I was looking at the caravans offered through FMCA.  Some sound pretty interesting, but they don’t seem like they are a great value.  Has anyone done one of these?  If so, was it worth the price?  At about $300/day the price just doesn't seem like a bargain.  Maybe you'll get more than described or some other value not readily apparent to someone, like me, that hasn’t done of these before.

Gil,
RV caravans have to be more expensive than making the trip alone, because of the expenses that are necessary in organizing and executing them. First the company that is organizing it has to pay office personnel, and show a profit to stay in business. Next there are usually two "company coaches", a leader and a tail gunner on the trip that have their expenses (fuel and salary) added into the cost that you pay to go on the trip.

The caravan company is able to get some discounts from vendors (campgrounds, restaurants, and attractions), however this discount can not offset the added expenses that are incurred in the organized caravan.

These caravans work well for some people for several reasons, like security and companionship in traveling to Mexico, or on a long trip like Alaska. However these trips are not chosen because they are cheap, but they can be nice and enjoyable.

Gerald    

Hi Gil,
  We have not done an FMCA caravan yet;they seem expensive.
Jane and I are in La Ribera,Baja California Sur right now at http://www.latrinidadrvranch.com/restaurant.htm  We came to Baja with http://www.bajawinters.com  on their November 3rd 2011 Snowbird Caravan. We are returning to the USA on March 13th from Mulege.  While you are with the Caravan en route down and back the RV Park fees are covered. We think the $995 US fee is a terrific deal.  After a cooling hose split in Ensenada during rush hour we were very grateful to be with such helpful and knowledgable people. Becky and John Smith have been running http://www.bajawinters.com for many years.They own property here in Baja .They are very good at what they do .If anyone here is considering a trip like this to Cabo San Lucas I would highly recommend them.
This is our second trip to Baja . Contrary to what you see and hear on the US News stations we have had no problems;the Mexicans have gone out of their way to help us ; we feel very safe and have never felt threatened in any way.  
Baja is wild and rugged. The scenery is unique;the fishing is incredible;diesel is $2.80 per US gallon; a very good steak dinner averages $20 US !! The RV Parks vary.......some  are very good.  30 amps is the norm with water and sewer included .   Next week we move to Cabo San Lucas for 1 month. We will be at http://www.ontheroadin.com/baja/bajarvparks/villaserena.htm
Our blog has some pics of the January- March 2011 trip. http://www.twopelicans.blogspot.com  
    Feliz Navidad,   Jeremy and Jane

Jeremy and Jane,

Thanks for the feedback.  We still have too much of the USA to see before heading south.  The prices and fishing sure are appealing though.

Gerald,

Thanks.  You responded with exactly what I was anticipating.

Look at the BAC rallies and caravans. We went to Alaska with the beavers and it was wonderful and very inexpensive.

dave b
2001 patriot

Thanks Dave,

I don't see any caravans listed.

Gil,
Caravan style BAC rolling rallies happen about once every two or three years. They require a lot of organization and since BAC rallies are nonprofit and the rally masters are all volunteers, large rallies (three to six weeks plus) are not the norm.

Probably the next rally of this type will be a Grand Circle Rally that includes most of the National Parks in Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. It will probably last over three weeks, however scheduling conflicts with other events are making it hard to schedule, because of the limited time of year that the rally can be held.

If anyone has an idea for a caravan type rally, talk to your area VP. He or she can help you organize and plan the rally, or find another rally master to do it. Remember, we need rally ideas and rally masters both.

Gerald