From Nerves to Nirvana: Discovering the Magic of Mexico by RV

Like most RVers, I’ve heard all about traveling to Mexico—seen the glowing articles and admired the photos. But I’ve also caught those horror stories on TV that make you clutch your remote a little tighter. My RV group goes every single year, and every single year, I’ve said, No, gracias. I was way too anxious, not to mention downright scared. I mean, I watched the entire Narcos series on Netflix. The fact that thousands upon thousands of Americans and Canadians happily (and safely!) cross the border every winter to soak up the Mexican sunshine? Yeah, that didn’t budge my stubborn, preconceived notions one bit. My mind was made up… or so I thought.

This year mainly because of FOMO, I decided it was time to get my wheels rolling south of the border. I launched a campaign to get my RV club to make the journey together, and wow, did the interest soar. Turns out, a whole lot of folks are chomping at the bit to hit Mexico’s sandy beaches, soak up the culture, and live like kings and queens on a taco-budget. But there’s one little snag: fear. Yep, it’s the uninvited guest on everyone’s packing list. So, we did what any sensible group of nervous RVers would do—we decided to stick together, like a big, slightly terrified caravan of hand-holding adventurers.

From all over the country, including Canada, about 25 RVs rolled into the Twin Peaks Campground at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, just five miles from the border—a scenic spot to huddle up for the night and prep for the big adventure. The air buzzed with a mix of excitement and oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-gotten-myself-into vibes. Thankfully, we had several seasoned pros in the group—veteran border-crossers who had done this many times and assured us it was a simple process. We hung onto their every word as they shared their stories and laid out what to expect at the border. Spoiler alert: it sounded a lot more organized and way less terrifying than my Netflix-inspired imagination had cooked up. Yeah, well, we’ll see.

At 8:00 a.m. sharp, we nervously approached the border, convincing ourselves that the bad guys probably slept in and an early crossing would be a safer bet. The crossing itself was intimidating—a maze of barricades and forced-choice lanes that left little room for second thoughts. I was the fourth RV in line, which gave me a front-row seat to the unfolding drama. The first RV rolled up to the agents and was immediately pulled aside for inspection. Then the second RV… and the third. One by one, each RV was boarded and scrutinized.

By the time it was my turn, I was frantically trying to memorize my financial planner's phone number (I don't have a lawyer but figured the money could help). I pulled to the side as instructed, clutching my Mexico and U.S. insurance, passport, and the all-important FMM tourist card like they were golden tickets. Two border guards climbed into my RV, their presence both official and surprisingly polite. They peeked into a few cabinets, opened the freezer, and—curiously—asked where my family was. (Apparently, solo travelers still raise eyebrows.) A few minutes later, they were gone, leaving me both relieved and a little jittery. Almost every RV in our caravan had been boarded, but hey, we were through. One hurdle down, and I was still shakily standing.

Within about 30 minutes, all the RVs had crossed the border without a hitch. But we still had to get through the small border town where the rules were drilled into us repeatedly: stop at every single intersection, whether there was an Alto sign or not. It felt like it took forever as all 25 RVs came to a complete stop at about six intersections. Adding to the tension, we were told to crawl through town at just 5 miles per hour. The signs said 40 km/h, but none of us dared to go anywhere near that speed.

Finally out on the open road, a wave of relief washed over me—I wasn’t going to jail in Mexico! As my nerves eased, I started to take in the stunning scenery around me. The flat desert, vibrant colors, and wide-open skies made the drive unexpectedly enjoyable. The road stretched ahead peacefully, and before I knew it, we had all arrived at our destination safe and sound.

Spending the month in Mexico was a perfect blend of delicious food, sightseeing, and natural beauty. Life slows down as you enjoy fresh, authentic meals from street vendors or cozy local restaurants. The sunsets are unforgettable, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, while the warm, welcoming culture makes you feel right at home. It’s a place where you can truly unwind and soak in the charm of life’s simple pleasures.

Lessons learned: Traveling to Mexico can be a smooth experience as long as you’re prepared (and stop watching scary shows). Having your paperwork and RV ready for inspection is key, and it’s important to check official government websites for up-to-date information on what you can and can’t bring into Mexico—and back into the U.S. While caution is wise, there’s no need to be afraid. Mexico is a stunning country with rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking sights, where your tourist dollars stretch far and create unforgettable memories. ¡Buena suerte y adiós.