Any advice on traveling into Mexico from Texas?

[Bulldog2005]

I actually just got back about 2 weeks ago for Puerto Vallarta and leave on Thursday for Cancun. I also work in Hidalgo, Laredo, and El Paso which you can literally throw a rock over to the respective Mexico cities. I haven't been to Matamoros in a number of years, but I have always like Reynosa a little more. Its a little more low key and basically the same distance. I haven't been across in Laredo in a number of years, the last time I went was the only time I didn't feel "safe" in Mexico. I would suggest to stay away from there. Jaurez isn't as bad as Laredo, but I would say easier to find trouble than the other 2 I mentioned. Someone mentioned Acuna which is also a good alternative, but also a little smaller.

The taxi suggestion is a great move and I highly recommend. If you are looking to drive through Mexico, I would suggest renting a car in Mexico wherever you decide to cross.

Also as someone mentioned, I would look to go to Cabo or Cancun if you are going for a true vacation. My flight to Cancun on Thursday nonstop from San Antonio RT was $443 and my all inclusive resort was $1,400 for 4 days for 2 people. I am staying at a nice resort and this is for my birthday so theres about 40 of us going, so we are staying at a bigger more expensive resort. There are plenty of options for well under $1,000 for the same amount of time. I'm a big drinker so I always get in trouble when I don't stay somewhere that all inclusive. My own mistakes haha.

Sounds like you want to do a little exploring though, in that case I recommend Cabo. (my personal fav) The city is very laid back and easy to explore. If you decide on this location, make sure you hit The Office one night for dinner. Amazing food and an amazing setting.

Feel free to shoot me a pm if you have anything specific you want to ask.

I also just realized my photo is of a resort I stayed at in Cancun. HA

[KosherCowboy]

Excellent advise Bulldog...I crossed in to NL hundreds of weekends for 4-5 years and had just the best time in a compound despite the police shakedowns now and than was patrolled well and the girls had to get STD tests each week to work. No test no work. Border towns are shit holes now, except TJ which I am booking for August in between two EU trips. Cancun/Playa Del Carmen has become really good maybe not as cheap as the border but at 53 money needs be placed secondary to risk and health. Shit holes not worth it to me anymore. Cabo I will research.

I will add to it once I go, maybe keep the info coming...

[Onebigjohn72]

HoustonDan,
My 2 cents for what its worth. I have homes in San Antonio, Houston and Monterrey.
- avoid border towns at all cost. unless you really want to risk your life, be opened up to extortion, etc... They are all controlled by cartels on both sides, so just avoid.
- Monterrey is heaven. You can fly on Viva Aerobus direct for about $300, hotels in San Pedro are recommended, great shopping, food, great bar scenes, etc...
- A US car may not pass 25 KM beyond Nuevo Laredo on the Mexico side. There is a checkpoint that turns you around, so you won't be able to get to Monterrey driving. You can turn around and go to CITEV in Nuevo Laredo to get a foreign car permit. You must have registration handy, spend about $500 and 3-5 hours....Ive done it and do not suggest it. US Plates make you are a target for bad guys, mostly police, who will pull you over and drive you from ATM to ATM to max out your withdrawls.
- in MTY use Lucesazules.net and Twitter...I have not had good luck with other search engines online but maybe just bad luck. Avoid Alicias Dollhouse. Strip Clubs are amazing. I have a bunch of reviews on Eccie detaiing all the fun to be had and where. I can't seem to get verified her for some reason.
- If you need some names from Twitter I can help, send me a PM.

Really suggest you fly vs drive, be safe and have an amazing couple of days in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Live Aqua, Real Inn/Camino Real, Westin....all located at very nice Mall's with food and bars and meet your 'date' down in the mall and bring her up. Also of note, when booking a room, make it for 2 adults.

Happy hunting!