Luxury, exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences come at a price – and nowhere is this more evident than in the world’s most expensive travel destinations. In 2025, several locations stand out not just for their breathtaking scenery, but also for sky-high room rates and premium food and beverage costs.
1. Barbados
Barbados tops the list with daily costs averaging $330, with luxury resorts on the Platinum Coast charging $1,000+ per night. Upscale dining and imported goods push food and beverage prices to premium levels.
2. Antigua & Barbuda
Travelers spend roughly $310 daily in this twin-island paradise, with exclusive beach resorts driving room rates to $800+ per night and high-end dining contributing to overall costs.
3. Saint Kitts & Nevis
Average daily costs are about $271, with 5-star rooms often exceeding $600/night. Imported food and beverage products elevate dining prices across the islands.
4. Maldives
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury: average costs hover around $267/day, but premium overwater villas can cost $1,000+ per night. Dining at famous underwater restaurants often exceeds $300 per person.
5. Grenada
Travelers spend around $258/day here, where boutique luxury resorts dominate the tourism landscape.
6. Switzerland
Known for stunning alpine vistas, Switzerland sees tourists spending around $250 daily. Simple meals can cost $50+ per person, while rooms in Zurich, Geneva, or ski resorts exceed $400/night.
7. United States
Certain destinations like New York City and San Francisco drive the U.S. average to $248/day, with NYC hotel rates hitting $687/night on average and dining adding to the high costs.
8. Micronesia
A remote destination with limited infrastructure, Micronesia sees travelers spending $249/day due to high import costs.
9. Greenland
Adventurous travelers pay a premium for lodging and food due to logistical challenges, ranking Greenland among the top 10.
10. United Arab Emirates
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer extreme luxury, from $100,000/night penthouses to exclusive fine-dining experiences. Average daily spending is around $220.
11. Bahamas
Famed for turquoise waters and luxury resorts, daily costs average over $200, with many beachfront properties demanding $500+ per night.
12. Oman
Premium resorts and luxury desert camps drive up average daily spending in Oman to around $190.
13. Sao Tome & Principe
A remote and exclusive island destination where imports and boutique luxury hotels push daily costs higher than $180.
14. Puerto Rico
Popular with North American travelers, luxury stays and top-tier dining elevate average daily costs to over $175.
15. Qatar
Home to some of the world’s most lavish hotels and restaurants, average costs exceed $170/day.
16. Monaco
The epitome of luxury, Monaco boasts $300-$500 meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and hotels charging $1,000+/night during peak season.
17. Oslo, Norway
Among Europe’s priciest cities, where simple meals can cost $25 and hotels easily exceed $300/night.
18. Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Bern, Vaduz
These cities consistently rank among Europe’s most expensive, especially when it comes to food and beverage costs.
19. Edinburgh, Scotland
Peak summer rates in Edinburgh are some of the highest in Europe, with three-star breaks often costing over $700 for a short stay.
20. Bodrum, Turkey
Bodrum has transformed into a celebrity hotspot with luxury beach clubs and five-star resorts charging $300+ per night. Upscale dining further adds to costs, earning Bodrum a place among the world's top 20 most expensive destinations.
Whether it’s the allure of white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, alpine chalets in Europe, or the exclusive beach clubs of Bodrum, these destinations offer the ultimate in luxury and experience – for travelers ready to pay the price.