SOME FOR THE ROAD – Published Nov. 2005 – Western Outdoor News
I know over the upcoming holidays between November and December, a lot of you hit the road coming down to Baja. I thought I’d drop a few things your way about the drive.
GASSING UP
And I don’t mean frijoles and beer. If you haven’t driven the Transpeninsular lately, I think you’ll be amazed at it’s constant improvements. Sure, it’s not the 405 (at least in terms of amenities and quality), but it’s not your daddy’s beat-up arroyo-laden burro road either. As recently as a few years ago, gas was sometimes a hit-or-miss proposition and you got it when you could and topped-off at every chance. Now, modern Pemex stations dot the highway with the full-choice of fuels and mini-marts. You’ll also find something that you’ve not seen in the U.S. in a long time. Surprise! The attendant will be happy to look under your hood; check your tires for air; and even washes your windshield. Pop him a few centavos from your ashtray as a tip and you’ll get a bit smile. I still have the old habit from years ago when you could never tell about getting ripped off. I ALWAYS make sure they zero-out the pump before pumping gas. Just a habit of mine.
I never thought it would happen because Mexican gas was always more expensive than the U.S., but not so anymore. At an exchange rate of about 10.5 pesos to the dollar, expect to pay about 2 bucks/gallon for diesel and $2.20 to 2.80 for regular depending on the octane. Prices vary quite a bit but these are ballpark numbers.
INSURANCE
You’re crazy if you don’t pick up insurance even for a short trip. In fact, if you’ve seen the traffic in the Tijuana/Ensenada metro and corridor, it’s even more important to have insurance. Remember, you’re a visitor and if you think U.S. law is sticky, Mexico still adheres to the Napoleanic Code from it’s days under France. Basically, it says, “You are GUILTY until you prove yourself innocent!” They can and will hold you and the other party until fault and/or financial responsibility is established. No one is out to get your or take advantage of you. This applies equally to all parties, but the law is the law. Nothing is going to ruin your vacation faster than being in a country where you don’t know what anyone is saying and you just want out as quick as possible. There’s no excuse for not having insurance. It’s cheap. Very cheap. Do not rely on your U.S. insurance to cover you. No matter what your U.S. agent might tell you, Mexico does not recognize your U.S. policy. Get some coverage at the border or take a look at some of these websites. There are quite a few and will give you better explanations.
http://www.bajabound.com/before/legal/index.php
http://www.vagabundosdelmar.com/
http://www.discoverbajaonline.com/
THE COCONUT TELGRAPH
The closer you are to the border or to a large metropolitan area, the better your coverage with your U.S. cell phone. Cell phone coverage is expanding all the time. Check with your carrier and to make sure you get the best rates, ask about international coverage plans. They are relatively cheap even if you add the service for say…a month and will cut down on the roaming charges. It also feels good to have a phone just-in-case. The last thing you may want on your vacation is a phone call, but when you need it you have it.
As for computers…ahhhhh…can’t live with ‘em can’t live without them. There are so many internet cafes all over the place that are so inexpensive to use and many of the larger hotels also have computer stations now. Often you can just plug in your laptop and have a cappuccino while downloading pictures of you hoisting a beer to the guys back at the office. If you’re out in the sticks, strong wireless or satellite might work, but don’t count on it.
Speaking of satellite, one of the brightest spots of my year was finding out my satellite radio works like a gem here in S. Baja. I have Sirius and I can get CNN, The Rolling Stones, and Broadway Tunes wherever I go. I have one portable unit for the car/boat and another for the casa and there’s nothing like dialing in NFL football or kicking in some Garth Brooks (“Friends in Low Places” gets ‘em going at the bar all the time!) for a fiesta whenever I want or cranking on AC/DC (“Shook Me All Night Long” when the dorado foam!) when the fishing is going nuts. Your tastes may vary, but I have talked to friends up and down the peninsula and with few exceptions, their XM or Sirius tuners work like champs. By the way, there’s a station on Sirius called “Margaritaville” that’s just a perfect soundtrack for any Baja vacation. Tune it in then duct tape the knob so none of your goofy drunken buddies switches it to ABBA or something and starts sobbing about his girlfriend who left him in 8th grade. You KNOW it’ll happen if you don’t guard the knob!
Travel safe. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive at night and have a great road trip!
That’s my story…
Jonathan
That's My Story 
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