A spate of mostly roadside crime in Baja, Mexico, in 2007 may not now be a worry for spring break travelers heading straight for hotels in Rosarito Beach, but car travelers do need to be aware that there was some cause for concern this last summer and fall as reports filtered in of carjackings and highway robberies in Baja, where a big spring break appeal is that US citizens can drive to Mexico without a passport. I haven't been in Baja myself for over a year, but Baja tourism officials say there have been no reports of "highway banditry" since November 17, and that highway patrols have been stepped up. If you're driving to Rosarito Beach, just over the border from San Diego, CA, or a bit further (like Ensenada), do be aware before you go:

• Sign On San Diego: "Baja Tourist Bid Enters Crisis Mode"
• Paddlesurf.net: "Baja Bad: Some reflections on some bad times" -- a summary of 2007 northern Baja tourist/surfer encounters with the dark side

Related: Rosarito Beach Guide | Rosarito Beach Photos | Travel Alerts and Warnings | Mexico Travel for Beginners | Passports and Mexico | Spring Break Ideas

Backpackers in Rosarito photo © Kathleen Crislip |

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