Dr. Mary Travelbest in Mexico Baja
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Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s
Bucket List Travel.
We share the travel tips and guide
you, sharing our missteps along the way.
FAQ-Why should I go by myself?
Should I go with a friend instead? Won’t I have a better time since I can share
that experience with another?
Independent travel is for all,
especially if you DON’T have someone to go with. Don’t let that stop you from
going.
Today’s Independent Destination-Ensenada
and/or then the Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. Wine tasting.
On the way there, stop at The Door of Faith Orphanage and say Hi.
The way to get there is Highway
1, the toll way, and exit at La Mision. Directions below.
·
Take the southbound
5 or 805 freeway to the San Ysidro border crossing south of San Diego.
·
After you cross the
border, move to the right and head up the FIRST ramp on the right
Follow the signs to the Ensenada/Rosarito Toll Road –
also called the Scenic Route. After about 2 miles, the first
right (ramp) will put you onto the toll road.
·
Keep following signs
toward Ensenada
and Rosarito. You will remain on the toll road for
approximately 50 mins. You will pass through two toll booths. About 25 minutes
beyond the second tool booth you will see a sign for La Mision and/or La Fonda Hotel
and Restaurant. Take the off ramp and turn left onto the “free” road.
·
The orphanage is 1½
miles (2 km) up the dirt road on the left side.
Baja, is a rustic wine destination that’s
already being called the Napa of Mexico.
Napa (pricier, more developed).
Hire a Tour
Guide
Boca Roja
Club
Tengo Hambre: Started by two
Mexico-focused bloggers, this hip gastro tour company dubs itself a “roving
supper club.” Its organized wine and craft beer tours of the Valley include
pick up and drop off in San Ysidro — the group will walk across the border
together — transportation to each of the stops, and tastings and meals at up to
six establishments.
Baja Wine
and Dine Tours:
Drive Yourself
The majority of the drive from San
Diego to Ensenada is a picture-perfect cruise along the Pacific Coast on a
paved toll road. Bumpy dirt roads connect the wineries in the Valley, however,
so be sure your car can handle the terrain. Logistics vary based on whether you
are renting a car or driving your own vehicle: I drive my own vehicle.
Uber has made it easier than ever
to explore northern Baja without a car, even if you’re coming in from San Diego
or Los Angeles. Expect prices to increase for rides that involve border
crossings, and double-check that your data plan will work in Mexico if you’re
going to rely on Uber.
UberPassport:
Uber in the Valle: Time
Your Border Crossing
The Valle de
Guadalupe is close to San Diego, but crossing back into the U.S. often involves
long lines and hefty wait times.
- The
U.S. Customs and Border Site offers real-time updates on
waits for drivers, commercial vehicles, and pedestrian and land ports of
entry. Use the site to monitor traffic and head to the border when wait
times are minimal.
- Take the Ready Lane: select identification —
including passport cards, Global Entry cards, and Sentri passes — may
use the Ready Lanes, which are slightly faster than the general lanes. The
system works by detecting RFID chips in the cards; standard U.S. passports
do not comply.
- Apply for Sentri: If you
expect to travel across the border frequently, consider applying for a
Sentri card, the land-border version of Global Entry. Candidates who pass
an advanced screening and pay a fee may use an express entry lane for five
years; all passengers must have Sentri.
Today’s Mistake-Getting sick in
Taipei. Food poisoning. 24 hours of misery. Don’t eat shellfish if you have any
doubts about the food. Street vendors may be ok, since they may be here for
many years and know better than a “restaurant”. You never really can tell.
Today’s Travel Advice-How to meet
other people.
Good company in a journey makes
the way seem the shorter, Izaak Walton, 1593-1683)
Wear a smile, ask for time of
day, if they have an accent, ask them where they are from, share a common
problem, tell a joke, comment on the weather, ask about a news event. Research
an interest, such as scuba diving. Then make appropriate contacts when you
arrive.
I wrote letters to advertising
agencies in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan telling them of my pending trip. Then I
called agencies and went to visit the people who worked there. My circle of
friends quickly multiplied.
Be your best to be polite and
friendly and hope that they will meet you halfway.
When you travel independently,
people will come to you. They seek you out. They will be happy you were there
to talk.
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