Florida or Mexico?  Where You Should Take Your Money During Your Next Trip

You have time off, cash in the bank, and your passport. What you don’t have yet is the destination. There’s too many places to go, and you deserve the best tropical paradise vacation possible, so you’ve narrowed it down to Florida and Mexico.

Both places are excellent choices, favored by tourists from all over the world, and they’re sunny all year ‘round. So the question is: Do you head to the Sunshine State and book a MCO car rental from Orlando for beaches and theme parks, or head to Mexico, where siestas and margaritas in an all-inclusive resort are on the itinerary 365 days a year?

Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each to help you decide where to take your money on your next trip for the best bang for your buck.

1. Start With Your Budget

If you’re on a budget, that’s the first thing to consider when you’re planning a trip. You’ll need to compare airfare costs if you’re flying, and add the cost of a rental car or other transportation, like rideshares. If you’re driving, consider gas, tolls, and other expenses.

But if one destination outweighs another in this area, that doesn’t mean it’s the way to go. Your next step is to average the costs of lodging and meals. Mexico is known for all-inclusive resorts, more inexpensive dining at markets, and a general price difference that tends to be cheaper than Florida, especially during the state’s popular peak season. However, if you’re booking a stay off-season, you may be able to find great deals that compete with Mexico’s prices.

If you plan to do any excursions or attractions, check out those costs and add them to your budget list. Expand this cost over how many days you’ll be visiting. Is there a clear winner? When money is the most important factor, this step can be very helpful. But if you’re still undecided, keep going to the next comparison category.

2. What’s the Atmosphere?

How adventurous do you want to get on your vacation? If you’re more comfortable with familiar atmospheres, Florida keeps you with the same language, currency, and accessibility. The state is full of distinctly different attractions and landmarks, making it easy to find something for everyone within a short car ride.

Ruins or Beach?

On the other hand, Mexico is full of rich regional cultures, unique cuisine, bustling local markets, and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language. A trip beyond the US borders helps you gain new, authentic experiences, often in all-inclusive luxury. Mexico is known for its adventure tours and archaeology excursions to ancient sites like the Mayan ruins, while Florida’s beaches and theme parks draw millions of visitors every year.

In general, if you enjoy learning about new cultures, a trip to Mexico is in the cards. Keep it adventurous but safe by choosing areas famous for their tourist-friendly local experiences, like Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, or Playa del Carmen. For those who prefer to stay in more familiar areas, choose the Florida coasts such as its famous Space Coast or the west coast destinations like Clearwater or even the Florida Keys and dive into planning for your next vacation!

3. Review the Things to Do

Still on the fence? Let’s look at the attractions that bring most people to these two popular destinations.

Florida is well-known for its theme parks, including Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, Sea World, and more. But that’s not the only reason people love to visit. World-class beaches, boating, fishing, airboat tours, fast-paced cities with upscale shopping and dining, and places more laid-back, where agriculture and orange groves are the main economies, fill the state. And there is the Florida Keys where some of the best cuisine in the state can be found on a Florida Keys Food Tour. Plus, in the northwestern regions, you can even find snow occasionally!

Welcome Back to the Magic Kingdom

Mexico’s highlights include all-inclusive beachfront resorts, cruise ports, ancient ruin excursions to Tulum, Chichen Itza, and other areas, underground cave exploring, vibrant street food scenes, snorkeling and diving, and market shopping.

It’s often filled with tours

Families may prefer the fun and sun of Florida, while solo travelers and small groups of adults will love the cultural exposure, adventure, and excitement of Mexico’s local offerings.

4. Convenience, Safety, and Logistics

Finally, there’s the ever-important consideration of safety, mixed with convenience and logistics. Many people think visiting another country, even one on the border of the US, is nerve-wracking. But the fact is that safety is a concern no matter where you go, and crime happens in Mexico just as it does in Florida. The key is to prepare and research your destination before you go, ensuring you visit areas that are known to be tourist-friendly and safe.

The State Department Travel Advisory updates its threat levels to other countries as they change, and offers helpful information that you should know before visiting Mexico. Overall, if you visit well-traveled, reputable resorts and book guided tours from legitimate guides with licenses and online or storefront shops, you have as much safety as possible in an unknown place. Tourist resorts and their affiliated guides also have better access to medical care in the event of an emergency.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a passport to get into Mexico. In some cases, visas are necessary, but the average stay doesn’t require them. Invest in travel insurance and have backup plans in case of weather and travel delays.

If you’re in Florida, the high infrastructure and access to medical facilities is more predictable. Most people speak English, making it easier to ask questions and navigate your way through the state. Travel can be self-planned or guided. The weather is familiar, and even hurricane season can be part of your travel preparation — if you’re traveling during these few months of the year, get flexible accommodations and transportation, and, if necessary, you can reschedule your trip if a storm arises.

Mexico or Florida, Which Will It Be?

Kayak through the Mangoves

The sun shines, the weather is gorgeous, and tourists are all over the place in both Florida and Mexico. The differences depend on your budget, goals for your itinerary, and comfort level in new places. For those who prefer to stay in familiar areas or want to focus on beaches and theme parks, Florida is the clear winner. For those with a passport, a yearning for adventure, and a hankering to learn new cultures, visit Mexico for your next vacation.

Remain undecided you can let us help, contact Craig at Stay Luxurious to help plan your next holiday, either Mexico or Florida.