Baja California (North) is one of the easiest and most rewarding Mexican states to visit. Consider it a ‘Win!’ for nearly any type of traveler. San Diego is the primary gateway to this wonderful part of the world. With all of Baja’s incredible destinations, you can enjoy an international getaway without ever boarding a plane.
Baja California boasts some of the best features of Mexico without being pretentious or overrun with holidaymakers. Visit Baja California for all the right reasons.
hanging out at the beach
Beaches
If you’re looking for a weekend beach destination, look no further than Rosarito, Ensenada, or San Felipe. For example, Ensenada offers you the same weather and ocean as San Diego at a fraction of the price. In addition, San Felipe, located on the Sea of Cortez, delivers a warm and laid-back seaside. San Felipe is much more relaxed and offers a welcome escape to those who wish for tranquility. One should also consider Bahia de Los Angeles. It’s an excellent destination for many reasons, including fishing, tranquility, and exploration. It’s worthwhile, but it’s much further south.
Medical
It’s no secret many people travel to Mexico for medical tourism. Popular procedures are dental work and cosmetic enhancement. Mexican doctors are often US-trained, offer top-quality services, and operate at a fraction of the cost of similar doctors in the USA. For the cost of a procedure in the USA, you can have the same procedure in Baja California. The best part is that you get a vacation and still have money left over.
What about COVID when you visit Baja California?
Covid-19 – Baja California has a consistent and surprisingly comprehensive Covid-19 plan that is logical and reasonable. All of Baja is open to healthy visitors who are not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms. Please practice the straightforward safety protocols of safe distancing, face coverings, and sanitation.
Tony Tang enjoys wine before dining at Viñedos de la Reina
Dining
Are you looking for exquisite and exotic food destinations? Look no further than Tijuana, Ensenada, and the Ruta del Vino or wine region around Valle de Guadaloupe. Master chefs from elite culinary schools feature an international cuisine to satisfy the most epicurean palate.
Ensenada is one of the best-educated and wealthiest cities in Mexico. This means that there are ample amenities to serve a growing population that appreciates them. Regardless the city does a great job of serving cruise passengers while saving its heart for those who appreciate it.
Off-Road Adventures
We get it. You’re into adventure and overland travel. Because of this, few places offer the terrain, proximity, and freedom to have fun like Baja California. The legendary Baja 1000 takes place each year across the peninsula. Nearly the whole region between San Felipe and La Paz is for off-road pleasure. Popular destinations include Lazaro Cardenas (East of Ensenada), San Felipe, El Rosario (Home of Mama Espinoza’s), and Cataviña.
Villas at El Cielo Winery and Resort.
Romantic Getaway
Even with the expansive definitions of ‘Romantic’ getaways, Baja California presents unique and affordable offerings.
For instance, does an ocean-front villa fill your notion of a romantic getaway? The coastline between Tijuana and La Bufadora offers countless locations. Destinations featuring private pools, secluded beaches, and an in-house chef are awaiting your booking.
Perhaps you desire a luxurious weekend at a winery. Because of the rich soil and ideal weather, Baja California wineries continue to gain prominence globally. In addition, many local Wineries, including Encuentro and El Cielo, feature exquisite overnight experiences.
Since desires and tastes vary, the region offers a diverse range of prices and amenities at each available property. Many of these villas are found on popular sites, including Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
Safety
The corporate news media relentlessly drives to keep people afraid and angry. In other words, when people are fearful, anxious, and angry, they’re controllable. Those who profit from fear get little resistance to your complicity. It’s one of the oldest schemes in history. Create a problem and then offer your brand of a solution. Don’t believe it? Monitor your blood pressure for 15 minutes while watching any news channel. Peace and contentment are the last things these organizations want you to experience.
Now with that out of the way, Mexico, like most countries, has its problem areas. Is it fair to damn all of Canada because Vancouver has high crime rates?
One blatant example of media manipulation is the reporting of violence in Tijuana. The truth is that the Municipality of Tijuana has a high murder rate. The reality is that Municipalities in Mexico are like counties in the USA. The Tijuana Municipality is nearly 340 square miles. The city itself only occupies a fraction of that space. The municipality covers the US border to the north. It’s surrounded by Rosarito Beach, Ensenada, and Tecate to the south and east. The violence is nearly exclusively outside the city area and almost entirely among those carrying out criminal activities. But, of course, the fear mongers and hate peddlers don’t bother to point this out.
So what’s the conclusion?
In other words, Tijuana (the city) is safer for travelers than Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and Santa Monica. The simple rule is to enjoy the beaches, fine dining, and perfect year-round weather without being an idiot. Avoid the temptation to do dumb things you would never do at home. Just remember, you need a Mexican Insurance Store travel policy to protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
That’s right, resist the urge to go out on night-time drives into the outskirts of the city. Don’t visit ATMs well into the night, be too curious, or try to play ‘James Bond.’ Do you do any of these daft things in your ‘safe’ community back home?
Wrongful deaths among tourists not engaged in criminal activities are practically nonexistent in this state.
In conclusion, Baja California is an exciting destination for travelers. It has a well-earned reputation for delivering value and satisfaction to visitors. Whether you seek romance, adventure, solace, or culture, it’s a great place to visit.
8 Important Tips For Fun and Great Times when Off-Road traveling in Mexico
Off-Pavement in Chihuahua
Story and Photos by Jim Foreman
More and more areas in the United States are being cut off from off-highway use by misguided politicians and an increasingly ignorant electorate. Because of that, more Americans are discovering or rediscovering Mexico as an exciting and wonderful place to get some dirt or sand under your wheels.
It makes no difference what style of adventure suits you. You may be into Jeep trails, taking out quads and dirtbikes, or bringing the fancy ATV like the popular Razor. You may just want to take your 4×4 pickup. There’s something for everyone in Mexico.
Let’s Get Started
Regions such as Baja California and Sonora including the north area surrounding Rocky Point are excellent places to head off-pavement.
Off-Pavement and Off-Road traveling are very alive and well in many parts of the country. It doesn’t matter if world-televised events like the Baja 1000 inspired you or it’s only a fun weekend with friends. It’s essential that one doesn’t let the spirit of fun and thrills get in front of common sense and respect for nature and others.
Follow these 8 important tips for off-road traveling in Mexico.
1. When crossing the border, make sure the vehicles are titled or registered in someone’s name that is also along for the trip. Back in the 1980’s many vehicle thieves were headed straight south without hindrance. The US and Mexican governments agreed to have random vehicles stopped when crossing south to verify the registration or title. A color photocopy or printout of the registration or title is almost always fine.
2. Know that outside of the populated areas, you probably have no mobile phone service. If using GPS, make sure everyone has the coordinates for the basecamp or hotel. Someone in the group needs to act as a leader and know where to find the nearest medical facilities.
A spectacular unique view of Copper Canyon
3. Before you begin riding, make sure to stock up on water and have a general idea of the terrain. The most prominent medical issue for off-roaders is dehydration. Once you become dehydrated, something much worse is imminent. If you begin to feel it, it’s too late. Therefore, drink water or Electrolit and relax for a while, in the shade.
Pro Tip: Mexican insurance is required for any on-road or off-road travel on Mexican roads.
4. You should only travel during daylight hours, no matter how many lumens your lightbar puts out. Also, have a plan to end the riding long before sunset so you can transition to great food, drinks, stories, and friendship. Animals, as well as illicit activity, are much more active at night.
5. If you’re unfamiliar with the area you plan to travel or explore, ask others who have been there recently. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people end up in an uncomfortable situation because they don’t heed this simple advice.
The infamous Coco’s Corner in Baja California
6. Be careful that you are not invading someone’s private property without permission. Again, this should be obvious, but more so on the mainland, there are a lot of extensive ranches that are private property. Landowners don’t know who you are and what your intentions are. Find out and ask permission, if necessary, before trouble finds you.
Don’t forget to use your head
7. If you come across a situation that doesn’t seem right, turn around quickly and get out of there. Don’t be too curious and know when to get away from a potentially negative situation.
Tom enjoying the sea around Mulegé
8. I would travel with some beer and water on ice. Don’t drink until you are done riding for the day. Instead, keep it, along with water, for when you get stuck somewhere or need help. Few things will make someone happier to help you than an ice-cold beer in their hand.
Additional Advice
Beyond these tips is a necessary understanding. Above all, if someone gets seriously injured, it’s really up to you to get that person to medical facilities. No helicopter will be hovering overhead in 30 minutes, or ever. Therefore, having someone along with some basic first aid or Wilderness EMT training is very wise.
As far as Mexico insurance goes, If you’re insuring a truck, jeep, or street-legal motorcycle, understand what’s covered and what’s not. For example, if you’re off in the dunes and end up damaging your vehicle or someone else’s, you’re not covered. Few, if any insurers will underwrite your coverage as a result.
Off-Road and Off Payment
Now, off-Road and off-pavement are two different things. You will discover many roads and even some federal highways that have unpaved portions. If it’s a road one can find on a map, you are covered, if you have full coverage. If your vehicle becomes disabled in a remote area or primitive road, you’ll need to find someone with a truck to help you get it into a town so your tow service included with your insurance can help you. Use the AAA standard logic. If you’re a member of AAA ask yourself, would they come here to retrieve my disabled vehicle if this were in the US? If not, you are responsible for getting it to a place they will be able to load it up and transport it.
Off-roading is fun and more than rewarding. Do it safely and with a hefty dose of good sense.
Remember, if your vehicle is traveling on the Mexican streets, you must have proper coverage. Mexican Insurance Store has the best Mexico insurance to protect you and your vehicle in Mexico.
Drive down to the Baja Culinary Fest with Mexico auto insurance.
The Baja Culinary Fest is one of the grand events that set Tijuana as a premier international food destination.
For over nine years, the Baja Culinary Fest is four days of intense flavors, delicious aromas, adventure, romance, and discovery.
The event draws the participation of master chefs based locally, throughout Mexico, and the world. The festival also features national and international special guest chefs.
The best part about the Baja Culinary Fest is that you can experience spectacular Mexican and international cuisine without having to spend a lot of time planning a foodie adventure.
What exactly is the Baja Cultural Fest?
The Baja Culinary Fest is the premier gastronomic festival in the State of Baja California. The event celebrates the art of living, or as the French say, Art de Vivre. Savor and delight in unique culinary experiences from throughout the world. One can also immerse themselves in local culinary creations, wines, craft beers, and all the accouterments that originate in Baja California. All of this happens at the same event.
Each year in early October, the Tijuana Cultural Center hosts the festival. Attendees can learn from local workshops, special guests, and fascinating lectures. All this happens while tasting and enjoying some of the best cuisines on offer. Every year a new region or country is celebrated as the guest of honor. In 2019, it was the Yucatan Peninsula.
Do I need to be a foodie to attend?
If you’re a professional chef who aspires to learn more about Baja cuisine, this is a must-visit. Of course, you can be a casual cook and also have a blast. In addition to discovering the finer side of the Mexican food scene, you will mingle with others who share a passion for food.
Of course, don’t forget about the vino y cerveza!
Anyone can attend and participate in the Baja Culinary Fest. Make sure to go to the website and get your tickets online well ahead of the event. It sells out every year with a long stand-by line for admission.
You can also subscribe to event notifications from the homepage.
Every year, top chefs from Mexico, the USA, Europe, and throughout the world participate in this grand event. This is not to be missed.
Pro Tip:Visit Baja’s famous Ruta del Vino while in Baja. There are dozens of world-class wineries and exquisite dining experiences to savor!
Driving in Baja
Driving in Baja is a breeze. There are plenty of signs that make getting around simple. Just remember that the speed limit in cities is 50Km unless otherwise listed. In Miles, that’s about 30 miles an hour.
Like the rest of the world, Mexico uses Kilometers for their distances and speed limits. Slow Down and stay alert.
So you have Mexico auto insurance. What about Tijuana?
If you’re not hip on the local news here, you would be pleasantly surprised to know the city has gone through a bit of a renaissance lately. Discover its underrated art scene, to foodie adventures, to beer, and wine.
Sadly, the news, in its effort to keep you constantly angry and afraid, portrays Tijuana as a perilous region. While there are problem areas in the region, it is far away from the city, beaches, and anywhere you would actually be. In contrast, New Orleans has an exceptionally high violent crime rate, but that doesn’t stop visitors from having a great time in the French Quarter.
Have no fear. Stick to the city and the main areas, and you’ll have a great time.
Mexico auto insurance from MexicanInsuranceStore includes free Roadside Assistance for easy help if you get stranded!
