I can and do avoid that area partly because of security concerns and partly because for our travel purposes I've had other options, such as Laredo, Colombia, Eagle Pass, Del Rio. I'm generally not a weenie when it comes to driving in so-called 'dangerous' zones, but when I read of the security problems in that area it does give me pause. So when we planned our last trip I intentionally avoided the heart of Tamaulipas state, specifically any route east of 85. The state said they weren't doing their job, blah blah. Recently however, the military pulled out because they weren't being paid by the state. There was a very notable military presence on the highways in Tamaulipas due to security concerns. On 2 recent border trips from Guanajuato state we routed through Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas rather than the more popular Hwy 57/40 route through Central Mexico, again with no issues. I've driven from Tampico to Veracruz without issue and wouldn't hesitate to drive it again. My wife and I live full-time in Mexico, make a couple border trips each year and thus I've driven much of that route in addition to sight-seeing trips exploring the area. But pretty much any city of any consequence will have a hotel or 2, but quality and parking may vary. You'll typically have to enter an urban area via the libre to find a hotel. Generally, there are no hotels along the cuotas. The cuotas all have a 'D' following the Hwy number. Speaking of cuotas, there are none on the route you describe. We do have friends that drive to McAllen often from San Miguel, and they take the 40D cuota from Monterrey with no issues.

Vera cruz victoria tx