Traveling in Mexico?

My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday we leave on a bus Monday but I am having second thoughts. I am not at all worried about he hospitals or drs themselves I know there are many wonderful phyisicans. Its the safety of the trip into and through Mexico.

See we live about 45 mins from the border of Mexico and the city where my surgery will be is only about 2 hours away so I didnt see the point of wasting 100s of dollars on flying in there when a bus ticket is $17.

Anyway I told a few family members we were going into Mexico (didnt even tell them why) and every single person has told us the most horrific stories that they are hearing in the news and reading in the papers about the war going on between the drug cartels and the federals. Apparently people are being killed, kidnapped, hijacked, etc. And now I am scared poopless!

I can not afford to have the surgery here in the states or else I would have, Ive waited 5 years for this, I just dont know what to do, I am so scared now. Did anyone drive into Mex or take a bus into Mex or anything that can please ease my mind. I am so scared, I already paid a deposit, paid for my passport and the bus tickets, I can not afford to just throw that money away.

HELP!

Where is the bus letting you off? Is a driver from the surgeon's office going to pick you up somewhere? As long as you have a Mexican escort I think you will be safe.

We felt perfectly safe the entire time we were there but were always escorted by a driver.
Good luck,go you will be fine!
Holly

yes a driver will be picking us up from the bus station in Monterrey Mexico and we will be escorted the whole time.

Hello... and I promise to to scare you!
And you should go Monday!
Mexico is great but there are so many different cities that have their own individual problems.

Remember, when someone gives you advise about their journey in Tijuana, don't think its the same in Reynosa or Monterrey. I don't live too far from you and visit the border towns quite often.

Progreso is still cool but scary because the Mexican Government still has a tank at the border crossing... aimed right at the entry lane, But I go there every two weeks for drugs, haircut, dentist, booze etc.

Metamoros... the worst part is the drive in. Alot of people in other cars are a bit greasy "if ya know what I mean". Been a few car jackings in the wast month or so.

Monterrey... the same, a few carjackings and 2 kidnappings.

Reynosa is getting bad. They find a few bodies every week with a "Z" cut into their foreheads... to remind people of the Z Gang... drug lords.

Around the Laredo border area is the most problem area.

After all that... Tijuana and Mexicali on the California borders have been the safest and have reported less problems than the Texas border towns.
Thus I have booked in TJ with Almanza.
So... since you have booked and put a deposit down for a Monterrey surgeon... GO!
Be smart on the bus. Don't get friendly with anyone. Don't let that Texas hospitality come out!

Make sure they are there ON TIME to pick you up. If your bus comes in at 5... make sure you tell them a half hour earlier. The bus terminal there is a bit greasy... but have them waiting for you!
Your making a great decision and go for it.

I expect to see a PM saying that you are there safe and sound.
My response to everyone when they ask about my border town trips is.. look for trouble... and you will find it.
By the way... what bus line are you using?

Tomorrow we are buying our bus tickets and I believe the name is Groupo Senda. Whats your experience with them? There are only 2 buses here which is that one and I think the other is called Noreste.

If it was me and I was that afraid of busing in, I would take some of the money I saved by going to Mexico and get on a plane. Safe and comfortable travel to and from the clinic is part of the expense.

I don't think it's wasting or throwing away money when it serves the purpose of giving peace of mind and good health. It's similar to paying for the WLS in the first place, yes?

unfortunetly hon that is not an option, there are no seats left to mex on my date from the 3 closest airports. Its during spring break

Sorry, dont have any experience with the bus lines. I knew ther was one but thats all. Spring breakers tie up all the flights right now, thats for sure.
You tried Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen right?
Can anyone travel with you?

Sorry, I have no experience with bus travel into Mexico; only driving in from California.

How about asking for details about the bus line, etc., on the VSG Forum and on the Main Board. There's a better chance of finding someone with the experience you need.

Thank you all so much for your help, tips, and kind words. Today we went to buy our bus tickets, and seeing the size of the line of people waiting to buy their tickets into Mexico really helped eased my fears. It was the longest line in the whole station LOL. I guess not many people are that worried.

The buses themselves from what we were told and we saw are practically brand spanking new, huge, and air coned which is great. Not to mention wonderfully priced at just $84 bucks round trip with an open return time and date.

My hubby will be going with me.