A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Boone for Attractions, Nightlife, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Boone?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Boone can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Tulum travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Boone travel costs.

Tulum and Boone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Boone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Boone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Boone is more popular for its skiing and small town charm. Tulum is more touristy than Boone and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm.

How is Tulum different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Boone and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Skiing?

Boone is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Tulum is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Boone?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Boone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tulum is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Tulum has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Tulum has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Boone offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Resorts?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Boone is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Boone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Beaches?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Hiking?

Both Tulum and Boone are destinations which offer superb hiking.

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Boone?

Both Tulum and Boone are superb shopping destinations.

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Boone is well-known for its shopping. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Is Tulum or Boone More Beautiful?

Tulum and Boone both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

The beauty of Boone is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Boone are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Boone is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Couples?

Tulum is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Students?

Boone is terrific for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular town for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Tulum or Boone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tulum is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Tulum offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Public transit is generally limited in Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Tulum or Boone a more walkable city?

Tulum and Boone both are superb when exploring on foot.

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Boone is a very walkable town. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Tulum or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Tulum due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tulum than Boone 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Boone?

In Tulum, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this archeological destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Boone is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Boone?

Tulum is a fun place to experience. In Tulum, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Boone is a fun place to experience. Boone is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Boone?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Boone is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Boone, we can see that Boone is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Boone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boone than you might in Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Boone?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Boone, 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.