2/8/2009 11:02:00 PM Dangers of Mexico?
AAA says incidents are isolated, Rocky Point promises to deliver
Courtesy photo
The Point Restaurant in old Puerto Peñasco faces west onto Sandy Beach at Cholla Bay, where high-rise resorts under construction line the beach.
If you're ready for a sun, sand and ocean fix, but the economy is holding you back, you might find Rocky Point, Mexico, an attractive destination this year.
Recent reports of drug cartel-related violence in certain areas of Mexico have concerned prospective travelers, but Linda Gorman, director of public affairs for AAA Arizona, said those incidents are isolated to areas most travelers don't frequent.
"We are definitely aware of the news, and we've had inquiries and questions from members in terms of what we're recommending, but I can tell you Mexico travel right now is pretty hot. With the Caribbean and Europe more expensive than in years past, Mexico is the affordable option," she said. "Luckily the violence is fairly isolated and in the resort areas and on the major highways we have not seen those kinds of things."
Always a popular spring break and vacation spot, Rocky Point, just an hour below the border from Lukeville, Ariz., promises to be even more attractive this year. The community offers an amazing array of activities. Restaurants provide a variety of good dining, and lodging includes everything from camping on the beach to top-of-the-line hotels.
Arizona Public Service Community Development Manager Mike Johnsen is one Prescott Valley local who has made Rocky Point a second home for nearly 30 years.
While many of the current vacation opportunities are on the Cholla Bay side of the highway, the Johnsens like to use their trailer in the Playa de Oro RV Park near Las Conchas area.
The park, which has been in business for more than 20 years, is right on the beach and offers many amenities.
Johnsen said he enjoys the original Puerto Peñasco town, now referred to as "Old Port."
A new park has become a focal point for recreation and entertainment, he said.
"It's a tremendous area to go and walk around and enjoy the markets, or stand by the railing and watch the water and the ships," he said.
Fishermen always are eager to sell fresh jumbo shrimp and seafood at the dock, he said.
Prescott Valley residents Steve and Debbie Hernandez have visited Rocky Point several times, and will return this year because of its opportunity for a reasonable vacation.
"We can drive and take our own food, which saves a considerable amount of money," Debbie said.
She said the couple stays in a timeshare, and enjoys the security of a gated community and the family atmosphere it offers.
Rocky Point has become so popular with Arizonans that it's easy to forget that many laws and customs are not the same as they are in the U.S. Linda Gorman offers some tips for those planning a trip South of the border.
"Rocky Point is pretty Americanized," she said. "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.
Johnsen said 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.
One of the most important things to do before traveling in Mexico is to obtain Mexico auto insurance from a reputable source, said Gorman.
"American auto insurance is not recognized in Mexico," she said. "If you get in a crash, you can be arrested on the spot. Mexican auto insurance is very cheap and AAA, along with countless other companies, sell it. Just read the fine print to know what you're buying, because not all auto insurance is equal."
You won't need a passport to drive to Rocky Point until June 1, 2009, but before then, you do need either the passport or a birth certificate to return to the U.S.
Gorman suggests timing your return at off-peak hours, or you'll wait in a long line at Customs.
"Spring break and summer lines at Lukeville and Sonora can be very long, especially on weekends," she said.
It's best not to cross or travel in Mexico at night, she said. Don't carry weapons into Mexico, and leave your valuables at home.
Don't flash a lot of money around, and don't venture out alone at night.
It's a good thing to think about your behavior before you travel. Drugs are illegal, Gorman said, and not a good idea, especially in Mexico.
"You'll be thrown in jail first, and they'll ask questions later," she said. "You are in a foreign country, and it doesn't mean anything that you are an American."
All in all, she said, "Mexico is a pretty safe place to visit. We're expecting it to be really popular in 2009."
Those planning a trip to Rocky Point should be aware that things can be a bit rowdy during spring break. Johnsen said he and his wife avoid it during the month of March.
Additionally, Lukeville's Rocky Point Times website, www.rptimes.com, cautions about traffic delays during June as steam generators move to Palo Verde Nuclear Plant from Rocky Point to Phoenix.
The site states that between June 23 and July 10, Highway 85 will be closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the generators make their way to the U.S.
For a wealth of information about traveling to and vacationing in Rocky Point, visit www.puerto-penasco.com/
Reader Comments
Posted: Friday, August 13, 2010
Article comment by:
I'm just sayin'
There are too many "things to watch out for" in Mexico, especially for Americans. It can turn bad very quickly if you cross one of those crooked federales. I used to go to Mexico, but since their government started deporting their own citizens to the U.S., I stopped giving them my tourist dollars. I don't see the attraction of going to a place that right now is having drug wars and innocent people are killed if they're caught in the middle. Why not go to Iraq - or Afghanistan. The odds of survival are about the same. And despite what organizations who have a stake in sending tourists to Mexico say - Mexico is not our friend.
Posted: Friday, August 13, 2010
Article comment by:
Gene Hoshell
There is no law in Mexico that requires that anyone must have auto insurance. However, if you have an accident and do not have Mexican auto insurance you will be taken to jail and have your vehical impounded. You will be held in custody until fault and compensation is made.
An un-insured accident resulting in an injury is a felony.
Posted: Thursday, March 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Rosie Glover
If you buy your Mexican auto insurance from www.proalliance.com.mx you will have a real agent in Rocky Point. Rosie Glover, writer for the Rocky Point Times and owner of ProAlliance Insurance and the online newspaper: www.rockypointnewsonline.com will come out to the scene of a fender-bender regardless the time of night and translate for you! Phone calls to the U.S. are free from ProAlliance office. All employees speak fluent English.
Posted: Monday, February 23, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
To Ditto: The U.S.A. police DO arrest latinos for not having insurance. In my town, the police admit they stop drivers based on skin color (those who appear to be "Mexican," including those from Guatamala, etc.) and then issue tickets for no insurance, no driver's license. Talk about racial profiling! The great majority of those arrested are only trying to support their families. We're harming them, their families, and ourselves by not providing a means for everyone to purchase auto insurance.
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Countyhack
I even hate to share this secret; Catalina Island USA.
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Mercy
Why visit Mexico? Because they are our neighbors - because the relationship between our two countries should be one of support and mutual respect. Because the Mexican people are the most hospitable and friendly. Because the peso (14 pesos x 1 dollar) is soooo inexpensive - you can have a 5 star vacation for what used to get you 3 stars!! There is no where in the world with better climate, more beautiful secluded and pristine beaches. The service is wonderful - and the Mexican people appreciate the opportunity to serve their tourists..Need more?
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Common Sense is so Uncommon
You must carry insurance like you do here in the U.S. It doesn't matter if you are a tourist or citizen, if you don't carry insurance you will be detained.Thank you John Pack for the accurate information. U.S. still ranks #1 in crime outranking "violent" Mexico who comes in at #12. Wow...
Posted: Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Article comment by:
All God's Children
If you are brave enough to leave the protection of the U.S., then be prepared to change a habit or two. In any situation, show respect. Public drunkeness and lewdness make American tourists look like jackasses. Keep in mind you are visiting someone else's homeland. If you are stopped on the road, it is better to ask to go to the police headquarters than to try to bribe your way out of arrest. If you are taken to the police offices, they have to account for why they stopped you. Unless you have really messed up, you should be released. We have travelled in Mexico over the last 25 years, as tourists and mission workers. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generousity of the villagers. They will feed visitors before they feed their own family. They work very hard for very little. Avoid side roads and city areas that are not main streets. It is in poor taste to be flashy, when these people are struggling their entire life. Bless them and you will come back feeling much more blessed. If your eyes are open, you will understand how they feel when they watch how Americans live so much better than they are able. What if the situation was reversed? Use common sense.
Anybody involved in the travel industry has a vested interest (AAA) and you won't get the truth unless it spills over our border and kills Americans in the streets...which is about to happen in San Diego any day now. Mexico is at war with drug and human smugglers, who are vicious to the core. If you want to retire there, don't get in their way. I used to vacation all over Mexico. It's a different place today - a violent third world country spiraling out of control. There are Americans who have "just disappeared" never to be found and we get very little help (or sympathy) from the Mexican government. If anything, they work against us. If Mexico was such a wonderful place, why are 35 million illegal aliens here in this country.
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
tongue-in-cheek
Hey, go to Las Vegas, they will get your money a lot quicker than the Mexicans. Go sky dive it will kill you quicker than most Mexicans, ride a Harley it can kill you if you don't ride sanely. Play football and get beat up worse than any Mexican will do to you. A lot of people enjoy some risk for entertainment, so go to Mexico. There are fairly good odds you will return just fine. If you don't, who cares where YOU go, it's YOUR life.
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
John Pack
There are places you go and don't go in either country and in any city. However, the United States is still ranked as #1 in crime and Mexico ranks as #12: http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri-crime-total-crimes
www.mexicoliving.info
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Spend Your $'s in The U.S.A.
The Mexican people on the whole are a wonderful, very hard-working people. Unfortunately their country is in the grip of corrupt politicians, drug cartels, violent gangs,crooked police, poor health care and I wonder if its such a wonderful paradise why do millions sneak into our country each year?
The water is bad to drink. I think they need a revolution and clean house...get back to the old firing squad system.
Me, I take the Good Old U.S.A. every day!
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Double R
Reply to "no name provoded", You are right on every count. A little common sense and folks have a wonderful time and learn a few things too. I'm going back next month and am considering my retirement there. I know my wife will be safe there at most anytime of the day. When the main population of Mexico is shown respect they return it ten fold. Americans seem to have an attitude towards them and that's too bad. Those are the Americans I won't miss when I retire. If Americans only knew how many drug dealers, gang members and the wannabees,live within 200 feet of your home you would never stop running to get away from them. The Mexican courts act like Americans keep saying they want the American courts to act. Scary when you get what you ask for huh? No you can't sue the other driver and walk away with millions of dollars because they have the common sense to know that's stupid. Yes Mexican auto insurance will cover the cost of medical and repairs to your car and that's it. Like it should be. By the way , you won't get taxed to death either so someone can get a billion dollar bonus frtom a bailout. They do treat others as they are treated so only you will know if there will probably be a problem for you there.
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Ditto on the No Way Jose! U.S.A foe me too
So you can be arrested for not having Mexican insurance...the question is, are the Mexicans arrested if they don't have insurance? That arresting policy sounds like something the United States should implement, NOW!
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
You can be arrested on the spot if you DON'T HAVE MEXICAN INSURANCE.So obviously you buy that appropriate insurance, and you won't be arrested. Don't wear expensive jewelry or flash a lot of money: common sense.Don't drive at night: because the cattle are not fenced, you may have an accident by hitting a cow. You won't get special treatment BECAUSE you are an American, that is, they don't think we are god's gift to the planet. Venture into the same sorts of areas alone at night that you would feel safe venturing out into in the states.
The Mexican people are among the nicest people in the world.Very family oriented and friendly.The food is great. The peso is currently as cheap as I can remember seeing it. It is warm, there is a sea to swim in. Follow basic good sensible rules, and you'll be a happy adventurer.
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
No Way Jose ! U.S.A. for me!
I am amazed at the number of Americans that travel to Mexico. This is a country ruled by corruption, drug cartels and violent gangs. Some Americans even move there! They need to re assess that move. Who do you think the Mexican authorities are going to help first come a disaster? Mexicans or Gringos? See the Home and Garden channel when they have shows on real estate in Mexico being shown to Americans. Bars on all windows and door gates...sort of gives you a clue. If it's so wonderful why are the Mexicans trying to sneak into the USA like lemmings? Perhaps some day when they clean up their act and act as a civilized society folks might start going for visits...but now...No Way Jose!
Posted: Monday, February 09, 2009
Article comment by:
I don't think so...
Ok, do I have this right? I MUST have auto insurance because if I get into a "crash" I can be arrested on the spot. Do not travel or enter Mexico at night. Leave valuables at home, don't flash a lot of money around and don't venture out at night or alone. Think about my behavior because I will be thrown in jail first and they will ask questions later. In Mexico it doesn't mean anything that you are an AMERICAN. Sounds like a lovely place to vacation...NOT! Convince me why I would WANT to give my hard earned money to Mexico???
