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

Should you visit Tulum or Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem 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 active, lively, and ancient town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Tulum travel costs.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Tulum and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Winston-Salem, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Winston-Salem is more popular for its historical sights. Tulum is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses.

How is Tulum different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Tulum on the map. 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.

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum is an experience not to be missed. 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).

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 Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Tulum is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

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 Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Tulum is a great 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

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

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Tulum. 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical 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.

Tulum does not have a historic old town.

Is Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Hiking?

Tulum is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

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.

Winston-Salem is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

Tulum is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Tulum. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Tulum or Winston-Salem More Beautiful?

Tulum is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Tulum is notable 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.

Tulum is known to be 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.

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly town. 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 Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

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

Tulum makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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 Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Tulum is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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 Tulum or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

Winston-Salem is a city with good options for students. However, Tulum 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.

Tulum is not popular with students.

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

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

Tulum has a few public transit options. 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 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 Tulum or Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

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

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

Winston-Salem is generally not a very walkable town. 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tulum or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tulum than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. 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 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ancient destination of Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Winston-Salem, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Winston-Salem. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the archeological destination of Tulum. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Winston-Salem is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Winston-Salem?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful town of Tulum. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. 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 Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Winston-Salem, we can see that Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Winston-Salem?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Winston-Salem in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Winston-Salem. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Winston-Salem during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

Both Winston-Salem and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Winston-Salem for the shopping scene during these months.

Tulum is much warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In Winston-Salem, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the autumn, Tulum often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 212 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Should I visit Tulum or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Winston-Salem. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Winston-Salem because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Winston-Salem can be very cold. In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Winston-Salem during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Winston-Salem receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Winston-Salem. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Winston-Salem receives 248 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Winston-Salem. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Also, June to October in Tulum is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Tulum