Traveling Safely in Mexico

From ThousandSmilesWiki

Due to recent security problems experienced by travelers in Baja California we would like to make the following suggestions:

First, refer to the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories for Mexico. You can find them by clicking here. State Dept Advisory Page.

Currently, there is a travel alert posted by the US Government. Please read it carefully. Current Mexico Travel Advisory

Second, most clinics we will provide bus transportation to and from Ensenada for a small fee. Bus_Travel_to_and_from_the_clinic

If you do travel down on your own:

1-Plan your trip to start and finish in daylight

2-When possible caravan with at least 2 or 3 vehicles.

3-Don't pull over for any vehicles that are not clearly marked as police vehicles even if they display red flashing lights.

4-If you have more than one vehicle try to always take the one that attracts less attention. In other words, leave the Rolls Royce at home.

5-Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home.

6-Always drive within the speed limit. Remember the signs are in kilometers per hour. Don't drink and drive. Try not to do anything that would give a police officer reason to pull you over. If you do everything right you will be more likely to suspect that the red flashing lights behind you are not from a police vehicle rather than pulling over automatically.

7-Don't pull off the road to take a nap or camp out. Wait until you get to the rest area at one of the toll stations.

8-Make sure your cell phone is activated for Baja California and make sure you have emergency numbers with you.

If you use common sense you probably will not have any problems. Don't forget though, that their is more danger in Baja California than there is in your home state. Most of these problems however, have occurred at late night when one vehicle was traveling alone.