A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Fernando vs. Big Sur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Fernando or Big Sur?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando or Big Sur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Fernando or Big Sur?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

Big Sur

Big Sur is the 90-mile stretch of the California Central Coast which runs from the Carmel River in Monterey County south to San Carpoforo Creek in San Luis Obispo County and 20 miles east into the Santa Lucius Foothills.

However you look at it, California's Central Coast is beautiful and undoubtedly a huge tourist trap. If you're not willing to fork over big bucks for overnight stays on coastal hotels, be prepared ahead of time with your camping gear and get ready to go off the beaten track to avoid crowds as best you can and save your wallet.

While the weather in Central Coast is overall, mild and temperate, between 50 and 70 degrees year-round. The highs and lows during the year are in August and January, respectively, with dry summers and wet winters, making April through October the best times to visit but be warned: there will be crowds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Fernando and Big Sur, we can see that San Fernando is more expensive. And not only is Big Sur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since San Fernando is in Caribbean Islands and Big Sur is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Big Sur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Sur and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Fernando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Fernando than you might in Big Sur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Fernando Expensive? and Is Big Sur Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit San Fernando or Big Sur?

Big Sur has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Fernando experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Fernando is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Fernando in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Sur averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Big Sur. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Fernando or Big Sur in the Autumn?

Both Big Sur and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

In October, San Fernando is generally much warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets more rain in October than Big Sur. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Fernando or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Fernando and Big Sur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Fernando year-round. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the cuisine.

San Fernando is much warmer than Big Sur in the winter. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Big Sur fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Big Sur. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Fernando or Big Sur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Fernando as well as Big Sur. San Fernando attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Big Sur in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Fernando is much warmer than Big Sur. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Fernando in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Big Sur averages at about 56°F (13°C).

San Fernando usually gets more rain in April than Big Sur. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and San Fernando