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Mexico/Questions Answered by Expert Linda Leonard
| Subject | Date Asked |
| getting started | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: In February we went to LaPenita for 2 weeks and stayed at a bungalo and loved the area. We are ... A: It sounds like you know what you want...now how to make it happen. First please let me say that, ... | |
| Mexico, non-touristy | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: I hope you can help us. With my husband we would like to experience (2 weeks) the rural, non-tourist ... A: It sounds like a very nice trip. However, you haven't mentioned WHICH part of the country or WHICH ... | |
| landing in Cancun | 1/15/2011 |
| Q: my sister and I are coming for one week and we would like suggestions as to where to stay. We are ... A: I don't think you will find anything "non-touristy" in Cancun. There are many more "out of the way" ... | |
| Planning road trip | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: A friend and I and a pet are planning to drive from Toronto, Ontario to Guadalajara, Mexico late ... A: I will certainly answer your questions. However, at the moment, I am very busy with my daughter's ... | |
| legalizing cars | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: im going to mexico with my boyfriend we plan on taking his truck and we want to legalize it. what i ... A: I don't know anything about the US since I am Canadian and live in Mexico. However, I do know that ... | |
| cell phone for travel | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: We would like to find the right cell phone for a young teenager who is going to Mexico. We are ... A: I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about this since I don't live in the USA. I live in Canada and ... | |
| Puerto Vallarta from San Diego | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: Hola Linda: We r moving to PV from San Diego sept 7, 2010. We r confused re: Can we bring in a ... A: Hola Jean, I am sorry but I don't know about a 3rd computer. We always travel with 1 laptop each ... | |
| Puerto Vallarta from San Diego | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: Hola Linda: We r moving to PV from San Diego sept 7, 2010. We r confused re: Can we bring in a ... A: Hola Jean, Congratulations on your move to a new home! You can take personal stuff including a ... | |
| Living In Mexico | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I am 54 years old and on a limited income. I have been to Mexico Baja, 5 times, but not recently. ... A: I have heard the same about Guadalajara, but we have only passed by there & haven't spent any real ... | |
| Mexico travel safety | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I are planning a trip to Mexico's West Coast, entering and leaving Mexico via ... A: I am sorry, but we are mainland folks- haven't been to Baja. What are you travelling in? I would ... | |
| The Mayan Ruins | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I dont know if you can answer my question but i couldnt find any other person who knows about ... A: I am sorry, but I don't know any answers for you. I suggest you contact Dept of Tourism in Mexico ... | |
| international bank draft | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: Linda Leonard I am not sure if you will be able to answer this question I live in Mexico City I ... A: Sorry I didn't answer sooner- I did not receive your original question. The only thing I would ... | |
| Planning a Road Trip to Mexico | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the very beginning stages of planning a 7-10 day road trip to Mexico. I live in Houston, and ... A: Driving to Cancun will take you quite awhile. It's around a 40 hour drive. I would suggest crossing ... | |
| Planning a Road Trip to Mexico | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm in the very beginning stages of planning a 7-10 day road trip to Mexico. I live in Houston, and ... A: Before I suggest route/places, I need to know what you want to see/do. Do you want colonial cities, ... | |
| Ajijic B&B, PV Hostel, RV Parks in both | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: My DH and I will be going to Lake Chapala and Puerto Vallarta for a couple weeks in June. I'm ... A: I'm sorry I am not familiar with the hotels/B&B/hostels you asked about. We always stayed in our ... | |
| Living in an RV/Visa | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Linda Not sure this is exactly in your area (if not, maybe you can refer me). My dream is to live ... A: Glad to help. Just remember- they (immigration) need to think you are living there. Of course, you ... | |
| Living in an RV/Visa | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: Linda Not sure this is exactly in your area (if not, maybe you can refer me). My dream is to live ... A: Sounds like a great plan! In order to get an FM3 you must be able to show where you live. They even ... | |
| Choosing region | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I'm thinking of going to Mexico for a week or two in February or possibly March, and I'm not sure ... A: Well if you want warm weather, you need the southern coast. In that case I would suggest you look ... | |
| mexico advise | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: We are looking for a very thrifty vacation, under $2000 for 7 nights, around riviera Mayan region We ... A: I think you might enjoy Puerto Morelos. You can do a search on the net and you will see many ... | |
| RV travel in Baja and Mexico | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Linda, My husband and I have traveled extensively in mexico and baja, in our fifth wheel,for the ... A: In our opinion, Mexico is indeed safer than the US or our home in Canada. However, as in those 2 ... | |
| FM3 visa and car permit | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I have our sailboat in San Carlos, Sonora. We plan to go to Mexico for a season of ... A: You get your car import permit when you cross into Mexico. You are right, it is good for 180 days. ... | |
| Xalapa/Coatepec | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: my wife and I will be coming to the Xalapa/Coatepec/Veracruz area this winter for a couple of months ... A: Re: rving in Mex- tons of rV parks, thousands of Canadians/Americans spending their winters in this ... | |
| Xalapa/Coatepec | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: my wife and I will be coming to the Xalapa/Coatepec/Veracruz area this winter for a couple of months ... A: Sounds like a great trip! Busing in Mexico is easy and inexpensive. You will have no problems ... | |
| Renting a place | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find non-gringo style houseing in Rosarito but every place I look at online is fancy ... A: I'm sorry but we are not familiar with the Baja area- we travel only on the mainland. However, I do ... | |
| Travel from San Antonio, Texas to Puebla, Mex | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Four of us are thinking of driving to Puebla. One of us has traveled there many times since she is ... A: I think that unless you are involved with the drug trade, you would not even notice any "violence" ... | |
| money | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: how much would it cost me to eat on i am riding with a friend and we are staying with there family ... A: I am sorry, but I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out what you are trying to say. Punctuation ... | |
| bus from Zihuatenejo to mexico city | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: On May 2, I would like to take a bus to Mexico City (airport) if poossible so I don't have to get a ... A: Where are you now? I just assumed you are currently in Zihua. I just left there 2 days ago & am ... | |
| Mexcio | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: A friend of mine visited "Snata Curz" Juatulco...supposed to be an hour-or 2 south of Acapulco...and ... A: Hola Don, I think the place you are referring to is Huatulco. This is a resort area. All the ... | |
| Laredo, TX | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Is it safe right now to travel to and stay in Laredo, TX. As I do not plan on crossing the border ... A: Sorry, but since I am Canadian, and presently in Mexico, I really don't know anything about the USA. ... | |
| traveling to Mexico | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: How safe is it to drive my car or take a bus to Aquaclientes Mex.? ANSWER: Hi Fran, Wow. I have a ... A: I'm still in the dark regarding what your issue is. I don't understand why it WOULDN'T be safe to ... | |
| traveling to Mexico | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: How safe is it to drive my car or take a bus to Aquaclientes Mex.? A: Wow. I have a few questions in order to answer your question. What do you mean by safe? What are ... | |
| driving to mexico | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: Linda, do I assume then that you drive to Mexico? Where do you start from and end? And how long is ... A: yes we drive. We start just north of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Over the last 5 winters we have taken a ... | |
| suggestions | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: we are planning a first time mexico vacation. we would be going in november or december, would like ... A: There are 2 main beach areas in Zihua. Playa Madera- I recommend Casa Adriana- it sits on a hill & ... | |
| suggestions | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: we are planning a first time mexico vacation. we would be going in november or december, would like ... A: The list of possible locations is very long. Of course our all time favorite place is Zihuatanejo. ... | |
| summer rental in Yucatan San Bruno | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I was thinking of renting a summer home on the beach at San Bruno. Now with the headless bodies ... A: My husband & I are in Mexico now- arrived Oct. 19 & will stay until the end of April. For the past ... | |
| Leaving a travel trailer in Mexico | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: Recently we purchased a lot in Mexico. We live in Canada and plan to drive to Mexico this year. We ... A: Sounds like a great plan! Many Canadians RV to Mexico- no problem. However, 1 problem I see with ... | |
| Mayan Vacation? | 10/25/2008 |
| Q: This is a duplicate post I just sent to another expert as I don't know if you read the general ... A: Sounds like a great trip! I'm not much help on hotels, since we have been RVing for the last 5 ... | |
| Driving in Mexico | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are US citizens who live and work in Los Mochis, Sinaloa legally with our FM-3s. ... A: Oh boy! I don't know all the answers. But I do know that if you have an FM3 you can inport your ... | |
| tourist visa | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: I want to live in Cancun and work as a massage therapist in one of the hotels. What are the rules ... A: sounds like a wonderful idea, but have you looked into the rules & regulations regarding working in ... | |
| travel across mexico advice | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: I am Nat, live in Belgium and am planning a major trip from San Francisco to Peru.Fist country i ... A: It sounds like you will have a wonderful trip & I wish you all the best. Since we have been RVing, ... | |
| Motorhome traveling | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: Im planning a trip across Mexico with 5 friends. We woud like to rent a motorhome as means of ... A: I'm not up on Motorhome rentals, but I know there are several companies in Canada & the US. You ... | |
| learn spanish | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: can you recommend a good spanish school in mexico for a mature student ANSWER: Hi Mike, You didn't ... A: I haven't done it, but have friends that have & they say this is great: full immersion programs in ... | |
| learn spanish | 4/11/2008 |
| Q: can you recommend a good spanish school in mexico for a mature student A: You didn't mention WHERE in Mexico you would like to go. It's a very large & varied country. ... | |
| 2 months in Mexico | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: If you were given two months to see Mexico on a budget could you give me an idea of the best route ... A: I don't know what you consider to be "all the main places"- this would vary a lot from person to ... | |
| RV travel in Mexico | 3/26/2008 |
| Q: Miss Linda My wife and I are planning a trip to the gulf of California area in our Lance truck ... A: We haven't been in the Baja, but I assume it's not very different than the mainland. RV sites in ... | |
| Traveling with children | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: Linda, I am planning a family vacation to Mexico. I have seven children ranging in ages from 1 to ... A: If I was planning a similar experience, I would research each place to consider on the internet & ... | |
| Mexico | 3/8/2008 |
| Q: sorry for disturbing you i would like to ask some questions about mexico 1. What hotels are good and ... A: I will try to answer your questions: 1. since we are RVing, we don't really know much about hotels. ... | |
| Tourist Cards | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: We are planning to cross into Mexico at Nogales next month. Can we purchase our tourist cards at the ... A: Yes, you get your tourist cards at the same place as the car permits. You have to pay the fee for ... | |
| driving in mainland mexico | 1/31/2008 |
| Q: We are a family of 9, My husband, myself, kids 13 to 26, plus our son in law and 2 year old ... A: It sounds like a wonderful trip. Mex 200 is the road you would take. It is 1 lane in either ... | |
| Magdalena Bay | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: We are going to visit Puerto Lopez Mateos in Mebruary. Any recomendations for places to stay in a ... A: Our experience is limited to the mainland. Sorry I can't help with this. Have you had a look at ... | |
| Long Term RVing in Mexico | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: Linda, I have read several of your answers to others' questions, and appreciate your obvious ... A: Good plan! However, it is getting more crowded in the RV parks every winter & I would advise making ... | |
| Vacation advice | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: Please can you advice me in anyway possible. My name is Mark and I am from London. I am 35 years ... A: Sorry but I can't really help you. We are retired teachers, so the clubing life is just not on our ... | |
| driving to zihuatanejo | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I really want to visit this place and I love to drive. Is this a bad idea? How do I get there? I ... A: You didn't say from where you would be driving, so I really can't comment on a route. I would ... | |
| traveling in Baja California | 12/24/2007 |
| Q: I'm planning a trip to Baja this January and I've never been there before. How safe would it be for ... A: I will begin by saying that we have not been to Baja. We have been travelling in mainland Mexico ... | |
| Driving to Cancun from Texas | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: Just wondering if you have any info at all about driving to Cancun from Texas (possibly ... A: I'm sorry I can't comment with up to date info on hotels since we have been rving for the last 5 ... | |
| Trip to Mexico with granddaughter | 12/19/2007 |
| Q: a place of her choosing. Because of an after school Spanish class, she chose Mexico. We have been ... A: Yes we are settled in & once again awed at how busy our lives are! We do manage to get a couple of ... | |
| Travelling from Tucson/Nogales to Guadalajara then to Cuernavaca | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: Nifty site! I am a canuck looking to travel starting the 1stDEC to JAN2/08 from the places I've ... A: For buses we have only used Estrella de Oro or Estrella Blanca. Both were great. Different regions ... | |
| Trip to Mexico with granddaughter | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: a place of her choosing. Because of an after school Spanish class, she chose Mexico. We have been ... A: This sounds like quite a trip for a 7 year old. Did you mean 17 by any chance? Since we are ... | |
| Zihauteneo | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: We planned to fly into Zihuat and then take a bus Northeast up the coast to find a good place to ... A: We have driven 200 from Mazatlan to Acapulco (pulling our 30 ft RV) 4 times. From PV to Zihuatanejo ... | |
| Zihauteneo | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: We planned to fly into Zihuat and then take a bus Northeast up the coast to find a good place to ... A: Sorry for any delay- I just received your question this minute. Re: mex 200- we have driven all of ... | |
| Zihauteneo | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: We planned to fly into Zihuat and then take a bus Northeast up the coast to find a good place to ... A: Oh- northwest- ok then. We have only driven through Colima, We have spent a lot of time in ... | |
| Zihauteneo | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: We planned to fly into Zihuat and then take a bus Northeast up the coast to find a good place to ... A: Northeast from Zihua would include Cuernavaca, Chilpancingo- maybe Puebla?? These are great areas & ... | |
| Cozumel | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: Last year was our 1st trip to Mexico. We stayed at Roca Mar, a small hotel on Isla Mujeres ... A: Since we have been RVing for the last 5 years, I haven't been paying too much attention to hotels. ... | |
| RVing in MExico | 10/10/2007 |
| Q: We are planning to travel in 2008-2009 with our two children ages 12 and 9. We were interested in ... A: Sounds like a wonderful trip. I don't know about Belize & Guatemala, but I would say you would have ... | |
| volunteer opportunities | 9/25/2007 |
| Q: We will be in Ixtapa for the month of Jan next year and are looking for volunteer opportunities, ie ... A: Small world- we will be in Zihua Nov-April! Maybe we can meet! I would suggest you look into ... | |
| Short visit to Mexico - Help | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: We 4 are planning to visit the yucantan peninsula region from NY-USA this thanks giving. So we ... A: Well, that clears that up! Since I don't know about your flight or Bamba, I don't really have an ... | |
| Short visit to Mexico - Help | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: We 4 are planning to visit the yucantan peninsula region from NY-USA this thanks giving. So we ... A: 1st- let's just clarify- I might have misunderstood your visit to Tikal or Ticul? Ticul is about 2 ... | |
| Short visit to Mexico - Help | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: We 4 are planning to visit the yucantan peninsula region from NY-USA this thanks giving. So we ... A: It sounds like a wonderful trip, but I'm wondering if you are aware of the hours of driving ... | |
| travel time san miguel to PV | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: can you please tell me how long the drive is from san miguel to puerto vallarta? and is there any ... A: It could be done in 1 day, but it would be a full day's drive & you wouldn't see much. Guadalahara ... | |
| Getting from Monterrey to San Miguel de Allende | 9/5/2007 |
| Q: Would you have any suggestions on the best way of getting from Monterrey to San Miguel de Allende? ... A: We drive from Monterrey to San Miguel de Allende in about 7 hours- pulling a 30 ft RV, so in a car ... | |
| Traveling by Car to Puerto Vallarta | 9/4/2007 |
| Q: We will be driving our SUV (from Washington state) filled with small electrics and household goods ... A: We have not been to Baja, so can't provide any info on that point. However, we have crossed at ... | |
| Buses from Mexico city to Acapulco | 9/4/2007 |
| Q: We are planing a trip to the Grand Mayan Resort on Nov 17-24th. The plane fares are very high at ... A: I am assuming the Grand Mayan Resort is in Acapulco??? You can go onto the bus sites on the ... | |
| traveling to Cancun from Laredo, Tx | 8/8/2007 |
| Q: Wondering if you could tell me the best route to take on the toll ways to Cancun from Texas.. are ... A: I don't think baetween Brownsville or Laredo that one is better than the other- both are fine. For ... | |
| traveling to Cancun from Laredo, Tx | 8/8/2007 |
| Q: Wondering if you could tell me the best route to take on the toll ways to Cancun from Texas.. are ... A: forgive me for being brief on such a complex topic, but my mom has just passed away & I just don't ... | |
| economic living | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: you are just the person I want to talk to. I have been to other parts of the world and know that ... A: Re: water- we always drink bottled water at home too, and wherever we travel. Just the changes in ... | |
| Driving to Cancun | 8/5/2007 |
| Q: I'd like to drive from the states to Cancun. Can you suggest some resources for information on ... A: Where you would cross into Mexico would depend on where you are coming from in the US & the rest of ... | |
| usa-Cancun mexico | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if it was dangerous to drive through mexico to get to cancun? is there bad areas ... A: I'm not really sure what you are concerned about. Mexico is no different than anywhere else in the ... | |
| non-touristy, family friendly mexici | 7/15/2007 |
| Q: we are looking to holiday in Mexico with 2 children, 5 & 8 - adventurous, we do not want to stay in ... A: Sorry, but I would need more info in order to make any suggestion. Are you driving or flying? Do ... | |
| Non-touristy places in Mexico | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: Last winter my husband and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable week on Isla Mujeres off Cancun in a small ... A: Some of our favorite spots are: on the caribean side, south of Playa del Carmen- Chetumal; and ... | |
| vw camper vans | 6/10/2007 |
| Q: Here campers are very expensive so i was thinking my wife and i may go on hoilday to mexico and when ... A: We have travelled extensively in Mexico- all coasts & a lot of the interior. We also have come to ... | |
| Buying the Farm | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: I want to move to rural Mexico on a hectare or two, but I'm not sure where. The plan is to build a ... A: Yikes! I haven't made a study of climatic changes ANYWHERE let alone in Mexico, but in our travels ... | |
| aculpaco to mexico city through taxco | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: i am looking for a overnight trip that goes from acculpulco to mexico city staying a night or two in ... A: We just returned from our winter in Mexico & we drove that exact route, with our 30 foot RV, twice. ... | |
| DRIVE MEXICO CITY TAXCO TO ACAPULICO | 4/22/2007 |
| Q: I AM INTERESTED IN TOURING MEXICO CITY AND THE DRIVING TO TRAXCO STAY A NIGHT AND ON TO ACAPULICO, ... A: I'm not sure why it wouldn't be a good idea- it's just like driving anywhere else- good cuota (toll ... | |
| RV vs Home Purchase | 4/20/2007 |
| Q: We have rented a beach home in Chicxulub and loved it but we also like our Motor Home. I have not ... A: I am currently on the road & don't have much internet access, so this will be short. Please write ... | |
| passport requirements at present | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: Is it necesary to have a passport to travel to Mexico at this time? We have applied, but afraid we ... A: I don't know what country you are from, so it's hard to say. For Canadians, a valid drivers' ... | |
| mexico | 1/22/2007 |
| Q: Linda, I read your post and was hoping you could give me some basic info on planning a trip for ... A: I guess some of it depends on where you live & what flights are available to you. Buying "air only" ... | |
| Business in Mexico | 1/17/2007 |
| Q: I am a home builder in Dallas, Texas, and over the last few months I have noticed iron doors and ... A: I'm not sure how you would get info. I guess if I was you, since you are only a day's drive from ... | |
| Business in Mexico | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: I have been doing research on Mexico but find it difficult to obtain information on anything other ... A: Now this is a different question from the norm! Unfortunately, I don't know the answer. Do you ... | |
| bus service from mexico city to colola | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: I am going to Coloa-beach near La Placita on the pacific coast to help saving turtles (volunteering ... A: I'm sorry I don't know where Coloa beach is. We are currently in Zihuatanejo- just 6 K's from ... | |
| Hotels in San Miguel De Allende | 1/1/2007 |
| Q: Hola; We will be in San Miguel April 7. I suspect it will be very busy since Easter is the next day, ... A: sorry, but since we are in our RV in Mexico, we really don't know the hotels in the areas you are ... | |
| driving/Mexico | 12/28/2006 |
| Q: Driving directions from Zihuatanejo to Hotel Villa Montana near Morelia. Thanks, Jim A: I don't know where the hotel is, but Zihua to Morelia is a snap- just take mex 200 west to Union, ... | |
| what we can bring in to Mexico | 12/18/2006 |
| Q: We will be travelling to Mexico in January. I have some rather strict meat restrictions. Are we ... A: We can't bring meat from Canada into the US, so we never have any with us when we cross into Mexico, ... | |
| rincon/la penita | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: I am going to be living in either Rincon de Guayabitos or La Penita for 3 months starting in ... A: What a great place to spend 3 months! If you are a beach person, be sure to go to the beach at the ... | |
| rv'ing in Mexico | 10/25/2006 |
| Q: didn't think about the hurricane issue, we're from Michigan. Never seen one of those. Where in ... A: We have visited Mexico approximately 20 times, but this our 4th year in our RV. We have crossed at ... | |
| rv'ing in Mexico | 10/24/2006 |
| Q: Linda Seems you have knowledge of Mexico. We're looking at experiencing it in a few years. Was ... A: Yup- we have travelled, and still are travelling, with our RV quite extensively in Mexico; however, ... | |
| Travel to Hildalgo | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: Well I want to go to Tenango De Doria, Hidalgo which is near Tulancingo, Hildalgo. A very beautiful ... A: ok- I just found it on my map- the best road map for Mexico in the opinion of most RVers, and us, is ... | |
| Travel to Hildalgo | 10/18/2006 |
| Q: Well I want to go to Tenango De Doria, Hidalgo which is near Tulancingo, Hildalgo. A very beautiful ... A: Sorry we might have been through Tulancingo, but if we did go through, we didn't stop. I can't ... | |
| San Miguel de Allende to the Beach | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: Linda Thanks! Great idea...pouring over maps now. Actually the original intent was to tour ... A: There are several bypasses around Guadalahara. We have only gone south from there- just watch the ... | |
| San Miguel de Allende to the Beach | 10/1/2006 |
| Q: Hola Linda My husband and I are about ready to take off from Kansas City for Mexico. My daughter ... A: Hola Joan, sounds like a fun time! You can get to Melaque in an easy day's drive, or also to ... | |
| Driving from McAllen, Tx. to San Miguel de Allende with a dog & cat | 9/28/2006 |
| Q: Are there mostly toll roads from McAllen Tx to San Miguel? How do you find acceptable motels that ... A: There are approx. 4 toll booths between San Luis Potosi & Monterrey. They are expensive in our ... | |
| Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa to Morelia | 9/18/2006 |
| Q: Was wondering if you have taken the new Super Highway between Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa and Morelia during ... A: We took this road just last April. It is an easy 3-3 1/2 hour drive. There are highway buses that ... | |
| Chiapas | 9/13/2006 |
| Q: I am thinking of flying to Villahermosa, renting a car and driving to Palenque, San Cristobal, ... A: We will be driving that route this winter, but I know other RVers who drive it yearly with no ... | |
| Non-touristy places | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: We've decided on the West Coast. Thinking we'd like to fly into Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara and ... A: To be in Mexico for La Dia de los Muertos would really be interesting. Along the west coast, Rincon ... | |
| Non-touristy places | 8/25/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I want to go to Mexico for our anniversary. I've been to Guadalajara before and ... A: I'm not sure where to even start: along the west coast, there are sooo many small towns besides PV- ... | |
| Moving to Mexico | 8/17/2006 |
| Q: First off, I would like to say how jealous I am of you to be spending you winters along Mexico's ... A: I'm not sure how much help I can be since it has been a long time since I was 23! haha ok- I'll ... | |
| Car Rental | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: My wife and I are going to Ixtapan for a week and may consider renting a car for some side trips. ... A: Do you mean you are going to Ixtapa? If you mean Ixtapan, sorry I don't know where that is. ... | |
| Bond sercured by credit card to bring in my vehicle. | 7/28/2006 |
| Q: I hope all is well with you. Please take time to read and answer the following question. 1989 was ... A: ok- I'll try to answer all your questions. You do need to pay the entry permit fee- with a credit ... | |
| travel from guadalajara to san miguel | 7/25/2006 |
| Q: We have planned a vacation in November to San Miguel - part vacation; part retirement exploration - ... A: The roads are easy- we usually take the toll roads- but only because they are easier on the 30ft. ... | |
| november in cancun | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: What do you think of travelling to Cancun during Thanksgiving. Worried about rain. Thanks so much! A: I did answer this question a few days ago, but maybe it didn't get sent properly. I had asked which ... | |
| Mexico Destination Wedding | 7/7/2006 |
| Q: I am hoping to plan my wedding in Mexico and I would really love some suggestions of not only ... A: To answer your question would require me to write a book! I would need you to do some homework ... | |
| non-hotel help | 6/27/2006 |
| Q: we wll be in puerto aventuras area in august and would love to stay somewhere out of the main drag ... A: While we have visited Cozumel, we don't usually stay there, so I'm sorry I don't know a lot about ... | |
| traveling through Mexcio | 6/24/2006 |
| Q: Linda: My wife, dog and I plan a road trip through Mexcio to Honduras. I have a health certificate ... A: I don't have a dog, but I know lots of folks take their pets into Mexico with no major problems. I ... | |
| From Tucson to Los Cabos | 6/3/2006 |
| Q: I would like to make the loop from Tucson, Az in my RV into Mexico and take the ferry over to La ... A: We have crossed at Nogales & driven to the west coast & past where you would get the ferry for the ... | |
| rates | 5/12/2006 |
| Q: What is the average per night rate for an RV park in Mexico. Just a rough idea what it would cost ... A: It varies- coast-inland-etc., but rates usually fall between 150-300 pesos/night. The high cost ... | |
| Bus to Mazatlan | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: I'm planning my first vacation in 4 years and we'll be roadtripping from Minnesota to Corpus ... A: Sorry to take so long to get back to you- we were delayed visiting family in Ontario (no public ... | |
| Travel Trailer in Mex. | 3/23/2006 |
| Q: Just one more....I saw on mexconnect a report that even a person with a tourist visa could but real ... A: I have read otherwise- that you must have at least an FM3, but there is conflicting info on several ... | |
| Travel Trailer in Mex. | 3/22/2006 |
| Q: In about 12 months I want to sell my house and STUFF here in USA. Tell me if my thoughts are in ... A: Wow- that's quite a plan. I assume you are aware of all the hoops involved in owning land, and what ... | |
| bus travel from Zihuatanejo | 3/21/2006 |
| Q: Can you tell me if there is a direct bus from Zihuatanejo to Uruapan? My husband and I are flying ... A: I don't know the bus schedule off hand, but there are buses to everywhere in Mexico, so I am sure ... | |
| First time Rving in Mexico | 3/14/2006 |
| Q: My husband and I are looking into what we need to know before we decide to venture to Mexico in our ... A: Good for you- you will love it! I don't know where you live, but regardless, passports are the way ... | |
| campeche,tabasco/ yucatan | 3/14/2006 |
| Q: I am a soon to be retired old lady. I want to buy a small RV and travel in Mexico. By myself, what ... A: This winter so far we have met 5 different ladies RVing by themselves here in Mexico. They are all ... | |
| Driving in Mexico | 3/6/2006 |
| Q: Hola; My wife and I (in our mid 40's) are arriving in P.V. in mid March. We have rented a car (v.w. ... A: Sounds like how we researched the RV parks when we used to fly in for 2 weeks (that was ... | |
| How far can we get and then sllep where? | 2/22/2006 |
| Q: I am driving, with a good friend, South from Northern California to Cabo San Lucas. We are both ... A: Sorry not to be able to help- haven't been to Baja or to Tiajuana, and are Canadian, so don't know ... | |
| CANCUN | 1/15/2006 |
| Q: I WAS PLANNING ON VISITING CANCUN THE MIDDLE OF MAY. DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME BECUASE ... A: Since I am currently on the west coast in Mexico, I don't know 1st hand what is happening in the ... | |
| Crossing the boarder in a RV | 12/25/2005 |
| Q: I have an electronics & computer hobby shop in my RV. Would the authorities be unhappy with me ... A: I would suggest you check with the Mexican consulate or boarder officials. I know there are ... | |
| Air travel within Mexico | 12/4/2005 |
| Q: A group of friends and I who live in Belize are trying to travel to San Cristobal in April 2006. ... A: I'm sorry, but we are RVing, so we drive everywhere. In the past when we flew, we were coming from ... | |
| Colola | 11/20/2005 |
| Q: Are there any - or many - mosquitoes on beaches in the Colola area? My son is going to be team ... A: Not sure where Colola is- sorry- but have never encountered mosquitoes on any beach- they don't like ... | |
| Mexico Vacation | 11/16/2005 |
| Q: Looking to go with wife and 2 other couples to Mexico. We have never done this previously but one ... A: Sorry not to help much with this one- where to go depends on what you ... | |
| RV Travel | 10/14/2005 |
| Q: My intent is to find 5+ acres to start a small homestead farm Any advice? A: In there you will find literally hundreds of RV spots along the west coast as welol as the rest of ... | |
| Manzanillo | 10/3/2005 |
| Q: We've only been to Mazatlan so we thought Manzanillo would be better. We still have the problem of ... A: Please look at the website: www.zihuatanejo.net for info there is also an excellent message board ... | |
| acdcomodations vs rv gas cost | 10/3/2005 |
| Q: It's Oct.05-what is the price of a GALLON of regular gas and how much do non-touristy accomodations ... A: We will leave home for Mexico in 4 weeks, so will know about gas costs then. In the meantime, I ... | |
| Manzanillo | 9/29/2005 |
| Q: My wife and I want to go to Manzanillo because it seems like it would be more of a true Mexican ... A: First I would need to ask you "more of a true Mexican experience" than where? There are many places ... | |
| mexico | 9/16/2005 |
| Q: is travelling in mexico safe? i would like to ride motorcycle in mexico from arizona to the cancun ... A: I'm not sure why the question is even being asked. What do you or your wife think might happen to ... | |
| Entering mexico | 8/19/2005 |
| Q: Hello- I was just wondering if a canadian birthcertificate and picture ID is fine to enter Mexico ... A: At present you need 2 photo id's- and you can expect delays and possible hassle. In a matter of a ... | |
| RV in Mexico | 8/15/2005 |
| Q: Linda, my husband and I are planning to retire to Mexico. Of course, this won't happen until 2014! ... A: It's a great idea to do a lot of checking around to see what you might like. Have you been there ... | |
| Road trip | 8/12/2005 |
| Q: I would imagine my question pertains to any part of Mexico as well as your particular area of ... A: It seems to me that sleeping in the car might be ok in Grand Forks, but not ok in New York or ... | |
| Hidalgo state questions | 7/22/2005 |
| Q: Hola Linda, I am not sure about your spanish level, so I will try to do it in english. I am from ... A: Sorry I can't help too much with this. So far we have only been to the coastal areas. This winter ... | |
| the best coastal town | 7/9/2005 |
| Q: I have read Karen's book and loved it - yay for feisty women! But for sure, that area is way to ... A: I know there are other books out there, but don't have titles. Also, I have heard of web sites, but ... | |
| the best coastal town | 7/8/2005 |
| Q: Wow - are thought processes are on the same track about the size and tourist poulation of cities ... A: I taught music & drama to grades 1-9 and had several award-winning performing groups and choirs. I ... | |
| the best coastal town | 7/8/2005 |
| Q: read every Retire to Mexico book, and joined many chat rooms where people talk about all of the ... A: OK- why Zihua- when we were still teaching (retired June 04) we used to go to Mexico for our 2 week ... | |
| the best coastal town | 7/7/2005 |
| Q: I plan on retiring to Mexico within 2 years - I am active and energetic, and want to try to teach ... A: 1st I would just like to say that there are lots of single women doing the RV thing. Next, if you ... | |
| retiiring in mexico | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: I am planning to retire in 1-3 years and am interested in renting in the rosarito beach area. I ... A: Since we are RVers, I'm not really familiar with rentals in that area. I have some knowledge about ... | |
| Nice and relaxing coastal town... | 6/6/2005 |
| Q: I am Irish and my girlfriend and I are going to California for a week or two, however, when in San ... A: We have only been as far north as San Carlos on the coast. It is a full days drive from Nogales ... | |
| huatulco flights | 5/10/2005 |
| Q: what is the least expensive way to fly from mexico city to huatulco? leaving about july 22 and ... A: I don't know why an airline service can't give you an answer. In the winter there are charters to ... | |
| rv | 4/3/2005 |
| Q: I am looking for a fifth wheel to travel from Denver to Teacapan. I have heard that there are ... A: Haven't heard of any length problems- we're 30 feet & there are lots bigger than us! There are many ... | |
| traveling in Mexico | 3/25/2005 |
| Q: I's like to do some traveling in Mexico but I wasn't sure where to start. After reading your profile ... A: since I am currently on the road in Mexico, I don't have unlimited internet time. If I were you I ... | |
| ruta maya | 2/22/2005 |
| Q: I am a Panamanian living in the US and I am planning a trek through Central America with a few ... A: As far as we are concerned, all the towns are safe, we haven't had any problems with roads, buslines ... | |
| COAST | 2/17/2005 |
| Q: I have been to Melaque, did not cmpare even to beaches in Gulf of Florida, much less to the ... A: Sorry you were disappointed in Melaque. Most of the Pacific beaches are similar- they do not ... | |
| Best City in Mexico | 1/29/2005 |
| Q: I and my parents are deciding to go to Mexico for this March break. I wanted to know which city is ... A: We are in Puerto Vallarta right now! It is a very nice beach resort. Our other favorite place is ... | |
| honeymoon road trip | 1/23/2005 |
| Q: I am planning on getting married in may. So we get to go on a honeymoon trip!!!!!!! We live in ... A: 1st..in order to bring a rental car into }mexico, you would need written permission from the company ... | |
| Budget travelling in Mexico | 1/18/2005 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I are planning a 4 - 6 week trip to Mexico in the next few weeks. We plan to stay ... A: Sounds like a great trip. The bus system is extremely cheap and convenient in all of Mexico- it has ... | |
| Driving in Mexico | 1/7/2005 |
| Q: My husband and I are hoping to travel with our 3 children (14,10,9) to Mexico this summer. We are ... A: Haven't been to northern inland part nor the baja, but I would assume it's no different than ... | |
| Travel from Ixtapa/Zih to Oaxaca | 1/5/2005 |
| Q: We have been traveling to Ixtapa for some years and have visited many areas in beautiful MEXICO as ... A: Try looking up Estrella de Oro or Estrella Blanca. Those are the 2 bus lines we have used. Both ... | |
| Mexico City, Taxco, Cancun | 1/3/2005 |
| Q: I have several questions---if you're up to it. This will be my first REAL trip to Mexico and I need ... A: sorry I haven't spent a lot of time in Mexico City, and have not been to Taxco or Cancun. We only ... | |
| rving in baja | 1/2/2005 |
| Q: My husband and I also have explored baja for the past 10 years and retired last year. We bought a ... A: Sorry, we haven't been to Baja so can't really help. We are currently on the mainland at La Penita- ... | |
| traveling to Mexican rural areas | 12/29/2004 |
| Q: I will be going to rural Mexico in April. I have never been to Mexico, can you tell me anything I ... A: Sorry I can't help with your questions- for one thing there are too many of them- I would have to ... | |
| living in Mexico | 12/24/2004 |
| Q: How much could one live for in Mexico and is what parts of Mexico would you recommend living in A: Well that's no different than asking someone how much can you live for in the US or in Canada or in ... | |
| How safe is RVing in Mexico | 12/14/2004 |
| Q: We have been thinking for years about retiring in Mexico. Prices of homes seem to be increasing ... A: Your timing is amazing! We just retired in June and are RVing in Mexico as we write! We just ... | |
| Bus travel from Tijuana to Zihuatenejo | 11/27/2004 |
| Q: My husband and I wish to travel to Zihuatanejo by bus departing from Tijuana (around 12/27th). Would ... A: There are 2 main buslines in Mexico. Estrella de Oro and Estrella Blanca. Both are on the net, ... | |
| traveling around mexico - help! | 11/20/2004 |
| Q: my boyfriend and i are planning on traveling around mexico, the only problem is that we only have ... A: Well these are complicated questions. I guess it depends on what you want to do. Do you want ... | |
| Going to Mexico for the first time | 11/9/2004 |
| Q: I live in California, central coast and I plan to take greyhound bus to Tihuana or Laredo and then ... A: There are 2 bus lines in Mexico and both have web sites with fares and schedules. Estrella de Oro ... | |
| Traveling by RV in Mexico | 11/8/2004 |
| Q: Want to travel by RV to Mexico. Would dogs be an issue? Do you feel safe doing this. Are there ... A: We don't have a dog, but I have heard that with the proper documentation- rabies certs, etc. there ... | |
| Surviving in Mexico | 9/28/2004 |
| Q: Leonards: My wife and I will be envolved in teaching in Puebla Mexico Jan-May 2005. Being there ... A: We live in Canada, so don't know too much about taking a vehicle from the US. I know that the ... | |
| Crossing the Border | 9/17/2004 |
| Q: We are leaving OR Tuesday and plan on entering at Tecate on Sat with our 5th wheel. We have looked ... A: I sure wish I were going with you now- we can't leve till end of Nov.! We live in Canada, so I know ... | |
| travel (without tourgroup) with kids | 8/30/2004 |
| Q: We ( a family of 6 with 4 smallish kids) want to travel to Mexico to see the copper canyon. All the ... A: I'm sorry you have read such negative things! I can only say that we have been to Mexico over 10 ... | |
| I am planning an extended... | 8/29/2004 |
| Q: I am planning an extended trip to southern Mexico. What documents will I need to bring my Car and ... A: As far as I know, you will need proof of ownership and registrations. I highly recommend a passport ... | |
| Mexican Bus Travel | 7/27/2004 |
| Q: I am a young american woman who is married to a mexican man...Currently my husband is in Mexico with ... A: The 1st question I have to ask is why are you not discussing this with your husband? Can you not ... | |
| budget lodging and places of interest | 7/25/2004 |
| Q: It's me again. It just dawned on me that maybe I can go the other way around, that is, stay near the ... A: That sounds like a plan if you like the ocean areas. Some of the smaller villages we like in that ... | |
| budget lodging and places of interest | 7/25/2004 |
| Q: Sorry I was not specific enough in my question. I'm planning a trip to Guadalajara and surrounding ... A: Nice to hear from you again. Guadalajara is quite a bit inland for our taste (we love the ocean and ... | |
| First trip to Mexico | 7/25/2004 |
| Q: My husband and I live in Detroit, and would like to take a short, affordable, 5-day trip to Mexico. ... A: Our 1st trip to Mexico was to Playa del Carmen. It definately did increase our appetite for more! ... | |
| Travel to Mexico | 7/22/2004 |
| Q: Me, my wife and one year old daughter would like to visit Mexico for the first time. We are ... A: Most of Mexico is warm at Christmas time. There are far too many beaches for me to list here. ... | |
| Mr. Moro's - Las Glorias | 7/18/2004 |
| Q: We have been going to the Baja for years. We live in AZ and for the past few years have been ... A: We have only stayed in PV in that area, but have visited many RV parks between Mazatlan and PV. We ... | |
| playa del carmen | 7/13/2004 |
| Q: just wanted to know if you have been to playa and if you have can you recommend a cheap place to ... A: We have been to P de C many times- it's one of our favorite places. We have stayed in many places. ... | |
| Encampo's | 7/9/2004 |
| Q: I am looking for an affordable encampo to keep a travel-trailer at. I'd like to stay close to ... A: I would really like more info about your friend in Puerto Nuevo paying only $150./month. We stay at ... | |
| accomodation | 7/5/2004 |
| Q: its me again. I am not so young (34 years old.) Sorry but I think that my bad english made you ... A: Your English is just fine! It's just that "hostels" are usually for quite young people. We stayed ... | |
| Travel in Mexico | 7/1/2004 |
| Q: My girlfriend and me will go for a budget travel in Mexico during 6 days -from 10 to 15th of July ... A: Since we are quite a bit older than you are, we don't know much about hostels. I know they are ... | |
| First trip to Mexico City | 7/1/2004 |
| Q: traveling alone. I have no fears about big cities and have traveled globally. But what I read about ... A: We have stayed in Zona Rosa and have had no problems. Of course we stick to the main streets. We ... | |
| Closest beach town to Austin, TX | 2/10/2004 |
| Q: my friend and I are driving from Austin to Mexico -- she suggested going through Durango to ... A: Between Mazatlan and PV there must be at least 50 small beach towns. If I were you (and we did), ... | |
Mexico
Answers by Expert:
Linda Leonard
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
My husband and I have travelled extensively within mainland Mexico for over 15 years. We prefer quiet, locally owned accomodations over resorts. Once we retired, we spent 6 years RVing in Mexico during the winters, travelling along the coastlines and inland. We love the people, the climate and the culture, and we are still working hard at our Spanish. We now live in Zihuatanejo during the winters, and in Canada during the summers.
Experience
Due to our extensive travel and our many wonderful experiences, I have published a book so that others may share what we have experienced. You can learn about my book at www.livingthedreaminmexico.com
Education/Credentials
I was a teacher in Winnipeg for many years. I hold several degrees in music and in education, and was fortunate to have a wonderful career not only as a teacher, but also as a classical musician. I marvel at how very different my life is now.
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