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vernezze
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 1-4-2011
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Talk Me Down
So I have been planning on driving down the Baja in about ten days. But the more I read here, the more freaked out I get. Between ATM machines
stealing your pin, military checkpoints, car breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, shakedowns by local police, getting shortchanged by merchants, crazy
drivers,etc. I am really thinking twice about this trip. I don't think I scare easily. Last year I got caught in the middle of a Maoist demonstration
in Nepal and was trapped in a hotel room in Bangkok by fighting between the government and Red Shirts. And I would in a heartbeat go back to either of
those places rather than drive down the Baja. Now, you are under no obligation to do this, that is, talk me down from this paranoia and tell me its
not as bad as I imagine. But I could really use some anxiety easing sentiments, because I have to say that as a seasoned world traveller driving down
the Baja scares the chit out of me. Which is probably why I will do it, for the same reason I went Bungee jumping in New Zealand. But I am not looking
forward to this.
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sanquintinsince73
Super Nomad
Posts: 1495
Registered: 6-8-2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Jeeeezzzz
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9274
Registered: 12-15-2008
Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Maybe you ought to at least check out the Baja Trip Reports section and see just how not scary things are down there. Methinks that the daily posts
tend to skew toward the more sensational and negative, only because people consider this to be a good place to vent.
Fact is, the overwhelming number of Baja travelers have no untoward events. And in many of the small number of problem situations, the story usually
ends up being a positive reflection of the warmth, heart and helpfulness of the Mexican people.
I've been making multiple trips down there for decades. One time had a traffic cop accuse me of going the wrong way on a one way street (no arrows
posted). Cost me a 20 peso mordita. And, in the process, and a lot of fun with the cop. One time had my credit card cloned at a restaurant in
Ensenada. That's it, over decades, Still keep going and loving it.
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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 vernezze
I don't think I scare easily. Last year I got caught in the middle of a Maoist demonstration in Nepal and was trapped in a hotel room in Bangkok by
fighting between the government and Red Shirts. |
You're Baja-Ready. Nothing here can top what you've already been through.
Look around at some of the recent threads here. There's little old ladies that are packing up to hit the road right now....solo.
If you have any trouble on the road, maybe one of them will come along to give you a hand. 
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BajaGeoff
Super Nomad
Posts: 1727
Registered: 1-11-2006
Location: San Diego and Campo Lopez
Member Is Offline
Mood: Heading To Baja!!!
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Given your experiences in other countries I would think you would be looking FORWARD to a trip to Baja!
I drove about 4,000 miles all over Baja throughout 2010 and had nothing but positive experiences. I have also been traveling frequently to Baja since
1989 and have only had one shakedown in the last 22 years.
Use the same common sense as you would traveling in any other country and you will be fine. And if you happen to break down in a remote area, the
locals are probably going to be friendly, help you out and force you to drink a Tecate with them, so be prepared for that.
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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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V,
Let's begin with what to call it: It is "Baja", not "THE Baja";
Then review how you seem to have selective recall as most posts on this forum speak well of their experiences in Baja....what has led you to
recall/focus on the "negative" comments ?
After that, figure out what you want from a trip to Baja and plan for that...and use your traveling smarts to make it happen.
How have you managed your fear when traveling in other countries? Use that method to combat what you have conjured up regarding Baja....
And look for good fish tacos, some places off the beaten path, and the experiences that will give you some travel-memories not tarnished by fear.
Have a good trip...
Don't believe everything you think....
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windgrrl
Super Nomad
Posts: 1336
Registered: 9-2-2006
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Drove to the East Cape for the first time last month. Our biggest travel issue was the bad weather in Canada and the US, then having to get an RV tire
replaced after arrival.
It's an amazing drive...just prepare well for the trip and enjoy the adventure.
When the way comes to an end, then change. Having changed, you pass through.
~ I-Ching
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DianaT
Select Nomad
Posts: 10020
Registered: 12-17-2004
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by vernezze
So I have been planning on driving down the Baja in about ten days. But the more I read here, the more freaked out I get. Between ATM machines
stealing your pin, military checkpoints, car breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, shakedowns by local police, getting shortchanged by merchants, crazy
drivers,etc. I am really thinking twice about this trip. |
Sometimes ATM machines steal cards in the US---it happens
Military Checkpoints---gives you a chance to stretch your legs--no problem
Breakdown? You will have more help than you probably will need---all from very friendly locals
ENOUGH now. The only cure for pre-travel anxiety attacks is the START PACKING---NOW! 
[Edited on 1-10-2011 by DianaT]
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bajalera
Super Nomad
Posts: 1875
Registered: 10-15-2003
Location: Santa Maria CA
Member Is Offline
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Check out Hidden Heart of Baja at a library and stay home.
\"Very few things happen at the right time, and the rest never happen at all. The conscientious historian will correct these defects.\" -
Mark Twain
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3922
Registered: 8-24-2006
Location: La Chorera
Member Is Offline
Mood: Let's have a BBQ!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalera
Check out Hidden Heart of Baja at a library and stay home. |
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DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalera
Check out Hidden Heart of Baja at a library and stay home. |
Good point, that would be one less car to be stuck behind in Maneadero traffic. But I have to agree with Dennis, if you've been through rioting in
Nepal, you're pretty much good to go anywhere else. Anyway, having nothing better to do, let's work our way down the list, shall we?
ATM machines stealing your PIN: This has never happened to me. (I was, however, the victim of credit card fraud in the U.S. a few years ago.
Wachovia was very good about it when I was able to prove that I was not in Buenos Aires buying jewelry and dining out during the time in question.)
Military checkpoints: Having some harmless and well-intentioned guy poke around in your trunk with a screwdriver for a minute or two is too much to
deal with? Really? Been to an airport in the U.S. lately? The poking there ain't in your trunk.
Car breakdowns in the middle of nowhere: Uh, two words: Preventative maintenance. You're welcome.
Shakedowns by local police: The closest I've come to this is when my wife ran a stop sign in front of a police station in Ensenada and they waved her
over to pay the fine while they watched the World Cup on TV. Damn soccer fanatics.
Getting shortchanged by merchants: The last time this happened to me, it was in Koreatown in L.A.
Crazy drivers: As compared to where? Rome? Or Nepal perhaps?
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
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bajadock
Super Nomad
Posts: 1219
Registered: 12-20-2006
Location: Punta sur de \'Nada
Member Is Offline
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"...Baja scares the poop out of me..."
Sounds like motivation(or cry for help?) for some type of relaxation. ?
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DanO
Super Nomad
Posts: 1923
Registered: 8-26-2003
Location: Not far from the Pacific
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajadock
"...Baja scares the poop out of me..."
Sounds like motivation(or cry for help?) for some type of relaxation. ? |
Or some form of diarrhea medicine.
\"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.\" -- Frank Zappa
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
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if you're terrified, stay home. nothing like fear and trembling and negative expectations to spoil a trip. I can't believe anyone who has gone
through what you say you have would even think twice about traveling to Baja.
I'm a single woman and have been traveling/driving/living in Mexico for about 15 years. I've driven the mainland, I've driven Baja. I've totaled one
vehicle on Hwy 1 and walked away. I'm sure I've been shortchanged somewhere, but who hasn't been in almost any country in the world. have never had
a problem with the ATM machines, except maybe one time when it short changed me but the bank guys checked it and gave me the rest of the money. the
military checkpoints are a hoot; the guys mostly smile and flirt. be sure your car is in good shape, be sure you can change a tire, keep the tank
full and the water and oil checked. if you break down, expect to encounter the kindness of many strangers. don't be stupid, watch your back and your
possessions just like anywhere else you'd go.
ps do not drive through TJ for your first visit. I recommend Tecate for a gentler introduction, even with the detours.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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Loretana
Senior Nomad
Posts: 825
Registered: 5-19-2006
Location: Oregon/Loreto
Member Is Offline
Mood: alegre
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Vernezze,
Snap out of it!! You've already admitted you're an adrenalin junkie.
Just grit your teeth and go. You won't regret it!!
"If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration."
-Nikola Tesla
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redhilltown
Super Nomad
Posts: 1130
Registered: 1-24-2009
Location: Long Beach, CA
Member Is Offline
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A ton of the problems and hassles people traveling to Baja happen at the border...either coming or going. LEARN your route in and where to get your
tourist card and where to pay for it. David K and others have good posts on here with maps and info. Know when to cross and when not to cross the
border...don't come back late on a Sunday afternoon or morning rush hour at TJ. Find out the few regulations on what veggies and fruits you can't
bring back...a two hour wait and then hassled in secondary will not ruin a great trip, but why not avoid it!?
Checkpoints are easy if you just have your wallet and valuables on you when you get out...you'll find very very few problems anywhere on this board
with the army (when you consider the tens of thousands of military checkpoints this board MUST have gone through in the last 10 years or more.) The
cops yes...they can be a pain. But usually in the bigger cities near border once again. Know the exchange rate and you you'll always have a rough idea
if anyone is pulling a fast one on your money wise.
Have a blast and send in a report!
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Cielomar
Junior Nomad
Posts: 71
Registered: 12-5-2010
Member Is Offline
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Calm down and be smart
I don;t think it is unnecessarily dangerous driving the Baja at all. I've done it many times and have never had much of a problem. Shake downs are
rare and if the police ask you for money you can usually politely refuse or bargain them down. The military check points should be viewed as a
positive thing. They are polite and unless you fit a drug or gun runner profile they will wave you on without much delay. Make sure your rig is in
good shape before venturing onward. If you stick on the Trans-Peninsular and have a problem you won't be stuck for long. You may have sticker shock
when it comes to paying for the tow and repair, however.
Other than that, don't be stupid and put yourself in a position to be taken advantage of. Get out and watch the pump when you fill up, park in a safe
spot and lock your car. Stay at a decent hotel along the way (I like the Desert Inn in Catavina) and observe the Golden Rule. Mostly, just have fun
and use your head. Enjoy
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drarroyo
Nomad
Posts: 497
Registered: 6-15-2010
Member Is Offline
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Travel advice please!!
I wanted to travel to The America (sheeez)
but heard there's whack jobs that can easily purchase firearms (unfreakingbelievable) that will shoot at you while you're grabbing milk from the local
Safeway !!!!????
for reals?????
help!! wwwhhaaaaaaa
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nbacc
Senior Nomad
Posts: 770
Registered: 12-27-2008
Location: Northern California
Member Is Offline
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funny, what I read here encourages me to keep going and use common sense just like you would in our big cities. Plus you get the beauty bonus! Of
course, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3294
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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Stay home vern, lay on the couch and watch TV. Not very exciting but SAFE.......dt
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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