Baja Addiction Causes Sufferer to See the World through Rose Colored Lenses

If your friends and family joke that you’re addicted to Baja, they may be right. Researchers in Norway have identified seven signs that you may be addicted. They’ve used those signs to develop a test to help you figure out if your suffer from a Baja addiction.

The test, called the Baja Addiction Scale, is based on seven basic criteria, where all items are scored on the following scale: (1) Very rarely (2) Rarely (3) Sometimes (4) Often and (5) Very often. The signs are:

(i) You spend a lot of time thinking about Baja or a planned trip to Baja.

(ii) You feel an urge to visit Baja more and more.

(iii) You spend time in Baja to forget about problems in “the real world”.

(iv) You have tried to cut down on your time in Baja without success.

(v) You become restless, confused, disoriented or troubled if you are prohibited from visiting Baja.

(vi) You enjoy Baja so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/studies or hurts physically.

(vii) You can no longer relate to people that don’t share your addiction.

If you are, indeed, addicted, you’re not alone, researchers say. “The love for Baja has continued to increase rapidly. We are dealing with a subdivision of Baja addiction connected to traveler’s dilemma,” said Eyeluv B. Aha, who conducted the study. The traveler’s dilemma is the limbo state one experiences due to his/her love for travel when they recognize there’s nothing like sleeping in his/her own bed.

Aha heads the research project “Baja Addiction” at the University of La Paz where she has spent the last 46 years studying the illness. The results of her research have just been published in the journal Psychological Reports, under the difficult to find subsection – “Afflictions with No Solutions.

Aha said she sees some clear patterns in Baja addiction. “It occurs across all age groups but we have found that people who have a sense of adventure, love the outdoors and enjoy pleasant weather are more susceptible to the illness than those with lower scores on those traits,” she said.  People who like being inside all day tend to be less at risk from Baja addiction. They visit Baja but rarely leave their rooms. “Women are more at risk of developing Baja addiction, probably due to the social nature of Baja,” Aha said. Aha said the research also shows that Baja addiction was related to extroversion. People with high scores on the new scale further tend to have a somewhat delayed sleep-wake rhythm. When they are in Baja they find themselves not wanting to sleep because of fear they will miss out on a life changing event.

The study was based on 26 million travelers — 14 million women and 12 million men.

Despite Aha’s findings, others are not as convinced about Baja-based addictions, especially those that have never visited the region.

“There are often underlying or co-occurring psychiatric disorders, such as weekend warrior syndrome, adrenaline addiction, perma-smile, or a disturbance in the ability to conform to social norms, all of which may explain the person’s addiction to Baja,” Lisa Green, Travel Savant at Baja.com recently told Krista Simmons in an interview for the article in NY Magazine called “The Weekend Escape Plan – Todos Santos. While she was not quoted, she offered this: “The question is, do we need another ‘disorder’ in the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), if the manifestations of Baja addiction can already be accounted for by well-described and better-validated conditions such as the “I live for Baja” syndrome?”

That, however, doesn’t mean that Baja.com is writing off the possibility of Baja-based addictions. Green believes that better research is needed to quantify these behaviors and she has committed to doing so. “We need far more study on this issue,” she says. In fact, our company is developing alternative treatments for people who feel they suffer from symptoms of Baja addiction, such our patented “Baja patch” which provides small doses of the chemicals found in the air in Baja, as well as a “Baja light‘ that gives off special rays that are similar to those found in Baja for those suffering from Baja withdrawal (as well as a gentle bronze tan).

Please contact Baja.com at info@Baja.com if you are interested in participating in this study or learning more about these new products.

Food

A single household with four family members spends around $360 every month on grocery items. Food and drinks in Mexico are very affordable since the country widely produces agricultural products, livestock and other raw materials. Food production is initially for the citizens although there are also manufacturing companies which aim to deliver to foreign countries primarily.

One can have a full meal of a taco or burrito and a drink for less than $2. There are also high-end restaurants which serve Mexican or foreign cuisines at rates averaging $100+. Middle class places can serve meals to full families for well under this amount.

Beef is very cheap in Mexico and it is the most popular meat product among locals. Poultry comes a solid second in terms of purchased grocery items. Mexico also produces several herbs, spices, vegetables and fruits which can be bought at very low prices outside the city.

There are a number of markets in major cities selling agricultural products like bell pepper, tomatoes, corn, rice and beans at low rates or wholesale. Mexican beer is cheap while there are also high quality drinks like tequila, tea and coffee which can cost higher.

Housing Costs in Mexico

On the average, a single person spends about $250 every month on apartment rentals. As the quality and space increases, prices will also become more expensive. Location is obviously a determining factor so spots in more desirable locations command more of a premium. Rents in Mexico can be higher than in equivalent-sized US towns or cities if the place is popular or fashionable, particularly places within easy reach of the US border or frequented by foreign visitors and expats. In less popular (or less well known / off the beaten track) towns and cities, you may find good quality accommodation at lower rents that you would pay for the equivalent space in the US. Some additional quantitative data can be found here.

Services Costs in Mexico

Utilities are more expensive in Mexico than in many other areas. For example, prices for electricity are high, compared with US and even European prices, due mainly to the lack of competition. Telephone services, both landlines and cell phones, are priced higher than the US and Europe. Telmex, the national telco incumbent which has a natural monopoly. The advent of internet telephony (e.g. Skype, Vonage) is beginning to make long distance communications, especially, affordable. As such, internet rates start at around $20 per month while annual subscriptions tend to be cheaper.

Piped water is relatively inexpensive, but not always potable (drinkable). Decades of under-investment, combined with a widespread attitude of impertinence towards paying water bills has left Mexico’s main water system in poor condition. As a result, most people purchase bottled water, often in 20 liter containers. Bottled water costs hundreds, if not thousands, of per cent more per liter when compared against the price of potable tap water in the US, Canada or Europe.

Clothing Costs in Mexico

Shopping for name brand clothes in Mexico can be fairly expensive; however, department stores, flea markets and street vendors offer a tremendous assortment of options. The quality of clothes is also good if manufactured locally. There are imported products from the United States, Europe and Asia as well. Products from the latter are quite cheap and are sold in bulk. Prices for traditional Mexican dresses are around $30 while shoes cost around $50, depending on quality. The average Mexican spends $125 to $200 each month on clothes. Again, overall Mexico is a great place to shop for locally made items.

Healthcare Costs in Mexico

Mexico also gives utmost importance to the health and security of its people. Health insurance policies are advised to all working individuals while there are several excellent health facilities providing quality care and state-of-the-art technology. Average insurance rates cost around 50 euros every month. There are several compensation benefits provided to insurance policyholders. The government also has a housing authority agency which takes care of poverty and homelessness.

Technology in Mexico

A growing range of items, especially domestic appliances, audio/visual equipment, technology (e.g. iPods, WiFi), computers, computer software and cameras are more expensive than identical items sold in the USA.

Employment Costs in Mexico

Trade and tourism remains to be the top industries of Mexico and comprises the bulk of its GDP support. The employment rate is estimated to be at 92% and the government foresees a continued decrease in unemployed individuals. The economic boom of Mexico may also be contributed to several citizens working abroad and bringing in dollars from the United States and Europe. If expatriates’ skills match the category in demand at the moment, employment can come easy (subject to the regulatory framework).

Transportation Costs in Mexico

Cars cost slightly more in Mexico than equivalent models in the US.

Local and national pubic transportation is generally lower in cost than the US/CA and continental Europe. Competition has been introduced in the domestic airline market and low-cost airlines are beginning to make a significant difference to domestic air-travel fares in Mexico, has been relatively expensive to date.

Gasoline and diesel is (currently) subsidized by the Mexican government. For this reason prices don’t fluctuate as much as those in the USA and Europe when oil prices go up or down on international markets. In fact, the government recently suggested they would retain prices at the equivalent of around $2.50 per gallon for 2009. However, it is unclear how much longer Mexico will be able to afford to subsidize the price of auto fuels.

Spring is in full bloom in Baja and wine shines as the undisputed star of the Peninsula during May. And where there’s wine, regional food usually follows and often with a backdrop of joyful music and fine art to cater to our senses.

The Guadalupe Valley, our backyard Tuscany, is a veteran in organizing fiestas that capture the spirit of the season. This May for the first time,Todos Santos in Baja California Sur, borrows the Valle de Guadalupe’s art of celebrating the season, blending it with its own recipe to appeal to our palate at the GastroVino festival.

If great food and fine wine is not your… cup of tea, other seasonal festivities provide an ample taste of the Baja lifestyle, including horse shows, off road races, and art festivals. Finally, on June 2nd, Baja comes to San Diego for the Baja Bash, a benefit event that promises to entertain with art and flavors of the Peninsula, celebrity chefs and top musicians, all helping to support WiLDCOAST preserve the natural and unique environment all Baja aficionados have come to cherish.

There are hundreds of local events for everyone that can be found on Baja.com. The following represent some of our favorite selections.

Event dates and details are subject to sudden change and cancellation. Please confirm with the event organizers before booking your trip.

Rosarito: World Outdoor Racquetball Mexico Cup
When: May 3-6
Don’t miss this spectacular event that will take place at the  Rosarito Beach Hotel. The competition will begin on May 3rd and continue until May 6th, 2012. The tournament will feature handball and outdoor categories that will compete for a slice of $20,000 in prize money.
Cost: $50 to $90

Ensenada: 10th Annual Horse, Art and Wine Festival
When: May 20
A great event for horse lovers with a packed program that will keep you entertained all day. But it’s not only about horses. There will be food, live music, folk dancing, art exhibits and, of course, Guadalupe Valley wines to enjoy in the beautiful setting of the Adobe Guadalupe Vineyards Inn.
Cost: Approx $24

Todos Santos: 1st GastroVino: Baja Food and Wine Festival
When: May 19th and 20th
A festival created to celebrate the typical food and wine of Baja California. Several wineries from northern Baja will offer tasting and wine for purchase, while top chefs from the Todos Santos region will prepare local delicacies. Bands will alternate on the stage throughout the day and a silent auction will benefit local charities. A wine maker’s dinner is available on the 19th, the night before the main event.
Cost: Approx $19

Ensenada: Fiesta of the Flowering Vineyards
When: May 19
This event is a perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the breadth of what Mexican wines can offer. It’s held at a different winery every year, with regional wineries presenting samples of some of their best varietals.   The 2012 edition will take place at Vinedos Lafarga. There will be regional food as well as live music.
Cost Approx $15

Rosarito: Rosarito Art Fest
When: May 26-27
The Rosarito Art Festival will be celebrating its third year, hoping to build upon the success of last year’s event. The event is organized by the artist’s community of Rosarito Beach, and will showcase the skills of over 100 regional artists.
Cost: free

Ensenada: 44th Tecate SCORE Baja 500
When: June 1-3
Half the size of the Baja 1000, but not half the fun and excitement. Over 250 cars, motorcycles, trucks, and ATVs compete on 500 miles of Baja’s rugged terrain. The race will begin and end in Ensenada.
Cost: free for spectators

San Diego: The Baja Bash in San Diego
When: June 2
Baja.com is pleased to support Wildcoast, the international conservation team responsible for groundbreaking environmental projects and campaigns to conserve Baja California’s coastal habitats, in sponsoring this event that celebrates the natural beauty of Baja. Over 300 surf legends, community leaders, and environmental pioneers are expected to gather at the Port Pavilion in San Diego for an evening of festivities that include a sunset cocktail reception, Baja-inspired cuisine, a photography exhibit, live music, and a silent and live auction.
Cost: $75

San Jose del Cabo Historic District

April events are plentiful in Baja, drawing upon the rebirth brought by Spring and celebrated with cuisine and libations.

‘Spring in the Vineyards’ is the first of many traditional events that continue right through to the Fall harvest in the wine region of the Northern Guadalupe Valley.

In the South, Los Cabos has the Cabo Celebrity Invitational where you’ll find Lorena Ochoa and other special guests in golf- and non-golf outings like yacht cruises, cooking classes, lunches and private beach club cocktail parties, as well as several nights of live entertainment.

Other April happenings on the peninsula include both land and sea races, music festivals and cultural fiestas.

Each festival honors and celebrates some aspect of the Baja Life.

Listings for these local festivals can all be found on Baja.com. Here’s a few of our hand-picked faves:

Todos Santos: Baja Reggae Festival (April 6, 2012)

The annual Baja Reggae Festival will take place at Cerritos Beach. This year’s line-up includes Tribal Seeds (from San Diego), DubTonic Kru (from Jamaica–winner of The World Battle of the Bands), Rise N Shine (from Seattle/San Juan Islands), Good Vibrations (from La Paz), K L Reggae (from La Paz), David Raitt and the Baja Boogie Band. Ky-Mani Marley, the second youngest of Bob Marley’s 11 children, will headline the Festival on Saturday night.

Cost: $40.00 – $75.00 USD

Ensenada: 4th Annual Taco and Mexican Food Fair (April 17, 2012)

“Do you have anything here besides Mexican food?” This is the event that would disappoint Dusty Bottoms from The Three Amigos. But for all others an event all about  tacos and great Mexican food is simply heaven. Several local restaurants and taquerias participate in the annual Taco and Mexican Food Fair making this an event for families and food lovers. The event will take place at the Plaza Cívica de la Patria.

Cost: free admission

Ensenada: Shellfish and New Wine Festival (April 20 – 22, 2012)

Simply known as “Las Conchas,” this is one of the biggest events in the region, a fabulous combination of shellfish from the Ensenada coast and wines from the Guadalupe Valley. Several activities take place during the three days of the festival, from visits to mollusk farms to workshops to wine tasting and barbecues. The Hotel Coral and Marina will be hosting the event.

Cost: $18.00 – $30.00 USD

San Jose del Cabo: Cabo Celebrity Invitational (April 26 – 28, 2012)

Dream Homes of Cabo has organized this fundraising event that showcases the best Cabo has to offer while benefiting children’s charities. Golfing is available  along with culinary classes, volleyball tournaments, yacht cruises, massages, kayaking, cocktail parties and so much more. While the celebrity participation may change without notice, here’s a list of the VIPs that are expected: Lorena Ochoa (golf pro), Dennis Haysbert (actor), Brett Cullen (actor), Bill Romanowski (football player), Elena Robles (golf pro), Jeffrey Nordling (actor), Mike Dobbyn (golf pro), Jesse Ventura (politician, wrestling pro, actor), Glenn Pakulak (football pro), Ryan Mariano (volleyball pro), Ed Ratledge (volleyball pro), Dennis Leoni (director, writer, producer).

Cost: Golfer Package $850.00 – Non-golfer Package $450.00 USD

Ensenada: 65th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (April 27 – 29, 2012)

The 125 nautical mile long race will start April 27 and end April 29th, 2012. Cruising classes will take off starting at 11am and racing classes at 12 noon. For the first time in the 65 editions of the race, both the departure and arrival will be visible from the shore, making the event more fun for non-participants. The award ceremony will take place on Sunday afternoon at the Hotel Coral and Marina.

Cost: $175.00 – $125.00 USD

Ensenada: Primavera en los Viñedos 2012 – Spring in the Vineyards (April 28, 2012)

Spring in the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada brings new beginnings, rebirth, regrowth, and some incredible  events. The Bodegas de Barcón Balch’é Winery will host a celebration of this season with the best wines in the region, great food and live music.

Cost: Approx. $12.00 USD

Mexicali-San Jose del Cabo: NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally (April 28 – May 2, 2012)

A unique rally that will not  only feature typical race cars, but also vintage cars and motorcycles, and alternative fueled vehicles as well as rally cars, and a limited number of modern desert racecars and classes for pre-runner trucks and buggies. Participating  vehicles will run the length of Baja from Mexicali to San Jose del Cabo on on-road and off-road courses. Don’t miss the “Happiest race on Earth”! On April 28th the bullring in Mexicali will host the vintage category car show, the sign in, the technical/safety inspection and the autograph session. the race will depart from Mexicali on April 29th.

Cost: Free for spectators

2012 marks the end of the Mayan calendar for Baja’s indigenous neighbors. This timely transition neatly marks the blossoming a new era for Baja California. The region is undergoing an explosion of creativity and innovation. This is Baja’s Renaissance, being led by a diverse and eclectic group of Baja denizens, collaborating with pilgrims from the international community, many discovering and rediscovering this Mecca. Baja has a renewed lease on life, and there’s a tantalizing possibility that this one will not be fueled by an unsustainable bubble of cruisers and spring-breakers, but rather led by visionaries and philosophers, poets and professionals, artists and scientists, with the only common thread being their efforts to weave the Baja lifestyle into their vision.

Approximately 7.5 million people around the world Google the word “Baja” each month. What are they searching for?  Baja is experiencing a renewed interest in its landscape, artisans, its environment, its lifestyle and how its citizens achieve wellness. It’s touching the entire peninsula. The interest in Baja is reminiscent of the Arabic folktale, “The Man Who Became Rich through a Dream”. The protagonist traveled on a worldwide quest, on the faith of a dream, searching for riches. Imprisoned, broke and penniless, a sympathetic policeman gives him money to return to his home. It was there he discovered a great treasure, one that had always been buried beneath the fountain in his own garden

Look to the city many would perceive to be the least suspecting candidate, Tijuana. The world’s busiest border shapes the views of more visitors than any other region. Artistic murals are now being installed over the graffiti. Much like the flower became a symbol of peace in times of war; could this gateway one day reflect what Baja has to offer? Within Tijuana proper, restaurants the likes of Mision 19 have captured international acclaim as Mexican food is becoming one of the world’s favorites. Right beneath our palettes, Tijuana is becoming to food what Seattle was to grunge music, with rivals in other Baja regions. The city now boasts its first LEED certified building, drawing international attention with its “bridges and skylights, a vast airy central chamber, and an aluminum skin to filter out ultraviolet rays.”  And the Business Innovation and Technology Center launched several months ago, promising a steady stream of thought leaders.

The world is taking note. At the other end of the peninsula, San Jose del Cabo hosting the G20 this summer, a landmark event for Baja. While it may be a political ploy to send the message that the coast is indeed clear. The fact is, it just may work since the coast is clear. But behind any smoke and mirrors, something real is happening and it’s a people’s movement. California, long viewed as forward-looking in protecting the environment, is now finding itself struggling to duplicate the groundbreaking success that Baja California Sur achieved in recovering the sensitive marine zone at the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park. There are efforts in both Tijuana and Los Cabos to develop some of the leading stem cell centers in the world, promising the fountain of youth that many have believed could be found in Baja for decades. Out of necessity, Baja is home to among the most advanced drip irrigation in the world. And among the next generation, many “entrepreneurs by necessity”, there are new concepts surfacing in marine biology, LEED certified development, organic farming, experiential travel, voluntourism, nomadic schools, agrotourism, medical tourism, and yes, even novel ways of making us love fresh roasted Mexican grown, organic coffee.

Baja is a lifestyle brand but it’s so much more. Baja living is the caveman diet of life. And this is what attracts these creative forces. At its core it’s about simplicity and authenticity, reminding travelers why they travel in the first place. People who can think out of the box have learned what Baja has to offer beyond the all-inclusive resorts and beneath the sandy surface and that’s the draw. Baja has long been the benefactor of the worldwide brain drain of creativity, an exodus of artists that have left their homes for Baja. Charles Stewart of Todos Santos (may he rest in peace) was one of the founding fathers of this movement in 1985. Now Baja California is becoming a gastronomical geo-center for foodies and wine connoisseurs around the world. Anthony Bourdain recently referred to Baja as “the new Tuscany” at a recent speaking engagement. Almost 90% of Mexican wine, many vintages and varietals winning awards around the world, come from the Guadalupe Valley and surrounding region, an area still untainted by the commercialism found in other wine regions. In Los Cabos, artwalks and organic markets are now common place, with the once little known Flora Farms becoming an epicenter. “[T]here’s some awesome shit going on down there right now. They got tired of waiting for the Americans to come back and just started making really great, really creative food. . . . Something amazing’s happening” said Anthony.

 Ultimately a big component to the direction this takes comes down to tourism. Contrary to assumptions one may draw from US headlines, Mexico was recently ranked the 10th most traveled country in the world. It’s also the second most rapidly growing country in Latin America, even while weaning off its GDP’s dependence on oil. And as impressive as Mexico’s rise through the ranks, Baja is one of its fastest growing regions in Mexico, whether defined by tourism or industrialization. Did you know Ensenada  boasts the highest preponderance of advanced academic degrees… in all of Latin America? Historically Baja California has been more integrated with the United States than just about any region in Central America. And while there’s no dispute that travel from the US has declined in recent years, the rest of the world is largely ignoring the US media. Travel from Canada grew over 50% in the last five years. More rapid growth is being experienced from Asia. And visitors love what they are discovering and the more adventurous stay.

Not only do Baja Californians make incredibly kind hosts, Baja has a plethora to offer, both natural and manmade. Baja California is home to a World Heritage site, the Gulf of California, which contains 39% of the world’s species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean. Baja is home of the Picacho del Diablo, a 10,154 foot mountain that’s a challenging climb; the oldest cave painting ever discovered on this continent; Catavina national park that rivals any in the world. There’s a plethora of wildlife, pristine natural wonders, one-third of the world’s whale species, endless sunshine and warm and mesmerizing, crystal clear waters, making Baja one of the best locations for sea kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching in the world.

Baja has a chain of missions that could keep any archaeologist occupied for a lifetime. The 1000 mile drive from the northern- to its southern-most tips, done right, is arguably the best road trip on the planet. From the Vendimia wine harvest in the Guadalupe Valley, to the Baja 1000, to the Todos Santos Film Festival, Baja has among the most unique and interesting ways to spend your time in the world, whether measured with a barometer of culture, gastronomy, history or merely a scale of pure bliss.  It’s exhausting just trying to describe what you can do and see in Baja. And yes, you can do absolutely nothing and literally witness the hands on your watch stop moving as we all have experienced, the double edged sword of time which takes on a different meaning in Baja.

While there are those lamenting about the continuing “crisis,” there’s an undeniable flurry of innovation at work within the region.  The most novel are worrying about “becoming too big,” as they struggle with not only how growth affect s their own goals, but also the region as a whole. In the foreground, Baja has quietly become increasingly prominent on the world stage, as a symbol of what the future might hold for us all, in ways that could not have been predicted even a decade ago. It’s Baja’s time.

About Baja.com
Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel advice to Baja California, Mexico, supported by a full service travel agency. The site offers travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps, and articles about day trips, surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, art galleries, whale watching, eco-tours, shopping, attractions, local events and news. Travelers can book directly online or utilize Baja.com’s state-of-the-art contact center, which provides bilingual customer support, expert information and sales 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To access the information and receive newsletters and invitations to special events, register at Baja.com. You can call us at 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@Baja.com.

Baja.com represents a team of local bloggers, regional travel experts, photographers, artists, Baja aficionados and marketing and technology gurus. The only common thread among the group, as each member of our team will tell you, we are all fanatics about Baja.

 At Baja.com we’re always looking for meaningful way to harness and accelerate this creative energy that surrounds us in Baja. Consistent with our commitment to the region, we have created several programs to stimulate and support change agents within Baja. The first is called the “Baja Ambassadors”, a group of unique and diverse individuals who are positioned to shape the next decade of Baja. Among this group are people like Tim Means who worked with the World Heritage Foundation to repurchase the now protected Espiritu Islands; Luis Palacios, a young, energetic, Harvard-educated, marketing director for Baja California Sur’s Board of Tourism; Serge Dedina, the Executive Director of Wildcoast, sponsor of what was called the “best ocean campaign in human history” widely credited with saving the grey whale; and Andrea Tomba, an offroad racer and guide who symbolizes and embraces the Baja lifestyle. On another front we are collaborating with the Board of Tourism on a program we call “Baja Scribes”. This is designed to encourage top writers to visit Baja to create original content about Baja and help educate the world. Finally we are working with many non-profit organizations in accordance with our own commitment, including by giving a significant portion of our revenues to local charities and are committed to becoming a carbon neutral company by purchasing carbon credits. Our mission is to have a large impact with a light footprint and to continue to fuel the Baja Renaissance in any way we can. If you have an interest in these programs, please contact us. 

For an intimate ceremony, couples can book their wedding at boutique hotel Villa Santa Cruz in Todos Santos. With just four luxury suites and a warm, casual atmosphere, Villa Santa Cruz feels like a private oasis for wedding parties. Villa Santa Cruz can accommodate up to 150 guests and includes ceremony sites on the rooftop terrace, stone patios, or on the beach. To take the worry out of wedding planning, Villa Santa Cruz works closely with Baja.com to offer wedding coordination services. With firsthand knowledge of the talented vendors in Todos Santos and extensive experience at the venue, Villa Santa Cruz ensures couples a carefree celebration.

Couples seeking a luxurious wedding experience will be delighted by the oceanfront offerings at Rancho Pescadero, also located in Todos Santos. Rancho Pescadero delivers unparalleled wedding accommodations with 27 oversized suites, almost all with breathtaking ocean views.  Rancho Pescadero’s personal wedding planner will assist in arranging a tropical cocktail hour at the pool or rooftop lounge complete with Mariachi band and fireworks, and sumptuous reception dinners in the restaurant or at the pool.  Following the reception dinner, guests can dance the night away in the courtyard or pool lounge. The ranch provides overnight accommodations for up to 64, and wedding packages also are available.

Pampering does not have to cost a fortune, as evidenced by another gem in Todos Santos called Serendipity.  This spacious hacienda-style oasis on the Pacific Ocean provides natural beauty on 12 acres of lush landscaping with a large pool, spa and ample areas to dine or dance the night away under the stars.  Miles of unspoiled beaches left to discover and the hotel’s traditional Mexican hospitality combine to create a tranquil ambiance for a romantic honeymoon or destination wedding. Serendipity offers a comfortable assortment of 10 king suites and private casitas with the personal touches of a bed and breakfast. Serendipity’s owner and on-site wedding planner ensures couples have an impeccable wedding experience.

Just a short drive from Southern California and located on the shores of Ensenada, La Casa de Los Siete Patios is designed to delight wedding guests and pamper honeymoon sweethearts. The private estate offers colorful bougainvillea flowers contrasted against white-washed walls, along with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, to create an enchanting Mediterranean atmosphere throughout the villa’s seven patios for which it was named. Every detail, from hand-painted Saltillo tile floors to hand-carved wooden furniture, make this exclusive yet comfortable estate the ideal venue for a destination wedding close to home.

For the ultimate in wedding day sophistication, the Costa Baja Resort & Spa offers five-star luxury paired with personalized service. Nestled in the red rocky, cactus-studded cliffs in the Bay of La Paz, the resort overlooks both the colonial city of La Paz and white sandy beaches leading to calm turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Every inch of the hotel has been designed to enhance the vistas, all while keeping Baja authenticity. The resort has a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, and wedding packages are customized by on-site wedding planners who make wedding dreams a reality.

Those looking for exquisite views of Baja California are never disappointed at Sunset da Mona Lisa restaurant. Located at the tip of the bay in Cabo San Lucas, the spectacular restaurant is the premiere spot to say “I do” while watching the sun set with the famous Arch in the background and having access to a secluded, pristine beach for flawless wedding photos. Sprawling over several levels, Sunset da Mona Lisa is an idyllic setting for an enchanting wedding for two or a lively celebration for up to 200 guests. Italian Master Chef Salvatore Messina will create a customized menu for the reception, combining local flavors from the Sea of Cortez. Sunset da Mona Lisa offers first-class service with many solutions to customize weddings to any couples’ needs and tastes.

Couples in search of unique activities to entertain and educate guests will find limitless options on Baja.com. Guests will lavish in leisure aboard one of The One Baja’s luxury yachts in the Sea of Cortez while enjoying up to three gourmet meals, such as fresh yellowtail sashimi matched with mango margaritas. Arrange a day for the guys sport fishing or fly fishing at Leo’s Baja Oasis, while the gals attend Surfari, a surf school for women in nearby Todos Santos. Guests that are not interested in sports will enjoy a week of cooking lessons at Todos Santos Cooking Adventures. Days are spent in the glorious nature of Baja, learning about the local plants and fish that give the area such a unique cuisine, while nights are spent with Dany Lamote, head chef of the famed Hotel California and Iker Algorri, owner of the Todos Santos institution Café Brown, learning to prepare these savory local dishes. Todos Santos Eco Adventures will elevate the level of any wedding activity in or around Todos Santos. The local guides and instructors share their deep knowledge and love for Baja through hiking, surfing, whale watching, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snorkeling, cooking, margarita-making and wine-tasting while getting to know the likes of local ranchers, potters, artists, chefs, spiritual leaders and fishermen.

When wedding festivities conclude, couples can head to picturesque Arriba de la Roca for a lavish honeymoon retreat about 45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Perched on the peak of a cliff 165 feet above the majestic Pacific Ocean, the exclusive adult-only boutique hotel is worlds away from the hustle of Cabo and offers both privacy and easy access to explore the natural sites and wonders. Arriba de la Roca ensures that couples will be pampered with four uniquely designed casitas offering the ultimate in luxurious accommodations. Complimentary home-cooked breakfast is served in the privacy of guests’ outdoor patio or in the great room. Couples may spend the day lounging around the pool or the Jacuzzi enjoying the outdoor kitchen’s complimentary snacks, tropical fruit and beverages. When the sun sets, the hotel celebrates with specialty cocktails and appetizers. Each night features a different offering and is the perfect way to settle in for a quiet, star-filled evening in one of Arriba de la Roca’s romantic rendezvous spots.

For additional information about these Baja California wedding and honeymoon accommodations, plus more destination information and assistance coordinating your trip, visit Baja.com or call toll free 855-BAJA-411.

About Baja.com

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel advice to Baja California, Mexico, supported by a full service agency with local travel agents.  The site offers travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps, and articles about day trips, surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, art galleries, whale watching, eco-tours, shopping, attractions, local events and news. Travelers can book directly online or utilize Baja.com’s state-of-the-art contact center, which provides bilingual customer support, expert information and sales 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To access the information and receive newsletters and invitations to special events, register at Baja.com.

Living next to the most powerful and rich nation in the world is tough. Many Mexicans have traveled North in search of a better life and are willing to work illegally at almost any job to put food on the table and to reach for the American dream. Other Mexicans have opted for illegal activities in Mexico, including participating in drug-related crime. It is hard to pass up an illegal act when you desperately need money to feed a family or deal with a sick relative. To paraphrase a drug gang’s recruitment billboard, “Are you tired of eating rice and beans? Come join us.”

It is difficult to know whom to believe when it comes to crime and statistics. Many Mexican newspapers are prone to exaggeration, sensationalism and often bear a stronger resemblance to the National Enquirer than the New York Times. According to the latest FBI crime stats, the US is far more dangerous than Mexico!

Here’s our advice, based on our years of experience:

• Travel if you feel comfortable. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are 100% safe. While it is VERY likely that you will NOT experience anything out of the ordinary, you can never be too cautious.
• If you are flying, when you arrive at your destination, take an authorized taxi from the airport.
• Don’t have anything to do with drugs. Stay away from places that look risky. Stick to frequent tourist places that are in open, well-lit areas of the destination. Ask the desk clerk at your hotel if you are in doubt.
• Take buses that travel in daylight hours.
• Drive out of border areas as quickly as possible. Make your first overnight stop as far away from the border as you can.
• Drive on the main highways well into daylight hours. While we used to start at 6 AM, now we start our day at 8 AM. We quit earlier too, and of course, we don’t drive at night.
• If possible, drive with another vehicle if you’re nervous. This will give you confidence, if nothing else. If there is a breakdown, you will have immediate support.
• Get a Mexican cell phone. Buy a “pay as you go” phone to assist you if there is an emergency. Put the emergency number 078 for the Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) for help with vehicle breakdowns, or 066 for general emergencies on your speed dial. The cheap cellular phones cost about $30 USD.
• Don’t display your wealth. A big stuffed wallet doesn’t impress anyone, but it does make you a target. Have one wallet with 500 pesos or so in smaller bills. Tuck away any other cash that you carry with you. Don’t bring your precious jewelry or any other items with you on your trip that you cannot afford to lose.
• If you are in an RV, don’t boon-dock alone. Not at a Wal-Mart. Not at a Pemex. Not at a beach. Stay only at official campgrounds or in a group.
• Have a plan in case you run into an “unauthorized roadblock.”

Plan for an Unauthorized Roadblock (highly unlikely)

We always try to have a plan for the worst-case scenario. We figure our lives are worth more than our processions, so we have adapted the following plan for ourselves in case of an assault via an unauthorized roadblock:

• Don’t try to outrun or break though the barrier.
• Keep your hands on the wheel or on the dash in a visible manner.
• Don’t stare or otherwise appear that you are trying to identify the culprits.
• Wait for instructions to get out of the vehicle.
• Hand over anything they ask for.

We would suggest that this plan would be good for any country: Mexico, Canada, the USA or Europe. We do not know or have not heard or read of anyone who has been hurt if they pose no resistance.

There have always been road repair and construction on Baja’s main highway arteries. From the very day a road is finished, because of winter storms and summer Chubascos, bridges and roadways can be washed away and destroyed and need to be rebuilt. Add general wear and tear to a highway that sometimes sees little maintenance, and you have the ever-present road construction. Over the past few years, the Mexican Government has taken road construction to a whole new level in Baja, both north and south, as they rebuild and upgrade everything, section by section, piece by piece.

The bad news is, a Baja highway under construction can be horrendous to drive on; the good news is that when it is finished, there will be no more white knuckles, two hands seizing the steering wheel, staring at the road, watching to see where your rear tire is style of driving.

To help you navigate your way through the road construction, here are some helpful hints:

• Go slow. Often the temporary road surface can be poor quality, and this would be a bad place for a flat tire or broken axle.
• Go slow. Often the temporary road construction markers are sparse, confusing, or non-existent. I have been on the wrong side of a detour more than once.
• Go slow. Look carefully for flag persons who are not likely paying as much attention as the folks we experience in the US or Canada. Do not blindly follow their direction and objectively evaluate where they are telling you to go.
• Go slow. Visibility can be an issue if the dust really kicks up. You should not be traveling fast when you cannot see five feet in front of you. Keep the windows up and lights on.
• Go slow. Do not assume the detour or bypass will be two lanes wide just because it has two directions of traffic on it. It will come as a suprise to see that big semi-tractor in the only lane available suddenly turning the corner.
• Go slow. Despite the Slow Down & Do Not Pass signs, many locals will take this opportunity to pass you, why not? Look how slow everyone is going! As they say, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Go slow. But not too slow if it has been raining—you really do not want to get stuck right here.
• Go slow. Do not follow to close to the vehicle in front of you, although it always pretty handy to stay with them at a distance if he appears to know where the road is!

As always, there are many small ongoing projects, so remain cautious and try to avoid driving at night.  Safe travels!

The tales of adventures of Imperial Beach surf families during their 2011 Spring Break surf trips south of the border.

The results of a successful fishing day in the East Cape

There is a lot of speculation these days on whether it is safe or not to travel south of the border. To ease concerns and dispel some of the myths, Surfline recently did an interview with me, Sean Collins and Gary Linden on how to stay safe while surfing and traveling in Baja.

Due to the ongoing drug war in northern Baja, the justified concern over safety for traveling surfers has meant that those of us who cross the border find a lot of uncrowded waves. More importantly we meet lots of friendly people, camp on white-sand beaches with perfect waves, and enjoy the warm, clean water.

Lots of IB surf families are veterans of Mexico—and especially Baja—travel. The Johnson surfing clan, Daren, Terri and Josh, took a trip with a couple of extra IB groms over Spring Break.

Read about the entire adventure on the Imperial Beach Patch.

Serge Dedina is the Executive Director of WiLDCOAST, an international conservation team that conserves coastal marine ecosystems and wildlife. He is the author of Wild Sea and Saving the Gray Whale and took his first trip to Baja back in 1969.