Tag: Baja

  • 6 Reasons Why Northern Baja Should Be Your Next Mexico Getaway

    6 Reasons Why Northern Baja Should Be Your Next Mexico Getaway

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Tijuana’s claim to fame is being the Most Visited Border City in the world. While this sprawling underrated city does receive a ton of tourism, most of it comes from foot traffic.

    Being the most visited border crossing in the world, these tourism statistics are heavily inflated by border crossers, whether it’s locals who work in the U.S. or Californians coming down for a day trip.

    But Tijuana and the rest of northern Baja are so much more than just pharmacies, dentists, and affordable health care.

    Tijuana is a major city with millions of residents. It has also held a sketchy reputation for years. Like many other ‘dangerous‘ places, these crime statistics often don’t affect tourists.

    vibrant street in Tijuana

    So many travelers go to Cabo, Cancun, or even Mexico City, but this region of Mexico should be a more popular getaway all on its own.

    Here are 6 reasons why northern Baja should be your next Mexico getaway:

    First-Ever Route From American Airlines

    Northern Baja just became easier to reach than ever before. If travelers wanted to come here, they would usually have to fly to San Diego or connect through another Mexican route.

    American Airlines is set to become the only U.S. carrier to fly to Tijuana. The main airlines that serve Tijuana are all of Mexican origin:

    @twintravel.03 Have you ever flown out of Tijuana using the cross border express? ✈️ #cbx #crossborderexpress #tijuana #tijuanamexico #sandiego #fyp #travel #traveltips #airport #traveltiktok ♬ Sunshine – WIRA
    • Aeromexico
    • Viva Aerobus
    • Volaris

    This exciting new route will allow more Americans direct access to this side of Mexico by taking one of their favorite airlines to Tijuana’s recently renovated airport.

    Travelers can bypass the Cross Border Express by landing directly in Tijuana. Beginning in February 2024, American Airlines will fly direct to Tijuana with daily service from Phoenix (PHX).

    Tijuana Beyond The Border

    At first glance, Tijuana may look like any other border town with pharmacies and dentists at every turn. But those who simply look at Tijuana as just another border town are doing themselves a disservice.

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    @asknicole_ When you visit #TJ check out #tacoalley #tacos #TJ ♬ original sound – Nicole

    The city is massive with some really nice places to visit. Travelers will be surprised with the new luxury hotels popping up, such as the Quartz Hotel and Spa or new boutique hotels like the K Tower.

    There is also a constantly growing culinary scene, whether it’s the classic Taco Alley, food trucks of Telefonica Gastro Park or fine dining in the ritzy Plaza Rio neighborhood.

    Tijuana is a thriving, fun city far beyond its reputation of a dirty, crime-ridden no-go zone. Friendly locals welcome you with open arms and vendors playfully coerce you to “buy things you don’t need”.

    Downtown is considered to be especially safe for tourists with trendy coffee shops, breweries and nightlife.

    @illylilimilly This is how you can spend a day in Tijuana – have fun! #tijuana #tijuanamexico #travelguide #bajacalifornia #tiktoktravel #traveltips #mexico #mexicotravels ♬ original sound – Liliana

    Road Trip To Rosarito

    Once you land in Tijuana or cross over from San Diego, the epic beach town of Rosarito is a must-add to your Baja trip.

    However, Rosarito is home to a breathtaking coastline of beautiful beaches, cliffside restaurants and artisan shops. It’s an easy Uber ride or drive to reach.

    One reason it remains under the radar is there are no all-inclusive resorts here. So Cancun, Cabo, and others take center stage over smaller beach towns like this.

    It’s also advised to check swimming conditions before getting into the water.

    @wanderingstefany

    Check out Los Portales next time you’re in Rosarito! 🇲🇽

    ♬ SALSA JAM NO.1 – Jaycee Mante

    The Charming Town Of Tecate

    Located east of Tijuana is the charming town of Tecate. If you’re thinking you’ve heard this name before, yes, this is where the popular Mexican beer calls home.

    Other than brewery tours, there is plenty to see here in this safe, small town. In fact, it one of Mexico’s many pueblo magicos.

    For a slower pace than the bustling streets of Tijuana, tourists will love visiting the main square in the heart of town – Parque Miguel Hidalgo.

    What Tecate is known for, other than being a major producer of beer, is being the gateway into Baja’s gorgeous wine country.

    @alexandrunk Los roadtrips imprevistos siempre son lo mejor ✨ #Tijuana #Tecate #México ♬ Cycles of Existential Rhyme – Chicano Batman

    Escape To Baja’s Wine Country

    To truly escape the crowds of other popular Mexico destinations, travelers will love exploring Valle de Guadalupe.

    Located south of Tecate, this stunning region of Baja is the ultimate getaway for a relaxing time. Not only does this area have amazing wineries, but also one-of-a-kind accommodations.

    There are some very unique places to stay, ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to sleek Airbnbs.

    A perfect way to spend time in the stunning landscape of Baja is by enjoying the region’s finest wine.

    @todayxperience Visit this AirBnb if you’re in San Diego 🔥🍷 Zeuhary Hospedaje Campestre 📍 #sandiego #valledeguadalupe #wine ♬ original sound – xperiencetoday

    A Gem In The Desert

    Far East of Tijuana and Tecate is another major border city – Mexicali. This city in the desert caters to those with a sense of adventure and appreciation of amazing sunsets.

    People come to the dunes to have an awesome time sandboarding and riding ATVs near the Arizona border.

    This city is also a cultural hub you wouldn’t expect. It was once home to the largest Chinatown in Mexico, known today as Chinesca, with annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

    Travelers will love wandering this vibrant neighborhood full of unique shops and restaurants showcasing the historic Chinese culture of this gem in the desert.

    @dalilarodriguez98 El Barrio Chino de Mexicali. “La Chinesca”. 🏮🐉🪭🥡🥢🥋 @Visit Mexicali Miercoles 26 julio del 2023. #lachinesca #visitmexicali #chinatown ♬ Mrs Magic – Strawberry Guy

    Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

    ↓ Join Our Community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

    This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • US State Department Issues New Travel Warning For Tijuana And Baja California

    US State Department Issues New Travel Warning For Tijuana And Baja California

    [ad_1]

    Share The Article

    Last Updated

    Travelers have been warned to reconsider travel, the government is concerned about crimes and kidnappings in the region

    People Shop Below Colorful Hanging Flags in Tijuana, Mexico

    The U.S. Department of State issued a new travel warning for US citizens visiting Tijuana and Baja California. The update comes after recent cases of kidnapping and violence in the region.

    The amendment has been made just two weeks after the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States announced that it lowered travel advisory for Mexico from “Level 4: Do not travel”, to “Level 3: Reconsider Travel”.

    Tijuana beach near US border

    The government is concerned about rising crime and recent kidnappings which include homicide cases and violent aggressions. The official publication states: “Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes.  Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations.”

    Many Americans have been traveling in the past few weeks to Tijuana also for cheaper gas prices, as Los Angeles Times reported. Those visiting the region, even for a short period of time, should stay aware and follow the State Department’s recommendations. 

    Risks For Travelers In Tijuana

    According to the information shared by the US Department, the highest concern is addressed to non-tourist areas of Tijuana, where a high number of homicides have been reported recently. The government explained that most homicides have been targeted, but bystanders can be injured or even killed in territorial disputes between criminal organizations. 

    It has also been disclosed that citizens and lawful permanent residents in the United States have been victims of kidnapping. 

    Mexican Municipal Police patrol the USA and Mexico border wall.

    The president of Tijuana’s Chamber of Commerce, Jorge Macías Jiménez, has made declarations to Fox 5, after the US Government shared this update: “The warning is mostly for areas where tourists wouldn’t go in the first place, it won’t harm tourism or the commercial sector.” 

    Macías Jimenez considers that the warning shouldn’t frighten tourists and said: “I do advise people to use caution since there are areas where criminal disputes sometimes result in injuries or even death of bystanders, but that’s only if you venture into non-tourist areas.” 

    Travel Considerations And Recommendations

    The US Department of State also shared recommendations and advice and requested US government employees to adhere to the restrictions. These are the current considerations regarding Baja California:

    • Avoid Mexicali Valley: the agency urges Americans to avoid this area due to the “heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions”. 
    • Travelers can use Highways 2 and 2D —during daylight hours—  to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rios Colorado. Also during the daytime, visitors can use Highways 1, 8, and 5.
    • Reconsider Travel to Baja California: the government urges US citizens to especially avoid non-tourist areas.

    Travelers must read and understand the information published on the government’s official website when visiting Mexico. General Mexico Travel recommendations include: 

    • Do not transit between cities during nighttime. Travelers shouldn’t hail taxis on the street, it is better to rely on dispatched vehicles, app-based services and regulated taxi stands.
    • Avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas.
    • Do not travel to Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas states due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Reconsider travel to Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora, and Zacatecas states due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Increase caution when traveling to Aguas Calientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, Tlaxcal, and Veracruz states and Mexico city due to crime and kidnapping.
    • Review the US Embassy’s, CDC, and Crime and Safety Reports’s webpages regarding Mexico.
    • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, casinos, or nightclubs.
    • Keep family and traveling companions informed of the location and travel plans.
    • Follow the US Department of State and the US Embassy on Facebook and Twitter.
    • Avoid wearing watches or jewelry, since these are considered signs of wealth.

    Read More:

    Mexico Reaches Its Safest Level Since The Pandemic Began

    Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

    This Popular Beach Destination Is One Of The Safest In Mexico

    ↓ Join the community ↓

    The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily! 

    Travel-off-Path-group-1-1
    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

    Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

    Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

    [ad_2]

    Source link