For Thanksgiving, a friend of mine and I headed to Tijuana for the night. We ended up staying here at @estacion_federal. There's internet, delicious coffee, art, and comfort food at Nina's (Miguel's charming mama). A serious gem only 25 minutes from San Diego. Total trip (beers, cocktails, wine, mezcal, Uber, airbnb, coffee, gas, trolley and delicious tacos) was $125 each. And yeah, it's safe. I'm kind of embarrassed saying that now!

--- Travel Tips from Los Angeles.

If you're not strapped for time, I would grab breakfast/coffee to go, take the Amtrak down from Union Station. It's a 4 hour chill ride (find the food cart) vs. possibly 3 hours of traffic. Tickets are around $40 on the website. In San Diego, you can buy a $3 ticket to take the trolley down to San Ysidro. Google Maps: LA to San Ysidro (http://bit.ly/LAXtoSanYsidro).

OR you can drive down and park your car at the 571 Camino De La Plaza parking lot. It's safe, but I think $50 for overnight.

There are two entrances at the border. I would take the new Pedwest entrance at the end of Virginia Ave across from the mall. Google Maps hasn’t updated Street View so you won’t see it. If you’re taking the Trolley, it’s a 10 minute walk to the other entrance.

Once you cross the border, @estacion_federal is right down the street. You can exchange money right from the front. You probably only need $100?

--- Food Tips!

First thing, grab a chico burrito at @nina.estacionfederal. From there, you can ask for Miguel and he’ll set you up with the keys. Also, say hi to the architect Rudy, @argoterodolfo!

Uber to @cinetonalabogota for a cocktail and a great view. I think it’s like $1.50 USD? You’ll see other spots like @teoremabrewing (uno, gose, tres!) from there. There are so many great recommendations on #bunkfoodtj from @webunkyou (another great spot to stay in TJ - opening soon). And see if @coasttocosta or @clubtengohambre has anything going on. Oh! There’s also a yummy $60 tasting menu at @mision19_baja by @javierplascencia. At night, if you’re got the cravings — head to Tacos El Franc for an adobada taco.