Hi all, I have just been checking out this site, great info, thanks heaps. Ok now for my story..... I am a uni student on my way to Ireland in May next year 2004 going via Mexico and Europe. I am going to fly into LA and try to bus it down to somewhere that sounds like Chiwawa then get the train to Mexico city going through the canyons. I am looking at camping or buying a hammock which I have been told is worthwhile. I have not done much backpacking before and must admit to being a little afraid :unsure: as well as wildly excited. Any tips, help, comments etc would be greatly appreciated. :D

Ahhhh yaaa, Butternut Punkin in da house..whoop, whoop!!!!

Welcome to za boards...

So heading down to Mexico huh, TravelPunk will be the best to give you info on that I do believe he has spend some time down that way in the past.

a month ago a member posted a very interesting bit of info on a little lost town that sounds to good to be true, you may have checked it already but here if the link Puerto Penasco

Welcome butternut!

I think you bus it into Tijuana, otherwise known as the "armpit of Mexico" because it´s a bit filthy, although fun.
Most backpackers do the hostel route. They´re cheaper than motels and offer rooms with multiple beds that you can share with other travelers that also pay for just a bed to sleep in(just in case you didn´t know that ;) ).

As far as camping, I´m not sure about actual campsites, but you shouldn´t have problems finding campsites, or any other cheap lodging as Mexico is all about cheap.

Europe offers campsites all over too. No problem there. Check out this site and their camping related pictures to help you out Art of Travel

I hope u speak Espanol, cuz they speak very little English past 3 miles of the US border!

goodness me, that was quick! Thamks heaps, umm, yea, I plan on learning some Spanish before leaving. :D

We aim to please :D

Just a couple other tips:

1000.00$ AUS will give you about 7000 Peso

Australian Embassy In Mexico

Be friendly but be aware of your surroundings, this a little clip from the American Travel Advisory Web site

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens traveling to the state of Chiapas exercise caution. Armed rebels and armed civilian groups are present in some areas of the state. In the mountain highlands north of San Cristobal de Las Casas, the municipality of Ocosingo, and the entire southeastern jungle portion of the state east of Comitan, tensions and violence ebb and flow. Furthermore, some segments of the local population resent the presence of foreigners and openly express their hostility.

Here is the link to that site Mexico Travel Info According to the American Gov.

Don't let negative things turn you away from travel to Mexico, they are things you should be aware of before you go, so you know what to look out for. Your going to have a blast!!!!! B) B)

thankyou again, my you are an active replying lot there! I will obviousally be traveling by myself. I know someone in Mexico City so I will be ok there. Once I am there I surpose I will start meeting poeple and really enjoy it. :P

You will have a great time brotha, and you will be surprised how quick you pick up the language when you have to. I did the trek through Cuba and man did I learn quick!!!!

You will meet other trav'las and locals and make friends that you will have for life....don't forget to be posting how your trip is going while your there, you gotta spread the information so others can follow behind you... B)

I heard Mexico City is a nice place and a world apart from Tiajuana. Becareful walking through the seedy parts of the neighborhoods, you just never know. Tourists are like walking slot machines for the local thieves. They know you don´t belong and they´re guessing that you probably don´t know much of their language. Add to that the fact that you´re in a third world country, and things aren´t exactly in your favor.
I´m sure your friend will give you the low down and take care of you.

Have a great time!

:D I just want to say that you guys are fantastic. I have had all sorts of comments about going away but none have been so positive and encouraging as yours. Thankyou thankyou thankyou. :P

Anytime butternut! Our mission is to protect and serve fellow backpacka´s B) !

Nice set of choppers on that punkin :D !

Always happy to help!!! B)

He he he, it rarely happens but I love it when I get hte computer to do something I want it to!!! :D