Thailand vs. Mexico

Provided by Alex's blog

Both have the desirous basics for any sunny holiday enthusiast: perfect weather, beautiful beaches and ocean fun; however, they differ in a huge way. If you want to lounge around in the sun while drinking refreshing Pina Coladas by a beautiful five star pool, then Mexico is for you. If playing numerous water activities, sightseeing and reading a good book in a hammock sounds fantastic, then Thailand is the place to go.

Not to say that you can't go kayaking, snorkeling or diving in Mexico, but the price difference can make it a lot more attainable. Mexico is great for the all-inclusive however, you pay for it. A week in Mexico with flight from Calgary will generally cost around $1000 at least. But it is perfect if you want to be care free and pampered western style, while getting sloshed all day long. It's definitely a great place to stay and relax but the prices of doing excursions outside of the resort don't motivate the average person, who already scrambled up the money just to get down there.

Thailand is a much longer trip and generally the flight will cost around $1500 round trip. But once you are there the prices of everything make it all worth it. Although they do not do the all-inclusive a decent place right on the beach can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 a night. Not only is accommodation extremely cheap but everything else is about a quarter of the price you would pay in Canada. This makes it the perfect place for travelers who are interested in doing excursions and sightseeing.

Provided by Fhotopedia

I recently went to Thailand and the amount of excursions you can do is enormous. I only did elephant riding, waterfall trips, the tiger temple, white water rafting, Thai cooking classes, snorkeling trips, and probably the most popular scuba diving, however there are many more offered.

If you have always wanted to scuba dive Thailand is the place to do it. You can get your scuba diving certificate for around $400 in only four days and it's valid across the world. Thailand also has some of the best dive sites in the world which just add to the package. I was lucky enough to get to see a whale shark on my second dive because they migrate through the area every year.

Every excursion in Thailand is at least half the price you would pay back home and are generally very good. Of course you always have to be careful who you go with and check around but that is just something you should always do. Thailand or Mexico they both have great things to offer and of course also vary enormously culturally but I've enjoy both my stays. My only recommendation is to go to one or the other based on what you want from the trip. Easy going, sun bathing and bar hopping Mexico. Or adventure seeking, animal fun and hammock loving Thailand. It's up to you.