After 20 months of hell for border merchants, November 8th was a magical day. The ban on non-essential travel between the U.S. and Mexico due to pandemic concerns was lifted on that date, boosting the economy of cities from California to Texas that depend on shoppers from across the border to survive. In San Ysidro, a town situated across the border from Tijuana that has a huge shopping mall and outlet stores, over 250 businesses permanently closed with the community suffering a revenue loss of 1.5 billion dollars. That, however, is just one side of the story.
Tijuana has badly missed its American friends because the economy is historically tied to San Diego, and both cities have taken a beating with the COVID restrictions. But now that Joe Biden has given his blessing, there is no better time to relax and reunite yourself with good old-fashioned Mexican hospitality. Unfortunately, the go ahead didn’t give travelers enough time to prepare for a Thanksgiving fiesta or a quick getaway before Christmas, but here’s some destination ideas you might want to consider.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Tijuana
This might seem like a crazy idea, but the renovated Gran Hotel Tijuana (formerly Holiday Inn) is back to serving its traditional Thanksgiving feast that will make you feel at home with a Mexican flair. Go ahead and spend the night, hit the slots in the casino and maybe play some golf in the morning at the country club next door. This is a super cool little trip to sample if you have a couple of days off from the grind. If you’ve been to Tijuana before, this is the hotel at the top of the hill on Agua Caliente Blvd. next to the race track. For reservations from the U.S. , call 011 52 664 681 7000, or book with Expedia.com.
Golf Resort/Beach Getaway
Bajamar Golf Resort and Spa is still a well kept secret, so you can count on a quiet, relaxing stay with a great ocean view. Enjoy a cocktail next to the beautiful outdoor pool, or pamper yourself at the all service spa. The food is great, which is a blessing because the area is a bit remote. And the championship golf course is by far the best of any track north of Cabo. The best part is the price…only about $70 per night. There are still a few rooms left to book over Thanksgiving weekend, or just chill and make arrangements in early December. The resort is about 45 minutes by car south of Rosarito and maybe 30 minutes north of Ensenada if you want to extend your fun. Book direct at 011 52 646 i55 0151.
Bahia Los Angeles
This is not an excursion to attempt unless you have a two week vacation or are retired with plenty of time on your hands. But if you like to fish or enjoy the amazing creatures of the sea, this is one of the truly unique places left on earth. I suppose if you are a millionaire you could hire a helicopter that could drop you into this pristine spot. But the only practical way is to drive down Baja’s lone highway that connects both peninsulas , norte and sur. After passing through San Quintin, the road curves eastward and you’ll be about 30 minutes away from this bayside oasis. The route is about 400 miles through a stunning landscape of desert and sea.
The best time to visit Bahia Los Angeles is between December and March when the massive great whales grace you with their presence. You’ll also see plenty of friendly dolphins, sea lions and turtles. And the fishing is amazing with the waters chuck full of yellowtail, amberjack and a variety of other species. This is a truly special place in the beautiful Sea of Cortez. The town itself only has a bit over 1,000 permanent residents, but you’re not all by yourself. There are a few businesses that sell necessary supplies. And the Los Vientos Hotel and other spots offer decent accommodations and dining. But don’t expect great cell phone service. You’ll be in God’s country with all the sea creatures He created.
As normality continues to resume with cross border relations, I will continue to share a few of my favorite destinations in Mexico and other spots of interest to our readers. As a website that serves Latino communities in the United States, we enjoy sharing areas that might be familiar with our Hispanic friends as well as our entire reading audience.
Overland travel is once again permitted for all Mexican citizens who possess a valid tourist crossing card and proof of at least one COVID vaccine. Minors under the age of 18 are not required to produce this documentation while traveling with a parent or relative. As airline flights into Mexico and other destinations in Latin America continue as normal from Tijuana, Mexicali and Ciudad Juarez, please note that Aeromexico and Volaris have already resumed flights from Los Angeles and other select U.S. cities, along with a few American carriers. Check directly with each airline individually for the best updated information.
