By Bill Bell
A drive from Canada to Mexico becomes easier to plan when you stop treating it as one enormous trip. There is the journey out of Canada, the U.S. transit, and the Mexican route that takes you to the place you actually want to be.
Dorothy and I have spent decades travelling Mexico by car and RV. My advice is to settle a few practical decisions before getting lost in the details. We have put that approach into a new, short Driving to Mexico from Canada guide on On the Road in Mexico.
1. Decide what the U.S. leg is for
Is it part of your holiday, or simply the country you need to cross? If current U.S. politics make you uncomfortable spending money there, plan for necessary fuel, meals and overnight stops and leave optional shopping and sightseeing out. Keep enough flexibility to rest. Saving a hotel night is no bargain if it means driving tired.
2. Get the border folder organized
People, vehicles and insurance each have their own requirements. Put your passports, registration and supporting documents together. Work out whether your complete Mexican route requires a Temporary Import Permit, and arrange Mexico-valid vehicle insurance before crossing.
The new guide has a short checklist with boxes you can tick, plus links to our existing documents, immigration, TIP and insurance guides. Confirm the current requirements for your citizenship, residency and vehicle before departure.
3. Plan the first Mexican overnight stop
Work backwards from your destination. Compare the road beyond each crossing, not just the distance to the border. Allow time for paperwork and aim for a first overnight stop you can reach comfortably in daylight.
I also like a backup stop earlier along the route. Weather, a border queue or road construction can change the day. A workable plan has room for that.
Short pages you can use on the road
The new section separates the overview, U.S. transit, border checklist, and routes and overnight stops. It uses my road-trip photographs and keeps detailed reference material a click away.
Open Driving to Mexico from Canada →
Get the essentials organized, leave a little breathing room, and save some energy to enjoy Mexico when you arrive.
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