Traveling with caravan or not

Almot wrote:
None of advantages of a caravan seems big enough to me to justify extra cost and added limitations. I admit, I've been to Mexico a few times before taking a trailer there, but the 1st time I didn't speak any Spanish and 2nd time knew just a few phrases.

So it's hard for me to identify the biggest advantage of caravan. Maybe - paperwork at the border, though I haven't heard of anybody being denied entry because he couldn't figure out how to get his TIP and tourist card. At the border most officers - 60% at least - speak English.

Booking a campsite? In Mexico most campsites are 1st come, 1st serve. You are more likely to encounter all-full campground in popular snowbirds destinations in the US than in Mexico, and in Mexico there will be always another camp nearby.

Safety? Don't even want to comment on that. There are certain areas to avoid, but the rest of the country is at least as safe as the US. Theft is a problem though, mostly in scarcely populated camps and beaches. Don't leave anything outside.

Road choice? You can plan your route in advance, and if somehow you stray off and find yourself on a poor quality road, just use your common sense and slow down until it feels right.

Since you are asking whether you should take caravan, you should probably take it. Because you are afraid and staying in a group with a guide will make you feel better.

For those who like doing it on their own schedule, who like (and can) plan the trip, I would say - no caravan.

Sure, I am the same way. Many people, however like to have everything taken care of for them the first time. Also you do miss a lot of stuff on your own by not being able to get to a lot of attractions when tied down by an RV or a pet. Copper Canyon is one example. Not everyone ignores the propaganda job done on Mexico by the US Press either. There are people out there who think its more like Syria than Canada. Not that you do not have to exercise caution, but I think most here agree that they would be more scared in New Orleans than Mexico. The thing I like about caravans is they introduce new people to Mexican RVing, and hopefully contribute to keep the suffering RV parks down there alive. 6 years ago i was trying to discourage people from going to Mexico as it was tough to get into some of the Parks. Times have changed. Oddly enough it has never been an issue in Baja. For some reason it has some sort of mystique about it and everbody wants to go there. There, you are smart to check caravan company schedules to ensure you do not conflict or you may not get into a park. I did Baja once, found that was enough. On the mainland, I look at the schedules for the French Canadian, Caravanes Soleil, who will often fill up a Park. Last year both them and Caravanas de Mexico, an English speaking one, were in Chimulco at the same time for about 3 days overlap. Every single campsite was taken. I know of 3 French Canadian (maybe 4) plus one English caravan that use that park. You will find that Tacos in PV is often full or close to it for the same reason.