Ensenada Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Strategic Planning

A structured approach to trip arrangements.

Chronological Timeline

A step-by-step guide to your preparations.

Months Before

Research & Passport

Explore destinations, activities, and budget. Check passport validity (6+ months beyond departure).

Bookings & Insurance

Book major flights and initial accommodations. Research and acquire travel insurance (World Nomads).

Health Consultations

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations.

Month Before

Activity Bookings

Book specific tours (like Valle de Guadalupe wine tours), rental cars, or unique accommodations.

Home Arrangements

Arrange pet or house-sitting. Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel dates.

Digital Prep

Download offline maps and other useful applications.

Week Before

Packing & Charging

Confirm reservations. Pack your bags (Eagle Creek for organizers). Charge all electronics, power banks.

Document Copies

Make physical and digital copies of important documents.

Local Currency

Acquire some Mexican Pesos for immediate use upon arrival.

Required Bookings

Advance reservations are often a good idea.

Critical Reservations

Flights and significant accommodations, especially during high season or for Valle de Guadalupe.
Specific tours like wine tours or fishing charters in advance.
Lodging during peak times.
Popular activities to secure your spot.

Pre-Trip Research

Informing yourself before departure.

Information Points

Read up on current safety advisories from your government.
Familiarize yourself with Mexican driving laws if you plan a car rental.
Learn basic Spanish phrases (Babbel).
Understand FMM card requirements.

Preparing Your Residence

Steps for your home before heading out.

Itinerary Share

Inform trusted family or friends of your itinerary.
Share dates and locations.
Leave emergency contacts.
Provide a copy of your plan.

Mail & Deliveries

Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
Manage package arrivals.
Prevent mail buildup.
Ensure no unattended deliveries.

Home Security

Secure your home with locks and alarms.
Unplug non-required electronics.
Adjust thermostat settings.
Set timers for lights if desired.

Travel Insurance Tip

Consider travel insurance for unexpected events. It offers a safety net for your journey. World Nomads provides coverage.

Ensenada Arrival

Immediate actions upon reaching your destination.

Essential Procedures

Immigration:
Obtain and validate your FMM card if arriving via a land border.
Currency:
Withdraw pesos from an ATM or exchange currency.
SIM Card:
Purchase and activate a local SIM card if desired.

Orientation & Transport

Orientation:
Locate your accommodation and identify nearby services (ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies).
Transportation:
Arrange transport to your accommodation from the entry point.
Local Exploration:
Take a walk around your immediate neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the area.

Seamless Transitions

Currency Best Practices

Prioritize ATMs at banks for optimal exchange rates.

Carry small denominations for convenience.

Transportation Choices

Use a pre-arranged shuttle, a taxi from a sitio, or Uber/Didi from the airport, bus station, or border.

Confirm prices before starting your trip.

Initial Purchases

Acquire bottled water upon arrival.

Grab some local snacks for immediate needs.

Local Navigation

Utilize Google Maps for walking routes and estimated travel times. Downloading offline maps is advisable for areas with limited connectivity.

Departing Ensenada

Final steps for a smooth exit.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
Consider customs limits for alcohol, tobacco, and other goods for your home country.
If shipping large items, inquire about services like DHL or FedEx.
Plan purchases to stay within budget.

Departure & VAT

Mexico operates a VAT (IVA) refund program for foreign tourists on certain purchases. Check current regulations.
Allow generous extra time for land border crossing.
Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
Ensure you have your FMM card for departure.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Final checks for a seamless departure.

Before You Go

Repack luggageDone
Weigh bags to avoid feesChecked
Confirm flight/bus schedulesConfirmed
Secure home (if not already)Secured

Border Crossing

The San Ysidro and Otay Mesa land borders can experience long wait times.
Check CBP Border Wait Times app for current estimates.
Factor in potential delays.
Have all documents ready for inspection.

Shopping & Customs

Be aware of customs regulations for items you bring back to your home country. This avoids unexpected issues at the border.

Remember to declare all purchases.

Ensenada Travel Checklist