BajaNomad

Baja Safety

TheColoradoDude - 2-28-2009 at 12:41 PM

In advance I would like to thank most of the forum members for their sincere response to this question.

I want you to pretend for a moment that you are the Baja Secretary of Tourism.

What would you tell your best friend, your family member, or your spouse that would convince them traveling through Baja is safe?

Keep in mind that they all know to be respectful and courteous and are aware of keeping a low profile, not driving at night, obeying speed limits, etc. They also realize that most of the violence is occuring in the border towns.

I ask this because my good friend is being talked out of going to baja by family and friends. I can't blame them for being concerned. It's all over the local media not to go to Mexico. Lately it has been the top story on all the local news.

Keep in mind that the Secretary of Tourism is not going to respond with; " Well if your that worried, then just stay home"

I am heading down next week with or with out my good friend. :)

[Edited on 2-28-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

fishbuck - 2-28-2009 at 12:53 PM

Mexico is certainly a tough sell right now.
I think even the Secretary will tell you to stay out of Juarez.
But even the state department didn't tell college kids not to go to Mex. Just to be cautious and alert. And aware.
If I was really worried (I'm not) I would stay at popular resort areas away from the border. Don't stay out late and avoid dark remote spots.
Many of the towns have little or no violence. Go to those places.


[Edited on 2-28-2009 by fishbuck]

BajaDove - 2-28-2009 at 01:01 PM

If you have to stop on the road for a rest Pull in where there are Big rigs (trucks) they will be in spots that have been safe.

Katiejay99 - 2-28-2009 at 01:09 PM

Here is what I would say:
If you were to travel to Southern Baja (where I Live) you would find the kindest people you have ever met who will stop and help anyone in need. Many wouldn't even consider asking for money. The weather is totally awesome - no snow, no rain, no fog, just beautifully blue, clear skies. The water is a little cool right now, but it doesn't stop many people from enjoying it. The food is out of this world! With the peso at the rate it is right now, it is very affordable to come down and fully enjoy yourself.

There are lots of people camping on the beaches or staying in hotels in this area (Todos Santos) and really enjoying themselves in this very low crime rate area.

If you look for trouble, you will find it. If you don't, you won't. Come on down and have a great time!!

TheColoradoDude - 2-28-2009 at 01:16 PM

Great responses so far!:tumble:

Mulegena - 2-28-2009 at 01:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Katiejay99
Here is what I would say:
If you were to travel to Southern Baja (where I Live) you would find the kindest people you have ever met who will stop and help anyone in need. Many wouldn't even consider asking for money. The weather is totally awesome - no snow, no rain, no fog, just beautifully blue, clear skies. The water is a little cool right now, but it doesn't stop many people from enjoying it. The food is out of this world! With the peso at the rate it is right now, it is very affordable to come down and fully enjoy yourself.

There are lots of people camping on the beaches or staying in hotels in this area (Todos Santos) and really enjoying themselves in this very low crime rate area.

If you look for trouble, you will find it. If you don't, you won't. Come on down and have a great time!!


Thanks, Katie-- a breath of fresh air and a rational take on how life in Baja California really is day-to-day.

Bajahowodd - 2-28-2009 at 01:41 PM

Dude. You have already said just about everything. I might be presumptious and add, be alert at all times, and do not camp remotely without other campers nearby.

fdt - 2-28-2009 at 01:47 PM

Well, I can't talk about Juarez since you asked for me, the make believe secretary of tourism in Baja California. First let me clarify that there are two of us in the peninsula, one for each state and since you didn't specify wich one I'll also make believe I'm both. Dude; You are my best friend, my family member, not my spouse and I know that you are respectful and courteous and are aware of keeping a low profile, not driving at night, obeying speed limits, don't use fake plates, etc.
With this in mind I have to tell you to travel confidently in both states, you are not beeing targeted or singled out. If by any chance you were to run into a corrupt cop, because even thou we are doing our best to clean up house, we still have a few that can't stop theire old bad habits, just do not give in to them, insist on paying at the station or getting a writen ticket that you can send payment in the mail. If you have questions or have problems or an emergency during your trip, remember that we have the tourist asistance hotline 078 were bilingual operators can help you.
As for crime and violence occuring only in border towns, I must be frank and tell you that it is also ocurring all over the peninsula, with kidnaping organizations even in small towns like Todos Santos, BCS http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n608222.htm
With cartel style executions of civilians and police taking place even in the peaceful city of La Paz BCS http://www.nowpublic.com/world/aero-calafia-pilot-executed-l...
http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/301250.asegura-go...
Not to mention what happened in El Rosario http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=35356#pid3701...
And I could go on and on. We can not hide this but you must be aware that crime is everywere in the world, the USA is not an exeption.
I recomend that you visit Baja California, have fun, enjoy the food and know the people you will not regret it. As make believe secretary of tourism I can't guarrantee that nothing bad will happen to you but I can assure you that we are doing the best and the most we can to keep you informed and safe. So go, take advantage of the 15 to 1 exchange rate, the great weather, the camping, the sailing, the fishing, etc. And don't be scared, excersise the same precautions you do at home and you will be fine.
Sinceramente
El Pseudo Secretario

TheColoradoDude - 2-28-2009 at 01:52 PM

Excellent FDT. Honest and to the point.

BajaDanD - 2-28-2009 at 02:01 PM

Have them read my Baja trip report. Everyone of those bad things happened to us on our way down Baja
I haven't even done the final report about what happened on our way home, Yet.
A friend of ours was supposed to go with us. He bailed out on us the night before were to leave for Baja.
Thats one of the reasons why I wrote the report

Bajahowodd - 2-28-2009 at 02:02 PM

Is that in the fiction section?

BajaDanD - 2-28-2009 at 02:03 PM

Only part of it

TheColoradoDude - 2-28-2009 at 02:06 PM

Yeah I printed those out for some good road trip material! And tips!

Osprey - 2-28-2009 at 02:20 PM

Ftd, you would make such a great secretary of tourism. We would all help you get elected (if we could) (if you ran) but I would worry that you then might be killed or kidnapped.

Woooosh - 2-28-2009 at 03:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Ftd, you would make such a great secretary of tourism. We would all help you get elected (if we could) (if you ran) but I would worry that you then might be killed or kidnapped.


... and what would this armpit be like without our Senor Right Guard.

CaboRon - 2-28-2009 at 04:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
Quote:
Originally posted by Osprey
Ftd, you would make such a great secretary of tourism. We would all help you get elected (if we could) (if you ran) but I would worry that you then might be killed or kidnapped.


... and what would this armpit be like without our Senor Right Guard.

XRPhlang - 3-1-2009 at 10:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dude. You have already said just about everything. I might be presumptious and add, be alert at all times, and do not camp remotely without other campers nearby.
I'm curious. Have you heard of any specific attacks on remotely camped campers in recent times. I'm interested, because this is the kind of camping I look for when in Baja. The reason I feel safe doing so is that I have not heard of that many reported problems. Yeah, there was that couple attacked at Quatro Casas in their mobile home, but that wasn't a remote area. Anybody heard of attacks on people camping alone?

David K - 3-1-2009 at 10:55 AM

XR, I'm like you in that when you camp in a remote place where there are no other people and it takes an off road vehicle to get there... You are as safe as can be.

I mean, how many banditos have off road vehicles and drive into the unknown on a hunch to find a gringo to rob???

Leo - 3-1-2009 at 12:28 PM

Not lately, XRP...
Katie says it well, except for that weather part. Cool lately? It's 5 to 10 degrees warmer then normal around this time. HOT, HOT

XRPhlang - 3-1-2009 at 02:16 PM

I like to keep things in perspective when people ask me how I feel about the threat of being attacked in Baja. In the 15, or so trips I've made in the past 6 years I've experienced NO bad people, or rip offs, (other than a few over-charges at restaurants and tiendas). Maybe I've been lucky and I can only hope that my luck holds. I just try to bring down good will each time and I usually get it in return. However, I don't spend much time around the border.

mtgoat666 - 3-1-2009 at 02:21 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
What would you tell your best friend, your family member, or your spouse that would convince them traveling through Baja is safe?


Don't lie to your friends or family members: sadly, many parts of Baja are not safe, but can be safe with precautions.

It's like many 3rd world countries, where foreigners stand out as appearing relatively rich. Don't drive at night. Watch out who you deal with. You get any weird vibes from people, then get out of the situation. Stay out of areas where foreigners have been targeted (i.e. limit your time in TJ, Mexicali, TJ-Rosarito corridor to just that amount of time to do your business or pass thru,... and perhaps don't camp anywhere north of San Quentin.). Resorts and certain remote areas with common tourism visits may be safe, but keep aware. The naive should be careful where they travel. Meth addicts and other desparate people can be found anywhere, so petty theft is common, and don't take anything you don't mind being stolen. Tell the wife to leave the 2-carat diamond ring at home. Think before you leave your car unattended in remote areas while you go for a hike or paddle. In remote areas, if leaving your car for a while, leave it somewhere it will be watched. And don't leave valuables in your car.

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2009 at 03:12 PM

I seem to recall similar instruction when visiting Hawaii years ago.

BajaGringo - 3-1-2009 at 03:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I seem to recall similar instruction when visiting Hawaii years ago.


Do I need to remind you about that MEMO again????

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

LaRibereņa - 3-1-2009 at 03:17 PM

We've just made our 8th (10th?) trip down the Peninsula. My aunt was panicked that we would be robbed, etc. I told her that we just drive through Tijuana and don't stop until El Rosario. Then we're in MEXICO and as safe as we are in the US, if not safer. I don't consider the border towns to be Mexico.

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2009 at 05:04 PM

Maybe a slight case of rose colored glasses La. Traveling beyond El Rosario is not a guaranteed thing. Lots of incidents further South. Mostly probably due to the economy. I encourage folks to keep traveling Baja, but pay attention. Be vigilant.

EnseNADAslim - 3-2-2009 at 01:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I encourage folks to keep traveling Baja, but pay attention. Be vigilant.

Good advice. We just made the trek home form Bahia Concep. to our place in Ensenada and it was a great trip. Keep your eyes open, scan your surroundings and I even carry a VHF radio with me to catch local chatter.
There are pockets of very sever violence, but as everyone is saying it's mostly the boarder cities, and only a few at that. BTW, if anyone ever needs a place to stay or help with anything just U2U me.
Happy Travels
Slim:cool: