This Is the Most Expensive Vacation Destination in the World for 2026—With Trips Costing Nearly $30,000 on Average

By helitra·November 3, 2026·2 min read

While vacation costs can add up quickly, some trips come with a much bigger price tag than others—especially when they involve far-flung destinations, wildlife encounters, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Between airfare, accommodations, and excursions, a bucket-list getaway can get costly, with a new study showing costs approaching $30,000 for epic experiences.

So, where are travelers spending the most? A new study from Squaremouth found that Antarctica is the most expensive destination to visit in 2026, with an average trip costing $27,195. The travel insurance marketplace based its findings on trip costs customers reported when purchasing coverage, along with the average length of their vacations. The data also broke down the cost per day.

According to the study, an Antarctic vacation averages 18 days among the company’s customers, bringing the daily cost to about $1,511. However, much of the expense comes down to logistics, as most travelers reach Antarctica via an expedition ship departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, which typically means booking international flights before the voyage even begins.

But some experiences are hard to put a price on. Antarctic cruises take travelers past towering icebergs, penguins, and seals, with opportunities to explore by small boat. Some also offer kayaking or camping, weather permitting. The specialized ships and crews needed to make these voyages possible are also a big part of the expense.

Across the globe, Botswana ranked second, offering a very different experience—though just as spectacular. For a 16-day trip, it costs an average of $24,411, or about $1,526 per day. The country is known for its safaris in places like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, where visitors can see elephants, lions, and other wildlife. Logistics also contribute to the hefty price tag, as remote lodges, guided game drives, and flights between safari camps can quickly drive up costs.

Also in Africa, Rwanda came in third, with an average total trip cost of $24,138 for a 15-day stay. The country is especially known for mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, where permits and guided excursions can be expensive. At $1,609 per day, Rwanda had the highest average daily trip cost among the top 10 destinations.

Looking at the full top 10, safari destinations make up much of the list, with Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, and Zambia joining Botswana and Rwanda. Wildlife-focused trips weren’t the only costly vacations, though. The study also highlighted luxury island destinations such as the Maldives, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos, where high-end resorts can significantly increase a trip’s cost.