Traveling in Mexico is not too much different than in the other countries. Today, wide highways have replaced the pitted roads of old, although they are mostly toll roads. You can drive for great distances in Mexico without seeing a place to buy gas or a cold drink, let alone a place to use the bathroom. The toll booths have solved this problem as they are a haven for small business people to open a tienda selling snacks and of course there is always a bathroom at the toll booth. If you do have a breakdown on the highway, stay with your car. Most likely the Green Angels are on their way, having been dispatched by another driver when they arrive at the toll booth. Hower, on the highway you may need a few things.

Warmth is a major concern in the cold climates such as the high desert and in the mountains if you are stranded by a car breakdown. Begin cold and suffering from even minor hypothermia can be very discomforting. If you drive into Mexico, you’ll be with your car and have some protection against the elements. Extra clothing (preferably wool, which sheds moisture if you get wet), blankets, and a sleeping bag will greatly assist you in an emergency.

If stranded, you may not want to run your vehicle heater for very long so you can conserve gasoline. But if you do run your car engine to operate the car heater, be sure you aren’t breathing in carbon monoxide fumes from the exhaust. In a snow emergency, you must make certain that the car’s exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, and be sure the exhaust is not being sucked into the car through an open window at the rear of the vehicle. Opening a front window a bit will help admit fresh air into the passenger compartment. You can’t smell carbon monoxide, so don’t rely on your nose.

Our travel kit also helps once you arrive at your destination. Many of the items will help in case of hotel shortages or in case of power shortages.

Jumper Cables: for you and others if you are a kind soul.

Extra Fluids: Oil, Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid.

Water: Carry 2 gallon jugs of Water for the car and at least two litres for each person. You may need purified water at budget hotels. You can purchase purified drinking water thoughout most of Mexico or y ou can purifiy water with a portable water purification filter system, purification tablets, iodine or ordinary bleach. Most people use the portable water purification filter system after using one of the other methods to remove the taste of the chemicals.

Jerk Strap: This strap will allow a 5,000 pound load to be towed by another vehicle to safety. If you drive off of the highway and need to be pulled back to the pavement because of mud or whatever, this strap is a life saver.

Sleeping Bag: This is an especially handy item for keeping warm in the desert when help doesn't show up and the heater doesn't work. This may be handy in the hotel room, if the heat is insufficient and there are not enough blankets.

Tarp: This will serve as a tent to keep you dry and out of the sun should you have to spend any time on on the side of the road.

Nylon Rope: 50-feet of nylon rope will help secure the tarp.

Heating Coil: There are two types and you should have both. One for the car cigarette lighter and another for the room. These devices will heat up a cup of water for instant coffee, tea or even bouillon.

Powered Drink Mix: Instant coffee, tea, bouillon, or even Postum can be prepared with the aforementioned Heating Coil.

Cups: These are handy on the road, and budget hotels seldom provide drinking glasses or cups.

Toilet Tissue: You won't need a whole role, so save a roll that is smaller and comress it flat and then place in a zip lock bag.

Duct Tape: This is good for almost anything and everything. There is a book called the Duct Tape Book which gives more reasons to have a roll around than I'd care to think about.

Paper Towels: These are handy for cleaning up everything.

Soap: Put a full size bar in a plastic soap dish. You know you like your own soap better than those tiny hotel bars.

Towel: Carry your own towel as you can never be sure there will be a towel in the your hotel room when you step out of the shower.

T-shirt: Use this as a clean pillowcase.

Flashlight: You will need this even in your hotel room in Mexico as power failures are common. Get the crank type. I also carry a crank lantern, which illuminates an area for two people to read.

Pocket Knife: This is always a good thing to carry, unless you are flying to Mexico. Then you can buy a cheap knife at the first opportunity. Don't forget to buy a nail clipper to replace the one they confiscated at the airport.

First Aid Kit: This can be purchased in a plastic box at most drugstores. Don't forget to stock up on Peptol Bismol, Immodium, Aspirin, Tylenol, Unisom, Benadryl, and Advil caplets. There is no need to take bottle of each. Simply place a good mixture of each in a clean bottle.

Toilet Kit: Toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, bar soap, disposable razor, tissues.

Insect Repellent: Windows in Mexico seldom have screens to keep the mosquitos out.

Trash Bags: Carry at least 3 plastic trash bags & ties.

Good Book: You may want to pack two person, just in case.

Did we forget something? Write and let us know what we forget to mention and we will add it to the list.