for another $15 you can add the enhancement features.

There are a few "catches," involved. You'll need to apply in person at one of the state's participating driver license stations, and provide proof of birth, residency, etc. You'll also need to agree to having the chip in your new card, and agree to a biometric scan. The latter is a process where a photo of your face (without glass or head covering) is made, and computerized measurements are taken from the photo and entered into a database. This will prevent anybody that kind of "looks like you" from snagging your license and trying to pass themselves off as you.

The new enhanced driver license or ID card will be good for travel into both Canada and Mexico.

Travel Alert advises Americans to be careful in Mexico

The U.S. Government issued the following Travel Alert on Feb. 20, 2009 for U.S. citizens traveling or planing to travel in Mexico:

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico
The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border
Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Safe to RV Mexico? AAA Says Yes

The automobile club, AAA of Arizona says that reports of Mexico being an unsafe travel destination for RVers may be highly exaggerated. As reported in dcourier.com, a AAA spokesman reports that reports of violence on American tourists are sparse, and generally not where Americans commonly travel.

Focusing on one area where the Norte Americano dollar goes a long way, AAA says Rocky Point (just below Lukeville, Arizona) is a great destination, with some bargains to be found in RV resorts. As quoted by dcourier, Linda Gorman, a AAA tourism specialist says, "Rocky Point is pretty Americanized. A lot of the people speak English, and there are some chain businesses popping up down there. But the bottom line is, it's still a foreign country so don't be lulled by a sense of security."

First, she said, check your car. Make sure it's in good running order, and that you carry a car care kit. "You don't want to break down in Mexico," she said.

A regular visitor to the area, Mike Johnsen told the dcourier that one of the biggest improvements is to Highway 85 that runs from the border 60 miles to Rocky Point.

"In the early days, it was all you could do not to fall off the edge of the road. Today, it's nicely paved, with wide shoulders and reflectors, and it's striped well," he said.

Nevertheless, don't forget to insure your rig with insurance provided by a recognized Mexican insurance carrier--American policies don't count south of the border. Sticking to the main traveled highways is recognized as an important safety consideration.

photo: D Guisinger on flickr.com

RVers Report Some Tourism Falloff

With the American economy 'in the tank,' and warnings of violence south of the border, some RVers are reporting a falloff in the number of "Norte Americanos" who're bringing their RVs into Mexico this winter.

One RV forum member now in San Blas, on deep in the south end of Mexico's Pacific coast reports about the same number of tourists as earlier years, but notes resorts to the north are seeing less traffic. Another RVer writes from the south end of the Baja Peninsula (Los Barrilies) that tourism is so far off that hotels have closed, charter fishing companies have dry docked their boats, and restaurateurs are closing early.

Overall, it seems tourism is down, down, down the closer you are to the US.

photo: mikelicht,notionscapital.com on flickr.com

Mexico Travel Warnings: Controversy on the Hoof

Over a month ago we discussed warnings from US government officials about the inadvisability of Mexico travel. Has the situation changed since then? It depends on how you listen to.

In Arizona, military officials have taken a stand with soldiers posted at Fort Huachuca. "The nearly 7,000 troops based at the southern Arizona post now must receive permission from a top commander before traveling to Mexico, base officials said. An additional 11,000 or so family members, civilian staffers and contractors at the fort are 'strongly urged' not to visit Mexican cities such as Naco, Agua Prieta and Nogales, a popular shopping, dining and nightlife destination," this from the Arizona Republic.

Granted, the Sonora state has seen its share of bloodletting, and out on the coast, even Tijuana has had reports of machine gun fire and tossed hand-grenades in public places by day. But not everyone is turning a thumbs-down on Mexico travel. The same story from the Republic makes this citation: "Epifanio Salido Pavlovich, the director of the Sonora Office of Tourism, called the Army action worrisome and took exception to the notion that tourists are in danger. The killings are occurring between drug cartels and law enforcement, he said.

"Not one single tourist has had problems in the state of Sonora," Pavlovich said. "And we are going to great efforts to make sure no one is affected." While Sonoran officials may give those assuring reports, it isn't all rosy on the frontier. This spring, four Americans were found executed, reportedly "drug cartel style," in Rosarita, a little seaside village just south of Tijuana.

Two frontier towns which have not been so-far affected by violence are in the Snowbird track: San Luis, Rio Colorado state, just south of Yuma, Arizona, and Los Algonones, BC, just to the west of San Luis. While neither could be dubbed a "resort destination," they are still good places for dental work, low cost prescription drugs, and genuine south-of-the-border meals.

photo: US Embassy, Mexico

Tips for driving to Mexico this winter season

Thousands of RV Snowbirds drive to Mexico during the winter months to vacation. Mexpro.com, a leading provider of insurance for Mexico recently released a list of tips about driving to Mexico this winter.

Mexico insurer solvency and financial conditions
There are fewer than 20 insurance companies in all of Mexico who offer tourist auto insurance coverage. When buying your coverage from Mexico insurers, it is important to check the specific A.M. Best Rating for that insurer. Some large Mexico insurance providers have not been rated by A.M. Best Company. You should never buy your coverage from unrated insurers in the US, let alone Mexico.

At a time when even old stalwarts such as AIG have seen their stock valuations decrease dramatically and are under ratings review with negative implications, it is more important than ever that you make sure you are buying your Mexico coverage from financially stable, AM Best Rated insurers.

For a complete listing of Mexican Insurer's Financial Results, please visit mexpro.com. The company represents only carriers (or their parents) that maintain an A.M. Best A rating or better.

Gas prices less in Mexico
Although US gas prices have taken a dip, gas prices in Mexico continue to be far less. Since Mexico regulates gas through Pemex, their lone gasoline distributor, the gas is the same price whether you fill up in Cancun or Tijuana. For RVers and others traveling to the interior of Mexico this winter, the savings can add up to hundreds of dollars.

If you're crossing the border, keep in mind that you must carry auto insurance for your vehicle.

More bang for your buck
The US dollar is weak, but not in Mexico where the exchange rate is still very favorable. The US dollar has increased 30 percent over the Mexico Peso in the last two months.

With the faltering economy and devalued dollar, Mexico offers a great close-to-home alternative for Americans with Maui-like beaches for a fraction of the cost. Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes survey found that Mexico is the number one destination for Americans.

New Passport card available
The US Department of State has begun mailing out new passport cards: these smaller, less expensive passport cards fit into a wallet. The card is being used in lieu of the larger, traditional passport book, which costs $100 for a new applicant. It is a steal at $20 if you already have a passport, and $45 for first-time applicants. The card can only be used for land or sea travel - not for air travel - in North America.

The passport card features an embedded radio transmitter that allows customs agents to quickly access passport information from government databases. This speeds up the border crossing process and allows customs agents to make better judgments regarding a person's entry into a country. The processing time for the new passport card is about four weeks.