BajaNomad - Is $$ or fear keeping you home?

Is $$ or fear keeping you home?

sd - 8-12-2009 at 09:05 PM

I often read about how cheap it is to visit Baja. I have made numerous trips to the East Cape to fish.

Upcoming trip -
Alaska Air Los Angeles to SJD is $550 RT.

Airport transportation from Airport to East Cape is approx $100 each way for 3 persons.

Deluxe ocean front room with 3 meals daily is $250 per night double occupancy.

Fishing cruiser is about $500 per day with tip and bait included.

So our cost for 3 persons staying 3 nights, fishing 2 days is around $3,600 or $1,200 per person.

I am certainly not complaining, I love everything about doing these trips. With the bad economy, I have made far fewer trips.

I have also made several road trips, and the cost for me averages $100-150 per day. This includes lodging, some camping, meals and gas.

Places I have stayed in Baja have not reduced prices during this economic downturn. So, it just means fewer trips.

BajaNuts - 8-12-2009 at 09:47 PM

we're all still working for the perfect lifestyle.

{if ya got the money, ya ain't got the time...if ya got the time, ya ain't got the money." } Not always true for everyone, but, it does go a long ways for most people.

We got the time, got the money, but ain't willing to part with the money until we know what's going on in our "self-employed" future.

We're sitting tight for a while.

ps- we're sitting tight because of my conservative (glass 3/4 emptly) hubby.
ME?!? I'd be there right now.......tomorrow will work out, whatever....

I guess it's a good thing opposites attract!

in answer to your post, MONEY.

[Edited on 8-13-2009 by BajaNuts]

[Edited on 8-13-2009 by BajaNuts]

[Edited on 8-13-2009 by BajaNuts]

Howard - 8-13-2009 at 01:46 AM

Meaning no disrespect JD, but I think you need a new travel agent!

Just paid $238 RT, Alaska Airlines, LAX-SJD. Just booked Martin Verdugo’s, ocean front, $70 including all taxes (no meals)and if I am not mistaken, the cruisers are less than $500. Verdugo's transportation was $150 RT for 2 people and I am sure that it would be less per person for 3 people.

grace59 - 8-13-2009 at 06:56 AM

We aren't going down to Baja as often as we'd like, but it isn't really due to money or fear...it's due to time. We are still stuck in that get up and go to work everyday to pay for what we want/need cycle....wait I guess that is due to MONEY! :lol:

805gregg - 8-13-2009 at 07:06 AM

Watching locals smoke crack right on the malecon in Cabo last sept. made me realize how bad drugs have invaded Baja life. I prefer to stay away from crack heads. I used to go to Baja to surf or fish, I don't surf as much and the fishing is on downhill slide ( I don't want to conrtibute to). So I'm looking around at other vacation spots, it's a big world, with lots of possibilites.

Bajajorge - 8-13-2009 at 07:49 AM

Right now it is the heat keeping me from Baja.

Martyman - 8-13-2009 at 08:09 AM

It is the heat. I'm a freekin' redhead. I should be living in the fog somewhere.

Sunman - 8-13-2009 at 08:56 AM

Neither, headin' down at the end of the month!

Udo - 8-13-2009 at 09:06 AM

Nothing is keeping us from going to Baja every six weeks, or so.

we make it three or four day weekends and it averages $65.00 per day for food, gas, and lodging. We generally splurge on 5 bottles of tequila for the weekend and take-home (about $45.00 U.S.)

If we fish and take the kayak...0 cost. Superpanga for 4 about $200.00 U.S. depending on where we launch.

tripledigitken - 8-13-2009 at 09:10 AM

Neither!

It's that four letter word..........work!

Ken

David K - 8-13-2009 at 09:32 AM

sd, it is cheap if you DRIVE to Baja... Gas is about $2.30/ gallon, food is cheap, rooms range from $23-$63 or camp!

Bajahowodd - 8-13-2009 at 10:55 AM

Not exactly a consensus. However, one reason that hasn't appeared is the fear factor. taking a poll on Nomad won't show how many people may be avoiding Mexico because of the drug war. Because, frankly, most of us have been going down the peninsula for many years and continue to do so. To properly determine how much the fear factor is affecting the Mexican hospitality industry, one needs to poll a more general population base than Baja afficionados.

Lobsterman - 8-13-2009 at 11:38 AM

I've been going to Baja since 1960's for fishing adventures anywhere for 1-5 times per year depending on the state of the family (single, married, kids, pending retirement). The main places I've gone to are Puerto Penasco, San Felipe, LA Bay, Mulege, and Cabo. I've been a member here for quite sometime but cuz of computer glitch had to change my name recently. Here's my take on this.

I have stopped traveling to baja for the past 2 years cuz of the security issues in baja. $ has played no part in this decision, just security. The security situation seems to be getting worse not better with no improvement in sight. Therefore, I have scratched anywhere in baja off my list. In a way it's a mini-protest to the Mexican Government to get their act together but mainly it's my selfish desire to live longer than my 62 years. Many of my fellow baja travelers here in San Diego also no longer go to baja (fishing & surfing). I still fish baja but depart in my boat from San Diego Bay to fish the Coronados and other offshore locations returning to SD on the same day.

I have changed my fishing trips instead to visit locations in southeastern USA. Mobile, AL is the main area location I'm now going to. In fact I'm setting up having a retirement vacation home there instead of Mulege. I LOVE Mulege and planned on retiring there either on the river or Concepcion Bay, but do not now want to risk the gaulet of criminals, drug dealings, check points, crooked cops, etc. It is no long worth it to me. The Mobile area reminds me of the baja with the beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, friendly people and comfortable weather except summertime.

So my plans today are not to visit baja again.

Bajahowodd - 8-13-2009 at 12:07 PM

What I do know is that my recent two week trip to Cabo and back was completely without incident. Even the soldiers at the check points seemed friendlier than in the past. Nastiest guy we encountered was the Customs guy at the border coming back. I'll admit that we have cut back a bit on weekend trips just because of the time wasted at the border coming back. That's it.

bajaguy - 8-13-2009 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
.........I'll admit that we have cut back a bit on weekend trips just because of the time wasted at the border coming back. That's it.

Odd....get a SENTRI pass. Makes the return better!!!!!

Bajahowodd - 8-13-2009 at 12:46 PM

I know. I'm just slow about such things. Not that long ago it only took 15 minutes to get through.

bajaguy - 8-13-2009 at 01:23 PM

I don't think it has taken me more than 15 minutes anytime with a SENTRI..........well worth it.

David K - 8-13-2009 at 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lobsterman
I've been going to Baja since 1960's for fishing adventures anywhere for 1-5 times per year depending on the state of the family (single, married, kids, pending retirement). The main places I've gone to are Puerto Penasco, San Felipe, LA Bay, Mulege, and Cabo. I've been a member here for quite sometime but cuz of computer glitch had to change my name recently. Here's my take on this.

I have stopped traveling to baja for the past 2 years cuz of the security issues in baja. $ has played no part in this decision, just security. The security situation seems to be getting worse not better with no improvement in sight. Therefore, I have scratched anywhere in baja off my list. In a way it's a mini-protest to the Mexican Government to get their act together but mainly it's my selfish desire to live longer than my 62 years. Many of my fellow baja travelers here in San Diego also no longer go to baja (fishing & surfing). I still fish baja but depart in my boat from San Diego Bay to fish the Coronados and other offshore locations returning to SD on the same day.

I have changed my fishing trips instead to visit locations in southeastern USA. Mobile, AL is the main area location I'm now going to. In fact I'm setting up having a retirement vacation home there instead of Mulege. I LOVE Mulege and planned on retiring there either on the river or Concepcion Bay, but do not now want to risk the gaulet of criminals, drug dealings, check points, crooked cops, etc. It is no long worth it to me. The Mobile area reminds me of the baja with the beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, friendly people and comfortable weather except summertime.

So my plans today are not to visit baja again.

We cut back our Baja trips and visited more of the USA in 2007 and 2008... Grand Canyon, Arizona, Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, Idaho, Yellowstone in Wyoming... All very beautiful and great places, for sure.

There just isn't anyplace like Baja to replace Baja... and I can't stay away even if I try! Bad stuff happens pretty much everywhere... I would rather be in Baja!

mulegemichael - 8-13-2009 at 05:19 PM

nothing...not ANYTHING is keeping us here once it cools down a little..outta here late sept/early oct; katie bar the door!....the only thing that will stop us is a chubasco....the days are just getting too cool up here in the ol pacific NW that time of year...from october to may, baja is our home....that ain't gonna change for a long, long time...

Cypress - 8-13-2009 at 05:39 PM

Fear? Money? Neither factored into my decision to look to places other than Baja.

Numero Uno, poor fishing! No sense in beating around the issue. Just telling the truth.

should I stay or should I go

BajaDanD - 8-13-2009 at 06:35 PM

Used to go 4-5 times a year to San Quintin and one long trip to Guerrero Negro or San Ignacio around Feb./ Mar. And then one trip to Loreto or La Paz in the summer.
It was much easier when I lived In So Cal. Now I live In Az. We now Only take 2 trips a year. This year in Feb. we went to Asuncion after seeing the whales at Scammons Lagoon. We are going Back to Asuncion at the end of Oct. for a week.
We're going so we dont lose our minds.
DAND

woody with a view - 8-13-2009 at 06:51 PM

we've made 5-6 trips this year of between 2-7 days. we have a 9 day in november and depending on the surf hopefully 1-2 more short trips before then. i'm putting in DAYS of my life with all the driving but as they say, "life is too short!"

no fear, just enough money and not enough time.....

UnoMas - 8-13-2009 at 09:02 PM

I can never wait to get back to Baja after six months here in the States, just after the first frost. From the time I first went to Mexico my friends have said, arn't you afraid to go there! My reply is alway's, Just Get Me Through L.A. and I will feel safe. :lol:

My take on the reason tourism is down;
#1 The economy
#2 The over zealous press on violence
#3 The U.S. required passport for re entry

Cypress; ( As A Neighbor)
You seem to have a bad taste in your mouth about the fishing in Baja. Maybe you need to try a different time of year or a different place to fish? I just fished in your back yard the other day on the Moyie river and a 6" trout was the best I could do, maybe the wrong time of year :light:

Come see me on the East Cape, there can be some Great fishing if the conditions are right!......

Cypress - 8-14-2009 at 06:22 AM

UnoMas, Thanks for the invite. Yea, the Moyie river's not known for being good fishing. I'm very happy with the inshore fishing along the northern Gulf of Mexico. Wishing you luck on your next Baja adventure.

David K - 8-14-2009 at 06:58 AM

I really think they gave us all plenty of advance notice on the passport requirement... and even extended the deadline. Even now, you don't 'have' to have it to get back in. We got ours about 4-5 years ago when it was first rumored.

Everyone I talk to gives the murders and violence the reason for not going, so that is why I put it at the top.

grace59 - 8-14-2009 at 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Everyone I talk to gives the murders and violence the reason for not going, so that is why I put it at the top.

This is the reason that most people I know (who have never been to Baja) give for not going now. They think that we are crazy for going and crazy for building there, but (luckily) we've never had any problems there. We went down in Feb. April, August and have plans for Nov. and Dec.
I know that there are issues there, but that is everywhere and while I think you need to be cautious you shouldn't be fearful. Unfortunately, bad things can happen anywhere...even in your own home. A point in case...I live in a tiny town here in Washington (Pop. 1,400) and a young woman went missing from her home in Feb...lights/tv were on, wine poured, purse, keys and car all there....she just hasn't been seen since....You think you'd be safe in such a small town, but......
Be careful, not fearful.

Is $$ or fear keeping you home?

Pompano - 8-14-2009 at 07:41 AM

No.

Next question.

BAJABOUND.jpg - 49kB

Barry A. - 8-14-2009 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
Watching locals smoke crack right on the malecon in Cabo last sept. made me realize how bad drugs have invaded Baja life. I prefer to stay away from crack heads. I used to go to Baja to surf or fish, I don't surf as much and the fishing is on downhill slide ( I don't want to conrtibute to). So I'm looking around at other vacation spots, it's a big world, with lots of possibilites.

For once, Gregg, I am 100% in agreement with you on this one. :bounce:

Barry

Mika - 8-14-2009 at 09:20 AM

For me, it is my job. 9-5 office work and boss doesn't like telecommute option.
So in a way, it is money, I guess. Because if I am financially independent, I don't worry about having a job and saving up vacation time!

LisaR. - 8-14-2009 at 11:49 AM

Money, no question about it. We usually make it down to Baja at least once a year, but if we had the time off and more travel money, we would definitely come down more often and for longer periods.

You hear about the bad things happening down there, but every single day the Contra Costa Times reports shootings or gang activity in Oakland and Richmond. We still go to concerts or out to dinner in Oakland. You just have to use common sense, and the chances of being involved in the "bad things" are pretty minimal--both in Oakland and Baja!

Bajahowodd - 8-14-2009 at 12:07 PM

In a recession, with high unemployment, it would be totally uncharacteristic for crime not to increase, anywhere.

DianaT - 8-14-2009 at 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
No.

Next question.

Ah, but the vultures will be waiting ----Next please, he is saying. :lol:

sd

Sounds like you do take very expensive vacations in Baja---there are far less expensive places unless you really want and need all the fancy trappings.

Diane---happy to be sitting in Baja on the cool Pacific side.

LisaR. - 8-14-2009 at 12:20 PM

Wow, Diane, that is a stunning picture!

DianaT - 8-14-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LisaR.
Wow, Diane, that is a stunning picture!

Thanks Lisa---didn't mean to do any part of a hijack, but Mr. Zopolote is keeping the beach at Bahia Asuncion cleaned up for your next visit---and others who still want to experience the cool Pacific side where it is VERY safe and certainly not expensive.

OK, Chamber of Commerce just closed. :lol:

Diane

LisaR. - 8-14-2009 at 12:27 PM

Ah, see, it's that kind of customer service that keeps us coming back!

vgabndo - 8-14-2009 at 01:59 PM

Time and money. I thought that retirement would leave me with an empty schedule, but community service (which I believe should be part of every citizen's schedule) can easily become a major job. www.mountshastasissonmuseum.org

We are fortunate to live in a place where few people lock their doors unless they are going away for a while. For us, we start relaxing at about Catavina. We can stay for six weeks for $2500.00 including a 3500 mile drive. It is completely outside my comprehension to spend $500. for a one day boat ride! Of course I never expect to see Cabo San Lucas again either.

Attached is a photo of my favorite FIVE STAR RESTAURANT.

chicos calf party 014.jpg - 36kB

Cypress - 8-14-2009 at 02:15 PM

vgabndo, Whatever it is you've got on that grill looks good. Thanks for the picture of the 5 star restaurant kitchen. :yes:

Sunman - 8-14-2009 at 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vgabndo
Time and money. I thought that retirement would leave me with an empty schedule, but community service (which I believe should be part of every citizen's schedule) can easily become a major job. www.mountshastasissonmuseum.org

We are fortunate to live in a place where few people lock their doors unless they are going away for a while. For us, we start relaxing at about Catavina. We can stay for six weeks for $2500.00 including a 3500 mile drive. It is completely outside my comprehension to spend $500. for a one day boat ride! Of course I never expect to see Cabo San Lucas again either.

Attached is a photo of my favorite FIVE STAR RESTAURANT.

Funny. That's my favorite 5 Star restaurant too!
No reservations, never a wait, and the view is always incredible.

woody with a view - 8-14-2009 at 03:36 PM

Quote:

It is completely outside my comprehension to spend $500. for a one day boat ride! Of course I never expect to see Cabo San Lucas again either. Attached is a photo of my favorite FIVE STAR RESTAURANT.

MY MAN!!! can i getta AMEN! from the congregation?

JESSE - 8-14-2009 at 03:44 PM

Quote:

Havent you heard? Cabo is officially not a part of Baja anymore, it was given to the Chilangos in order to keep them out of the rest of the peninsula.

irenemm - 8-14-2009 at 04:40 PM

I know our business has been down by about 60% and all that I talk to say it is fear.
I just got back after 2 weeks in Anaheim. Drove up and back with just 2 of my granddaughters and I always feel safe. Grew up in Los Angeles and having 2 brother-in-laws L.A.P.D. I tell them I still am pretty happy here. I have never had a problem in 28 years. Stopped once and did not pay anything.
the check point the other day north of Santa Tomas the kids where great they only thing they asked if I would sell them one of my little military bears that i keep on my dash. Reminder of my son while he was in Iraq.
Like I tell people in the States almost every little thug has a gun or a knife. Here just the really bad guys. I think you can get into trouble any where any time in the world wrong place wrong time. When it is your time it is your time.
Still sleep with the window open. Can't do that in the States.

805gregg - 8-14-2009 at 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

There are missions in Ca

vgabndo - 8-14-2009 at 10:01 PM

Cypress, Sunman and Woody...

There is more to the FIVE STARS then meet the eye. Chico had raised to calf to about eight months, then a month fattening him up on dates from the orchard. It took a good long time to build the bed of coals, it is exclusively "palo feril"? Iron wood. It imparted the lightest possible smokey flavor to the incredibily tender sweet beef. That grille has
"asado-ed" generations of good meat! :yes:

Don Chico is the MAN.

chicos calf party 021.jpg - 45kB

BajaNuts - 8-14-2009 at 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
When it is your time it is your time.
Still sleep with the window open. Can't do that in the States.

I agree that then it's your time, it's your time. But we do live in the states, and we sleep with doors and windows open. That's why we moved to where we live.

Bad Crap can happen any time, any where,

sd - 8-14-2009 at 11:16 PM

Thanks everyone!

Howard - $238RT is a great rate. My rate is for a premium weekend. I booked another trip and Alaska was under $300 for that date.
I have not stayed at Verdugo's, but $70 for room only is a good price for their location. Have fun and catch a bunch.

Udo - I did take the kayak on some road trips. It was great fun being pulled around by the fish that got away. I must do more kayak fishing. I have not come close to the $65 per day trip. East Cape Super Panga is closer to $300 with bait and tip.

David K - Some day I am going to visit your stops and camp. Looks like I have missed so many great places!

jdtrotter - Nothing fancy. We do get the premium rooms that are on the beach. Other costs I noted are about the same at several of the East Cape fishing "resorts".

vgabndo - Ever fished the East Cape. Yes, expensive for a one day trip, but outstanding fishing is normal. AND, the boats often are not profitable for the resort owners, but needed to fill up the rooms. Initial cost of boat, fuel, captain, mate and where they loose is on wear and tear. These boats require LOTS of upkeep. Base price for a day is $375-450, $10 for each scoop of bait, $1-2 for each large bait and of course a tip for captain and mate.

I have never had a bad day in Baja!

Bajahowodd - 8-14-2009 at 11:30 PM

Methinks Baja will survive without Lobsterman.

And I think Jesse's right.

[Edited on 8-15-2009 by Bajahowodd]