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1L
Newbie
Posts: 2
Registered: 12-6-2010
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Baja Odyssey for one
Greetings to you all. I am planning a 10 day trip in Baja Mexico. I recently bought an older mazda miata (2000) and thought it would be great fun and
a good adventure to drive it down highway 1 during the winter break. I have a couple of questions that I thought you all might be able to advise me
on, the first is it safe for a mid 30's single woman to road trip alone in Baja? I am a returned peace corps volunteer so I feel pretty resourceful in
a foreign land, but I do not speak Spanish and many folks warn me that it is not safe to travel alone in Baja. I question their advice.
I have begun to do my research with travel books and on-line resources. I would like to see the whales in in Pacific bay of Ignacio and then hit
Loreto for the remainder of the week. I think on average the trip will cost about 100$ a day. Is this high or low in your estimate? Will I need a
passport? I am a US citizen. Any other advice?
Cheers to life's adventures,
1L
[Edited on 12-6-2010 by 1L]
Cheers 1L
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bajatravelergeorge
Nomad
Posts: 154
Registered: 9-21-2010
Location: Baja Norte
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy
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Is it safe? If your a good looking gal, be careful of guys with raging hormones. Plan on at least 4 marrage proposals a day and plan on being
"inspected" at every military checkpoint.
If your more normal looking, just plan on having a great time. Seeing the whales in the bay is on my bucket list.
$100 a day sounds a bit light to me. Gas isn't cheap and it costs bucks to charter a panga out to see the whales. The nicer hotel rooms are between
$50 to $100 a night as well.
Hope this helps.
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sanquintinsince73
Super Nomad
Posts: 1495
Registered: 6-8-2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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I have a couple of questions that I thought you all might be able to advise me on, the first is it safe for a mid 30's single woman to road trip alone
in Baja?
If you can home school my kids along the way, I'll go with you!!!!!!!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Welcome to BajaNomad. 1L.
Is it safe? Is your car in good shape? You don't want to be breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Don't drive at night. You may hook up with
others to caravan between points.
Yes...it's safe if you make it safe.
100 bucks per day will be plenty...food, room and gas.
Don't get off the beaten path...especially alone. Just try to stay near people. There are plenty of them around.
You'll need a passport to get a tourist permit and to return to the states.
Stick around. A lot more advice is on the way.
Have a good trip.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
Member Is Offline
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First off, driving a Miata, you really should stay on paved roads. On that note, you might be better off doing your whale watching trip from Guerrero
Negro, where a number of hotels offer escorted trips to the lagoon. For instance Cowboy Hotel and Los Caracoles do it, and their room rates are quite
low. If you really feel the need to do the San Ignacio Lagoon, I would caution you against driving your Miata out there. Somewhere close to 40 miles
is still dirt road and often not in good condition. There are a number of resources in San Ignacio that can hook you up with a tour. On the other
hand, you can probably drive yourself to the Ejido launch near Guerrero Negro, inasmuch as that dirt road is about 1/3 the distance of that at San
Ignacio.
As for concerns about safety, Assuming you have spent time abroad, you probably already know the basics about remaining safe. In Baja, the lack of
Spanish is really not all that significant. There are an amazing number of English speakers, fluent or less than fluent.
Enjoy the whales. We do every year.
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
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don't go. bad time lots of problems.
get a person to travel with if you're serious. and even that is not a guarantee of safe travel.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
Member Is Offline
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I who have 38 years experience says to you. Take someone with you!
I will not drive the los Angeles Freeway alone nor would I go into East La Angeles Alone at Night.
You will enjoy your trip more if you take someone with You.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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where's fishbuck? i'm sure he's up to it!
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
Member Is Offline
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You'll have more fun with a partner to travel with!
Or:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14
But I want you to really go here and check out the Green Turtle!
http://www.greentortoise.com
Be perfect for you I think. Have had friends use this service and they went back for more. Bunch of youngsters like you are doing these Green Turtle
trips
Baja Beach Daze 15-Day Trip 2010
Round Trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego:
* Fri, Dec 17, 2010 - Sat, Jan 01, 2011
15 Days: $870 plus $177 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included
Going by yourself shouldn't be an issue....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate. Stay on the main
roads. Get off the roads before dark comes about. You dont want to be "out there" at night, same as you don't want to be out there in Los Angeles .
Stay the hell out of the larger cities.
Getting a tour guild was smart advise too. 100 bucks a day? Filling up your tank...motel...(***dont camp alone***)..chow...I think 150 is a real
number to work with.
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys
like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)
[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez]
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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bajatravelergeorge
Nomad
Posts: 154
Registered: 9-21-2010
Location: Baja Norte
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy
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Dear 1L
Life is full of risks. The first time I traveled below Ensenada, I was scared. But someone had told me about Bahia De Los Angeles and how beautiful it
was and how they traveled down there whenever they could. Whenever they had a problem, the Mexican people went out of their way to help. This
information gave me enough courage to overcome my fear and give it a shot at traveling down there.
Needless to say, I caught Baja Fever and have now traveled most of the pennensula and now own a home there. If I had listened to the naysayers, I'd
never would have gone and my life would be totally different. Baja may not end up being for you, but you'll never know unless you try it.
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bonanza bucko
Senior Nomad
Posts: 587
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: San Diego
Member Is Offline
Mood: Airport Bum
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Some pretty good advice above...even though most is goofy. Here are the things that need to be said:
1. Don't drive at night...EVER
2. Be sure your car is ready...completely problem free
3. Be sure you have good tires...and a spare
4. Think about taking a friend
5. Expect Mexicans to be super friendly and helpful..and really like that if you have a problem. For the most part...that is if they are not in gas
stations or in police cars...the best, friendliest and most honest people on earth.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys
like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)
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 You're going
to scare her to death.
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sanquintinsince73
Super Nomad
Posts: 1495
Registered: 6-8-2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
You'll have more fun with a partner to travel with!
Or:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14
But I want you to really go here and check out the Green Turtle!
http://www.greentortoise.com
Be perfect for you I think. Have had friends use this service and they went back for more. Bunch of youngsters like you are doing these Green Turtle
trips
Baja Beach Daze 15-Day Trip 2010
Round Trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego:
* Fri, Dec 17, 2010 - Sat, Jan 01, 2011
15 Days: $870 plus $177 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included
Going by yourself shouldn't be an issue....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate. Stay on the main
roads. Get off the roads before dark comes about. You dont want to be "out there" at night, same as you don't want to be out there in Los Angeles .
Stay the hell out of the larger cities.
Getting a tour guild was smart advise too. 100 bucks a day? Filling up your tank...motel...(***dont camp alone***)..chow...I think 150 is a real
number to work with.
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys
like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)
[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez] |
Bro, once she accepted my cordial and platonic offer, I was gonna have you tag along also.....you know, kinda like a chaperon.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13238
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
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there is a forum here for finding a traveler to accompany you. please try to find someone to come with you .... Just safer in general (you get sick),
better since you can split room rate.
that being said - we met a really neat woman who at present is hitchihiking/bus/train/walking all the way down Mexico - started los angeles to baja
and ferried to mainland and is now in Oaxaca on her way to Peru. she is having such a great time and i can give you access to her blog if you want.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys
like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)
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You're going
to scare her to death. |
Notice I didnt include my name 
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65311
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Do a search for posts by 'Paulina' and 'Debra' and 'Baja Bucko' and 'M'... there are planty more, but these are ones who have traveled to Baja alone
or with their young children, for years without problems and have GREAT stories of fun and adventure.
The Miata wouldn't be my first choice... there is basically one paved road the length of Baja... but they are paving more side roads and many others
are graded dirt which is fine for 2WD... But, the washboard surface could rattle parts of the car if it is not it tip top shape. A pickup or SUV would
be a better choice...
Have fun!
1st night, a fantastic motel is Baja Cactus in El Rosario, next door to the gas station (where you must top your tank as there is a LONG stretch
before anoth true gas station ... about 200 miles). Excellent rooms only about $30 for a single. El Rosario is 225 miles (5-6 hours) from the border.
The next town with full services is, Guerrero Negro 222 miles south...
Ask any questions...
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
Member Is Offline
Mood: Gettin' Better
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| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate.....[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez]
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In her initial question, this line made me wonder If she has
traveled abroad, she should know to always have your passport
And why advertise what she is driving and that she is single....not the information a savvy traveler offers over a public forum. I rarely suspect a
troll, but this time I did.
I hope I am wrong and just my usual cynical self
Don't believe everything you think....
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stevelaubly
Junior Nomad
Posts: 82
Registered: 3-29-2010
Location: Fresno & Costa Rica
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaBlanca
there is a forum here for finding a traveler to accompany you. please try to find someone to come with you .... Just safer in general (you get sick),
better since you can split room rate.
that being said - we met a really neat woman who at present is hitchihiking/bus/train/walking all the way down Mexico - started los angeles to baja
and ferried to mainland and is now in Oaxaca on her way to Peru. she is having such a great time and i can give you access to her blog if you want.
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Very interested...What is her blog?
THX
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sanquintinsince73
Super Nomad
Posts: 1495
Registered: 6-8-2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Member Is Offline
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Damn, I think McFez tipped her off about me. Well, let me go unpack.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by sanquintinsince73
| Quote: | Originally posted by mcfez
You'll have more fun with a partner to travel with!
Or:
http://forums.bajanomad.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=14
But I want you to really go here and check out the Green Turtle!
http://www.greentortoise.com
Be perfect for you I think. Have had friends use this service and they went back for more. Bunch of youngsters like you are doing these Green Turtle
trips
Baja Beach Daze 15-Day Trip 2010
Round Trip from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego:
* Fri, Dec 17, 2010 - Sat, Jan 01, 2011
15 Days: $870 plus $177 for food/parks. Hostel nights not included
Going by yourself shouldn't be an issue....since you are Peace Corps volunteer and have had some experience with third world climate. Stay on the main
roads. Get off the roads before dark comes about. You dont want to be "out there" at night, same as you don't want to be out there in Los Angeles .
Stay the hell out of the larger cities.
Getting a tour guild was smart advise too. 100 bucks a day? Filling up your tank...motel...(***dont camp alone***)..chow...I think 150 is a real
number to work with.
Any body here from BajaNomads try to email you...disregard them! They're just a bunch of old coyotes looking for a live one :-) I am sure some guys
like Dennis or sanquintinsince73 will try this :-)
[Edited on 12-7-2010 by mcfez] |
Bro, once she accepted my cordial and platonic offer, I was gonna have you tag along also.....you know, kinda like a chaperon.
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That's a low blow. Ouch!
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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