Mexico vs. Caribbean—Which Destination Fits You?
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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1-763-231-8893
Mexico vs. The Caribbean: Which One Is Right for Your Next Getaway?
Comparing the Caribbean and Mexico isn’t easy—they both offer amazing vacation experiences—but I’ll highlight a few key points to help you decide where to focus for your next escape.
Resorts
Across Mexico and the Caribbean, you’ll find a wide range of resort styles—from modern and luxurious to intimate and low-key. I personally enjoy both styles and usually base our choice on the vibe we’re after and where we’re headed.
In the Caribbean, some islands have sleek, modern resorts, but many offer charming boutique-style properties that capture an authentic island vibe. I call this “Caribbean Rustic.” This style often features natural materials, colorful decor, and intimate settings that truly reflect the island spirit. If that sounds appealing, I’d be happy to share side-by-side comparisons—ultimately, it’s all about what catches your eye.
Mexico also offers a great mix. While you’ll still find boutique resorts, there tends to be a broader variety—especially when it comes to modern, larger properties. The exact feel can vary depending on which region you’re visiting.
Food
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How’s the food?” In Mexico, you’ll often find the food at all-inclusives to be more Americanized—plenty of familiar options that make it especially appealing for first-timers. If it’s your first all-inclusive experience, Mexico might be a great place to start.
In the Dominican Republic, you’ll still find American-style options, but there’s often more of an ethnic influence. Dominican cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Taino flavors—so you’ll get a taste of something different.
If you're a foodie, consider islands known for top-tier cuisine like:
- Nevis
- Anguilla
- Cayman Islands
- St. Croix
- US Virgin Islands
- Barbados
- Turks & Caicos
- St. Barts
That said, many Caribbean islands offer an impressive range of excellent dining options!
Beaches
From white, pink, beige, dark grey to black sands... The beach options are as diverse as the destinations. Some beaches are shell-lined, others soft and silky. You’ll find everything from small coves to long stretches of coastline.
Whether you want to dig your toes into powdery white sands or hunt for seashell treasures, both Mexico and the Caribbean offer fantastic options. We can narrow it down based on your ideal beach experience.
Pricing
When it comes to value, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica tend to be the most budget-friendly options. Some areas of Mexico—like Riviera Maya or Los Cabos—may cost a bit more, but still offer great value compared to other islands.
For many other Caribbean islands, prices begin to rise—some quite significantly—based on exclusivity and access. I’ll help you find a destination that fits your travel style and budget.
Tours & Excursions
No matter the destination, you’ll find tons of activities and tours to explore.
If you’re into:
- Whale watching
- Mayan ruins
- Swimming with pigs, dolphins, sharks, or stingrays
- Luminous Lagoon (Jamaica—one of three in the world!)
- Flyboarding
- Underground caves
- Mud baths or river tubing
…we can pick a destination based on the experiences that matter most to you.
Culture & Tradition
A huge part of travel is experiencing the local culture—tasting regional foods, browsing handmade crafts, exploring historic sites, hearing live music, or enjoying drinks with locals.
In Mexico, you’ll see deep cultural roots in Aztec & Mayan traditions.
The Caribbean blends Dutch, Spanish, French, British, and African influences, with each island having its own unique history and personality.
Cultural Festivals & Traditions
Here are a few standout cultural events:
Mexico
- Day of the Dead (Oct. 31–Nov. 2)
- Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
- Bullfighting (Mexico City)
Caribbean
- Pirates Week Festival – Cayman Islands
- Carnival – Dominican Republic
- Junkanoo Festival – Bahamas (Dec. 26 & Jan. 1)
- December Festivals – St. Lucia
These lively, music-filled events are perfect if you want more than just the beach. During the holidays, both regions burst with festivals and celebrations. Whether dancing to reggae, trying local cooking, or exploring markets, these moments make your trip unforgettable.
Top Caribbean Music Festivals
Festivals burst with color, music, and joyful energy—they’re an incredible way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in the culture. If music feeds your soul, you won’t want to miss these special events:
- Reggae SumFest – Montego Bay, Jamaica (July)
- St. Kitts Music Festival – St. Kitts (June)
- St. Lucia Jazz & Art Festival – St. Lucia (May)
- Vujaday Music Festival – Barbados (TBD)
- SXM Festival – St. Martin (March)
- Soul Music Beach Festival – Aruba (May)
- Love Festival – Aruba (November)
- Dominican Holidaze – Dominican Republic (December)
(Festival dates subject to change)
Final Thoughts
There are so many elements that go into creating a truly memorable getaway. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, culinary experiences, or culture—you deserve a trip that’s tailor-made for you.
Let’s start planning your next getaway!