FAQs
Question
What is the attire? | ¿Cuál es el atuendo?
Answer
The attire is semi-formal, and our theme is "floral." Please wear floral print ties, scarves, and dresses! We expect the weather to range from the low seventies during the day to the low sixties in the evening. | El atuendo es semiformal y nuestro tema es "floral". ¡Por favor use corbatas, bufandas y vestidos con estampado floral! Esperamos que el clima oscile entre los 20 grados durante el día y los 15 grados por la noche.
Question
Is it safe to travel by car from San Diego to Ensenada?
Answer
The two-hour drive to Ensenada is scenic and is considered very safe. You will need about $6 for tolls, and they will accept either pesos or U.S. dollars. We do encourage travel by daylight whenever possible.
Question
Do I need special insurance for my rental car?
Answer
Yes, you should purchase Mexican Insurance for your trip to Ensenada. Hertz and other rental companies offer Mexican insurance at the counter for approximately $38/day.
Question
How is crime and safety in Ensenada?
Answer
The U.S. Department of State has issued no travel warnings for the "high-traffic tourism areas of the border and coastal communities of Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana." This includes the urban center where our wedding Mass will take place and the surrounding tourist sites such as wineries and resorts. We do not anticipate any issues with crime and safety for those who err on the side of caution and remain in well-lit, tourist areas. Please note, however, that violent gangs do operate in non-tourist parts of Tijuana, so it is not advisable to explore remote areas.
Question
What if I don't speak Spanish?
Answer
Most hotel staff and the attendants at tourist destinations in Ensenada and the surrounding areas speak English fluently. In situations where you're having trouble, we recommend using Google Translate to bridge any communication gaps. We will also have some of our bilingual guests "on call" to assist as needed during the wedding weekend!
Question
What can I expect when crossing the border from Mexico to the U.S.?
Answer
Wait times to drive through border checkpoints can vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day. Please give yourself ample time and download CBP BWT - the border wait time mobile application of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cbp-border-wait-times/id948812864). On the morning of your return trip to the U.S., we HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking the real-time border wait times to decide what port of entry to use and what time to leave. If San Ysidro port of entry shows long lines, you may want to cross through Otay Mesa. Have your Passport ready and you'll be fine!
Question
Can I get help booking my travel arrangements?
Answer
Yes! For your ONE call airline/car rental/resort reservations, please call Garbo Afarian of The Travel Escape, Inc. (established 1974) at 202-270-0324 in Washington DC.