A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Hershey for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Tulum or Hershey?

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 Hershey 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hershey

Hershey is a lighthearted, fun-filled, and playful town. It's also known for shopping and museums.

Tulum and Hershey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Hershey?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Hershey are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Hershey is popular for being the home of the Hershey's milk chocolate bar.

How is Tulum different from Hershey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hershey 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 Hershey?

Tulum is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. 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.

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).

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

Tulum is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. 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).

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 Tulum or Hershey Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is very popular for nightlife. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Tulum is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

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 Tulum or Hershey Better for Resorts?

Tulum is very popular for its resorts. Also, Hershey is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hershey. There are a few of resorts affiliated with Hersheypark including a lodge, a hotel, and even camping.

Is Tulum or Hershey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Hershey Better for Beaches?

Tulum is very popular for its beaches. However, Hershey 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.

Hershey is not a beach destination.

Is Tulum or Hershey Better for Hiking?

Tulum 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 Tulum. 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.

Hershey is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Hershey?

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

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.

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 Tulum or Hershey Better for Families?

Hershey is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hershey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Tulum or Hershey Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Tulum or Hershey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

Tulum 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 Tulum, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 Hershey. While there is a bus system, it's very limited and most visitors do not rely on it.

Is Tulum or Hershey a more walkable city?

Tulum is a great destination for its walkability. However, Hershey is a town with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Hershey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hershey or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Hershey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tulum and Hershey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tulum than in Hershey. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hershey.

Families should spend more time in Tulum than Hershey. 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 Hershey. 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 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 Tulum.

One day in Tulum or Hershey?

In Tulum, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hershey, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this playful 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.

A weekend in Tulum or Hershey?

In Tulum, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hershey. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Hershey?

Tulum 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 Tulum has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Hershey is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hershey. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tulum or Hershey?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Tulum. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and shopping around the playful destination of Hershey. 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.

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 Hershey, we can see that Hershey 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 Hershey would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hershey 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 Hershey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Hershey?

Hershey has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Hershey, 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 Hershey?

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 Hershey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Hershey. Many travelers come to Tulum for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hershey in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Tulum is a little warmer than Hershey in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Hershey fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hershey this time of the year. In Tulum, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tulum usually receives less sunshine than Hershey during summer. Tulum gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tulum usually receives more rain than Hershey. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Hershey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Hershey. Many visitors come to Tulum in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Hershey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Tulum is much warmer than Hershey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hershey averages at about 56°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tulum this time of the year. In the autumn, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Tulum gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 194 hours of full sun.

Tulum receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Hershey. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.9 inches (75 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, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Hershey in the Winter?

Both Hershey and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hershey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hershey can be very cold. In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Hershey. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Hershey fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually receives more sunshine than Hershey during winter. Tulum gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hershey receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Hershey. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Hershey in the Spring?

Both Hershey and Tulum during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tulum because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is much warmer than Hershey in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Hershey fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In Hershey, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tulum. In the spring, Tulum often gets more sunshine than Hershey. Tulum gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hershey receives 237 hours of full sun.

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Hershey. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hershey receives 3.2 inches (82 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.

Typical Weather for Hershey and Tulum