A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Hershey vs. Vail for Families, Couples, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Hershey or Vail?

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

Should I visit Hershey or Vail? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Hershey

Hershey is a fun-filled, playful, and lighthearted town. Visitors also love the shopping and museums.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and live music.

Hershey and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hershey or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although Hershey and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hershey attracts visitors for its museums. Hershey is famous for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar. Vail is famous for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort.

How is Hershey different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is very popular for winter skiing. However, Hershey is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Vail should be on your list. This ski town has produced its share of Olympians. Vail is the third largest ski resort in the US and it has 31 lifts and 195 runs. There are five different bowls that offer beautiful views.

Hershey is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hershey or Vail?

Hershey is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Hershey offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to Hershey's Chocolate World, there's the Hershey Story Museum, the Hershey Historic Center, and the Pennsylvania State Police Museum. There's also the AACA Museum (a car museum).

Vail does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hershey or Vail? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vail is a popular place for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Vail offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has a diverse sampling of restaurants that include different ethnic options as well as taverns with comfort food. It's easy to find mountain-friendly restaurants where you can refuel during your ski vacation.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Hershey. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining, and many have a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Vail know how to have a good time. Happy Hours start early, and then the partying can go late into the night. There are bars, lounges, breweries and live music that keep the atmosphere light and offer entertainment after your long day on the slopes. Do keep in mind that many places close or dramatically reduce their hours during the off-peak fall and spring months.

Hershey doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Head to downtown Harrisburg for the best nightlife. You'll find some bars and casino's in the area.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a popular place for live music. However, Hershey is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Vail is active and vibrant. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

Hershey is not a live music destination.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Resorts?

Hershey and Vail offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

Hershey is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Vail. Designed as a resort town, Vail offers great accommodation. Nice resorts include Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the Ritz Carlton Club, and the Grand Hyatt.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Hershey is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Vail. During the warmer months, this resort town is surrounded by world-class hiking trails. You can enjoy the wildflowers, search for wildlife, or take in the sweeping mountain views. Popular hikes near Vail include Booth Falls, Davos Trail, and Shrine Ridge.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hershey or Vail?

Vail is a great destination for shopping. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Vail is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques and ski shops that sell everything from evening dresses to outdoor gear. It's easy to pop into the many shops around downtown Vail and find anything you might need.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hershey. You'll find shops, boutiques, and plenty of Hershey apparel that you can pick up in town.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Christmas?

Vail is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Vail is a world class destination for shoppers. The town is a winter wonderland during the holidays. Check out the iconic Christmas tree lighting and wander through the fairytale streets.

Hershey does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Christmas Markets?

Vail is a great destination for its Christmas markets. However, Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Vail is a popular destination to visit Christmas markets. The town's Christmas Market is picturesque, and the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts.

Hershey does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hershey or Vail.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hershey is a very family-friendly destination. Hersheypark offers family-friendly resorts and camping. There's also the themed amusement park and even a zoo. When the weather's warm there's a water park and, of course, there's the famous Hershey's Chocolate World.

Vail is one of the most popular family destinations. With its world class skiing, rock climbing, ice skating, and ice cream, kids love this ski resort. The resort town has two terrain parks - Golden Peak and Avanti. Avanti is perfect for kids. It has small jumps, wide rails, and kid-friendly amenities. Golden Peak is designed for more advanced athletes. Vail also has nice beginner slopes that are great for kids.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is very popular for romance. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Vail makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who enjoy skiing and outdoor adventure will appreciate everything that this ski town has to offer. There are nice restaurants, beautiful gardens, and plenty of romantic activities to choose from.

Hershey is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. If you don't take yourself too seriously, couples can enjoy a fun and active few days exploring the activities in the area.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Vail. This ski town isn't completely closed off to budget travelers as there are a couple of hostels around town.

Hershey is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not the most popular destination for backpackers, but there are some fun activities in the area.

Is Hershey or Vail Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Vail is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Vail, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a free bus service through the area.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Hershey or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is very popular for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Vail on foot is easy. The main downtown is pedestrian-only and perfect for popping in shops and restaurants.

Hershey is generally not a very walkable town. You really need a car to get to the area's attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Hershey Worth Visiting? and Is Vail Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vail or Hershey?

How long in Hershey or Vail?

Both Hershey and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vail than in Hershey. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hershey, and 3-7 days is enough time in Vail.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vail than Hershey 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 Vail.

One day in Hershey or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the destination of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Vail is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. This ski town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Hershey or Vail?

Hershey is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Hershey or Vail?

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Vail is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vail has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Hershey or Vail?

The fun-filled town of Hershey offers shopping and museums. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vail. Vail is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. One reason most visitors come is for the skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hershey or Vail?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Vail. When comparing the sizes of Hershey and Vail, 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.