Mexico Border Towns - Which one should I visit? (San Antonio: rent, crime)

[Detroiter83]

Hello All:

I am a single, 28 year old male from Michigan planning a trip to Texas in the next couple of months. I have not decided where I want to go, but I'm considering flying into San Antonio or Brownsville and spending time in South/Southeast Texas, near the Gulf (probably spend some time in San Antonio, Corpus, South Padre etc.) I have always been intrigued by that part of the country and am excited to see the fun and culture that South Texas has to offer.

My question is this - I really, really want to spend a night (or two) in a Mexican border town. Obviously I've read and heard a lot of what's going on, so my question is this - Is it safe and even advisable to do so? If so, where should I go (I've considered everything from Acuna all the way down to Metamoros)

Where should I stay? Any precautions that I should take? How much money should I bring (dont want to use a Mexican ATM.)

I will be traveling alone and DO NOT know Spanish particularly well (although I took Spanish throughout high school here and Michigan so I should be able to get by somewhat.)

Advice would be appreciated!

[doctorjef]

Spend the night? Advice: Don't. Some of the border towns are safe during the day. Progresso for instance, but it's not big enough to warrant spending the night, much less two. Acuna was at one time considered perhaps the best, nicest border town but these days I wouldn't want to be there at night. Why don't you just see if you can catch a cheap flight from San Antonio to somewhere safer in the Interior of Mexico (not Monterey BTW - not safe either).

[Willsson]

Check out this map before making plans...

CARPE DIEM: Mapping the Dead from Mexico's Drug War

[DanielWayne]

Stay in Texas. There's more than enough to see and do in this state. The border here is nothing like the border with Canada.

[Detroiter83]

Thanks for the insight everyone...even though it's not what I really wanted to hear. But as always, safety first....wouldn't want to risk my life for a couple nights just to pique my interest.

I really want to visit a border town, just for the day - Probably get there around 8 AM and leave around 5 PM - which would make sense?

[doctorjef]

Progresso is considered a nice little town that is still safe. There really isn't much worth exploring apart from the main drag. It is do-able from South Padre if a stay there interests you at all. The water of the Gulf of Mexico is unbelievably warm by July and South Padre is quite enjoyable. You might check out the crime stats also for Ciudad Acuna. It might be ok for a day trip, but be vigilant and don't go outside the main commercial and civic area.

[ShaneSA]

Acuna or Progresso are OK for daytime only. Do not spand the night and leave before 6 PM. Stay in Texas and take a taxi into Acuna to the market place. Do not go outside the main market area. There is enough diversity and influence of the Mexican culture on the Texs side of the border. You will get a better feel for the true Mexican Culture on the US side.

[Detroiter83]

Thanks everyone. Progresso looks like it's going to be the place, just for the day - will probably spend time in South Padre and make the day trip from there. Acuna would be preferred, however it's not as accesible from South Padre.

Any US border towns or destinations that might be of interest (i.e. Brownsville, Harlingen McAllen?)

[doctorjef]

I'm no expert on that part of Texas. When we lived in Austin we used to fly down to Harlingen and rent a car to drive to South Padre. Harlingen has a real nice little airport, but I wasn't over-impressed by the town itself. I believe McAllen is supposed to be the nicest of those towns. Brownsville is virtually Mexico, so if you want to be in a really Mexican border town without actually crossing the border, you could visit Brownsville. Unfortunately Matamoros seems to have become unsafe, so I'd stay on the Brownsville side. BTW, the Harlingen airport has the hugest bouganvilla plants I've ever seen -- they are large shrubs growing out in front of the airport -- almost a bouganvilla hedge. I'm sure there are other examples equally impressive down there but I'd just never seen such enormous ones before. In Austin they were just relatively modest vines that you usually grew in pots or hanging baskets.

[Detroiter83]

Thanks - Brownsville looks like it'll get a visit.

Are there any good resort hotels (with a pool etc.) in the Brownsville, Harlingen or McAllen areas that are worth a stay?