Is it worth driving?

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Well it looks like we will be taking a group trip to cave county (mexico) again in march 09 and I am seriously looking into driving v.s. flying. I dont know how long the trip from northern minnesota to Puerto Aventuras would take or exactly what the mileage would be but at least I wouldn't need a rental car or be restricted on baggage. last time I flew it was 4 bags (2 checked, both overweight at 60lbs, and 1 normal carry on at 50lbs and a akona camera bag at 25lbs). Of course that was with several regs and a 9lb stainless back plate, single tank adapter, singles wing, doubles wing, 7mm 2 piece suit, etc so I could really cut back alot but I was doing a variety of diving for coz to caves and wanted everything I could possibly need. So lets say I can actually afford a 2.5-3 week trip to the tulum area is it actually worth driving or is flying still the best and cheapest alternative? how long would you estimate a trip like that might take? any issues with driving over the boarder, security wise? thanks

 

[ianr33]

Thats a heck of a drive. Looks like 3000 miles and 55 hours according to yahoo. You would take at least a week to drive there and back and end up spending maybe $1000 in gas.

I would fly there,make sure my bags were within the weight limit and rent anthing I could not carry.
Or quit my job and just go live there !

 

[jimdiverman]

Well it looks like we will be taking a group trip to cave county (mexico) again in march 09 and I am seriously looking into driving v.s. flying. I dont know how long the trip from northern minnesota to Puerto Aventuras would take or exactly what the mileage would be but at least I wouldn't need a rental car or be restricted on baggage. last time I flew it was 4 bags (2 checked, both overweight at 60lbs, and 1 normal carry on at 50lbs and a akona camera bag at 25lbs). Of course that was with several regs and a 9lb stainless back plate, single tank adapter, singles wing, doubles wing, 7mm 2 piece suit, etc so I could really cut back alot but I was doing a variety of diving for coz to caves and wanted everything I could possibly need. So lets say I can actually afford a 2.5-3 week trip to the tulum area is it actually worth driving or is flying still the best and cheapest alternative? how long would you estimate a trip like that might take? any issues with driving over the boarder, security wise? thanks

I can't imagine the drive being worth it. On top of the time it will take to drive there and back even if you are sharing driving responsibilities with another person, you will be exhausted from it, and need a vacation when you get back from your vacation.

Flying is an even better deal now that gas prices are so high. Drive to an airport where you can get a good deal on flights to Mexico.

 

[fisherdvm]

I think it will be cheaper to take a drive to a large metro airport and fly to mexico than to drive. Gas plus wear and tear, tickets, risk of accidents, make it alot cheaper to flight. I think.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

If you do this don't forget to get Mexican auto insurance. I rent cars and drive into Mexico from Laredo Tx. the Insurance is $35 a day.

I have Mexican friends that also tell me that the Gas pumps in Mexico are not accurate and sometimes the gas is watered down.

 

[johnny_bravo]

OMG no...I have friends in Mexico City who attempted this madness (Mexico City to Cancun is a lot shorter)...the highways in the south of mexico can look like jungle dirt roads.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[RickJames]

trust me, you do not want to drive down there. its trouble waiting to happen and you being an american is of no extra help! they are having drug wars down there and thier cops are crooked as a hook. i live in houston, and read it in the paper all the time. I have drove down there a couple times too. it is so bad down there the mexicans are coming here! fly by all means!

 

[underachiever]

THere is a fellow on here "Jim Balwin" I think. He has driven it a couple of times at least, from Louisiana. He has a house on Cozumel so he was taking down supplies. Look for him and PM him. He should be able to share his experiences. Super nice guy. And I believe gas is a little cheaper in Mexico. I think he stated diesel was $2.40/gal in April/08. Still a long trip, however you look at it.

 

[bane51031]

You live in Mn, get your with a job with Nortwest airlines and you will fly free in the US and only pay the taxes when going out of country. My wife works in the Sioux City office and I think she would disappear if she quit, now that I have tasted diving outside of Iowa I can never be landlocked again LOL.

Just a thought, seriously though the drive would blow, not to mention wear and tear on your vehicle and God forbid you had a major mechanical problem with your own car while en route, I drove from Orlando to Key West and hated that couldn't imagine that drive?

 

[DandyDon]

You've got to be kidding, or have other reasons?

​

No way. Not to save money. For an adventure, for a book you want to write, but not for money.