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DVD: Working On The RV Road
Learn how to earn income while RVing. Author and work camping expert Jaimie Hall reveals what you need to know to gain employment or run your own business while traveling with a recreational vehicle.
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DVD: Better Business Bureau: Buying a Recreational Vehicle
Join host Chuck Woodbury as he explains how to buy an RV. Learn to choose the right RV at the right price.
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RVing in Mexico
By Bill and Dot Bell
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| Bill and Dot Bell |
Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Spanish
Kids / Extended Trip
Reservations
Dear Dot and Bill,
I took Spanish in high school for two terms but, sorry to say, I wasn't very good at it. How necessary is it to speak the language? -- Kathi, Coos Bay
Hi Kathi,
The good news is that you can get by without much Spanish. Many Mexicans have taken English in school and thus have at least a limited knowledge of it. While most appreciate you trying Spanish, sign language, a good phase book and a playful attitude always helps.
Also, most RV Parks have English speaking clientele. You can surely share stories, ask for assistance and socialize with your fellow RVers while you are stationary.
It's not that we don't encourage you to learn the language, we do. You will have a much deeper appreciation of the culture as well as be able to communicate easier outside the walls of the trailer park.
If you want a quick refresher, you might consider language tapes or CDs to play on your travels down. We are impressed with "Start Speaking Spanish Today" a 2 CD set that is oriented for the traveler rather than the academic.
If you bring a computer with you and are hooked up to the internet, you can translate sentences using one of the many translators on the web. We use "AltaVista Bablefish" when we get stuck. It is NOT grammatically correct all the time but if you keep it simple, Bablefish can help in detail situations. One day for example, we helped our neighbor make out a police report. She was able to communicate all the details necessary for the police to do their work; time, place, situation etc.
There are very good language programs offered in many areas. Ask you park manager if you stay in a location for an extended stay. They are very reasonable and will expand your network of friends and contacts. Go with a happy attitude and we are sure your high school Spanish will come back to you quickly. Adios. -- Dot and Bill
Dear Dot and Bill,
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| Traveling with children can be challenging but the rewards are great. The Bell family at Chichen Itza |
We noticed you take your children with you as you travel! We would love to take a year off as our jobs allow us an unpaid leave. We have an RV, a little savings and would like an adventure south of the border. Do you home school? How does it work? -- Brad and Cheryl, via email
Hi Guys,
We made a decision early on in life that our kids would not hold us back from traveling. So ever since they were babies they have traveled with us throughout the globe. It's not easy sometimes but collectively we have unique family memories in many places especially Mexico.
We encourage you to take the extended trip throughout the country. If you stay longer than six months you must get a special visa called an FM3 for each member of the family. You can do this at your nearest Mexican consulate.
Special travel tips for kids are on our website and we suggest you browse through the information and ask us specific questions. Our BIG ADVICE is to make sure you don't drive too long on any given day and have numerous small attractions for the kids to look forward to. "In two more days we will visit the whales," or "We will stop for a week on a beach in just three more travel days."
Regarding school, we suggest you make enquiries now from your local school board. Usually there are correspondence courses available and you must be vigilant in ensuring your kids make the time to study. Because we have a two-way satellite dish and are always connected, our kids attend school over the internet. They have done so for two years. This would be possible with internet cafes if you ensure that you have plenty of pesos, have a computer or two onboard.
RV parks are generally catering to snowbirds and lack the normal amount of kids you expect when you are camping back home. You will be the main source for your children's socialization as you travel. You will get to know them well.
We think you should grab this opportunity and plan and pack up as soon as you can. Take the leave and invest it in great adventure and memories. Pack a good camera and have a trip of a lifetime. -- Dot and Bill
Dear Editor,
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| Brisa Del Mar is one of the few Baja RV Parks where you may need reservations in December Bill Bell Photograph |
I am traveling to the Baja and have tried to contact a few RV parks for month-long reservations. They don't reply to my email and I am getting worried that there won't be a place to stay for December. Can you contact them for me? -- Jake, Chico California
Hi Jake,
We have no magic numbers nor do we have reservation services. Phone numbers change constantly and we find very few campsites that respond promptly to inquiries.
On the up side there are only a few locations that are a concern in high season, specifically San Jose del Cabo and the Cabo corridor between San Jose and Cabo San Lucas. Even these places have numerous spots and in December you will usually find a spot -- albeit not the best spot in the park.
If you are making this area your destination, we suggest you make your way down quickly in December and meander back to explore various spots on your way back. You will generally be ahead of the snowbirds and will be able to secure a good space for the holidays and the rest of your stay. If you use this strategy, you will be able to check out destinations for your return travel.
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| Grey Whales use Scammons lagoon on the Baja to give birth...you can camp right at the Lagoon |
Additionally you will have an opportunity to visit Scammon's Lagoon, the major birthing area for the California Grey Whale. This is an incredible opportunity to get up close with these magnificent mammals and watch them swim and play. This is unlike any other whale watching tour you could possibly go on and we highly recommend the experience. Don't worry about reservations for this time or area. Just go and enjoy yourselves. -- Dot and Bill
For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com .
For a big selection of books about RVing in Mexico visit RVbookstore.com.com
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