DVD Review: RVing in Mexico

I have been carrying-around a DVD for a month or more now on RV travel in Mexico - RVing in Mexico by Roving Productions. I have watched the DVD alone, watched it with others to learn their comments, and have loaned it to several fellow-campers to get their feedback. Everyone returns the same remarks - this is great, I want to go!

The DVD was produced by first-time RVers Kevin and Jeanne Shipman, former professionals with NBC and Disney. The couple traveled for six months in a C-Class motorhome, towing a small car, throughout Mexico and chronicled it all - the good, bad and the beautiful - and edited it all onto a two-hour travel documentary.

The photography and filming are very good, as is the sound quality. You will be along for the ride as the Shipman's travel down the west coast of Mexico, through Chiapas, all the way to the Yucatan Peninsula, though big cities, mountain villages, quaint town squares and abandoned beaches. They video every RV park they visit (or review), so you will know what to expect when you make the journey yourself.

Details from the DVD: After crossing the border at Nogales you will go to Bahia de Kino (Kino Bay), San Carlos, Alamos, the Copper Canyon, Mazatlan, Rancho Los Angeles, Rincon de Guayabitos, Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, Tenacatita, Boca de Iguana, La Manzanilla, Melaque, Cuastecomate, Barra de Navidad, Zihuatanejo, Pie de la Cuesta (Acapulco) Puerto Escondido, Puerto Angel, Huatulco, Playa Angelito, La Crucecita, the towns and attractions of Chiapas including San Cristobal de las Casas, Aqua Azul, Misol Ha and Palenque. The program concludes with the many wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula including Cenote Azul, Xpu Ha, Paa Mul, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel and more. And, all destinations are accessible by chapter as you travel.

The information is fairly to the point about each destination - mentioning which RV parks were their favorites and which RV parks or campgrounds are suitable for larger rigs; good local restaurants, beaches and shops, with information about safe camping along the beaches. The Shipman's give tips on where to stock-up, chill-out and dive-in. Several interviews are conducted with foreigners residing in Mexico to get their perspectives on living and traveling in this beautiful country. Viewers will learn tips on driving on Mexican roads, what to watch for and what to avoid. There is a bit of information about traveling with pets, as the Shipman's travel with a very charming Frisbee-catching poodle - Hugo. The documentary is very enjoyable to watch - personality and humor show throughout.

After watching the video, you will realize how easy it is to RV in Mexico - even if you don't speak a word of Spanish - and you may be anxious to begin planning a trip south. RVing in Mexico would also be helpful for travelers making a car trip to Mexico.

RVing in Mexico does not offer much information about the legalities of travel to Mexico (insurance, passports, visas, money). Though this information would have been helpful, it is easy to see any facts given could be immediately out-of-date. Showing the route on an on-screen map would have been helpful. I advise watching the video with a map of Mexico on your lap, so you can follow-along. In the winter, many Mexican RV parks are filled with friendly Canadians, but with the number of foreign tourists shown in the video, one wonders if there are any Mexicans in Mexico at all!

As a companion to the documentary, it may be interesting to spend some time reading the interesting posts made by the couple on the RV.net forum as they traveled in their motorhome making the film. With a Motosat Datastorm satellite dish mounted to the RV roof, they were able to be in constant contact with family and friends via the internet - and their adventures, problems, questions - and answers - are chronicled in pages of captivating reading.

RVing in Mexico comes highly recommended by The Camping Journal. Purchase a copy directly from the RVing in Mexico website or order (also directly from the Shipman's) at amazon.com. $29.95. DVD format only. Two hours. Advanced dual-layer format for high resolution.

Also available is the equally-interesting RVing in Mexico Volume 2 Baja - about their Baja adventure. - Terry Taylor

Disclaimer: The Camping Journal or Terry Taylor are not affiliated in any way with RVing in Mexico. Photos used by permission.