Brooklyn, N.Y.: Are there the equivalent of bed and breakfasts in Baja? And if so, would these be your best bet for accommodations? Or is a hotel a better option?

Nikki Goth Itoi: Baja has a full range of bed-and-breakfast type accommodations, some run by Mexican families and others run by American expats. Quality and prices very widely—some are just a couple of rooms in someone's home; others are run more like true inns. One of my new favorites is in La Paz—Casa Tuscany—great location, friendly American/Australian owners, and stylish accommodations. Baja Bed and Breakfast is also a great choice, run by a local Mexican family and serving delicious home-cooked meals.

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Mill Valley, Calif.: I'm looking for a reasonably priced cooking school vacation in Baja. Probably for 3-4 nights in March, just me and my husband. Any recommendations?

Nikki Goth Itoi: Cooking classes tend to be offered with other activities, such as learning Spanish, as part of a trip package. For example, Mar y Aventura tour company based in La Paz does a combo Spanish immersion/with four nights of cooking instruction: kayakbaja.com/LangCook.html.

One that seems more geared toward the cooking itself is offered through the Baja Language School in Ensenada. For an all-around culinary experience, you could combine one of their cooking workshops with a tour of the Valle de Guadalupe wine country and a meal at Laja, a gourmet restaurant that some are calling the Chez Panisse of Baja.

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St. Helena, Calif.: Hi, Nikki. I'm looking for a good Spanish language intensive study school, particularly in an area where my family would also like to go. Are there any options you would recommend in Baja?

Thanks.
—Doug

Nikki Goth Itoi: The two best options would be Ensenada (Baja Language Institute) and La Paz, where you can choose from two good schools: CICC and Se Habla Laz Paz. I'm partial to La Paz because it's farther south and more like mainland Mexico. There are gorgeous beaches nearby, spectacular islands just offshore for snorkeling and kayaking (safe for youngsters), and a pleasantly small city atmosphere in which to absorb the local culture. However, given your location in California's wine country, perhaps you'd enjoy a chance to see the northern Baja wine region near Ensenada.

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St. Helena, Calif.: Hi, Nikki. Is Baja a good place for travel with young children? Are there any regions or specific places you would avoid?