Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the USA. Their website www.ontheroadin.com is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Traveling with Children
Copper Canyon
Helpful Hint – Refund for American/Canadian Vehicle Insurance
Dear Dot & Bill,
My husband and I can take an unpaid leave of absence from work and are considering a year of Mexico travel. We have two children, eight and six years old, and a dog. Can you give us any tips? We have a 28-foot travel trailer/truck combo. Can we home school our children?
Louise and Bob Lemon
Hi Family,
Sounds like a great adventure. RVing is the perfect way to travel with kids in Mexico as all their familiar things are onboard. Toys, books, sports equipment, are all there for them to enjoy. The dog will enjoy himself too with the new environment and adds extra security when you leave the RV for day trips. You can make your family “home-cooked meals” and thereby avoid the picky eater syndrome at restaurants.
Prepare for your trip in advance by going to your family doctor and getting all the necessary shots. Get passports and notarized letters from any absent parent. Get all your dogs shots updated and a letter of good health from your vet.
Long road trips are a challenge for parents. We were surprised that when our kids were young they didn't appreciate the scenery when we drove and got bored easily. To avoid bickering and frayed nerves we always had books and one movie a day on board for long driving days. Of course pack snacks and finger foods to make the driving comfortable and to eliminate constant stops for tiny requests. We had a tiny cooler of water and juices as well as a handy supply of raisins and treats within their reach. We found travel with children much easier once we got to a destination and they had time to play and explore their environment.
Mexico offers thousands of miles of coast and has great swimming spots. We always knew that a beach or pool kept the kids happy and occupied for hours. Their interest waned after five or six pyramids, and museums and galleries were interesting for only an hour or so. We found it best to mix the activities up if possible and give them more beach and pool time.
Very special activities that the kids raved about include the jungle boat ride at San Blas, the environmental theme parks in the Yucatan (snorkeling, swimming with dolphins etc), the flamingo tour at Celestún, and dancing celebrations and parades. Mexicans are very family oriented and you will receive special treatment at restaurants and other public venues.
Unfortunately for families, RV parks in Mexico have mostly retired or semi-retired guests. You will likely be their best friends. Our kids became "adopted" quickly, though, and at an extended stay park we had hundreds of would-be grandmothers and grandfathers spoiling the kids at Christmas and birthdays.
Pack a small tent that you can use as a kid's space during the day. Cook and be outside as much as possible to avoid the claustrophobia of a 28-foot home.
Schooling does not have to be a problem. Check with your local school board and explain your situation. Most traveling families home school and that requires a lot of self-discipline from the parents. We opted for on-line schooling where the kids attend classes over the internet. It is a challenge to ensure that homework is complete when there are so many interesting and exciting things to do.
Our Mexican travels have broadened our family experiences and made better world citizens of our children. All three are fluent in Spanish and have a deep understanding of another culture. We have unique "remember when?" experiences together, and our collective memories are filled with adventure and fun times.
Enjoy and go slow. These memories are meant to be savored over a lifetime. If you have any specific questions, we encourage you to write again.
Hi Guys,
We wanted to take a caravan through the Copper Canyon but almost fell out of our seats when we checked out the price! Unbelievable. Can we drive there ourselves? Can we "Piggyback" on a rail car like you see in the pictures? We are thinking of going in February 2007.
Mona & Pete Crutshan
Hi,
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| Copper Canyon Train |
The good news is that, yes, you can drive to the Copper Canyon. From the interior you can drive to Chihuahua City and veer west to Creel. If you decide to access the Canyon from the coast, you drive south on Highway 15 from Nogales to Los Mochis. You can catch the train there or drive to El Fuerte. All three places, Creel, Los Mochis, and El Fuerte, have access to the train and have RV parking. Our favorite is the El Fuerte RV Park run by American Bill Trimble. He will arrange everything you need from tours and hotels to ensuring your pet is fed and walked while you are away.
The bad news is that you cannot "Piggyback." This requires a caravan. You can however, park your RV and hop aboard the train for a fraction of the price. Same train. Same view.
The best part of the Copper Canyon is NOT from the rim of the canyon or the train. Take a bus or car tour and get down into the canyon itself to discover the true magic of the area. Postpone your trip by a few months to avoid the cold weather. It can get pretty chilly during the winter months!
Helpful Hint:
THIS CAN SAVE YOU HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS.
Some Canadian and American vehicle insurance companies give a refund for the unused portion of your policy while you travel in Mexico. Call your broker before you travel and find out exactly what the requirements are. Some companies require entry and exit stamps. Others require gas or accommodation receipts with the date and license plate of your vehicle.
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
