|
29 Jun 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 1
|
|
Safety in Central America
I'm looking at a trip from Mexico City to Costa Rica (car not bike) we'll be one bloke and three girls. Various reports of carjacking and rape are make certain of us jumpy?
Assuming we're not wanting to waste any time through Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua how long do we need to allow?
Is serious crime an issue on main roads? Obviously nowhere comes with guarantees but have any women travellers done this trip lately and found it OK?
Hazzler.
|
29 Jun 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Eurasia - whoppeeeee!
Posts: 169
|
|
Hi mate,
No probs on the roads whilst I traveled through Central America. One thing that I have noticed though is that you do get a bit more respect from the locals than if you were hiking a backpack around....maybe its because most people think you are slightly mad traveling so far on a bike...
I had the same worries as you, as I know others do, but once you are on your way through you settle in to the groove of your new life and those worries dissapear.
You will have a LOT of fun, guarenteed.
Brian
http://colesyboy.tripod.com
|
30 Jun 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada
Posts: 24
|
|
I just got back from a 4 month solo motorcycle ride through Mexico and Central America and had no major problems. The main roads are safe and the only thing to really watch out for is other traffic and livestock that will wonder out onto the road. If you are travelling by car, be prepared for possible long waits at borders. With a bike you can always creep your way to the front, but it is more difficult with a car. The girls with you should not have any problems, but the macho latin culture exists, and many western girls told me they got cat calls and the like, but nothing serious.
Have fun
|
1 Jul 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 206
|
|
I´ll concur. 6 months there, not so much a peep of trouble (other than caused by myself). Don`t care much for big cities, so I speak for more of the rural areas. The machismo thing certainly is prevalent, but I have never seen it escalate to more than a regular nuisense. The girls will quickly learn to ignore it like the local girls. Have fun.
------------------
Go slow, be well.
__________________
Go slow, be well.
|
1 Jul 2004
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 206
|
|
oh...and as for the time question, spend as much as you can! But don`t be so quick to throw out Guatemala, as it is a beautiful place with fantastic people. Nic was a pleasant surprise, too. I`m with you on El Salv, Honduras, though.
__________________
Go slow, be well.
|
1 Jul 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: london,uk
Posts: 36
|
|
I've been riding sola single/female since october '03 in Mexico, central america, save for 1 month and not so much as a squeak, well while I'm on the bike anyway, (A few cat calls when off) think Colesyboy is right in saying the bike brings on some extra respect.
I´m not in the 20 30 age group anymore and that makes a difference. Had a policeman get really aggitated with me when i pulled off road in a downpour to put on dry suit, was frothing at the mouth infact, when he finally twiged i was woman, it was comical the quick turn around in attitude.
Also i had heard of how fello riders get persistant hassle at borders to use guides etc. every time i've pulled up a really firm no thank you and they disappear. I came to the conclusion that its not macho to get confrontational with a woman, unless you are out to give her other kind of grief.
And i reckomend Honduras and Nicuragua also.
Over all i have been very pleasantly surprised at the honesty and attitude of the general public in this part of the world
mareestu
|
6 Jul 2004
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: manchester
Posts: 41
|
|
I can't see you having any other problems than cat calls and the Honduran boarder.
ElSalvador is a bit moody and main land Honduras a bit dull.
Other than that Central America is fantastic!
I planned on spending about a month going from Belize to Panama city and ended up taking five times that long!
Costa Rica was my least favourite country, it has to be said!
|
7 Jul 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Amsterdam
Posts: 1
|
|
Thank y'all for this we'll probably give it a go.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|