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

Should you visit The Hamptons or Vail?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between The Hamptons and Vail 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.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Vail

Vail is a charming, picturesque, and scenic ski town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Vail 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. See Vail travel costs.

The Hamptons and Vail: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Vail?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vail. Although The Hamptons and Vail are popular destinations, Vail has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vail is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, music, hiking, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its beaches and shopping. Vail is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its world-class skiing, charming mountain town atmosphere, and adventurous outdoor activities. It is also well known for The Vail Ski Resort. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Vail?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Skiing?

Vail is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Vail. 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.

The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.

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

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and Vail both to be nice destinations.

The Hamptons offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Vail has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Nightlife?

Vail is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Music?

Vail is a ski town with good options for live music. However, The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Vail. You can often find live music at Shakedown Bar, Bridge Street Bar, and the Red Lion.

The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both The Hamptons and Vail have excellent options.

In The Hamptons, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

There are plenty of resorts in Vail to choose from. 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 The Hamptons or Vail Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beach. However, Vail is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Vail is not a beach destination.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Hiking?

Vail is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Vail?

The Hamptons is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Vail is not as popular, but is still a nice ski town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, The Hamptons draws large crowds to its stores. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Vail. 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.

Is The Hamptons or Vail More Beautiful?

Vail is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Vail is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful town that has stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Families?

Vail is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Vail is an extremely popular ski town to visit for families. 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.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Couples?

Vail is a world-class destination for romance. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Vail is a great ski town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

The Hamptons is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.

Is The Hamptons or Vail Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vail is a ski town with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

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

Vail is a ski town with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination 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 quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is The Hamptons or Vail a more walkable city?

Vail is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Vail or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Vail?

Both The Hamptons and Vail have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Vail has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Vail than The Hamptons. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Vail than The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons. 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 The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. 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 where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in The Hamptons or Vail?

The Hamptons is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Vail is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the skiing. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in The Hamptons or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of The Hamptons. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Vail might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the skiing. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in The Hamptons or Vail?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Vail is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between The Hamptons and Vail, we can see that Vail is more expensive. And not only is The Hamptons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to The Hamptons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in The Hamptons 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 The Hamptons.

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

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Vail?

Vail has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons 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.