1

1) Mexico hs one of th emost extensive, eficient and inexpensive bus sytems ithe world - you can get from anywhere to anywhere on them. It is not only realistic, but maybe the best way to get across Mexico, but it will take time.

2) I was very underwhelmed with the beaches north of Veracruz along the Costa Esmeralda. In my opinion the only nice beaches on the gulf don't even start until Coatzacoalcos and easteward from there.

3) Budget hotels can be found in any City in Mexico. For 200 pesos you'll be looking for hostels.

4) Try Santander of Scotia banks (limited partners with Chase). I have a Chase account too and I've never had a problem in Mexico with it., Did you advise Chase you were travelling in Mexico before you left? If not they probably froze your account when they saw foreign transactions show up. Call them and straighten that out.

2

If you are in the Playa Chachalacas area you are just a days´bus ride from the border. Costa Esmaralda always looked interesting, in a way, when ever I went by either by bus or car. The way the waves break I think the beach drops off pretty fast so it may not be much of a real swimming beach. I do think I would get pretty bored there since it is in the middle of nothing.
I have spent the night in Tuxpan and Poza Rica, not much there for my tastes. Same for Tampico but Soto de Marina might be interesting. They do some tourism and fishing along with seasonal dove hunting in the area.
If you are around Veracruz city, come on down (2.5 hours) to Catemaco and do some exploring around the lake and beaches. There is a coffee co-op outside of town who grows and buys certified organic coffee beans. The guy running the co-op does a nice tour if things are slow and speaks some OK english
Or head into the mountains for a visit. Either way, when it is time to go home, take an overnight bus from Veracruz city and be on the border by sun up. As long as you are down here you might as well explore.

3

Good luck finding english speakers along the way.. Doubtfull you'll enjoy stops, or trying to get around much if your traveling alone and don't speak spanish. On other hand if your the outgoing, fly by seat of your pants type perhaps is just the adventure you seek..

Some small towns along coast you might like include Villa Rica, little further north several small beach towns in area known as Costa Esemeraldo (Casitas my personal favorite), a little further north is Tecolutla y Zamora. Papantla has a nice little town square and mercado with the ruins el tajin just outside of twon.. Past that not a lot to see, although if weather is good I found the beach at Tampico to be okay.. (large town)

You might find it more interesting to go to Xalapa, see museum, check out downtown area and city parks. (very pretty city and area) A trip about 3 hrs south to Catemaco might also be interesting for you.. then when time comes bus straight thru to border. It is about 16 hrs to border (Reynosa) from Veracruz via ADO.. at mexican station there is a shuttle bus with stop at customs and then onto the American side.

good luck

4

There is a sustainable off grid permaculture ranch and campground currently managed by 2 Brits located on the Pacific Ocean 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta. if you are nterested send me a PM and I will give you their ph number and email.

5

The above reponses are good, but regarding your initial question: Yes, from Veracruz you can buy a bus ticket to the border at Matamoros (Brownsville) or Reynosa (McAllen). I understand it's about a 17 hour bus trip and you change buses in Tampico which might not be bad for a stayover to explore.

Hope this helps.

John