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<h1 style="text-align:center;">Don't Leave Home Without These</h1>
Wilderness survival tools vary from person to person, but there are some staple wilderness survival tools that anyone going into the wild green yonder should absolutely have. You’ll want to make sure you grab the essentials before you go all Cheryl Strayed and leave society behind. With that in mind, here are Sēkr’s 12 Must-Have Wilderness Survival Tools!

The 12 Must-Have Wilderness Survival Tools

Wilderness survival tools vary from person to person, but there are some staple wilderness survival tools that anyone going into the wild green yonder should absolutely have. You’ll want to make sure you grab the essentials before you go all Cheryl Strayed and leave society behind. With that in mind, here are Sekr’s 12 Must-Have Wilderness Survival Tools!

Firestarter on Amazon

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No, not the song by the Prodigy (although if you’re not a morning person, that song is like ten espressos). Wilderness survival largely boils down to staying warm, dry, and hydrated, and the last thing you want is to find yourself in the wild without a source of heat.

Wilderness survival is often a battle against the elements, so you’ll need to prioritize conserving warmth. Even in the Mojave desert, temperatures can plummet overnight, so be prepared!

That river water may look clear as crystal, but chances are it's full of silt, runoff, and possibly harmful microorganisms. Dehydration can cause delirium, and it only takes three days with no water for you to be at death’s doorstep (you can conceivably survive up to a month without food). Make sure that you stay hydrated, and that the water you’re drinking is clean and pure.

Your chances of wilderness survival are slim to none if you get injured. A good first aid kit contains antibiotics, pain meds, gauze, splints, hydrogen peroxide, bandages and surgical tape, enough to prop you up until you can seek proper medical attention.

Having one will help rescue crews locate you if you’re lost or injured. Some wilderness survival GPS trackers have an SOS button that sends your location out if you get stuck, hurt, or just don’t want to walk back down the mountain (don’t use it for that, please).

Sunset can really sneak up on you, and no matter how many carrots you eat, you probably don’t have night vision.

Wherever you venture, one key element to wilderness survival is knowing your landscape and planning a route ahead of time. Don’t rely on spotty cel service in the wilderness.
Pro Tip: Laminate a paper map to waterproof it and take notes with markers.

Two tarps is basically the ultimate wilderness survival shelter, if you don’t plan on bringing a tent. Tarps keep you dry in the rain, barricade against critters, and work as a stretcher in a pinch.

The rope of one million uses! String up your tarps for a makeshift tent, dry your clothes, or use them to tie on to difficult terrain.

You'll want a sharp blade for shaving tinder, cooking, eating, self defense, and modifying your tarps and paracord.Pro tip: not all knives are made equal. Get familiar with the grip, balance, and weight of your knife, and if it feels awkward or heavy, send it back!

In a wilderness survival situation, it is shockingly easy to become lost (trust us) and your best bet for finding your way to safety is knowing which way you’re going. Get a real compass; don’t rely on your phone!Pro tip: Practice using a compass with a paper map in a local park or wooded area beforehand.

Fantastic news! You’ve come across a river and you’ve got your water filter.
Less fantastic news! You’re not thirsty now.
Even less fantastic news! You’ll probably be thirsty again before you know it. Better have some kind of way to transport water with you.

<h1 style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Take the Guesswork Out of Your Next Adventure with Sēkr</a></h1>

<h1 style="text-align:center;">WHERE TO VISIT AND WHERE TO STAY</h1>
If your road trip is taking you through the eastern seaboard, you’re in luck! Some of the most instagrammable (and quirkiest!) roadside attractions in the U.S. are found from Maine to Florida. 
To help you plan your stops, here are our picks for must-see roadside attractions on the East Coast.

7 Must-See Roadside Attractions on the East Coast

Headed on a road trip? Check out our guide to the ultimate must-see roadside attractions on the East Coast. We’ve got all the best spots on our list! 

Camp Nearby

From pre-electricity pinball to bouncy Q*bert, you’ll find all your favorites at the <a href="https://www.classicarcademuseum.org/" target="_self">American Classic Arcade</a>. This museum/arcade is filled with video game history and arcade facts.  
Even better? It houses over 250 classic arcade games! You’ll relive your childhood, one token at a time.  
Ready, player one?

Laconia, NH

Looking for a larger-than-life roadside attraction? Check out <a href="https://lucytheelephant.org/" target="_self">Lucy the Elephant</a>, a six-story beauty whose 1881 “birthday” earned her a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.  
The climb through Lucy exits at her riding carriage for stunning 360 views that include the Atlantic Ocean. How often can you tell your friends you’ve been inside an elephant?
 Fun Fact: Lucy gets her toenails painted every year for her birthday!

Margate, NJ

Exiting your car, for more cars? Only if you stop at <a href="https://www.oldcarcityusa.com/" target="_self">Old Car City</a>, one of the top roadside attractions on the East Coast for lovers of classic cars and photography.  
One of the world’s largest car junkyards, it’s filled with classic cars, trucks, vans, and even the odd school bus or two. Don’t forget your camera; Old Car City is one giant  photo opp.

Old Car City

Nearly 100 years ago, a local engineer decided  paper would provide effective insulation and built the <a href="https://www.paperhouserockport.com/" target="_self">Paper House</a>. Its walls are made of layers of newspaper and glue, varnished to be waterproof.  
Head inside for a peek at the paper-covered piano and even furniture pieces made entirely of newspaper.

Rockport, MA

Not even Mother Nature can resist the lure of roadside attractions! This <a href="https://www.secretcaverns.com/about.html" target="_self">privately owned cave</a> is filled with unsullied examples of nature in its prehistoric glory. Think stalagmites, stalactites, and layers of limestone.  
The highlight? Descend the petrified stairs to view the spectacular 100-foot underwater waterfall.
 Pro Tip: The caverns hover at a year-round 50°F, so bring a jacket.

Howes Cave, NY

This family-friendly attraction is home to the deepest freshwater cave system in the U.S. and… mermaids. The mythical creatures play the starring role in <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/WeekiWachee" target="_self">Weeki Wachee</a>’s underwater theatre show.  
The cool springs also offer hours of water fun: kayaking, snorkeling, tubing, or just splashing around. It’s a refreshing break for any road tripper!

Weeki Wachee, FL

The giant indigo domes give it away... You’ve reached <a href="http://www.wildblueberryland.com/" target="_self">Wild Blueberry Land</a>, a family-owned celebration of the state’s favorite fruit. And those giant blueberries house a museum, gift shop, and restaurant/bakery.  
After touring the farm and museum first, satisfy your blueberry cravings with homemade pies, pastries, ice cream, breads, jams, and other treats.  
On your next East Coast road trip, plan your rest stops at these roadside attractions. From sweet blueberries to climbing up an elephant, they’re all worth a little detour!

Columbia Falls, ME

<a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank"><ins>Find More Places to Stop and Stay on Sēkr</ins></a>

Ah, Moab. Gateway to Utah’s most incredible wonders, like Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands (plus one of several dozen parks and passes in the Southwest named Dead Horse). It’s no accident that the town of Moab is flush with fun stuff to do while passing through, as during the high season the population can go up tenfold! After scampering over to Delicate Arch, you’ll probably want to fill your belly, and there are some wonderful places to chow down. Here’s Sekr’s list of the best restaurants in the Moab area.

The Best Restaurants in the Moab Area

Ah, Moab. Gateway to Utah’s most incredible wonders, like Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands (plus one of several dozen parks and passes in the Southwest named Dead Horse). It’s no accident that the town of Moab is flush with fun stuff to do while passing through, as during the high season the population can go up tenfold! After scampering over to Delicate Arch, you’ll probably want to fill your belly, and there are some wonderful places to chow down. Here’s Sekr’s list of the best restaurants in the Moab area.

The Menu

You don’t claim a name like El Local if you don’t have the approval of los locales, and this food truck at the backyard theater features nothing but GLOWING reviews from Moabites. A combination Tex-Mex, doguero, and deli sandwich vendor, the truck is mostly famous for its southwestern fare, but offers Impossible burgers and mochi ice cream to cater to a wide variety of tastes. Our advice? Chile relleno to start, Saddle On ribeye taco as your main, Barbarian cream churro, and a nap. Get the extra spicy salsa, too!

We don’t normally go for places that close at 3pm, but we’ll make an exception for not only the best cup of coffee in the state of Utah (go ahead, prove us wrong) but possibly our favorite breakfast sandwich in human history: the aptly named McLovin, a ham/egg/cheese on pretzel bun with tater tots--tater tots!--in all their crispy, pillowy goodness. Plenty of vegan options as well if you’re not into this bite of heaven (no judgment, you weirdo) and some of the fluffiest Liege waffles you’re going to find for many miles. Order ahead to skip the usually lengthy wait, and tell them Sekr sent you! Not for a discount or anything, we just want them to know how deep our love is.

Let’s get real: sometimes you want to sit down with a cold draft and a hearty steak after a long day out exploring. If that’s your bag, look no further than The Broken Oar, which boasts one of the best tap selections of any restaurant in Moab (Moab Brewing Company aside). Friendly service, rustic decor, and generous portions for a relatively low price are all reasons this is one of our favorites. It’s close to the end of the main drag too, which is great if you’re sick of instagram hikers dominating all the places you want to visit. Try the pork chop if you can, or get one of their wonderful salads if you’re trying to squeeze into those new jeans you got at the western wear outlet up the road. Cheers!

<h2 style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Find More Places to Stop and Stay on Sēkr</a></h2>

Summer is prime vacation time, when cherished memories are made, sunlight lasts way past bedtime, and we all get a few precious days to relax and enjoy the wonders of this big, beautiful nation. There are SO MANY places to take a summer outdoor vacation, it can be kind of overwhelming to figure out where to go. Lucky for you, <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a> has got your back! Without further ado, here are Sekr’s 8 best outdoor vacation spots for summer 2022.

The 8 Best Outdoor Vacations For Summer 2022

Summer is prime vacation time, when cherished memories are made, sunlight lasts way past bedtime, and we all get a few precious days to relax and enjoy the wonders of this big, beautiful nation. There are SO MANY places to take a summer outdoor vacation, it can be kind of overwhelming to figure out where to go. Lucky for you, Sekr has got your back! Without further ado, here are Sekr’s 8 best outdoor vacation spots for summer 2022.

Where to Camp

Where do we even begin? The Tuolumne Meadow (pronounced too-AH-luh-mee) alone is worthy of an entire guidebook. On top of that, the long-awaited trail repairs on Bridalveil Falls trail are finally done, and the reservoir at Hetch Hetchy is open to visitors again!

1. Yosemite Valley National Park, CA

Accessible only by watercraft, this is one of the least visited National Parks, but offers tranquility, great fishing, and unforgettable kayaking or canoeing. Paddle up to one of the waterside campsites, and get ready for some of the most spectacular sunsets of your life!

2. Voyageurs National Park, MN

Full of hiking trails ranging from placid to truly grueling, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness has something for everyone. About as remote as New York state gets.

3. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, NY

Beaches! Terrific oysters! At least two herds of semi-feral PONIES! Pro tip: Tightly secure your valuables and consumables if camping on the beach. The ponies know absolutely no fear.

4. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, VA / Assateague Island National Seashore, MD

“To one in sympathy with nature, each season, in its turn, seems the loveliest,” said Missouri’s most famous resident and namesake of this excellent outdoor vacation spot. Personally, we think summer is the loveliest for an outdoor vacation, especially if wearing a white suit.

5. Mark Twain National Forest, MO

Awesome mountain hikes reaching up to 10,000 feet, plus high desert plateaus, alpine forest valleys, and the continental divide! What more could you want in an outdoor vacation spot?

6. Rio Grande National Forest, CO

Manatees are stupid and boring and I don’t want to swim with them, said no one ever. One of the few natural warm springs of Florida attracts manatees almost year round, and offers great snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. Not very far from the gulf coast beaches, either.

7. Three Sisters Springs, FL

This one is a little counterintuitive, seeing as the desert is hot, and it's especially hot in summer. But Coconino is nearly 2 miles above sea level and stays relatively cool even as the rest of Arizona bakes in the heat. Mountains, forests, lakes and valleys will all be within reach of this epic outdoor vacation spot!

8. Coconino National Forest, AZ

<h2 style="text-align:center;">Find even more places to camp this summer on <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a>!</h2>

 Sēkr 2.0: A Faster App to Maximize Your Adventure

The new and improved update, Sēkr 2.0,  is a game-changer; introducing a whole new look, lighting fast load times, groundbreaking new map layers and the very much anticipated offline access to campsites and utilities!

The new and improved update, Sēkr 2.0, is a game-changer; introducing a whole new look, lighting fast load times, groundbreaking new map layers and the very much anticipated offline access to campsites and utilities!

No internet? No problem! Sekr+ is a premium subscription allowing member-favorite features to be available offline, so you can get off the grid.

Even in an increasingly connected world, reliable service is never a given when on the road less traveled—often when it’s needed most. To combat this issue, Sekr+ lets you download maps and campsite information for offline use, as well as a member’s most recent Map view, and adds dozens of premium map layers, like Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service overlays, coverage areas for carriers including AT&amp;T, Verizon, T-Mobile and more!

Sekr+ is powered by the app’s 2.0 update, which features a fresh and intuitive user interface that makes Sekr’s robust app more digestible for new and existing members. The update makes the app 10x faster than before and features more detailed maps with additional areas of interest highlighted. This allows for more holistic trip planning and on-the-go travel needs.

While the app’s core functionality will remain free, including access to the largest database of free campsites and the map layers you know and love, Sekr+ is available for purchase now for $1.99 per month or $18.99 for the year. <a href="https://sekr.com/" target="_self">D</a>ownload the app for iOS <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/s%C4%93kr/id1447689037" target="_self"><ins>here</ins></a> or for Android <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thevanlifeapp.vanlifeapp&hl=en_US&gl=US" target="_self"><ins>here</ins></a>.

<h1 style="text-align:center;">Fast Company's 2022 World Changing Ideas Award</h1>

Sekr Named Finalist

Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards honors a handful of extraordinary companies supporting the growth of positive social innovation, often tackling social inequality, climate change, and public health crises. The Sēkr team is proud to announce that we were awarded as a finalist this year in the award’s App category!

Sekr Named Finalist for Fast Company’s 2022 World Changing Ideas

Each year, <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90742366/world-changing-ideas-awards-2022-apps-finalists-and-honorable-mentions?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss?cid=search" target="_blank">Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards</a> honors a handful of extraordinary compan ies supporting the growth of positive social innovation, often tackling social inequality, climate change and public health crises. The Sēkr team is proud to announce that <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90742366/world-changing-ideas-awards-2022-apps-finalists-and-honorable-mentions?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss?cid=search" target="_blank">we were awarded as a finalist this year in the award’s App category</a>!

This exciting honor speaks to Sēkr’s tireless work providing our community of seekers with greater access to outdoor recreation, while simultaneously pushing the outdoor travel industry to be more inclusive of more people.

Research shows that <a href="https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2020/12/nature-gap-why-outdoor-spaces-lack-diversity-and-inclusion/#:~:text=Research%20shows%20that%20people%20of,being%20a%20large%20underlying%20factor" target="_blank">people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities</a> , often referred to as a “nature gap,” with implicit and systemic discrimination being a large underlying factor. Seeing a need to change this, our co-founders Breanne and Jess set out to create Sēkr, challenging the outdoors industry’s exclusive nature and its leaders to become more inclusive, safe and accessible for all groups who have been historically and currently excluded. 

Historically, finding a campsite has proved to be a lengthy and difficult process, with few campsites being well-known —despite thousands of campsites in America being free — due to an extreme lack of access to outdoor information. Of the information that is available, it is largely siloed among various apps, websites, and other resources. Sēkr’s platform gives adventure seekers access to the largest database of free camping sites — making the outdoors more accessible to all socio and economic backgrounds.

With Sēkr and its platform, thousands of people are connected with the information and community they need to thrive outside, every single day.

The World Changing Ideas Awards showcase 39 winners, 350 finalists, and more than 600 honorable mentions. A panel of eminent Fast Company Editors and reporters selected winners and finalists from a pool of more than 2,997 entries across transportation, education, food, politics, technology, health, social justice, and more.

Keep an eye out for Fast Company’s Summer 2022 issue (on newsstands May 10, 2022), which will showcase some of the world's most inventive entrepreneurs and companies tackling global challenges.

<h1>The Top 50 Influential Women in Technology in San Diego</h1>

Sēkr Co-Founder Jess Shisler Recognized as One of

Sēkr is delighted to announce that Jess Shisler, PhD, our fearless co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been recognized as one of the most influential women in technology...

Sēkr Co-Founder One of The Top 50 Influential Women in Technology

<a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a> is delighted to announce that Jess Shisler, PhD, our fearless co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been recognized as one of the most influential women in technology in San Diego by the San Diego Business Journal. San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence in Technology award celebrates and honors the top 50 local women based on their individual contributions and commitments to the tech sector. 
As COO, Jess is responsible for strategic operations at Sekr, including new product development (like SēkrHubs!) and overall company growth through new and exciting partnerships. She also has a hand in fostering our strong and welcoming team culture and overseeing daily team operations.

Jess played a pivotal role in helping Sēkr close its recent $2.25M in seed funding and, in 2021, she co-founded <a href="https://www.projectrespectoutdoors.com/" target="_self"><ins>Project Respect Outdoors</ins></a> (PRO), a coalition that unites women business owners, non-profit leaders and grassroots change-makers and their allies to evolve the outdoors industry to be more universal. Through PRO, Jess is helping to ignite a movement that addresses the lack of inclusivity in the outdoor industry, increasing actions and efforts to bring more equity, intersectionality, and sustainability.

Jess has long been a trusted thought leader in the outdoor industry, living nomadically in a self-built camper van since 2017. Prior to founding Sēkr, Jess spent 10 years in biotechnology, earning her doctoral degree in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota and completing a postdoctoral research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. &nbsp;
As an impact-focused founder, she transitioned to biotech startup communications and public relations, eventually launching her own science communications consultancy, with clients in biotechnology startups and Fortune 500 bio-pharmaceutical companies.
Jess is a deeply valued member of our <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a> team and we’re so grateful for all that she’s done over the years. Congratulations, Jess, on this well-deserved win!

<blockquote>¡Hola! acompañeros Vanlifers y campistas, ya llega la hora de empezar su adventura Baja.</blockquote>
Now don’t mind our Spanglish as we say welcome fellow vanlifers and campers, it is time for your Baja adventure to begin...but primero you must preparar for el journey. Here are our firsthand must-do’s and tips to get you properly prepared for an awesome adventure under the Baja sun and don’t forget <a href="https://escaparalabaja.com/" target="_blank">Escapar a la Baja</a>, the vanlife, and overlanding gathering outside La Paz! 
<h1 style="text-align:center;">Get Baja Ready in No Time</h1>

Tips and Tricks for Road Tripping to Baja, Mexico

Here are our firsthand must-do’s and tips to get you properly prepared for an awesome adventure under the Baja sun. 

Tips and Tricks for Road Tripping to Baja

<h2 style="text-align:left;">1. Passport and Legal Documents</h2>

Be sure to have your passport and legal documents in order. Make sure your passport is current and won’t expire during the time you plan to be in Mexico. It’s also a good idea to carry proof of ownership of your vehicle.

<h2 style="text-align:left;">2. FMM Tourist Card </h2>

If you’re going to be in Mexico for longer than 7 days, then you need an FMM Tourist Card. You can apply for it online here. After applying, you’ll be directed to the Banjercito website to pay for the card. It costs around $28. Print out both the Tourist Card and the Banjercito receipt. (Click Descargar y Imprimir to download and print the whole receipt). Once you cross the border, head to a Centro Integral de Servicios office to have your Tourist Card stamped. There is one located immediately after crossing the Tijuana border and also one in Ensenada (address below). We recommend using the office in Ensenada, there’s typically no wait and that means you don’t have to stop in Tijuana if you don’t want to. Plus, you can find one of our favorite taco shops nearby!

Note: you are NOT required to apply for your tourist card in advance, you can simply walk into the Centro Integral de Servicios office, fill out the paperwork and pay the fee. Be wary of websites charging a high fee to apply online, the FMM card costs $28-$30 USD, no more. 

<blockquote>El Recinto Portuario</blockquote>
<blockquote>Centro Integral de Servicios</blockquote>
<blockquote>Av. Teniente José Azueta 106, Zona Centro, 22800 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico</blockquote>
<blockquote>GPS: (31.861080, -116.630820)</blockquote>

<h2>3. Mexican Auto Insurance</h2>

Your home country's insurance policy is not valid in Mexico. You must have Mexican auto insurance. Make sure you get insurance with third-party liability. We went with <a href="https://www.bajabound.com/vanlife?r=l5bvwjnwa" target="_blank">Baja Bound</a>, It’s a bit pricey but you’ll be guaranteed to be covered in all aspects of an emergency or accident. Make sure towing and roadside assistance are included, your AAA membership will do you no good south of the border. 

<h2>4. Inform Your Banks and Credit Card Companies of Your Travel Plans</h2>

A sudden charge on your account made in Mexico may look suspicious to your bank and cause them to place your account on hold. Avoid any inconvenience by informing your bank and your credit card companies of your travel plans ahead of time, especially if you plan to use a debit/credit card in Mexico.

<h2>5. Oil Change/Tune-Up</h2>

When was the last time you had an oil change? Consider getting/doing a tune-up and oil change before you cross the border. 

<h2>6. Tires vs. Sand Prep</h2>

There are a lot of dirt and sandy roads in Baja. If you don’t have a 4x4, It’s a good possibility that your vehicle will get stuck in the sand. Prepare accordingly by having tread to go underneath your tires and a tool to deflate/inflate tire pressure. (Pressuring down helps the tire grip soft sand and helps handle rocky terrain). Carry a tow strap as well in case you really get stuck and need to be pulled out. 

We’ve been stuck in the sand a couple of times and the tread came in handy. We don’t have a tool to lower tire pressure and we really wish we did because it would have helped immensely. Learn from us and be prepared! 

<h2>7. Changing Money (Cash or Credit)</h2>

Most places in Baja accept credit cards, but many do not, especially in more remote areas. Cash is king, so make sure you carry plenty with you. Most places will accept US dollars but be warned, that you will get a poor exchange rate. Do yourself a favor and exchange your USD for Pesos. There are MANY places to change money when you cross the border, and they’re easy to find. Again, we recommend exchanging your money in Ensenada before you get too far south. ATMs are a good option too, as you typically get the best exchange rate, though you will likely have to pay a fee both at the ATM and with your home bank. 

<h2>8. Diesel/Gas Fuel Availability and Quality</h2>

Fuel stations are full service. Most will take a credit card but some only take cash. 

Gasoline is a red, green, or grey pump. Diesel will be the black pump. Ask the attendant “Lleno con __________ (gasolina or diesel), por favor” if you want a full tank! Tip the attendant 20-50 pesos. ($1.20-$2.50)

There is a long “fuel gap” on route 1 between El Rosario and Guerrero Negro. Be sure to fill up (even if your tank is half full) before leaving El Rosario as there are no fuel stations until Guerrero Negro. If you have a small tank, it’s a good idea to carry a spare container of fuel. 

While diesel fuel is readily available in Baja, it isn’t always of the same quality we enjoy in the USA. Consider purchasing a diesel fuel additive to make the switch easier on your vehicle. We went with the Lucas brand. We just add a little bit with each fill-up.

If you’re worried about the gas quality, Lucas brand fuel additive also works for gasoline!

<h2>9. Traveling with Pets</h2>

Make sure your pet is current with their vaccinations and carry a copy of their vaccination certificate with you. If your pet has any special diet or medication needs, be sure to plan ahead and bring everything they’ll need with you. Getting into Mexico with your pet won’t be a problem, but you will need all the proper paperwork when you cross back into the US. Baja Bound has a good FAQ on the subject. 

Note: Our dog, Bear, actually got a wound and infection since we’ve been here and we are happy to report that the Vet we went to in San Jose del Cabo was excellent and inexpensive. Bear is healed and happy! 

<h2>10. Medical Needs</h2>

If you take prescription medication, bring enough for the duration of your stay. While there is plenty of farmacias in Baja that sell over-the-counter medicines (cough, painkiller, etc...), they may not have what you need. 

<h2>11. Special Diet Needs and Food Shopping</h2>

For the most part, you won’t have trouble finding food in Baja. Big cities (Ensenada, La Paz, los Cabos) will have large grocery stores with lots of options while small towns will have mercados with limited selections. In between Ensenada and La Paz are mostly small towns. We wish we had stocked up on produce in Ensenada before we made that drive towards La Paz! 

If you have special dietary needs, i.e. vegan/gluten-free/etc... plan ahead and stock up in the big cities. 

Be mindful of carrying food in your vehicle when you cross back into the US. Many fruits and vegetables, including avocados and sweet potatoes, are not allowed to be brought from Mexico. Read the signs at border crossing and be sure to declare EVERYTHING. You can be fined for each prohibited item you fail to declare.

<h2>Border Crossing:</h2>

It is helpful to know a little bit of Spanish. Learn how to say where you are from, where you are going and the reason (vacation = vacaciones) There are lots of helpful apps for this: iTranslate, Duolingo, etc...

If you don’t understand what someone is asking you, smile and say politely “no comprendo, no hablo mucho español.” (I don’t understand, I don’t speak much Spanish) If you have any difficulty or frustrations, remember, a smile is a universal language and may reward you with better treatment. 

If you’re driving a bigger vehicle across the border, it’s likely that you’ll be waved over for a search or scan. 

Have your doors unlocked and ready to be opened. If your vehicle has quirks (ie: door or lock problems) , notify a border agent and learn how to say this in Spanish. 

Don’t be surprised if they don’t check your passports or papers at all. It all depends on the border agents working at the time. 

Our personal experience with the Tijuana border crossing was pretty easy except for the very last part. They didn’t look at passports once during the whole process. We were waved over for a search but before we could even open a door for them, they heard our dogs bark and directed us to a huge vehicle scanner. After the scan, we were directed to park in a small waiting area where we waited inside our van. A border agent came up to the back of our van and immediately pulled on the rear door handle. What he didn’t realize, and we didn’t have time to warn him, was that the door can only be opened from the inside and the handle was broken. He actually pulled the whole handle completely off the door! We found it a bit strange that he expected the door to be unlocked in the first place. He did apologize about the handle and helped us put it back together. He did not continue any kind of search and told us we were okay to continue into Mexico. 

<h2>Military Checkpoints:</h2>

There are 6 military checkpoints on route 1 from Tijuana to los Cabos. 

Generally, an officer will ask “De donde viene?” (Where are you coming from?), then “A donde van?” (Where are you going?) , then “por que?” Or “razón? (Reason?). 

Sometimes after you answer, they will just wave you through and sometimes they will do a search. The intensity of the search varies depending on the checkpoint and/or officer. It could be that they only ask you to open the door and they peek inside. It’s possible that they ask you to step outside of the vehicle (with your pets if you have them) and they do a very thorough search with drug dogs. 

We heard that the checkpoints are less intense when you’re headed south and more intense when you’re headed north. As of now we only have experience going south through all 6 checkpoints. Five of them were very easy with minimal search and 1 was super intense with drug dogs involved. 

<h1>Road Conditions and Driving Tips:</h1>

You may have heard that, as a general rule, you shouldn’t drive at night in Mexico. This is a good idea, mainly because of the numerous potholes and unannounced “topes”. Topes are speed bumps and are generally found in cities and on the highway when approaching towns. They are often not accompanied by signage. They can be difficult to see at night and would cause damage to your vehicle if you come across one at full speed. 

Driving during the day will allow you to see the potholes and speed bumps in advance. 

Many of the beaches are accessible only by dirt or sand roads. The conditions of these roads vary. Some are fine for 2WD and some are 4x4 only. If you’re unsure of the road condition and worry about getting stuck, walk the road first!

Border Crossing And Military Checkpoints: What To Expect

So, there you have it nomads! We truly hope this helps ease your mind of what to expect while road tripping to Baja. We are astounded by the jaw-dropping oceanside views and camps, the vast desert plains, the humble and authentic roadside taquerias and mercados, and the colorful spirit of Baja’s people and culture. We hope you experience the same grand adventure and if you needs to find quality campsites along the way, look no further than <a href="https://thevanlifeapp.page.link/blogs" target="_blank">Sēkr</a> and be sure to join us for our upcoming trip Back to Baja! Join us at the ultimate vanlife festival just a few hours south of the border!

This event is for the adventure enthusiast looking for a unique destination to gather for unique experiences, music, sport, local food and an unforgettable time.

Take the journey south in your van, RV, motorcycle or anything on wheels. All are welcome! You can even bring a tent to camp and lay underneath the stars; the choice is yours. No matter your transportation or sleep style, you’ll be in good company!

Community Forums of Like-Minded Adventure Seekers

 Introducing SēkrHubs

SēkrHubs are here and changing the way you travel! With SēkrHubs, we’re creating one location for discussions and message boards; a one-stop-shop for you to share expertise, find information about relevant topics to your lifestyle, ask questions about the app and connect with members outside of your direct friends.


 Introducing SēkrHubs: Community Forums

SēkrHubs are here and changing the way you travel! With SēkrHubs, we’re creating one location for discussions and message boards; a one-stop shop for you to share expertise, find information about relevant topics to your lifestyle, ask questions about the app and connect with members outside of your direct friends. 
Each SēkrHub has been created based on a specific topic, such as travel rigs, certain locations and app questions. From there, each SēkrHub offers SubHubs, channels that are dedicated messaging threads for conversations around specific topics within a SēkrHub. 
It is a top priority that SēkrHubs always feel safe and welcoming to members. To ensure this feeling of welcomeness, our team is bringing in community leaders for every SubHub that will act as thought leaders. These community leaders will curate conversations and encourage member engagement! 
Our list of SēkrHubs will grow in tandem with our member base! See a missing channel and want to create a space for your fellow Sēkrs? Reach out to us about starting your own SubHub today!

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Here are the SēkrHubs you never knew you needed until now!

<a href="https://sekr.com/create-account" target="_blank">SēkrHubs</a> will be accessible in both the Community and Messages tabs of Sēkr!
Take your travel, adventures, and friendships to a whole new level with SēkrHubs. We’ll see you there!

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