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8 Tips For Off-Road Traveling in Mexico

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Off-Road Traveling in Mexico

8 Important Tips For Fun and Great Times In The Dirt with Mexico Insurance

Mexican Insurance Store

Off-Pavement in Chihuahua

 

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

More and more areas in the United States are being cut-off from off-highway use by misguided politicians and an increasingly ignorant electorate. Because of that, more Americans are discovering or rediscovering Mexico as an exciting and wonderful place to get some dirt or sand under your wheels.

It makes no difference what style of adventure suits you. You may be into Jeep trails, taking out quads and dirtbikes, or bringing the fancy ATV like the popular Razor. You may just want to take your 4×4 pickup. There’s something for everyone in Mexico.

Mexican Insurance Store has a great Mexico insurance policy available for just about anyone traveling in Mexico.

 

Regions such as Baja California and Sonora including the north area surrounding Rocky Point are excellent places to head off-pavement.

Off-Pavement and Off-Road traveling is very alive and well in many parts of Mexico. It doesn’t matter if world-televised events like the Baja 1000 inspired you or it’s only a fun weekend with friends. It’s essential that one doesn’t let the spirit of fun and thrills get in front of common sense and respect for nature and others.

Follow these 8 important tips for off-road traveling and you are all but guaranteed a great time in Mexico.

 

1. When crossing the border, make sure the vehicles are titled or registered in someone’s name that is also along for the trip. Back in the 1980’s many vehicle thefts were headed straight for Mexico without hindrance. The US and Mexican Governments agreed to have random vehicles stopped when crossing south to verify the registration or title. A color photocopy or printout of the registration or title is almost always fine.

2. Know that outside of the populated areas of Mexico, you’ll probably have no mobile phone service. If using GPS, make sure everyone has the coordinates for the basecamp or hotel. Someone in the group needs to act as leader and know where to find the nearest medical facilities.

Mexico insurance

A spectacular unique view of Copper Canyon

 

3. Before you begin riding, make sure you stock up on water and have a general idea of the terrain. The most prominent medical issue for off-roaders is dehydration. Once a rider or driver is dehydrated, something much worse is imminent. If you begin to feel it, it’s too late. Drink water or Electrolit and relax for a while, in the shade.

4. Only travel during daylight hours. It doesn’t matter how many lumens your lightbar puts out. Have a plan to end the riding long before sunset so you can transition to great food, drinks, stories, and friendship. Animals, as well as illicit activity, are much more active at night.

5. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you plan to travel or explore, ask others who have been there recently. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people end up in an uncomfortable situation because they don’t heed this simple advice.

Baja California Off-Roading

The infamous Coco’s Corner in Baja California

 

6. Be careful that you are not invading someone’s private property without permission. Again, this should be obvious, but moreso on the mainland, there are a lot of extensive ranches that are private property. Landowners don’t know who you are and what your intentions are. Find out and ask permission, if necessary, before trouble finds you.

7. If you come across a situation that doesn’t seem right, turn around quickly and get out of there. There remains illicit activity in many parts of seemingly free space, in Mexico. Don’t be too curious and know when to get away from a potential negative situation.

Tom enjoying the sea around Mulegé

 

8. Travel with some beer and water on ice. Don’t drink until you are done riding for the day. Instead, keep it, along with water, for when you get stuck somewhere or need help. Few things will make someone happier to help you than an ice-cold beer in their hand.

Additional Advice

Beyond these tips is a necessary understanding. If someone gets seriously injured, it’s really up to you to get that person to medical facilities. No helicopter will be hovering overhead in 30 minutes, or ever. Having someone along with some basic first aid or Wilderness EMT training is very wise.

As far as Mexico insurance goes, If you’re insuring a truck, jeep, street-legal motorcycle, understand what’s covered and what’s not. For example, if you’re off in the dunes and end up damaging your vehicle or someone else’s, you’re not covered. Few, if any insurers will underwrite a policy covering off-road activities.

Now, Off-Road and Off-Pavement are two different things. There are many roads and even some federal highways that have a portion that is unpaved. If it’s a road one can find on a map, you are covered, if you have full-coverage. If your vehicle becomes disabled in a remote area or primitive road, you’ll need to find someone with a truck to help you get it into a town so your tow service included with your insurance can help you. Use the AAA standard logic. If you’re a member of AAA ask yourself, would they come here to retrieve my disabled vehicle if this were in the US? If not, you are responsible for getting it to a place they will be able to load it up and transport it.

Off-pavement and off-road traveling in Mexico is fun and can be very rewarding. Do it safely and with a hefty dose of good sense.

Remember, if your vehicle is traveling on the Mexican streets, you must have proper Mexico insurance coverage. Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexico insurance to protect you and your vehicle in Mexico.

Off-Road Traveling in Mexico: 8 Important Tips For Fun and Great Times In The Dirt from Mexico Insurance Store

Great Times In The Dirt

Sometimes Pavement isn’t so bad

 

Off-Road Traveling in Mexico

A more difficult road leading into Batopilas, Chih

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Deciding Which Mobile Phone Service Is Best In Mexico

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Best Mexican Insurance Store News,Tips, and Answers About Traveling In Mexico

Deciding Which Mobile Phone Service Is Best In Mexico

Best Mexican insurance

 

Writeup by Jim Foreman

Typically we’re asked 10-15 times a week about mobile phone service when traveling in Mexico.

We know it’s an important topic and one with answers that have changed, sometimes drastically, in the past few years.

Today, there are several answers, largely based on how long or how often you plan to be in Mexico.

Please follow this link to discover the secrets about mobile phone service in Mexico. This article is quite BIG and important so we posted it on our Blogspot Site.

Always remember to have the best Mexican Insurance Store protection when driving in Mexico.  Make sure it’s the best Mexican Insurance Store policy that suites your needs..

Deciding Which Mobile Phone Service Is Best In Mexico

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New Year Celebrations Mexico Style

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Mexican Insurance Store Holiday Guide and Information

New Year Celebrations Mexico Style

Mexican insurance

Nochevieja or Año Nuevo in CDMX

Story by Jim Foreman

Mexico is rich with holidays, traditions, and celebrations throughout the year. While some are similar or parallel holidays celebrated in the US and Canada, many others take on a life uniquely their own in Mexico.

One thing any traveler to Mexico will realize quite quickly is that Mexicans don’t really need much of an excuse to throw a party. When there is a reason, though, Mexico is the place to celebrate, in earnest.

Last week, Mexican Insurance Store published a story detailing how Christmas is Celebrated in Mexico. Naturally, the follow-up is how the New Year Celebrations happen Mexico Style.

Like it’s North American neighbors, December 31st is a huge party in Mexico. Americans have their grandest celebration in New York City, Mexico’s biggest party happens at the Zocalo in CDMX (Mexico City).

Throughout Mexico, smaller celebrations and traditions unfold at the turning of the calendar year.

This year, consider adopting some of these warm and rich traditions.

Undergarments

This one is a fun one. Tradition dictates that you can determine the nature of your good fortune, for the coming year, based on what color underwear (calzoncillos) or panties (calzones or bragas) you choose.

One doesn’t have to be a model or young to enjoy this one.  Men and women of all ages, shapes, and sizes participate.

If you choose to wear red, you will be blessed with love in the new year. If money and happiness are more of your desire, be sure to wear yellow. Notice that it’s either love –or- money and happiness. Mexicans have a rich sense of humor and fatalism. Red and Yellow are the two dominant colors worn during New Year Celebrations.

If you’re wealthy and have found true love (yeah right…), then white chones (panties) are for you. White signifies peace and tranquility (paz y tranquilidad). Wear blue for health in the coming year.

This tradition is also widely celebrated in China and throughout the world. If only the USA and Canada would catch on to this, too.

Choose wisely

Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexican insurance policy for driving in Mexico.

Lentil Beans

Lentil beans are flat like coins

 

A huge tradition that comes over from Europe and is widely practiced in Mexico is leaving lentil beans at your doorstep just before midnight on December 31st. This dates back to ancient Rome as the flat lentils resembled Roman coins.

Doing so will all but guarantee good luck and prosperity in the upcoming year. Alternatively or additionally, enjoy a traditional Lentil soup with chorizo. If going out, make sure to place some lentils in your pockets, bag, or purse to wield good favor all year.

Twelve Grapes in 60 Seconds

Another tradition comes across to Mexico from the Catalan region of Spain.   One must eat twelve grapes and make twelve wishes during the last 60 seconds of the exiting year.

It’s a little harder than it sounds, but successfully doing so will reward you with your wishes granted and another wonderful dose of prosperity.

Burning the Bad

Just as most people around the world make New Year resolutions or propósitos, many Mexicans are also happy to have the opportunity to rid themselves of negativity.

To do this, simply write down all the negative stuff in your life on paper. Don’t hold back. This isn’t a confessional. Just before the new year begins, light the list on fire until it is nothing but smoke and ash.

Just like that, you’re cleansed and absolved from all the rubbish in your life and are starting with a clean slate.

Given the amount of bad energy and negativity some people are capable of, make sure you’re away from any flammable structures or materials and maybe have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water on hand before you light your list up. If the bonfire gets out of control, you’ll have means to make sure the new year doesn’t start off equally bad.

Put Money In Your Shoes

Yup, just like it sounds, make sure you have some currency tucked in your shoes as you celebrate the New Year. The larger the amount of the bill(s), the better. If you’re wearing heels or open shoes, it’s OK to hold the money in your hand.

Like the result of many of the other traditions, prosperity will follow those who carry out this ritual.

Sweeping the House

Sweeping the house in the day leading up to the New Year is another common tradition. It doesn’t have to happen at midnight, but can be done anytime on December 31st.

Naturally, this symbolizes sweeping away the previous year’s dust, dirt, and yuck. Sprinkle a little bit more prosperity for good measure.

Celebrating with Friends

Certainly, go and celebrate the new year with good friends, family, or both, if they all get along.   This is entirely up to you. Many people will go to their favorite bar or to the centro to ring in the New Year and enjoy the festive spirit. Count on fireworks, bells, music, and other less sensible ways of making noise and celebrating together.

Naturally, Mexico is a huge and diverse country.  There are regional traditions and variations of these acts of ushering in the new year.

You don’t have to travel to enjoy these great traditions and ways of celebrating New Year’s Day, but it sure is more fun. Consider heading south for the holidays and making this year memorable and inspiring.   Simply grab your passports, get your Mexican Insurance Store policy and head on down.

Mexican Insurance Store Holiday Guide and Information

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Celebrating Christmas in Mexico by Mexican Insurance Store

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Tired of the overdone and overcommercialized Christmas celebration each year?  Mexico may be your best destination.

 

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Christmas Celebrations at the Zocalo in Mexico City

 

Story by Jim Foreman

Growing up in the USA, it was common to hear Jose Feliciano’s Christmas hit, ‘Feliz Navidad’ as part of the usual lineup of Christmas music, during the holidays.

Right now, you’re probably hearing that song’s melody in your head.

Beyond that, few Americans and Canadians truly understand the Christmas traditions in Mexico and how they are quite different from celebrations back home.

Of course, with an ever-increasing ex-pat population in certain regions, and the globalization of holidays, many Mexicans are melding and celebrating Christmas with a ‘Gringo’ edge. That’s OK. American’s have also adopted several Mexican traditions including the Spanish greeting and the Poinsettia plant as a symbol of the festive season.

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Being in Mexico during the Christmas season is magical.

Largely gone is the over-commercialization of the season. Instead, visitors will see a celebration more rooted in tradition.

Mexico’s Christmas or Navidad celebrations largely originated in Spain. Given Mexico’s diverse culture and pre-Hispanic cultures, many of those traditions have morphed or evolved in a uniquely Mexican way.

Of course, as the many regions of Mexico are unique, so are the flavors of those celebrations.

Christmas is celebrated in Mexico from December 12th to January 6th. There is a crescendo of the celebrations on Christmas Eve, December 24th. This dates back to Europe, long before Christmas was ever introduced to the ‘new world.’

Now, you math wizards are probably just now figuring out where the ’12 Days of Christmas’ originates.

Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexican insurance policy available for driving in Mexico.

 

In Mexico, the Christmas season starts with nativity scenes placed in public and private displays. It’s nearly impossible to find a home without one in place. Nativity displays can be simple or elaborate.  Some are small, sitting on a shelf or table, while others are life sized, occupying a whole room or display outdoors.

Also beginning December 12th, children gather each night to do the Posada procession (Posada means Inn or Hotel in Spanish). They carry a candle and clay figurines of Mary and Joseph from home to home, singing songs. The songs are mostly relating to Mary and Joseph seeking a place to stay.

The children are told, ‘there is no room,’ at each place.  The final Posada welcomes the people in, and the party begins in earnest. A figure of the baby Jesus is placed in a manger.  That home is host to food, games, and often fireworks. Piñatas are one of the most common games played.

This goes on, each night until Christmas Eve (Noche Buena).

Afterwards, people go to a midnight mass and usually celebrate with more fireworks.

As a visitor, you can watch and enjoy the celebrations from any town centro as that will be where the focus of the holidays are typically happening.

Nacimiento or a Nativity scene is the dominant decoration in celebrating Christmas. Of course, Christmas Trees are becoming more and more popular throughout Mexico, too.

In some northern Mexican states, children are taught the tradition of Santa Claus. While this phenomenon is slowly growing in Mexico, it’s still not the dominant celebration of Christmas.

December 28th, marks “Los Santos Inocentes” (Day of the Innocent Saints). Originating in Spain and Portugal, it’s celebrated much like Americans celebrate April Fool’s Day.   Despite the playful nature, it has a very grim undertone. This is regarded as the day King Herrod had all Male babies under a year old killed in the desire to keep his reign from what was prophesied to him about a new ‘King’ being born.

For much of Mexico, January 6th (the Epiphany) is when children receive gifts. This is a representation of when the three Wise Men arrived, bearing gifts. If there was a Gringo style ‘Santa Claus” celebration with gift-giving on Christmas Day, candies and small treats are given to the kids. Otherwise, this is the day when all of their good deeds for the year earn them their gifts.  In Mexico, Children are told that the gifts the receive came from either Santo Clós or El Niñito Dios (Baby Jesus).

Rosca de Reyes with the figure of Baby Jesus

It’s also a common tradition to eat Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) on January 6th. A small figure of baby Jesus gets baked into the cake.

Whoever gets the figure in their piece of cake becomes the honorary godparent of Jesus that year.

Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria in Veracruz

February 2nd wraps up a final Christmas celebration. It’s the Virgen de la Candelaria (Virgin of the candles). Other countries call it the ‘Candlemass.’

Whether or not you celebrate Christmas or consider yourself faithful, it’s a season of good cheer, wonderful traditions, and celebrations. Join in and be a part of the Mexican culture.

Many Americans and Canadians are drawn to Mexico’s warmth during the Christmas season. Getting to Mexico in your car is very easy. If it’s your first time, you can find out the details of what you need to bring and what to expect. Make sure to check Mexican insurance policy rates before leaving. It’s easy to quote, buy, and print quality coverage at Mexican Insurance Store.

Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexican insurance policy available for driving in Mexico. Celebrating Christmas in Mexico by Mexican Insurance Store

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Zacatecas – Where Culture and History Intersect with Beauty and Excitement

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Important News and Information – Mexican Insurance Review

Zacatecas – Where Culture and History intersect with Beauty and Excitement

Mexican Insurance ReviewStory and Photos by Jim Foreman

When people think of Mexican culture and history, most people will think of the Guadalajara Centro or the pyramids of Teotihuacan just north of Mexico City. These places are lovely and deserve their place.
Zacatecas

One of the shining jewels of Mexico is the City and the State of Zacatecas. Zacatecas is truly a confluence of where culture and history intersect with beauty and modern excitement.

When approaching Zacatecas, one of the first landmarks to become visible is the Cerro de la Bufa. It’s a natural rainbow shaped wave formation that tops the tallest peak in the city. At night it is lit up.

During the day it is worth taking a bus or driving up to visit La Bufa as you will be able to enjoy many sites and attractions there.

Cerro de la Bufa

Cerro de la Bufa

At La Bufa one can overlook the panorama of the city When doing so, a photo with a larger than life Pancho Villa is a must do, as well. Pancho Villa played an important role in liberating Zacatecas from the Spanish during the Mexican Revolution.

In addition to Mr. Villa, there is a monastery and a cable car (Teleférico). At the base of the Cerro de la Bufa is the historic centro which includes an insightful Mining tour showcasing the rich abundance of silver that made Zacatecas into the city it is. The centro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Surprisingly walkable and very safe, the centro is a wonderful place to simply start walking. At night the environment becomes more festive with a charming nightlife and playful traditions.

One of those traditions is the callejoneadas or alleyway parties. These can happen at any time. Loud traveling musicians will romp through the small streets and alleys dancing and having a great time. Along the way, there will be people holding big bottles of rot-gut mescal or a beer derived punch called Heribertas. At many of the squares or plazas in the centro, there will usually be dancing and often food being served up. In one of the squares, the history of the city is projected onto the façade of a cathedral. It’s truly spectacular to watch.

Quinta Real Hotel

Quinta Real Hotel surrounding Mexico’s First Bullfighting Ring and the Roman styled Aqueduct.

Zacatecas also features some very unique aspects. Mexico’s first bullfighting ring was built in Zacatecas. Perfectly preserved, the ring is now encompassed by the elegant and stately Quinta Real Hotel. The bullring itself is used for public and private events including weddings and celebrations. Running alongside the Quinta Real Hotel is the original Roman style arched aqueduct.

Fine dining and exciting nightlife can be found throughout the city. Zacatecas has a significant European feel to it, and many authentic world flavors can be found right here for your epicurean pleasure.

Zacatecas also features a world-class university which draws in a diverse cross-section of students.

Zacatecas is only 75 minutes away from San Miguel de Allende and 3 hours from Guadalajara.

Wonderful evening in the Centro Historico

Zacatecas deserves at least an overnight visit and preferably a weekend to enjoy the many wonders of this small but vibrant and critically important city.

Zacatecas is in the northern central region of Mexico situated below Durango. One of the first things visitors will notice in Zacatecas is that it’s at a high elevation. The city sits at just over 8,000 feet (2440m). This means that even the hottest Mexico days remain comfortable and enjoyable. High elevation also means that it occasionally snows in Zacatecas during the wintertime.

Driving to Zacatecas is very easy from the US border. It’s located about two days south and passes through some spectacular regions of Mexico depending on your route. You will need your Passport, Visa, and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP). Read any current Mexican Insurance review, buy appropriate coverage and you are on your way. It’s really all quite simple and easy to manage and it’s all well worth the experience.

Top Rated Mexican Insurance Review 7 Best Mexican Insurance Quotes To Save Time, Frustration, And Money. Important News and Information – Mexican Insurance Review

History of Zacatecas projected onto a facade.

A band in one of the town’s centro plazas.

Statue of Pancho Villa at the top of La Cerra de la Bufa

Roman styled Aqueduct running through Zacatecas

Group of cub scouts walking through the centro historico.

A photographer uses the centro as a backdrop for his model

Mexico’s first Bullring

The Teleferico running over the historic centro.

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What Documents Are Necessary To Travel In Mexico?

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Your source for the Best Mexican Insurance Articles

Best Mexican Insurance

 

Story by Jim Foreman

One of the most common questions people ask about traveling in their personal vehicle in Mexico is, “What Documents Do I Need To Get To Travel In Mexico?”

This question doesn’t have one answer but rather a set of answers that is determined by your destination and duration in Mexico.

Let’s start, first and foremost, with what you always need to have, no matter what. For any traveling in Mexico, you must bring a Passport (or Passcard) for every person traveling in your group. Second, you should have the best Mexican insurance policy for your vehicle be it car, RV, or motorcycle. If you are towing a car with your RV, both vehicles need to have insurance.

Lastly, each vehicle must have a home state-issued vehicle registration form. It must be the original and not a copy.

With that out of the way, let’s go further.  There are two documents a visitor may need to get depending on the duration of the stay and the location of the intended destination.

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Tourist Visa

The first document you probably need is a Tourist Visa. A Visa is an official permission to be in Mexico. Like every other country on earth, Mexico requires a Visa of some sort to legally be in the country. There is a little loophole for those staying 72 hours or less and not going too deep into Mexico. If your travels do not go further than 15 miles across the border or in the case of Sonora south of Guaymas or beyond Baja California, you do not need one. If you are staying longer than 72 hours, you have two options.

You can obtain a free 7-day Tourist Visa with a crucial caveat, or pay for a full visa good for up to 180 days for the asking.

One must return the free 7-Day Tourist Visa to an INM Immigration office, and your passport must be stamped that you are leaving, before crossing back into the USA and before the seven days are up. If you neglect this task, you will be obligated to pay the full 180-day visa price plus a penalty before you can get a new visa.

Furthermore, returning the Visa in Baja California can be quite tricky as the INM Immigration office is not conveniently located by the egress point, where you cross the border in many cases.
You are supposed to return and officially check out of Mexico, when leaving with the full 180 Day Visa, as well. There is no penalty if you don’t.

Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP or TVIP)

If you thought the visa was tricky, the TVIP is a little more complicated.

Documents To Get To Travel In Mexico
Sonora’s Hassle Free Zone

If you are traveling exclusively in Baja California, Baja California Sur, or the Hassle Free Zone in Sonora, you do not need a TVIP.

If you plan to take the Ferry at La Paz over to the mainland, you must have a TVIP before boarding the ship.

Fortunately, you can get a TVIP at several places south of the border, as long as you already have your tourist visa. If you do not have a visa, forget it. They will tell you to go back to Ensenada or Nogales to get your visa.  Since you’re smart and you have your visa, you can easily get a TVIP in Pichilingue (The port at La Paz) or Empalme (Guaymas).
It’s good for as long as your Visa is good.

If you get a TVIP, you MUST turn it in, before the expiration date to get your deposit back. If you fail to return your TVIP, you will forfeit your deposit and be left explaining to Aduana how you didn’t sell your vehicle in Mexico and don’t owe duties totaling half the value of the vehicle.

It may be an inconvenience, but you must seek out any Banjercito along the border to return your TVIP and receive your deposit back. Except for Baja California, most Banjercito locations are located at the same or similar Immigration checkpoints you used when crossing into Mexico. In Mexicali, the Banjercito is located at the east gate (Garita II). In Tijuana, the Banjercito is near the airport at the Otay Mesa crossing. Tecate’s Banjercito is right at the border crossing.  Drive to it and they will direct you to park west of the entrance gate and walk to cancel out your visa and TVIP.

Do not be tempted to travel with your US or Canadian plated vehicle outside of Baja California, Baja California Sur, or Sonora’s Hassle Free Zone without the proper permit. There are checkpoints throughout the country, at random locations, to verify current and proper registration. Failure to have this in order could mean a lot of grief, vehicle impoundment and fines.

How and where to get these documents

When crossing the border, most border crossings will have an INM Migration office and Banjercito either right adjacent to the crossing or just out of town when on the mainland on the main roads headed south. Unless it’s a major holiday or a Saturday morning, the lines are usually only a couple minutes long.

Alternatively, one can order these online, but there is some risk involved in doing so. Here are some reasons why you may not want to pre-order the visa and TVIP.

1. If you order them online but decide not to go, you must still cross the border and return them, in Mexico, before the expiration date.
2. You can’t decide to take another vehicle. It has to be the one listed on the permit.
3. If you get into any collision or your vehicle gets stolen before making it into Mexico, you will have a legal nightmare convincing the Mexican Aduana you did not simply sell your car in Mexico and owe them significant duties and penalties.
4. The documents are sent via regular Mexican Mail (Correo). It may be several weeks before you receive them.

Those reasons alone make it worth simply stopping at the border Immigration center and taking care of it there.

One thing is super easy though, and that’s making sure you have the best Mexican insurance policy before you leave for your trip. It’s fast, easy, and required before entering Mexico. Simply Shop, Buy and Print your policy in minutes. Please leave a comment or a question below.

We hope you enjoy reading the best Mexican insurance article.

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6 Reasons to Make Your Next Mexico Vacation a Road Trip

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Important News and Information by Mexican Insurance Store

Mexican Insurance Store

Story by Jim Foreman

Each year over thirty-five million people visit Mexico. It’s not difficult to understand why. The beaches are some of the best in the world accompanied by spectacular warm weather during the traditional months.
A vast majority of visitors choose to either fly or take a cruise ship to Mexico. Despite that, there is a growing number of people who are choosing to drive down from the US or Canada to visit Mexico.
The reasons are obvious, including cost savings. Taking out the financial factor, there remains a compelling argument to make your next visit an overland visit to Mexico.

This option is not nearly as far-fetched as it may seem.  Take a look at this Happiest Countries In The World’. There’s good reason for that, but you’ll probably never discover it if you stay at a mega resort and choose not to spend time with locals.
Spanish is one of the most important languages one can learn. Being even somewhat capable in Spanish can open a tremendous world of wonderful experiences and opportunities.

4. Discover Pueblos Magicos Along The Way

This is a huge aspect that is lost when one limits themselves to a mega resort. Pueblos Magicos are towns, cities or villages that have unique and charming characteristics that truly deserves discovering.
Many are wonderfully preserved colonial towns while others offer warmth and culture that one won’t find elsewhere.
Go to Visit Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos to discover some Pueblos Magicos along your journey. In nearly all cases, they are worth it.

5. You Have Transportation The Entire Time

When you fly or take a cruise ship into Mexico, one thing becomes immediately obvious. You are entirely dependent on expensive shuttles, taxis, or organized tours. When you drive your own vehicle, you can go anywhere, any time you wish without having to worry about departure times, bus numbers, or leaving a destination sooner than you wanted. You can also move on if you decide the place you’re staying isn’t ideal for you. Renting a car within Mexico may seem like a good idea at first, especially for $10 – $15 per day, but you are forced at the counter to purchase insurance at $35 – $40 per day too and this adds up fast.

6. Street Tacos and Authentic Food

This really must not be understated. Mexico’s food is something wonderful. Far beyond what most gringos equate to Mexican food, a culinary paradise is at your fingertips when you explore regions overland.
Whether it’s a street vendor offering up Horchata con Coco (a delicious drink) or a vendor serving ceviche or coctels mariscos, you ware guaranteed some excellent and memorable eating at a drastically reduced price over what you pay in common tourist areas.

There are many more reasons to choose an overlanding adventure. Naturally, there are some guidelines and legal requirements you must pay mind to drive your car, motorcycle or RV into Mexico. You can learn about them in this award-winning article detailing what’s required and how to safely and successfully travel in Mexico.
Additionally, please read this important story about Safety and Mexico to better understand the realities and realistic expectations of traveling in Mexico.

As you can probably guess, it’s quite fun and easy to travel in your own car in Mexico. All you need is a destination, your Passport, and a Mexican Insurance Policy By Mexican Insurance Store.

 

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Military Checkpoints In Mexico

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News and information from Mexican Insurance Store

 

Mexican Insurance Store

Approaching a Military Checkpoint

 

Story and Photos by Jim Foreman

Among the most prominent differences between traveling in Mexico and the USA and Canada are the military checkpoints set up throughout the country.

For a first time traveler, the sight of freshly graduated soldiers with military rifles can be quite unnerving.

Military Checkpoints have been built and manned as an effort to stem the tide of drugs free-flowing from Mexico to the United States. Like the TSA airport screeners, they serve mainly as window dressing. The big difference is that the Mexican Military won’t be putting their hands down your pants to feel you up.

First things, first. What are the Military Checkpoints looking for?  They are looking for drugs, illegal weapons, and federal criminals. Some checkpoints have drug-sniffing dogs; others don’t. In most cases, they merely ask only a few questions. Expect to hear, “A donde va?”, “De donde eres?”, and “Por que estas aqui?” These questions translate to, “Where are you going?”, “Where are you coming from?”, and “Why are you here?”

Before each day of travel, know the answers to these questions. Sometimes the accents of the soldiers are quite thick so that a hand gesture can help.

Point your thumb back behind you and tell them what city you left this morning. Then motion ahead to the city you plan to stop in tonight and say that city’s name. Lastly, say, “Turismo” as to your purpose.

Now, in most cases, they will probably say, “Pasale” and wave you through. If it’s an exceptionally desolate checkpoint, a dull day, you are driving an RV or luxury car, or are traveling with exceptionally lovely passengers, they may ask you to pull aside for a more thorough inspection, however they will rarely ask for your Mexican Insurance Store policy.

Do not be alarmed or worried by this. Despite whatever motivation, the soldiers are not there to ruin your day. Play along casually, and you’ll be on your way in no time.

A couple of things that will help speed your passage through the checkpoint is to be calm and respectful. Open up and show them whatever luggage they wish to inspect. Smile and nod in respect to them and the job they are doing. In most cases, nobody will speak English, but if you happen upon someone who does, be kind and even engage in some small talk.

If you have a cold drink in a cooler, offer one to them and their compatriots. It’s a great way to indicate that you are a good person and respect their roles.

Unless you are a complete jerk or like being arrested, don’t do any the following:

  • Don’t joke about having drugs or being part of the Narcos, Cartels, or Corridos.
  • Don’t belittle, berate, or become abusive to them.
  • Don’t act like you’re too special or in a big hurry.
  • Don’t tell them how to do their job.
  • Don’t ignore them and keep driving on when asked to stop.

Doing any of these things will guarantee you an extra thorough search and possible detainment. They will probably also call ahead and make sure you are hassled again at the next checkpoint, too.

Being waved through

 

The Mexican soldiers are human, just like you. The universal rule is to treat others the way you wish to be treated.

During disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and fires, it’s the military that does the bulk of the heavy work to restore life to normal.

Traveling in Mexico is easy. It’s especially true when you begin to understand the subtleties and differences from what you’re accustomed to back home. Military checkpoints are a part of life in Mexico and no big deal. After passing through a couple, it becomes quite simple and even fun conversing in a little Spanish.

To drive in Mexico, you must have a Passport and should have Mexican Insurance Store coverage. If you are planning to stay longer than a weekend or travel outside the Hassle-Free-Zones, stop and get your tourist visa and Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TVIP). Then the whole of Mexico is yours to enjoy.

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San Felipe, BC – Mexico’s Other Weekend Destination

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Mexico News and Information From Mexican Insurance Store.com

Mexican insurance, San Felipe

Group of Friends on the Malecón

Story and photos by Jim Foreman

When you say, “Weekend in Mexico” you’ll likely hear, ‘Ensenada,’ ‘Rocky Point,’ or ‘Rosarito.’

Occasionally, someone smart will say ‘San Felipe.’ Not to say the other destinations are not awesome, they are. San Felipe though stands on its own because it takes a little more effort to get there.

Located between the phenomenal Colorado desert and the waters of the sea of Cortes, San Felipe is unarguably one of the choice destinations, particularly for foreigners who are looking to buy a vacation home.

From Los Angeles, San Felipe is about 350 miles away. That’s about 50 miles further than the distance to Las Vegas. From Yuma, it’s only 175 Miles. In most cases, Mexicali serves as your entry point.

San Felipe is the choice destination for tourists and retirees alike; I remember a lot of college students from the US love to visit San Felipe for spring break season.

The road (Mex 5) down to San Felipe is in excellent condition and is a pretty straight shot south.

Visitors to San Felipe won’t find large mega resorts or cruise ships in port. Instead, San Felipe is a quiet village with fishing and tourism as it’s primary sources of income.

For lodging, San Felipe has many options from Rental homes with popular sites like Airbnb and smaller hotels. Some favorite choices for hotels include the El Cortez Hotel and the next-door Stella Mar Bungalows. The cost is very reasonable, and the location is about 500m south of the malecón (boardwalk). Both are situated right on a wonderful stretch of beach.

Sunrise at low tide.

Speaking of beaches, San Felipe has a beautiful phenomenon in addition to warm water temperatures. During low tide, the water recedes about a kilometer or more making for some incredible sunrise or sunset photos. The shallow seabed makes playtime in the water safe, fun, and very enjoyable.

Dining in San Felipe is quite good. San Felipe, commonly attributed to inventing the fish taco, serves up some of the best. There are many seafood options along the malecón all vying for your business. They are excellent for lunch or a quick bite, but when you want a great dinner, the choices are a little more limited. Highlights include the El Nido Steakhouse on the south end of town and La Vaquita Marina on the north end.

If you’re looking for a place to hear live music and knock back some great drinks, head back out of town onto Mex 5 for about 10 minutes and stop at either the Roadrunner Café or the Sand Rail Pizza and Jolly Mon Bar.

If you love fishing, one can easily hire a local with a Panga to take you out to some secret spots.

There are lots of fun activities you can engage in; they include; off-road driving walks along beaches, sports fishing, desert tours, tours along the surrounding mountains, etc.

Because of the incredible dunes inland, ATVs, dune buggies, and Dirt bikes are regularly seen in town. Several vendors also rent out ATVs by the hour.

When it comes to peaceful family-friendly weekend getaways, San Felipe makes an excellent choice. With a strong combination of accessibility, fun, and value, San Felipe shines.

Panoramic view of the San Felipe Coast.

Getting to San Felipe is easy. Just make your way to El Centro via I-8 and head south to Mexicali. Returning is also hassle-free with two main crossings in Mexicali. The East Gate (Garita II) is typically far less busy. Leave on Monday instead of Sunday and sail back across the border like a boss.

The only other thing you need is your passport and your Mexican Insurance for San Felipe from MexicanInsuranceStore.com.

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15 Secrets to Enjoy Motorcycle Riding in Mexico

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Mexican Insurance Store

A group of riders taking a quick photo at sunset.

Mexican Insurance Store News and Information

Story by Jim Foreman

Mexico is a great country for overland travel. It’s got a well-developed highway system and wonderful cities and places to visit throughout the country.

Motorists and truckers generally like motorcyclists and think you’re cool!  Treating them with mutual respect makes for a more pleasurable journey.

One very important thing you need to do if you want to enjoy motorcycle riding in Mexico is to have solid Mexican insurance.  This is not negotiable.  Unless you travel with $300,000 USD Cash or enjoy Mexican jails, get yourself covered. Go to Mexican Insurance Store to purchase your insurance.

Riding a motorcycle is different from riding in the USA or Canada. Americans and Canadians are sticklers for rules and right-of-way. In Mexico, driving priority is primarily based on who is bigger and who is there first.

While not exhaustive, these secrets will enhance your journey and increase the number of friends you make.

  1. Wave to military vehicles, truckers, children in cars, drivers when you pass them, and of course other motorcyclists. A simple wave or better yet, a peace sign is a perfect way to demonstrate respect and mutual camaraderie.  Even wave to cops.  You’ll be surprised how often a wave gets you a smile and wave back.
  2. Passing is an art in Mexico. If you are on a two-lane road and you want to pass, flick on your left-turn blinker and let the drivers ahead know your intention. They will often pull over to the right a little bit to allow you to pass ahead. If a vehicle wishes to pass you, do the same. Move over to the right and let them.
  3. When passing trucks, also use your left-turn blinker as you approach and pass. This alerts them you are there and keeps you visible to them.  Do this even when you are in the passing lane and they are in the right lane.
  4. Never pass trucks or vehicles on the right shoulder. This is the first place they will go to make room for emergency vehicles or to let others pass.
  5. SLOW DOWN when approaching and within a town or city! This is very important for several reasons. There are often bus stops, gas stations, and topes (speed bumps) as you approach towns. This is also where both Policía Municipal and Policía Federal like to wait with radar guns to catch speeders. Slow it way down.
  6. If you are at or below half of a tank, fill it up at the next gas station. The next one may be many kilometers down the road.
  7. Take signs the read ‘Aguas’ and ‘Curva Peligrosa’ seriously. ‘Aguas’ means ‘Heads up’ or ‘Pay Attention.’ Also before certain corners deemed ‘peligrosa,’ there are often rumble strips, which can seriously affect traction and control.
  8. Be friendly at gas stations. People will come up to you and ask the size of your engine, how much it costs, how fast it goes, and if you like Mexico. These are very typical questions and don’t feel weird about answering them.  Smile and be gracious with your answers.
  9. DO NOT RIDE AT NIGHT. This is a big one. When riding toward the end of the day, hold your hand out with three fingers showing. If the sun is at or below your fingers from the horizon, you have 15-20 minutes to find a place to stay the night. Do not try to continue. Road hazards, livestock, and in some regions, criminal activity become acute at night. Find a hotel and enjoy a good dinner.
  10. Lane Sharing and lane filtering are OK, and drivers are typically quite good about it. Don’t abuse the privilege drivers give you to pass. Do it safely and discretely. Be sure to wave and thank the drivers who make room for you.
  11. Drink about half a liter of water every time you stop. Many riders crash and suffer significant injuries and sometimes fatalities due to dehydration. A simple way to tell if you are properly hydrated is that you need to use the restroom at each stop and your urine is a light color. The darker it is, the more dehydrated you are.
  12. If you see a rider on the side of the road or a motorist in need, stop if it is safe, to offer help. There may not be mobile reception, and you may be the angel of the day. They will stop for you if you are in trouble, too.
  13. Ride with your chin up and always scanning in the distance.  Look for hazards, errant drivers, debris, accidents, and animals. Doing so will give you plenty of time to take evasive action and not become a bigger problem. Be careful not to daydream when riding.
  14. If you have them, flash your emergency lights to let other drivers or riders know of oncoming hazards or sudden stops.  Flashing your brake light also works to alert drivers.
  15. In windy curving roads and especially blind corners, take it easy and stay to the right. Large vehicles including buses and trucks will take those corners wide. Give yourself plenty of time and options to remain safe and happy.

Again, this is not an exhaustive list, but this should give you an excellent primer to riding safely and enjoyably in Mexico.

Of course, it goes without saying to read Mexican Insurance Store News and Information and purchase quality coverage for your motorcycle when in Mexico.

Mexican Insurance Store News and Information

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