BajaNomad

Australians traveling to Baja

Div - 5-3-2010 at 08:40 PM

Hi Everybody, as you can see from the subject we are Aussies thinking about traveling in Baja Nov,Dec this year and Jan(2011). We have two children aged 5 and 7. Everybody in the land down under thinks we are mad. Are we? I read how beautiful Baja is, and that the culture, landscape, food and surf is stunning. Our plan is to purchase a rv or suv and camper trailer in the US and head down.
Love to hear your thoughts on traveling with kids (is it safe?)?
What is the best vehicle set up for Baja (rv or suv)?
Really appreciate any feedback
Thank you
Div

bajajurel - 5-3-2010 at 08:54 PM

No you are not crazy mate. Stop by my house in San Diego and I will fill you in. I am headed down Thursday and will return on the 14th. So anytime after that we can toss back a few VB's and I'll share with you about my last 20 years traveling down there.

G'day

lofty - 5-3-2010 at 09:01 PM

Check u2u "GO Sea Eagles"

torch - 5-3-2010 at 09:01 PM

how long of a trip ? no matter how long it will be too short.

lofty - 5-3-2010 at 09:05 PM

If you have " VB" in "SD" and holding out wtf ?????????

slimshady - 5-3-2010 at 09:09 PM

What is VB? I want it if you can drink it!

lofty - 5-3-2010 at 09:11 PM

"Victoria Bitter" Nector of the gods. The best beer bar none.

Howard - 5-3-2010 at 09:18 PM

One problem for ya.

There is none of the nauseating, disgusting tasting Vegemite in Baja. In fact, I think there might be a law in all of Baja that bans that repulsive “food.”

Just kidding (not about the taste), so bring your own and have great and safe time. Just let common sense guide you and you will be fine.

irenemm - 5-3-2010 at 09:44 PM

Div
Welcome to the forum. you will learn many interesting things here.
You will also learn that is very safe to travel the Baja. The news give many bad reports. I have lived here for 30 years and go back and forth to the US all the time.
We are only 4 to 5 hours from San Diego. If your kids like to fish you can get some poles and surf fish along the way and they will have a great time. It is much to learn for them and a great experience for them and you, and your wife.
I have never been very far South only on this forum so many who have will fill you in on the places to go and things to see.
But please be assured it is safe to travel. I would never say that to anyone if I ever though other wise.
Good luck do your homework and stop and see us on your great adventure.
Irene Martinez
Posada Don Diego
RV Park- Restaurant
Vicente Guerrero Baja

Bajamatic - 5-3-2010 at 09:45 PM

your vehicle: sportsmobile.com

Don't listen to your friends. And since they're such haters, don't give up all the sweet secret spots you're sure to find.

dtbushpilot - 5-3-2010 at 09:55 PM

And if you get the chance try carnitas.....tastes like kangaroo. Also, having recently spent 2 weeks driving up and down the east coast of Australia, I would recommend getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road from the wrong side of the car. You'll have a blast, no worries here mate, come visit us if you make it as far as the East Cape.....dt

Packoderm - 5-3-2010 at 09:56 PM

A Toyota rv isn't fast by gets good gas mileage. Here is a used one for $4000.00 http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/rvs/1721630682.html

dtbushpilot - 5-3-2010 at 10:00 PM

Wow Pac, that thing has "Baja adventure" written all over it. I'd jump on that in a heart beat....dt

Ken Cooke - 5-3-2010 at 10:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Div
Hi Everybody, as you can see from the subject we are Aussies thinking about traveling in Baja Nov,Dec this year and Jan(2011). We have two children aged 5 and 7. Everybody in the land down under thinks we are mad. Are we? I read how beautiful Baja is, and that the culture, landscape, food and surf is stunning. Our plan is to purchase a rv or suv and camper trailer in the US and head down.
Love to hear your thoughts on traveling with kids (is it safe?)?
What is the best vehicle set up for Baja (rv or suv)?
Really appreciate any feedback
Thank you
Div


Div,

I plan on taking my newlywed Esposa from N. Colombia this summer for her first time. I feel it is definitely safe, and the weather should be comfortable. I think you will have a great time. Be sure to purchase yourself all of the guidebooks you can to prepare.

-Ken

jorgie - 5-4-2010 at 07:30 AM

VB , aaaaah !!!!

shari - 5-4-2010 at 11:22 AM

Woooo hooooo....you guys are gonna have a blast...welcome to Nomadlandia mates...great idea to buy a toyota beater for the trip...look forward to slingin some beer with you guys here!!!

Bugman - 5-4-2010 at 12:23 PM

I spent two weeks down there with my two little boys (age 1 and 5) in November and would do it again in a heartbeat..........if I had more vacation time. Currently banking time to go back again. Go and have an awesome trip.

Bugman

A U2U Message

Neal Johns - 5-4-2010 at 02:15 PM

Check your U2U message on Bajanomad.

Osprey - 5-4-2010 at 04:40 PM

Don't get spooked if you travel down south here. We are right on the Tropic of Cancer. In the morning, the water goes down the sink drain counter clockwise, in the PM, the other way round. On the triurinal equinox it stands still and won't go down at all.

baitcast - 5-4-2010 at 05:48 PM

:lol: Mate you made a very big mistake you asked for information,you will now suffer info overload,welcome to the states and Baja
Rob

David K - 5-4-2010 at 05:53 PM

Enjoy my Baja web site designed to help adventurers and campers to enjoy Baja's backcountry (what you call the Bush or Outback): http://vivabaja.com and the Self Guided Tours web page with links to photos of many Baja 'special places': http://community-2.webtv.net/vivabaja/tours (these links are below all my posts here).
By-the-way, I lived and went to school in Australia for half a year back in 1970 (Darwin, N.T.)!
Welcome to Baja Nomad!!!

Gerald - 5-4-2010 at 06:01 PM

Div

You will have a great time......I have a lot at Mag Bay, Stop by....;D

I may even by your RV after your trip.....

grace59 - 5-4-2010 at 06:30 PM

Div, Welcome to Nomads and Baja. Baja is beautiful and you will have a great time. No matter how long you take you will never have enough time there. Just get use to driving on the opposite side of the road and when you look both ways before crossing the street remember to look, "Left, Right, Left" and then cross :-) That was the one thing that was difficult to get use to when we visited Australia...that and everytime my husband husband pulled out of a car park he tried to head the wrong way down the street :lol: BUT he was a gentleman and opened my car door a lot for me on that trip. :bounce: I'm sure you will have as much fun in Baja as we did in Australia.

Mexicorn - 5-4-2010 at 07:17 PM

Your in for a treat! Dont listen to the Media It's quite safe down here at leasts that my experience. Enjoy your going to love Mexico!

805gregg - 5-4-2010 at 08:12 PM

Remember north of the equator it will be winter, I've worn a down jacket in Conception Bay in Dec. Spring or fall would be better weather.

dtbushpilot - 5-4-2010 at 09:22 PM

What happened to Div? We got so caught up in ourselves that we didn't notice that he hasn't posted anything else. We Nomads have outdone ourselves this time, scared someone off after only 1 post:lol::lol::lol:
Just kidding Div, I hope it's because you're still trying to process all the good information and recommendations.....dt

Div - 5-5-2010 at 06:47 PM

Hi Guys,
Sorry I have been off line for 2 days.
Wow, thank you so much for all those who have responded, we feel heaps better about the trip. Look forward catching up with everyone.

Vehicle: SUV and camper trailer or small RV?

Thanks heaps and I'll have an esky full of VB for those wanting to taste some great beer but you have to promise to eat some vegemite first......

David

Howard - 5-5-2010 at 07:56 PM

My doctor would like you. You might be the reason I give up drinking. If the choice is drinking and having some Vegemite, I choose abstinence.

Well wait a second. On second thought, how much of that stuff do I have to eat?

For real now mate, what is that stuff made out of? It smelled and tasted like an experiment gone bad.

Packoderm - 5-5-2010 at 08:06 PM

As for the vehicle, you haven't stated you budget. You can get something really nice, but it will take a bit of money. For something used, you can check out craigslist in San Diego or somewhere like that.

irenemm - 5-5-2010 at 10:04 PM

OH
David
what is this vegemite? I was thinking it is the big blender they sell at costco. guessing I am wrong.
I guess i better google this.
good day mate.
see you in Nov.
maybe i will have the vegemite here.

irenemm - 5-5-2010 at 10:06 PM

OH it is to the Aussie's like our
Peanut butter and jelly sandwich or Mexico menudo. you need to have grown up with it. :yes:

[Edited on 5-6-2010 by irenemm]

David K - 5-6-2010 at 07:57 AM

Everyone can eat peanut butter...

comitan - 5-6-2010 at 08:12 AM

DK

Many people are allergic to peanuts.:light:

David K - 5-6-2010 at 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
DK

Many people are allergic to peanuts.:light:


Yah, I thought about that... so my post is in the same light as "Everybody Needs Milk" or "Milk does a body good"... when there are many lactose intollerant folks!

I wonder how many people can't eat vegemite in Oz, because they are allergic to yeast?:light:

dtbushpilot - 5-6-2010 at 09:07 AM

Jill insisted that we eat some when we were down there. It was edible....somewhat. Definitely an acquired taste......let's see, "Vegemite tacos"? Maybe.........dt

[Edited on 5-6-2010 by dtbushpilot]

malmer - 5-7-2010 at 02:45 PM

A Baja vacation would certainly be an adventure to remember, particularly for children. But to be able to answer your questions better, you might indicate how much time you have for the trip, if you like to camp or do you prefer campgrounds, do you want to drive through or spend time at particular places you've heard of, etc. Basically, what kind of travelers are you?

Do not underestimate the importance of the time you should devote to research and planning, preparation and gear. There are some fine maps available (Baja California Almanac) and many good guidebooks (I like the Rough Guide to Baja).

Yes, Baja is safe for children as long as you use common sense and be aware of the dangers that do exist: Cactus, scorpions, string rays, bugs, snakes, narrow highways without shoulders, sudden changes of weather, etc. And you should remember that Baja is a desert and lightly populated, for the most part, and while it is a gentle and beautiful place it can get real unpleasant real fast if you are not smart, alert and careful to those things that can hurt you. Dealing with mechanical problems or injuries requiring medical treatment will be quite different than when they occur at home. I hesitated taking my grandkids way down south until I felt they were mature enough to recognize danger - like 10 years old in our case - but I've seen many folks traveling with small children without any worries whatsoever.

I've been driving/camping/fishing throughout Baja for almost 40 years now and will be making my annual spring trip next week. Baja is without a doubt my favorite place in the world. The friendly people, the unique and stunning beauty of the place and the rare ability to get away from the crowd makes it a special place indeed. And, for me, 4-wheeling down a desert track to a beautiful remote beach carrying all the gear and provisions you'll need for a week and having the place all to yourselves is priceless.

There are certainly things to see and enjoy along or just off Highway 1. One of my favorite trips, one of my first in fact, was taking a long slow road trip all the way to La Paz and back. With proper preparation and knowledge, your family should have a bloody good time.

[Edited on 5-7-2010 by malmer]

Bajahowodd - 5-7-2010 at 04:17 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegemite

Just don't see it in the same league as peanut butter or menudo.

charchilp - 5-8-2010 at 08:13 AM

"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez


nice saying




Cheap SEO

BajaBlanca - 5-8-2010 at 09:19 PM

My husband always says that a trip to Baja isn't a vacation, it is an adventure ... make sure you have lots of water with you at all times for the kids ... sometimes gas stations are few and far between

This is a wonderful country and you will be astounded at the diversity of color. flora. music. people.

be sure to post AFTER your trip, so we all hear how it went :bounce:

and remember BN for any help you might need - the community is incredibly united

Mexicorn - 5-9-2010 at 07:35 PM

Welcome to Baja Amigos!

kohara55 - 5-10-2010 at 12:49 PM

Hi Div, We have done the Baja and are going again.
Check your U2U

bufeo - 5-10-2010 at 02:58 PM

Welcome Div...kohara55 also, for that matter.

Div, you'll find a great deal of useful information here. In the same vein, does either one of you have a similar forum to recommend for Australia? My wife and I are planning a year touring around your country with a 4X4.

I don't want to take your thread off-subject here, so I'd appreciate a U2U reply.

Thanks and happy planning for and executing your plans for a Baja trip.

Allen R