Skip to Content

21 Destinations That Will Break the Bank

21 Destinations That Will Break the Bank

Traveling the world offers unparalleled experiences, rich cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. However, some destinations come with a price tag as hefty as their reputation for luxury and exclusivity. Here’s a list of 21 destinations where the views might be priceless, but your stay definitely won’t be.

1. Monaco

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Drozdin Vladimir

A playground for the rich and famous, Monaco’s opulent lifestyle, luxury yachts, and high-stakes casinos will have your bank account waving a white flag in no time.

2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wilar

With overwater bungalows and crystal-clear waters, paradise comes at a premium here. Saving for this trip might require a second job or a lottery win.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PureSolution

Famous for its skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and extravagant experiences, Dubai is where your wallet can experience free-fall without jumping off the Burj Khalifa.

4. Zurich, Switzerland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nataliya Hora

Between the high standard of living and the breathtaking Alps, Zurich manages to blend natural beauty with wallet-emptying prowess.

5. Oslo, Norway

Image Credit: Shutterstock / – city houses

Stunning fjords and a vibrant cultural scene are overshadowed only by the shock of the prices, making every meal and accommodation choice a strategic decision.

6. Tokyo, Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fotos593

A tech-lover’s dream and a foodie’s paradise, Tokyo combines cutting-edge culture with costs that can spiral faster than a sushi conveyor belt.

7. New York City, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

The city that never sleeps also never stops charging. From Broadway shows to rooftop bars, the experiences are unforgettable but often come with a hefty price tag.

8. London, United Kingdom

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nebs

Steeped in history and culture, every visit to a landmark, pub, or tea shop in London is a reminder that quality and cost go hand in hand.

9. Copenhagen, Denmark

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ESB Professional

A hub of design and gastronomy, where even the simplest pleasures, like enjoying a Danish pastry by the canal, require a generous budget.

10. Venice, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pani Garmyder

A city of unparalleled romance and history, where you pay a premium for the luxury of getting lost in its narrow streets and riding in its gondolas.

11. Sydney, Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Taras Vyshnya

Famous for its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s stunning views are matched by equally stunning prices, especially when it comes to property and dining.

12. Paris, France

Image Credit: Shutterstock / frantic00

The City of Light shines bright on any budget, with its fashion, food, and art. Just be prepared for your wallet to feel significantly lighter too.

13. Reykjavik, Iceland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Boyloso

Land of fire and ice, where the cost of living and traveling can leave you cold. Even a simple road trip around the island can require a treasure chest.

14. Hong Kong

Image Credit: Shutterstock / YIUCHEUNG

A fusion of East and West, where the cost of lodging, eating, and shopping in this vertical city can reach towering heights.

15. Seychelles

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vaclav Volrab

Idyllic beaches and exclusive resorts make this a dream destination, with prices that can turn that dream into a fiscal nightmare.

16. Geneva, Switzerland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elenarts

Surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, Geneva’s picturesque setting is only rivaled by its prestigious shopping and dining costs.

17. Milan, Italy

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Audrius Venclova

The fashion capital of the world where luxury is the norm, and the price tags in those chic boutiques can send you running for the Alps.

18. Singapore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matyas Rehak

A city-state known for its strict laws and pristine streets, where enjoying its world-class zoo, gardens, and Marina Bay Sands comes at a high price.

19. Fiji

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Bell-Davey Photography

Tropical paradise, yes, but each coconut drink and snorkeling adventure reminds you that isolation and beauty come with an invoice.

20. Aspen, USA

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LanaG

A ski resort for the rich and famous, where even the snow seems to be premium priced. The après-ski scene might just freeze your assets.

21. Santorini, Greece

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Sigaev

Sunsets and scenery that look like every postcard ever, but dining in view of the caldera or staying in a cave house requires a budget as lofty as the cliffs.

Splurge Worthy?

Image Credit: Shutterstock / William Perugini

Each of these destinations offers unique and unforgettable experiences, proving sometimes the best memories indeed come with a price. Whether you decide to save, splurge, or dream, the world’s wonders await—just maybe with a side of sticker shock.

More From The Green Voyage

The 6 Best Luxury Train Journeys Around the World

Boutique River Cruises in Southeast Asia

Eco-Friendly Luxury Travel Tips and Top Destinations for the Conscious Explorer

The post 21 Destinations That Will Break the Bank first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Maridav.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip

Related posts:

Travel Myths Busted: 21 Common Tips You Should Ignore
18 Bare Essentials for Globe-Trotting Americans
20 Most Insane Parties in the World
Top 10 National Parks to Beat the Summer Heat
15 Weird Texan Traditions
19 Bizarre American Traditions That Leave Foreigners Scratching Their Heads!
25 Least Visited States According to Data
19 Perfect Spring Breaks in Colorado
Misconceptions Americans Have About the Middle East
20 Authentic Escapes: World's Unique Traditional Stays 
Health CRISIS Hotspots: Navigating the 10 U.S. States Confronting Major Health Challenges
Drop the Baggage: 21 Habits to Quit for a Happier, More Adventurous Life
10 Historic Military Sites in the USA to Make You Proud
15 Countries Luring US Travelers with Affordable Medical Care
The Cost of Comfort? What It Takes to Retire in America’s Premier Havens
Interest Rate Slash: What It Means for Your Travel Savings
How to Buy a Vacation Home Without the Headache
Gen Z on the Go: Essential Credit Tips for Young American Travelers
Risky Outdoor Activities in the USA
15 Most Affordable States to Live
Top 8 Summer Road Trips in the USA
Where America’s Wealthy Are Buying Golden Visas
20 Times American Travelers Should Have Known Better
25 Taboos We Need to Rethink in America
Best 25 Quotes to Empower Women on Their Travels
19 Places in America That Feel Like a Time-Warp
21 Ways to Make the Most of Daylight Saving
15 Strategic Shifts Climate Protesters Should Consider: A Guide for Eco-Savvy American Travelers
Top 19 Destinations Where Gen Z is Making Waves: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List for the New Generat...
21 Hard Truths: The Stark Realities of Immigration in the U.S. for Travelers