CENTRAL AMERICA

The new RVing Frontier!
Article #4 - TRAVEL COMPANIONS:
Do you need them?

by Jim Jaillet - Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Travel Companions: do you need them? Let me explain. If you think you do,
you probably do! It primarily revolves around your background and skills.
By that I mean, do you possess previous travel experience in Central
America, mechanical, medical and language skills? If not, you probably do
need them!

I spent six months in Central America and, as well as I know the
countries, would not travel as a single rig, with or without another travel
companion. I know only one couple, John and Harriet Halkyard, who wrote
99 Days to Panama and who appear comfortable traveling with only two
people in one rig (read their story here). However, being experienced
travelers, and having visited Central America several times before taking
an RV into the area, probably contributes to their confidence in traveling
alone. I feel both glad because these people appear so secure with
themselves, and also envious because I wish I possessed the same faith
and courage. In my opinion they epitomize the exception to the rule.

Now let's talk about the rest of us! Why do I make such a big deal out of
this whole issue? Let me explain why I feel this way. The major issue
involves a vehicle break down with one or two people in one rig. In a Third
World Country, you face a real potential problem! If you are by yourself,
unquestionably the rig must be abandoned while you go for help; and with a
companion the dilemma becomes "who goes for help"  and possibly not
return? Either way, a great possibility remains that the rig will be
burgled, stripped and bodily harm or theft to one or both persons arises,
since both are alone. A truly bad situation! I cannot emphasize enough the
importance of the potential theft/danger issue.

Three of us experienced being victims of theft during the trip. In
Nicaragua, a thief got inside my rig, stole my TV and other items. In
Panama, friends we met in Belize camped with us. A thief reached in and
took the wallet from the owner's pants while they were sleeping in their
VW Van despite our closely-parked four-vehicle caravan. Even with a
multi-rig caravan, we still fell victim to thefts. I give this example
because I want you to understand how BOLD thieves may become.
Everyone in the caravan must maintain constant vigilance! The only remedy
I see for minimizing this problem lies in one or more travel companions in
other rigs, otherwise known as "Safety in numbers".

Although "safety in numbers" makes sense, you will likely encounter two
problems. I assure you that the problems rise exponentially with every
additional rig added to your caravan.

  1. The first problem will revolve around a rather meager potential
    number of compatible travel companions. Almost 3,000 miles of
    mostly terrible roads lies between Lukeville, AZ, to Guatemala,
    Central America. So at a minimum, your journey may last several
    months. You will find it somewhat difficult to find people who are
    willing to leave their families or doctors for that length of time.
  2. The second problem arises when a travel companion continuously
    disregards previously agreed departure time, wants to go in a
    different direction, or decides to break away from the group,
    effectively diminishing the original concept of "safety in numbers".
    Consider our experience! We started with 11 rigs. Within one week,
    we broke into one group of six, a group of four (my group), and one
    rig went solo to find some Mayan ruins. To make a long story short,
    my group went from four to three to two. I understand the group of
    six broke down into two groups of three and then down to twos and
    ones. Trust me, in all likelihood you will face this problem!

So, what to do? I recommend a caravan of three to four rigs. If the
people involved in different rigs begin as strangers, I highly recommend
meeting before leaving. The primary subjects for discussion centers
around:


Differences will always arise, solving them will be a daily challenge, and
sharing the experiences a tremendous joy! Travel companions. So, where
do you find them? You advertise wherever you believe they may be found,
either by word of mouth or in print. I recommend you begin your search
immediately!

Don't miss the next installment "INFORMATION SOURCES: How do I
use them?" in which I'll discuss the considerations of formulating your
plan. Stay tuned and remember my promise at the beginning of
Article #1 ...........................................................................................YOU CAN DO IT!
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Jim Jaillet is a full-time RVer, Adventurer and Author of PANAMA OR
BUST - A 343 day adventure in a motorhome! You can claim your copy of
my book for only $19.95 by clicking here panamaorbust.com. Please visit
my new Panama or Bust Yahoo Group by clicking here groups.yahoo.
com/group/panamaorbust. You can view my Latest Activity Report in my
Blog at 360.yahoo.com/jimjrver. I'd love to hear what you thought of this
Article #4 - TRAVEL COMPANIONS: Do you need them? Please send
your comments, questions, and ideas for upcoming articles to me at
jimj@panamaorbust.com.
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Disclaimer: The author in no way can guarantee your safety in Central
America. After all they are Third World countries and not without danger
or the possibility of death. You go at your own risk. The author is only
suggesting that with some planning, common sense and caution you may
minimize your potential dangers and be rewarded with countless cultural
experiences. :)
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The Original Group
Our Group Of Four