Decades ago, there was a TV show called Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Every week, Robin Leach gave viewers a peek into a world of private jets, sprawling estates and vacations that most of us could only dream about.
It was pure fantasy for most people.
But if you’ve ever wondered where today’s “champagne wishes and caviar dreams” crowd vacations, a new report from travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth offers a pretty good clue.
The company has ranked the world’s most expensive vacation destinations for 2026, based on everything from airfare and hotels to rental cars, food and average daily travel costs.
And spoiler alert: they’re not cheap.
According to the travel insurance marketplace, the most expensive places to visit next year include Greenland, the British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia, Antarctica and the Maldives. In other words, a whole lot of remote places that are difficult—and expensive—to reach.
Squaremouth created its 2026 Travel Expense Index by comparing destinations across five categories:
- Average daily trip cost
- Average airfare
- Hotel costs
- Car rental prices
- Food and drink costs
The company says it analyzed reported trip costs from more than 100,000 travel insurance purchases, surveyed more than 6,000 travelers and incorporated booking data from outside sources.
Not surprisingly, the destinations at the top of the list all have something in common: they’re either incredibly remote, filled with luxury resorts, require long-haul flights…or all three.
Greenland Takes The Top Spot
Greenland earned the highest overall score, with an expense index of 9.84 out of 10.
According to Squaremouth, travelers can expect to spend an average of:
- $1,171 per day
- $1,357 for airfare
- $110 per day for a rental car
- $36 for a basic restaurant meal
- $227 per night for a hotel
Coming in behind Greenland were the British Virgin Islands, French Polynesia, Antarctica and the Maldives.
Interestingly, Antarctica didn’t have the most expensive hotels—but it did have the highest average daily trip cost, at a whopping $1,511 per day. Squaremouth notes that its Antarctica pricing is based on Ushuaia, Argentina, which is where many expedition cruises depart.
Why These Destinations Cost So Much
One thing I liked about the report is that it points out there’s no single reason these places are so expensive.
Sometimes it’s the airfare. Namibia topped that category, with average flights costing $2,009, followed by Antarctica at $1,899 and Zimbabwe at $1,839.
Other times, it’s the hotels.
Anguilla led the way there, with average weeknight hotel rates of $1,684, ahead of Turks & Caicos at $1,413 and French Polynesia at $1,382.
And then there are destinations where even grabbing a casual meal can make your wallet cry. Bermuda topped the list there, with an average “inexpensive” restaurant meal costing nearly $69.
Squaremouth also found that nearly half (45%) of travelers expect to spend more on travel in 2026 than they did this year. Nearly one in four (23%) said they’re intentionally spending more for premium or bucket-list trips, including luxury islands, African safaris and Antarctic expeditions. None of which are exactly known for being budget vacations. 😄
So which destinations made the cut? Here’s Squaremouth’s Top 15:
- Greenland
- British Virgin Islands
- French Polynesia
- Antarctica
- Maldives
- Switzerland
- Zimbabwe
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Botswana, Anguilla and Saint Lucia (tied)
- Namibia and Iceland (tied)
- Norway
- Zambia
Looking at the list, one thing becomes pretty obvious.
Most of these destinations aren’t expensive because they’re trendy—they’re expensive because they’re either incredibly remote, packed with luxury accommodations or simply difficult to reach.
In other words, you’re not just paying for the destination. You’re paying for the privilege of getting there.
Personally, there are several places on this list I’d still love to visit. Greenland has fascinated me for years, and Antarctica remains one of those once-in-a-lifetime dream trips.
But if someone handed me the bill afterward?
Let’s just say I’d suddenly remember there are plenty of wonderful places that don’t require taking out a second mortgage to visit. 😄
Anyway, you can learn more about Squaremouth’s list and research on this page of its website.
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