FAQ
Is it safe?
Of course it is! We can understand any concerns, but we would never gather everyone we love and put them somewhere at risk.
In saying that, you should follow all of the normal precautions you would follow when visiting a new country:
-Keep your money and personal documents close by and out of sight.
-Keep the hotel address on you at all times.
-Don’t wander through dodgy looking back streets late at night.
-Don’t get into random cars claiming to be Taxis.
-Just stick with us and you will have absolutely nothing to worry about :)
Fun fact: Where we’re going has the same travel risk rating* as the following destinations: Thailand, Bali, the Maldives, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, France, and many other countries you wouldn’t think twice about travelling to.
*As per www.smartraveller.gov.au
Do I need a Visa?
We recommend you refer to your local government website to confirm all visa requirements, however this is what we know:
Australian Citizens - Travelling to USA
No visa required under the visa waiver program, however you will need to apply online for an ESTA before you travel.
Australian Citizens - Travelling to Mexico
No visa required, although you will need to complete an FMM form.
This can usually be done at the port of arrival or online before you depart.
You may also be requested to show the following details on arrival:
-Reason for travel
-Itinerary: intended destinations, hotels and proof of departure
-Proof of sufficient funds
UK Citizens: Travelling to USA
No visa required under the visa waiver program, however you will need to apply online for an ESTA before you travel.
UK Citizens: Travelling to Mexico
No visa required, although you will need to complete an FMM form.
This can usually be done at the port of arrival or online before you depart.
You may also be requested to show the following details on arrival:
-Reason for travel
-Itinerary: intended destinations, hotels and proof of departure
-Proof of sufficient funds
Final notes
Don’t leave this to the last minute. Get on top of any visa requirements well before your date of departure.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
What do I need to book?
First: Travel
Work out how you’re getting to Ensenada - refer to our “Getting there” page for all the possible options on how you might get there.
Once you’ve worked that out, start booking any necessary flights/transfers/hire cars/etc.
Second: Holiday
If you’re travelling all that way you may as well make a holiday out of it.
Start booking in any other destinations you’d like to visit on your trip.
Third: Visa
Tick off any visa requirements - see the section on Visas above.
Now would also be the time for organising any of the other travelling sundries - ie. travel insurance, overseas phone, international driving permits, etc.
Forth: Accommodation
We are picking out the best hotel for everyone to stay in.
Once confirmed we will post all of the details for you to get in contact and book your stay.
Can I drive?
Generally, with our licences, there won’t be an issue driving in the USA or Mexico. The main problem however will be getting a car, as many US car hire companies won’t let foreigners hire a car and drive it across the border.
If you do manage to find a company that will let you, or you decide to a hire a car once in Mexico, this is what we know (but we recommend you do your own research):
Australian Citizens - Driving in USA
Generally yes, you can drive on your valid Australian licence.
Some states may require you to get an International Driving Permit, but this is not required in California (for those planning to travel from LA or San Diego).
Australian Citizens - Driving in Mexico
Yes, you can drive on your valid Australian licence.
It is generally recommended to also get an International Driving Permit, as this will include a Spanish translation for local authorities.
UK Citizens: Driving in USA
Generally yes, you can drive on your valid UK licence.
Some states may require you to get an International Driving Permit, but this is not required in California (for those planning to drive down from LA or San Diego).
UK Citizens: Driving in Mexico
Yes, you can drive on your valid Australian licence.
It is generally recommended to also get an International Driving Permit, as this will include a Spanish translation for local authorities.
Final notes
Your car hire company may have additional licence requirements - please confirm with them when booking.
The above information is for a “full” licence. There are further restrictions for those on “provisional” licences.
Can I travel with someone?
If you're on your own or in a small party, and would like to team up with others, let me or Soph know so we can group you together.
This can be handy for sharing costs, making travel feel more comfortable, or just having an all round good time!
Vice versa, if you’re already travelling in a group but think you can fit a couple more then let us know - I’m sure this would be much appreciated by those that are trying to navigate their way on their own.
What will the weather be like?
Perfect!
Expect nice sunny days with cool evenings once the sun goes down - you will likely need a jacket.
This is the weather they got this year:
Are kids welcome?
We wouldn’t expect everyone to fly across the world and leave their kids at home - so of course they are!
In saying that, we don’t know what that looks like logistically, so we are leaving it up to you parents to work out if they come and what that looks like.
If you do decide to bring little ones, please let us know in the RSVP :)