Giraffe video, taken in our garden…Most expensive travel destinations…
I hadn’t intended to share another story from Travel + Leisure so soon after last week’s repost, but when I came across this particular article early this morning, I paused. As I read through it, I realized the information could be quite meaningful for those of us who continue to explore the world while keeping a close eye on our budgets.
Travel today is not what it was even a few years ago. Prices have shifted in ways that are not always obvious at the outset. Flights may appear reasonable, accommodations may seem within reach, and the initial excitement of booking can easily overshadow the deeper layers of cost that follow. In many ways, the rise of budget travel has encouraged more people to get out and see the world, which is a wonderful thing. At the same time, it has created a situation in which certain destinations, once considered affordable, are no longer as accessible as they seem on the surface.
What stood out to me in this article was how easily a trip can exceed its financial expectations once the booking process begins. It often starts with a seemingly good deal. Perhaps a discounted flight draws you in, or an appealing nightly rate makes a property look irresistible. Before long, you find yourself proceeding through the steps, entering details, selecting options, and inching closer to that final confirmation. It is at this stage that many travelers, understandably caught up in the moment, may not fully account for additional costs.
Resort fees, transportation, dining, excursions, and even simple daily necessities can quickly add up. In some destinations, these added expenses are not just minor increases but substantial contributors to the overall cost of the trip. Once bookings are confirmed, travelers may find themselves locked into nonrefundable arrangements or facing penalties for cancellations or changes. This can create a sense of obligation to follow through, even when the financial picture becomes less comfortable.
We have experienced this ourselves more than once over the years. As full-time travelers, we have learned, sometimes the hard way, that research is not just a helpful step, but an essential one. Looking beyond the initial price and taking the time to understand the true cost of a destination has saved us from unexpected surprises. It requires patience and, at times, a willingness to step back from what may seem like an exciting opportunity.
In today’s environment, where many are traveling with tighter budgets, this kind of diligence becomes even more important. The difference between an enjoyable, well-planned trip and one that causes financial stress often comes down to the details that are easy to overlook. Reading reviews, checking for hidden fees, understanding local pricing, and considering seasonal variations can all make a meaningful difference.
What I appreciated most about this Travel + Leisure piece was its reminder that not all destinations align with every budget, regardless of how they are marketed. Some places, while undeniably beautiful and appealing, come with a higher price tag that may not be immediately apparent. Being aware of this ahead of time allows travelers to make informed decisions that suit their individual circumstances.
At the end of the article, we will share which of these locations we have personally visited over the years and offer our perspective on the actual costs we encountered. In many cases, our experiences align closely with the insights presented, reinforcing the importance of careful planning. Traveling the world continues to bring us great joy, but doing so wisely ensures the journey remains as financially rewarding as it is experientially.
It is always tempting to follow the excitement of a destination, but taking a step back to evaluate the full picture can make all the difference. Here’s the article with the link here:
“This Is the Most Expensive Country to Visit in 2026—Costing More Than French Polynesia, the Maldives, and Antarctica
Squaremouth compared flights, hotels, transportation, meals, and insurance to identify the destinations with the highest travel costs.By Lauren Dana Ellman, published on July 15, 2026
Travel may be getting more expensive, but that isn’t stopping Americans from splurging on bucket-list vacations. According to new research from travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth, more than 45 percent of U.S. travelers say they’re increasing their travel budget this year, while nearly one in four (23.28 percent) plan to spend more for a premium travel experience. That appetite for luxury and once-in-a-lifetime adventures is reflected in the company’s latest ranking of the world’s most expensive travel destinations, with Greenland claiming the top spot.
To create the rankings, Squaremouth compared the average cost of flights, hotels, local transportation, meals, and travel insurance across destinations. The results show that many of the most expensive places to visit are remote islands, polar regions, and safari destinations, where higher transportation costs and premium travel experiences can quickly drive up the overall cost of a trip.
Known for being home to the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” Greenland ranked as the most expensive destination overall, with an average daily trip cost of $1,171. Travelers can also expect to pay an average of $1,357 for flights, while daily car rentals average $110—the highest in the study. Even an inexpensive restaurant meal averages $36.03, making Greenland one of the costliest destinations across nearly every category. Its remote location and limited infrastructure also add to the overall cost of visiting.
The rest of the top five is dominated by island escapes and expedition destinations. The British Virgin Islands ranked second, followed by French Polynesia, Antarctica, and the Maldives.
While Greenland topped the overall rankings, accommodations were significantly more expensive in some tropical destinations. It’s also worth noting that the average weeknight hotel rate reached $1,137 in the British Virgin Islands and $1,382 in French Polynesia, compared with $227 in Greenland.
Switzerland was the only European destination to make the list, ranking sixth due to high prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation. Several African safari destinations also appeared in the rankings, including Zimbabwe and Botswana, while Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and Saint Lucia rounded out the list. Like the British Virgin Islands and French Polynesia, Turks and Caicos also stood out for its steep hotel prices, with the average weeknight stay costing $1,413.
The rankings show how distance and isolation can drive up costs. Four of the top five destinations—Greenland, French Polynesia, Antarctica, and the Maldives—are remote, where transportation, limited infrastructure, and luxury accommodations can quickly raise the price of a trip. Still, demand remains strong: 42 percent of travelers said they’re most interested in a luxury island vacation, while 24 percent chose an African safari and 12 percent picked a polar expedition.
See below for Squaremouth’s full ranking.
1. Greenland
2. British Virgin Islands
3. French Polynesia
4. Antarctica*
5. Maldives
6. Switzerland
7. Zimbabwe
8. Turks and Caicos Islands
9. Three-way tie between Botswana, Anguilla, and Saint Lucia
*Antarctica costs are based on travel through Ushuaia, Argentina, the primary gateway for Antarctic expeditions.”
As we reviewed the countries highlighted in the article, it gave us pause to reflect on how many of them we’ve experienced over the years. We’ve marked in red the countries where we spent extended time. The countries shown in blue represent places we visited as ports of call while cruising, often only for a day or two, offering just a glimpse of what life there might be like.
From a budgeting perspective, this distinction becomes quite meaningful. Spending weeks or months at a destination can be richly rewarding, but it often comes with higher overall costs, especially when accounting for accommodations, transportation, and dining. Cruising, on the other hand, can provide access to multiple countries in a relatively cost-effective way, with many expenses bundled into one price.
There is, of course, one notable exception. Antarctica stands entirely apart. With no hotels or rental homes available, the only practical way to experience its remote beauty is by expedition cruise or, for a rare few, by extraordinarily expensive private air travel.
Although the Maldives holds considerable appeal for many travelers, it isn’t a destination that calls to us. The overwater villas, while beautiful and enticing to others, simply don’t suit our lifestyle. A few years ago, we stepped away from long hours in the sun, and neither of us has any desire to swim in the ocean at this point in our lives. Instead, we find far more meaning in settling into a home overlooking the sea, shopping in local markets, and engaging in everyday life alongside residents, where we feel a genuine connection to the culture.
That’s it for today, folks. Have a fantastic day.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, July 16, 2016:
About Jess & Tom
We are travel writers, photographers, and slow travelers exploring the world one meaningful experience at a time.
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