A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isla Mujeres vs. Winston-Salem for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a relaxing, laid back, and idyllic island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Isla Mujeres. Although Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem are both popular with visitors, Isla Mujeres has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Isla Mujeres is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is known for its museums and historical sights. Isla Mujeres is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its award-winning beaches, underwater marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to the Underwater Museum of Art. Winston-Salem is popular for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Isla Mujeres different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem and Isla Mujeres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Isla Mujeres is a mediocre island for its museums and history.

Winston-Salem offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Isla Mujeres. Nobody really heads to this island for the museums.

Is the Food Better in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isla Mujeres is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Isla Mujeres is an experience not to be missed. The island has many restaurants, particularly along Hidalgo Street in the Centro area. They typically have a laid back island vibe and serve local seafood or other popular cuisines.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Winston-Salem. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Isla Mujeres. Many people visit the island as a day trip, but those who spend the night will enjoy hanging out at the beach bars along Playa Norte. Many have a laid back vibe and some have live music or DJs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Isla Mujeres is a great choice. Despite its small size, there are a range of impressive resorts on the island. Accommodation ranges from affordable hostels to stunning luxury resorts.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Isla Mujeres a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are many great snorkeling and diving areas just off the island. It's easy to arrange tours that will take you to the best spots. Popular areas include Manchones Reef, the Underwater Museum of Art, and Garrafon Natural Park.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for the beach. However, Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Isla Mujeres. The island has spectacular beaches where the white sand meets the blue water. The idyllic setting is the perfect place to relax with a drink or soak up the island vibe. Playa Norte is an award winning beach that has calm water and stunning snorkeling. Playa Centro has many restaurants and bars, and you'll likely see people sunbathing topless. There's a beach club at Playa Albatros as well as hammocks, umbrellas, and recreational activities.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for its old town. However, Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Winston-Salem to see the old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Isla Mujeres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Both Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem are good shopping destinations.

Isla Mujeres offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the best opportunities to pick up gifts or souvenirs. You'll find local jewelry, art, and handicrafts.

Winston-Salem has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Isla Mujeres is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the outdoor sports, which include kayaking, surfing, cave exploration, and snorkeling or diving. There are also opportunities to get up close with marine life or spend the day playing at a water park.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly island. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Isla Mujeres is renowned for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Isla Mujeres makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a world class honeymoon destination and couples enjoy the white powdery sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and laid back island vibe. There's diving and snorkeling as well as romantic hotels and wonderful local restaurants.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isla Mujeres is notable for backpackers. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isla Mujeres is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels on the island that offer budget accommodation and a social atmosphere.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's not on the itinerary for most backpackers.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a good destination for students. However, Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

Isla Mujeres is not popular with students.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Isla Mujeres is a popular place for its public transit. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Isla Mujeres has a few public transit options. There are two bus routes around the island that are operated by Isleños Bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

Is Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Isla Mujeres is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for its walkability.

Isla Mujeres is a very walkable destination. The most walkable part of the island is the North part, which is the town center.

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable island. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Isla Mujeres?

How long in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem to fill your time. In our opinion, Isla Mujeres has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Winston-Salem. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Winston-Salem. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Isla Mujeres, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Winston-Salem. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Isla Mujeres that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isla Mujeres than Winston-Salem if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Isla Mujeres.

One day in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this friendly city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isla Mujeres. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid back destination of Isla Mujeres. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Winston-Salem. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Isla Mujeres. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Winston-Salem is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem, we can see that Winston-Salem is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Isla Mujeres Expensive? and Is Winston-Salem Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isla Mujeres or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Isla Mujeres. When comparing the sizes of Isla Mujeres and Winston-Salem, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.