Most Expensive and Luxury Travel Destinations
Traveling around the globe is a dream for some, while others might dream about visiting the most expensive, isolated, and luxurious destinations. According to new findings from Squaremouth and Falstaff, the top ten most expensive destinations to travel to in 2026 will be polar expeditions, islands, and luxury safaris.
So if you're interested in knowing what the most expensive destination to travel to will be next year or just want to tick something off your bucket list, keep reading.
Luxury islands, polar expeditions and safari destinations dominate the list of the world's most expensive places to visit in 2026.
Why are these places so costly?
According to a study by Squaremouth and Falstaff, the most costly places to stay are not always the bigger city destinations. Rather, they are locations where logistics, housing and specialized transportation increase expenses.
Polar and Expedition Travel: Antarctica and Greenland are at the top due to the length of flights, limited accommodation and need for guided tours.
Expensive: The British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and the Maldives have luxury resorts, imported items and fine dining.
The cost of Safari and Wildlife Experiences in Botswana, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Namibia is high due to the exclusive lodges, conservation fees, and guided wildlife tours.
Luxury resorts, remote locations and exclusive safari experiences contribute to the high travel costs.
A list of the Top 15 Most Expensive Travel Destinations in 2026 is provided.
Based on the average price of flights, accommodation, car rentals, meals and other daily expenses, the following 15 destinations represent the most expensive places to travel to in 2026.
These destinations rank among the world's most expensive places to visit in 2026.
1. Greenland
Average Daily Cost: $1,171
Expensive as it is because of its remoteness, high-priced flight ($1,357) and car rental ($110 per day), the world's most expensive car rental. Food and accommodation costs are also high here.
2. British Virgin Islands
Average Daily Cost: $925
What makes it expensive: Among the Caribbean destinations, this one is known for being one of the most expensive hotel places, where the price per a weeknight room is $1,137. It is a preferred place for travelers who want luxury.
3. French Polynesia
Average Daily Cost: $756
Expensive for the presence of two well-known luxurious places - Bora Bora and Tahiti, as well as the availability of the world-famous overwater bungalows.
4. Antarctica
Daily Average Cost: $1,511
Why it is expensive: It is simple accommodation and the most expensive part is the journey to Antarctica, where the average price of the flights is $1,899 and the vast majority of flights are expedition cruises or guided polar tours, which are the most luxurious way to travel.
5. Maldives
Daily Average Cost: $1,072
Why it is expensive: In the Maldives there is nothing else besides the luxury. The price of an overwater villa exceeds $1,000 per day and the meals in underwater restaurants can cost you more than $300 per person.
The Maldives is famous for luxury overwater villas and premium travel experiences.
6. Switzerland
Daily Average Cost: $602
Why it is expensive: It is still a place of luxury and the costs for accommodations, restaurants and transport services are high. Also the price is affected by Alpine resorts and luxurious experiences.
7. Zimbabwe
Daily Average Cost: $1,167
Why it is expensive: It is an ideal safari country and provides unique wildlife tours and lodges, which makes it an expensive experience.
8. Turks and Caicos Islands
Average Daily Cost: $878
Explanation of high cost: Turks and Caicos is one of the most popular destinations amongst rich people due to their privacy and exclusivity needs.
9. Botswana, Anguilla, Saint Lucia (Tied)
Average Daily Cost: Angola and Saint Lucia also cost more; however, an average cost of daily visit to Botswana is $1,526.
- Botswana: Private safari lodges and safari experience.
- Anguilla: Luxury resorts in the Caribbean islands.
- Saint Lucia: Luxury small hotels and nature hotels.
10. Namibia
Average Daily Cost: $1,300+
Reason for such price: Namibia is one of the most exotic destinations for safari with exclusive lodges and guided safaris to wildlife.
Luxury safari experiences in Southern Africa are among the most expensive travel adventures.
11. Iceland
Average Daily Cost: $1,100+
Reason for such cost: Iceland is one of the most picturesque destinations with its eco-luxury hotels and high prices for transportation and food.
12. Norway
Average Daily Cost: €1000 + around.
The reason for its high price: Norway has high prices for transportation, dining and high-end experiences. The dramatic landscapes, fjord cruises and luxury eco-lodges also contribute to the cost.
13. Zambia
Average Daily Cost: $1,000 or more
Expensive because it is a good safari destination, Zambia has a number of exclusive lodges and guided wildlife tours. Expensive experiences and conservation fees make it cost more.
14. South Africa
Cost Per Day: Approximately $900-$1000 +
Expensive: One of the best safaris in the world, South Africa has exclusive lodges, guided safaris and premium safaris in the Kruger National Park. The luxury resort facilities, the fine dining and the luxurious transportation also add to the costs.
15. Canada (Northern Territories)
Cost Per Day: Approximately $850-$950 +
Very Expensive: It is very expensive to visit Nunavut and Northwest territories because of high airfares, scarcity of accommodation facilities and the requirement of a guide. Wildlife viewing, ice adventure and cultural tour packages also prove to be expensive.
Remote Arctic destinations in Canada offer unique experiences but come with high travel costs.
The most expensive destinations by average cost
According to the Squaremouth's index, the top five most expensive destinations by average cost include:
- Arctic: $4,765 per person (the city of departure is Fairbanks, Alaska)
- Botswana: $24,411 per trip
- Rwanda: $24,138 per trip
Polar expeditions and luxury safaris rank among the world's most expensive travel experiences.
Most expensive destination by the cost per day is the Most Expensive.
In terms of cost per day, the most expensive are:
- Antarctica: $1,511 per day
- Botswana: $1,526 per day
- Rwanda: $1,609 per day
- Zimbabwe: $1,167 per day
Why do people still travel there?
Even with the high price tags, people are ready to travel to such destinations. As per Squaremouth statistics, 43.5% of the US travelers are planning to spend more on their vacations this year and many are considering polar and expedition destinations, beach and island holidays and safaris.
It is the exclusivity, the experience, and the chance of visiting unique and inaccessible places that give the value for many. From overwater bungalows in the Maldives to safaris in Botswana and expeditions in Antarctica, you will find all at these destinations.
Exclusive experiences continue to attract travelers despite the high costs.
The implications for travellers.
If you are considering traveling to such destinations, it is important that you plan your travel well and look out for package deals. There are package deals for most of the places which will help you save on airfare, hotel bookings and other activities.
If you are willing to travel to some cheaper destinations, you may consider the following destinations instead of:
- Vietnam over Thailand
- Albania rather than Portugal
- Croatia over France
- Zanzibar over Maldives
Budget-friendly destinations can provide amazing experiences while helping you save money.
Conclusion
The polar expedition, holiday on an island, and the luxury safari are some of the top 2026 expensive holiday destinations. They offer everything a traveler needs, either the luxury, privacy, or the unique experiences. However, note that the costs are high, and you need to plan well and budget effectively.
Luxury travel offers unforgettable experiences, but careful planning and budgeting are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most expensive city in 2026?
Greenland is the most expensive city at an average of $1,171 per day.
Why is Antarctica expensive?
Antarctica is expensive because of the cost associated with travel flights, expedition cruise ships and escorted tours.
What are some of the most expensive of the islands?
The British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia and Maldives are among the most expensive islands in the world.
Which is the most expensive safari?
Some of the most expensive safaris include Botswana, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
Is there another place than those mentioned above that is less expensive?
Yes. Consider Vietnam, Albania, Croatia and Zanzibar.
