These are the world’s most expensive places to travel in 2026

Travel has never been cheap—but in 2026, it comes with major sticker shock. Travel prices have climbed nearly 10% over the past year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. For travelers hoping to check a dream destination off their bucket list, the costs of the trip can easily soar into four figures per day.

But some destinations will drain your vacation fund much faster than others. To figure out which destinations are the most expensive to visit, analysts at travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth looked at the costs travelers face in 50 popular vacation spots. The analysis included common expenses such as flights, accommodations, rental cars, and food and drinks, along with the average daily cost of insured trips booked by its customers.

So, which destination took the top spot? Here’s the most expensive place to travel in 2026, along with the other notoriously pricey destinations that made the list.

Most expensive place to travel in 2026

Greenland was crowned the most expensive place to visit this year in Squaremouth’s new report. It topped the rankings due to steep costs across nearly every category. Just getting there costs an average of $1,357 in airfare, and once travelers land, they can expect to spend about $1,171 per day.

The Arctic destination has become a bucket-list favorite for travelers chasing glaciers, iceberg-filled fjords, colorful villages, and the northern lights. It’s certainly not cheap—but for many visitors, the unforgettable scenery justifies the splurge.

Other destinations that cost a lot to visit

Greenland wasn’t the only destination with a high price tag. These other bucket-list getaways also ranked among the world’s most expensive places to visit in 2026.

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands ranked No. 2 overall, thanks largely to sky-high hotel prices. Travelers pay an average of $1,137 per night for accommodations, while daily trip costs average $925. It’s a Caribbean getaway where luxury resorts, private villas, and sailing charters can quickly inflate the cost of a trip.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia came in at No. 3, driven by some of the highest hotel prices in the report—an average of $1,382 per night. For many travelers, those budget-busting room rates are the price of waking up in one of the destination’s iconic overwater bungalows.

Antarctica

Antarctica ranked fourth overall, but it topped the list for the highest average trip cost at $1,511 per day. That’s because visiting the White Continent isn’t a typical vacation—you’ll first fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, then board a specialized expedition ship for a once-in-a-lifetime journey through one of the most remote places on Earth.

Why these vacations cost so much

The rankings reveal a clear pattern: getting off the beaten path comes at a price.

Remote destinations tend to come with higher price tags because they’re more difficult and expensive to reach. And many of the most expensive places are exactly the kinds of once-in-a-lifetime trips travelers are eager to take, from luxury island escapes to polar expeditions.

Ranking the world’s most expensive travel destinations

Here are the 15 most expensive travel destinations in 2026, according to Squaremouth’s new report:

11. Saint Lucia (tie for 9th)

Bucket-list travel often comes with a bucket-list price tag—but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. If these eye-popping rankings have you dreaming of your next adventure, now might be the perfect time to start building your vacation fund. One easy way to get started? Try the popular 52-week savings challenge. Stick with it for a year, and you’ll have nearly $1,400 saved—enough to cover flights to Greenland, this year’s most expensive travel destination.