26 replies to this topic

[LCS Bus Trips]

We are planning a shopping trip to McAllen, Texas. We will leave at 6:00am on Thursday, September 20th. We will start our trip back at 6:00am on Sunday, September 23rd. The price is 5000 pesos. This price includes the transportation and the hotel for 3 nights with breakfast each morning. (double occupancy). A deposit is required. You may sign up at the LCS table Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 1:00pm. We will leave from the LaFloresta sculpture. If you need more info, please email me at junecooper39@gmail.com.

[econ man]

It used to be Cruz Roja sponsored bus trips (tickets sold at LCS) as a fundraiser for Cruz Roja.

Have the trips changed and do they now benefit LCS?

[Griffin]

A few years ago there was a shopping bus to Laredo that cost $150 USD round trip. I think $5000 pesos is high and I can't imagine what I could buy that would make the trip worth spending that much.

[JayBearII]

It includes 3 nights in the hotel. I'm guessing the other trip did not.

[Griffin]

It includes 3 nights in the hotel. I'm guessing the other trip did not.

That's still high. The rooms are double occupancy, each person pays $60. If the bus trip had gone up to $200 US that leaves $180, or $60 a night for half the price of the room. Maybe to you that a great deal but to me I can't imagine what I could buy to make the trip worthwhile.

The shopping bus a few years ago, if I remember correctly, arrived early in the morning, people shopped all day and it returned that night. For $150 USD round trip that shopping trip is more feasible. A TV and a few other large purchases could justify the trip.

I also don't know why anyone would want to hang around McAllen for a few days.

[simpsca]

Some people want to eat some of their favorite foods at restaurant chains we still don't have in Mexico. And for us women, clothing can be very difficult to find here in our sizes, particularly the intimate wear. And part of a bus trip is having friends and other people to socialize with while shopping and eating out. For me I wear a special shoe not available in Mexico.

[chapalafan]

What hotel in McAllen?
How close it to the shopping areas?

[Ellie]

As the OP stated, email her for further information. June has been involved the past three days with the spay and neuter program and will soon be more available for replies here and emails. As someone involved with the trip planning and who will be accompanying June to help, I can say that much research was done re buses, hotels, locations, and we'll have
more tourist and shopping information available.

As someone who has lived outside the U.S. in several countries for the past almost 30 years, I try to do as much shopping locally as possible. But I still enjoy a trip back to "Dodge" and regardless of what people say, there are some things extremely difficult to find.
If anyone ever sees a floor polisher to replace the one I bought here at Costco 15 years ago, please let me know. And yes, my tile floors have paste wax on them.

[chapalafan]

Is it not possible to provide more information here such as hotel name and proximity to shopping?

[Ellie]

Is it not possible to provide more information here such as hotel name and proximity to shopping?

Email June as listed above. I do know the hotel and proximity to shopping. I'm happy with the choices but final information should
come from the trip leader and I expect that she'll be posting additional information. Or stop by the LCS table this week from 10-1.

[chapalafan]

I am disappointed in the lack of information available here. I do not understand the reluctance to inform people who might be interested.
And I am hesitant to make my email available because I do not want to end up on future mailing lists.
But thanks anyhow.

[jrm30655]

Round trip to McAllen, three nights lodging, free breakfasts? All for less than 400 dollars?
Sounds like a fantastic deal to me. I am in. Let others quibble about location, quality of hotel, distance from shopping, heated or unheated pool, what is for breakfast and can you demand special foods. Sometimes, you all get a little silly. This is the LCS folks. Never been anywhere with these folks that it was not first class. Sign on or be left out. You have her e-mail address. USE IT and stop your harangues on the board.

[LCS Bus Trips]

I am disappointed in the lack of information available here. I do not understand the reluctance to inform people who might be interested.
And I am hesitant to make my email available because I do not want to end up on future mailing lists.
But thanks anyhow.

I'm sorry that all the info has not been posted. I volunteer for LCS 5 days a week but took time to volunteer for the spay and neuter event the last 3 days. I will be at LCS tomorrow to collect all my info so it can be posted. If you want to call me, I am listed in the LCS directory. You will not be on any future mailing list if you email me, that is my personal email.

[jrm30655]

Just e-mailed you, June. Hope to hear from you before the bus fills up. What a great trip at such a reasonable price. Thanks so much for taking the time to write of this wonderful venture that LCS is providing for us at such a reasonable cost with your busy schedule. Hope I get onboard before it is sold out

[jrm30655]

Is there a pool? Is it saltwater? What is the temperature of the pool? If I do not like the temperature can it be increased or lowered to meet my personal needs? If I think there is too much or not enough chlorine, can I have it adjusted for my needs? Please tell me exactly what is provided for breakfast. Is it a buffet or do I have to order off the menu? If I am forced to order off the menu, will they agree to my personal requests? I am a vegan and do not eat anything with gluten, as I have allergies What brand of coffee and orange juice are served? How many flavors and from what countries? Is a gluten free breakfast offered? Are the sheets polyester, poly cotton mix or cotton? Please let me know in which country the sheets were made and include their thread count. Will smokers be allowed on this trip? If so, I may have to reconsider.

Another fun day in lakeside with you guys.

[econ man]

So, these bus trips now benefit LCS and not Cruz Roja?? I have nothing at all against LCS, but Cruz Roja is always in need of funding...why did they stop running the bus trips??

[Ginger]

Cruz Roja should answer that, I think. For those who think it's too expensive your alternative is not to go & you'll save all that money but I'm going & I'm sure it will be well-run just as all the trips June plans are. I also think it's a great deal but that's JMHO. Gee, what if the hotel doesn't provide turn-down service. Guess I'll have to bring my own chocolates.

[jrm30655]

Cruz Roja should answer that, I think. For those who think it's too expensive your alternative is not to go & you'll save all that money but I'm going & I'm sure it will be well-run just as all the trips June plans are. I also think it's a great deal but that's JMHO. Gee, what if the hotel doesn't provide turn-down service. Guess I'll have to bring my own chocolates.

No turn-down service? No chocolates? I am out. What kind of a cheap-o trip is this anyway? Sorry, cannot help but have a little fun with some who tend to treat LCS volunteers, as if they were their personal servants. It would be funny if it did not happen so often. Kind of makes me wonder why anyone would volunteer down here given the demands and treatment by some folks. We are blessed to have these fine people do volunteer work and should show them only the highest respect and express our appreciation to each and every one. See you on the bus, Ginger. I am in, also.

[LCS Bus Trips]

Here is a bit more info on this trip.
The hotel is the Ramada Inn, 1505 S. 9th St, McAllen. It has microwaves, fridges, and Internet service in each room. It does not have a pool. Breakfast is eggs, cereal, pancakes, fruit, etc.
The LaPlaza mall is less than a mile but across the freeway from the hotel. It has many stores, including Macy's and Dillards.
SteinMart is 1-1/2 miles. Marshall's is 6 miles. Target is 1-1/2 miles. Super Walmart is 2 miles. Best Buys is 2-1/2 miles.
You will need your passport and FM3. The deposit is 1000 pesos. It is non refundable. The balance is to be paid by September 6th.
If you have any other questions, please call or email me. I am at LCS Monday thru Friday 10:00 - 1:00.
Thanks, June

[chapalafan]

Thank you for the information, June. You provided exactly the information I was requesting. I do not understand the reaction of jrm30655 and his sarcastic remarks. His defensiveness on your behalf is admirable, but certainly unnessary since you have things under control. All I wanted was the information that I and others needed to help us make a decision.
Again, thank you.