Southeast Asia instead of Central America?
My travel dilemma
Leonel RuizTravel, Backpacking2 min read
My original plan was to travel through Central America and really take my time exploring it. That was the idea from the beginning. But plans change, and life has a way of quietly pushing you in different directions.
Lately, I’ve been seriously considering changing course and heading to Southeast Asia instead, a place that has been sitting on my list of dream destinations for a long time.
Why Asia?
The idea of Southeast Asia has been in the back of my mind for many years now. The flight from Mexico is definitely more expensive than flying to Central America, but once you’re there, the cost of living in many Asian countries is surprisingly low.
With some planning, it feels possible to travel longer, slow down, and still live well without spending a fortune. Beyond the numbers, there’s something else pulling me in, the culture, the history, the landscapes. Asia feels like a completely different world, and that’s part of the attraction.
Doubts and Challenges
Of course, this decision comes with doubts.
One of my biggest concerns is the budget. Being so far from home means I need to be prepared for anything. An emergency flight back could easily cost between $1,000 and $1,250 USD. That’s very different from Central America, where a return flight to Mexico can be as cheap as $100 USD. Asia simply carries more risk ⚠️.
Visas are another factor. In Central America, most countries allow Mexicans to enter without a visa. In Asia, things aren’t that simple. Each country has its own rules, and that means more research and more planning before committing to the trip.
The Route I’m Dreaming About
If I do choose Asia, my initial idea would be to fly from Mexico to China, then continue to Japan, and from there head to Thailand. After that, I’d slowly make my way through Southeast Asia, spending time in places like:
China
Japan
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Indonesia
Philipines
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Budget, Visas, and What Comes Next
Over the next few weeks, I’ll spend time digging into the details, figuring out the budget, understanding visa requirements, and mapping out possible routes. I don’t want to rush this decision. I want to feel prepared and comfortable with whatever I choose.
When it comes to money, I’m thinking about things like:
Flights ✈️
Accommodation 🛏️
Food 🍗
Local transport 🚌
Activities & experiences 🏄♂️
Travel insurance 👨⚕️
For visas, I’ll be checking official government websites, embassies, and consulates for each country.
For now, it’s still a question without a final answer. But maybe that’s okay. Some of the best trips start with uncertainty and a feeling that something new might be waiting on the other side.