Not a bad month, mostly because we sat at the Las Palmas Midway Inn for the last ten days of the month. That kept our entertainment expenses low, and because of the coronavirus we didn't eat out very much.
But, we did do some stocking up for the trip north. Mostly because we wanted to spend as little time as possible doing any grocery shopping, so Ruth had made a bunch of meals and froze them... in fact, the freezer is totally full. We also stocked up the liquor cabinet because most things are quite a bit cheaper in Mexico.
We ran a bit of a risk on that, because we knew that we could be charged duty on the liquor upon entering the U.S., but fortunately that wasn't the case.
We spent a total of $1,610 CAD ($1,133 USD) for the month. The following prices are all in $CAD... for $USD equivalent you can subtract about 30%. Here's how it all broke down...
Gasoline: Prices really didn't start dropping until past the half way point in the month, and we did do a fair bit of driving in the month. Especially the last day when we made the run for the border. We spent a total of $642 on fuel during the month.
Toll roads: Higher than normal at $178, mostly due to our border drive.
Propane: We filled up before getting to the U.S. because propane is a fair bit cheaper in Mexico. We topped up the tank for a total of $24.
Groceries: We spent $282 on groceries, which is high for Mexico. But as I said, we have a full freezer.
Meals out: Not bad, at $102. A $44 chunk of that was our very last meal out in Mexico.
Alcohol: Pretty much average at $160, which is not bad considering that we did some stocking up before crossing the border.
Miscellaneous: Fairly low at $109. Mostly our cellular and laundry and a bit of transportation. Oh, and a new blanket for Sherman's couch and some socks and underwear.
Entertainment: Low, at $22.
Motorhome: $91 for the recovered dinette seat cushions.
So, not bad. April should be pretty cheap as well given that fuel will be our major expense and it's pretty cheap here in the United States.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Solar Rechargeable Qi Portable Power Bank Battery Pack. Take 50% off at checkout using coupon code 56D6PASQ. Only works on black and orange.
And in Canada...
Check out the deals at Amazon.ca
Welcome to the US! Really enjoyed your trip to Mexico! Keep in mind that the "propane" you got is actually butane, and won't work well in temps much below freezing
ReplyDeleteThanks Doug! :-)
DeleteWe really enjoyed our trip through Mexico too and so did the rest of the group. We sure saw some beautiful sights, did lots of fun things, ate lots of delicious food and met sure wonderful people, we really couldn't as for more.
We do realize that it isn't 100% propane but a mix of butane/propane. Hopefully we won't have to worry about freezing temperatures!
Welcome back to the US. Now if you are heading directly back to Canada you might want to top up all your Stock and Fuels before crossing the border because you will have to Self Isolate for at least Fourteen Days. You could have more problems crossing State Lines as many are closing their borders to non-essential travel.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy your travels.
It's about time.
We are well aware of the mandatory 14 day quarantine time upon entering Canada. And we will be prepared for that when the times comes.
DeleteYou are correct that we will have to keep a close eye on the various states as we head north, rules and laws are constantly changing.
Canada has now imposed mandatory quarantine for 14 days upon your return with fines and penalties attached for non compliance. Travel safe and stay healthy.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are well aware of that, as it has been in place now since last week. We are constantly staying on top of all the news, both in Canada and in the US.
DeleteYes I am aware that it has been in effect for a week was just passing it on.
DeleteIt is a good idea to stay up to date as things are changing very quickly in Canada qnd in the USA. Travel safe
Your header picture is so cool. What a great place to stop for a rest. Looks like it would make a ggreat overnighter. Do you have the coordinates?
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris! It was a picnic area at the side of the TX-85 highway on the Nueces River just east of Carrizo Springs, the GPS is 28.549588, -99.753442. We did spend the night and it was a lovely place but lots of heavy truck traffic until dark and then it picked up again in the early hours of the morning.
DeleteLucky you aren't out East as a lot of states have even closed the rest areas. Many state parks closed. States kicking RV people out.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Kevin & Ruth. It was a great travel season, even for us "armchair travelers". I for one, really enjoyed it from the confines of my desk at work (shhh - don't tell the boss). It should be our turn to travel next "season" but who knows what that will look like. Such is life! Thanks again - it looked to be an epic adventure but then I wouldn't have expected anything less from you guys.
ReplyDelete