You don’t need to be traveling on a shoestring to keep an eye on expenses — even billionaires have some sort of budget. And unless your funds are essentially unlimited, no one enjoys a final bill that’s more than expected, or having to suddenly skimp and watch every penny while on the road. With that in mind, here are seven popular travel destinations and vacations where things can be more expensive than you may have thought. 

Iceland

Black-sand beaches, aurora-washed skies, waterfalls, and hot springs — Iceland is a dream destination for travelers seeking out the wild and extraordinary. But in spite of affordable flights (and Icelandair’s attractive free stopover program), Iceland ranks as 2025’s most expensive destination for U.S. travelers, according to a recent study by financial trading company Forex Complex.

The cost of living in Iceland is over 15% higher than in the United States, and food can be particularly expensive. This makes sense when you consider the country’s harsh climate (which limits the agricultural growing season) and the high cost of importing goods. Additionally, Iceland has Europe’s highest gas prices; filling your (expensive) rental car to tour along the country’s famed Ring Road will set you back more than $9 a gallon. Popular activities such as entry to the famous Blue Lagoon ($80 and up) and glacier tours can quickly drain budgets, and even camping can cost around $25 per person per night.

Las Vegas

Viva, “Lost Wages”: Gambling or no gambling, the days of $1 shrimp cocktails and affordable all-you-can-eat buffets left Las Vegas not long after Elvis. Today, tourism numbers are down, as visitors rebel against outrageous ATM fees (some venues charge a percentage instead of a flat fee), pricey parking, and resort fees that add an average of $40 per night to those “budget” hotel rooms. 

Still, the city’s a sports and entertainment mecca, so if you do visit, make a stop at a drugstore and stock up on supplies before you succumb to an overpriced bottle of water from your minibar. And be sure to check the fine print before ordering room service — MGM Resorts now charge a $25 “operation fee” for the luxury of eating from real plates with napkins and silverware. 

African Safaris

The dream of seeing the “big five” (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) up close and personal on safari is a lifelong dream for many, and making that dream come true is understandably expensive. But even after base prices are budgeted for, many other costs can impact the bottom line of your once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

First, there’s clothing: Light and neutral colors are recommended to repel insects while not disturbing the wildlife, so a new wardrobe may be in order. The CDC also recommends a number of vaccinations, as well as malaria medication for travelers visiting certain parts of Africa, and a visit to a travel medicine clinic can add hundreds of dollars per person to your trip costs. (Don’t forget about sunscreen and insecticide, either.) 

Visas increase the cost, too: Tanzania’s visa fee is $100 USD (American citizens are required to have the Multiple Visa), as is the East Africa Tourist Visa, which covers Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Park and conservation fees also may not be included in a safari’s base rate, and can run $100 per day or more.

Additionally, transfers by road or bush plane can add up quickly, and there is a substantial safari tipping culture. Local experts suggest $20 for your safari guide, $10 to $20 for general hotel or camp staff, $15 for a butler, and $15 or more for your safari tracker, per person, per day.

Cruises

Hitting the high seas can come at a high cost. Advertised cruise fares often don’t include mandatory gratuities, which are charged per day per person, not per room. For example, Royal Caribbean charges $21 per guest per day for suite passengers and $18.50 for other staterooms. For a family of four on a weeklong cruise, that’s more than $500 in automatic gratuities alone. 

Add in drink package gratuities (charged even on “free” drink packages), shore excursions, extra dining fees, photos, and internet packages, and you may find that these expenses can easily double the advertised cruise price. Want a Coke? On Carnival Cruise Lines, the nonalcoholic drink package will cost you $30 per day, per person. (There’s an automatic 18% service charge, too.)

Australia

The Land Down Under remains at the top of many wanderers’ wish lists. And while travelers know to budget for expensive long-haul flights, many underestimate how costly everything can be once those long flights finally land. In fact, Australia is the second-most expensive destination for U.S. tourists in 2025, according to the same study from the Forex Complex. 

The continent’s massive area (roughly the size of the lower 48), small population, and high fuel and vehicle prices keep costs elevated. Domestic flights between cities can run more than $500, while hotels average around $150 per night. Rental cars can also be expensive, and popular attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef often involve costly tours and boat transfers. There’s some bright news, however: Currently, the U.S. dollar is quite strong against the Australian dollar.

Norway

Though Norway is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s most expensive countries, the Scandinavian country’s dramatic fjords and natural beauty still attract travelers who may quickly realize they’ve underestimated costs. Norway’s standard of living (and wages) are quite high, and that’s reflected in the prices. 

While hotels can be surprisingly reasonable (averaging around $120 per day, according to some sources), a three-course meal in a midrange restaurant costs over $55 per person on average, beers are at least $10, and groceries are up to 60% more expensive than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, the costs of activities like fjord cruises and the gorgeous Flåm Railway (around $60) can add up quickly. 

The Maldives

While everyone knows that luxury overwater villas in island paradises don’t come cheap, the hidden transportation costs in the Maldives can shock even those prepared for high resort prices. Transfers from Malé Airport to the resort islands cost anywhere from $100 to $200 for a speedboat or $300 to $700 round-trip per person for a shared seaplane — an expense that’s rarely included in advertised rates. For an eye-watering example, the cheapest transfer to the Waldorf Astoria resort runs a cool $900 per person — and that doesn’t include the 28.7% tax and service charge. 

Once they arrive, guests are captive to resort pricing: On-site meals, drinks, and activities are often the only options, and markups are substantial. Even “budget” guesthouse islands have limited affordable dining. Many resorts also charge hefty government taxes (17%) on top of room rates, and may include mandatory service charges of 10%.

The TSA’s ever-changing rules are confusing enough on their own, but things get even more complicated when you travel overseas. Airport security policies can be very different from country to country — until recently, for instance, international passengers passing through security at a U.S. airport may have been surprised by the TSA’s shoes-off policy. As we previously reported, this requirement was recently abolished, but there are some other key differences that persist. Here are five international travel rules that differ from the TSA’s rules.

The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule

In August 2006, authorities foiled a plot to bring liquid explosives aboard a plane. Measures were introduced immediately to ensure such methods couldn’t be attempted again and have largely remained in place ever since. The TSA’s current advice states:

“Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and lotion.”

However, some European airports have recently relaxed this rule following the introduction of advanced CT scanners, which can take a 3D image of baggage contents. As a result, at airports such as Birmingham and Edinburgh in the U.K., Dublin in Ireland, and Krakow in Poland, you can now travel with a carry-on containing an unlimited number of containers that each have a capacity of up to 2 liters of liquid (equivalent to about 2.1 U.S. quarts). Note that different size restrictions imposed by individual airlines may apply, so you should be sure to check with your carrier.

The rollout hasn’t yet extended to all airports in Europe, either, so you could find that the rules for your outbound flight differ from your return journey. Nonetheless, it’s a start — and a change that many people will be pleased to see, particularly anyone who’s fallen afoul of the rules and had liquid items confiscated in the past.

Scissors

Sharp objects are also restricted on board an aircraft for safety and security reasons. For travelers hoping to carry scissors in their hand luggage, the TSA’s rules state, “If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point.”

However, this length differs from what’s allowed in some airports in other parts of the world. For instance, fly through or out of Amsterdam Schipol Airport and the scissors you pack in your carry-on can be no more than 6 centimeters (2.4 inches).    

Power Banks

As more and more of us are traveling with portable electronic devices, it’s no wonder that many travelers look to power banks to be able to keep their cellphones and other devices fully charged during their journeys.

But power banks contain rechargeable lithium ion batteries that can combust due to thermal runaway. Following incidents where power banks have started smoking or caught fire on airplanes, various agencies and organizations have taken action to ensure onboard safety. But regulations over the size of power banks vary considerably around the world and from airline to airline. Currently, the TSA guidance states, “Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.” 

However, in some countries, the rules are far stricter. For example, in July 2025, the Civil Aviation Administration of China tightened up legislation governing their manufacture and size. Now, any passenger boarding a domestic flight in China with a power bank that doesn’t bear the code CCC will have it confiscated. 

Food

The need to protect domestic agriculture from pests and diseases unwittingly imported from abroad drives strict regulations on the transportation of food by airline passengers. However, the specifics of what you can and can’t bring into each country varies.

Take nuts, for example. The TSA permits their import (so long as the way they have been prepared falls in line with CBP guidance) but may ask that they be screened separately from other luggage. Try to do the same on arrival in Australia, though, and you may find yourself in trouble. Down Under, any nuts must be declared so that they can be inspected by an official; they also must be commercially prepared and packaged.

The SSSS Code

If you see the letters “SSSS” on your boarding pass, this refers to the TSA’s Secondary Security Screening Selection. While other countries may have similar programs in place, the “SSSS” code is unique to the U.S. Those passengers selected must consent to an additional inspection before they can board the plane.

If your boarding pass is marked with “SSSS,” you can expect a full pat-down and swabs taken of your hands, clothing, and carry-on bags. Any portable electronic devices you’re carrying are also potentially open to closer inspection. 

The reasons why passengers are flagged vary. The TSA may require this additional search because a traveler is flying from a destination considered relatively high risk, or they may have bought their ticket at the last minute. But according to a 2023 report published by the U.S. Senate, in the majority of cases, passengers were randomly selected for secondary screening.

When you book a plane ticket, likely the last thing you expect is that the airline will go out of business. But sometimes, that’s precisely what happens, as stranded customers of ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines recently discovered. Unless you keep up with business news, it may come as a shock to find out that the airline you chose was even having financial difficulties, let alone about to enter liquidation. So, what can you do to protect yourself in the event of airline bankruptcy? And what happens if you’ve already booked tickets on an airline, like Spirit, that ceases operations? Here are a few helpful strategies to keep in mind.

Chapter 11 vs. Chapter 7

In the U.S., a business may file for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This effectively buys the company time to find a way to restructure or find a buyer in order to be able to stay in business. This practice is common in the aviation industry, and it isn’t necessarily the end of an airline.

In fact, Chapter 11 protection has enabled various American carriers to continue flying: United Airlines filed for Chapter 11 in 2002 (exiting bankruptcy in 2006), Delta entered in 2005 (exiting bankruptcy in 2007), and American Airlines went through the process in 2011 (exiting bankruptcy in 2013).

If restructuring fails to work or a buyout can’t be achieved, an airline may declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is a liquidation process, and cease operating altogether. Although this is rare, it’s what happened with Spirit Airlines in May 2026, in the largest U.S. airline liquidation in over two decades. Cautious travelers may wish to search online to see if the airline they’re considering is experiencing financial or operational difficulties so that they are aware of any such situations at the time of booking.  

What To Do if You Had a Flight Booked on Spirit

If you were affected by the recent Spirit shutdown, you’ll need to rebook travel on your own (Spirit won’t assist with rebooking) with another airline — as quickly as possible. Other major U.S. carriers have pledged to add capacity on former Spirit routes and offer rescue fares to stranded Spirit customers, but these fares will be available only for a limited time, typically a few days to a couple weeks. You’ll need to provide your new airline with your Spirit Airlines confirmation number and proof of payment to be eligible. 

For example, United Airlines has capped fares at $199 to $299 one-way (depending on length of flight) for Spirit customers who had tickets to fly between May 2 and May 16, 2026. You can book online at this special link.

Frontier Airlines, which was one of Spirit’s major competitors and serves over 100 routes formerly flown by Spirit, is offering 50% off base fares across its entire network for travel into November. Tickets must be purchased by May 10, 2026. 

Some airlines are also offering special perks for former Spirit customers. Southwest, for example, is allowing Spirit customers who hold Spirit Silver or Gold status to obtain Southwest’s A-List status with the airline’s status match program. 

As for refunds, Spirit Airlines says it has automatically processed refunds for customers who purchased tickets directly from the airline using a credit card or debit card. You can check the status of your refund on the Spirit Airlines website. If you booked through a third party, such as Expedia, you’ll have to contact the third-party company directly to request a refund. 

However, if you booked using Spirit points or a travel credit, you’ll have to wait for the bankruptcy court proceedings to find out what compensation you can expect to receive. Additionally, if you had a balance of Free Spirit miles, those points can no longer be used or transferred to another loyalty program. Details of what will happen to your points will also be determined by court proceedings. 

If you’re looking to avoid a last-minute scramble in the future, we’ve compiled a few general tips to protect yourself in the event of airline bankruptcy.

Always Book Tickets With a Credit Card

If an airline goes into liquidation, insolvency professionals may pause refunds while they work out how to divide assets among creditors. As a traveler, you likely won’t be first on their list. While Spirit has pledged to process automatic refunds, other airlines may not make similar promises (at least right away). In the meantime, however, you can take matters into your own hands — as long as you paid for your ticket using a credit card.

The Fair Credit Billing Act of 1974 aims to protect consumers from unfair billing practices. This means that if a vendor charges for services that aren’t provided, the purchaser’s liability is limited. If you’ve bought a flight using a credit card, you can apply for a chargeback. Time limits vary according to the provider, so it’s wise to dispute the charge as soon as you know the airline isn’t going to honor its end of the contract.

Work Out a Plan B Before You Travel

It’s also useful to figure out alternative arrangements in advance so that, if the unexpected happens, you’re ahead of the pack. Do some online research about which other airlines serve your destination, and if you’re unable to fly back from your intended airport, check if it’s feasible to reach another. 

In some cases, it might be possible — though admittedly more time-consuming — to take other modes of transportation to get back home. Depending on where you are, that might involve taking a train, bus, or even a ferry. If you can spare the time, this might be the most cost-effective solution in the event an airline leaves you stranded.

Keep an Eye Out for Rescue Flights

When an airline ceases trading, other carriers may step in to help stranded passengers, though this doesn’t happen in all cases (and assistance may be limited to a very short window of time, as in the case of Spirit’s shutdown). When it does, it’s good PR, particularly when the savior airline caps airfares for stranded customers. 

To qualify for such rescue fares, you’ll most likely have to provide a booking reference that proves you were originally scheduled to fly with the now-bankrupt airline. However, these flights can take time to materialize. If you can find an affordable route home in the meantime, consider grabbing it, because airfares are dynamic and change rapidly according to supply and demand.

Ensure You Have Access to an Emergency Fund

When the unexpected happens, you’ll need to be able to pay for replacement tickets and hope that you’ll be able to recoup your costs at a future date. But sometimes this can be many months later — or even not at all. As a consequence, be sure to carry a credit card with a high-enough credit limit so that you are able to pay for a seat on a replacement flight home or cover other unforeseen costs such as extra nights in a hotel until you can find one.

Choose the Right Insurance Policy

Many people opt to purchase travel insurance, but not all policies are equal. To be able to file a claim if your airline goes bankrupt, you may need a policy that offers reimbursement for scheduled airline failure or financial default. This may not be covered by some travel insurance policies but can sometimes be sold as an add-on to a policy. 

Before you decide on a travel insurance policy, check the fine print. For instance, you might be insured for the price of your original flight but not the cost of a last-minute replacement, which may be much more expensive. For domestic flights or short hops overseas, you may be happy to cover the amount yourself, but for a long haul flight, being well-insured could potentially save you hundreds or perhaps thousands of dollars.

Traveling opens the door to many modes of transportation. Whether you’re renting a car to cruise the countryside or navigating an urban train network, each choice comes with pros and cons. In particular, taxis offer privacy, comfort, and door-to-door convenience, but they often come at a steep price. According to the online cost-of-living database Numbeo, New York City cabs have the most expensive fares in North America, averaging $2.17 per kilometer ($1.35 per mile). Yet, this rate pales in comparison to the highest rates around the globe. Check out which countries hold the top 10 spots for most expensive taxi fares.

10. El Salvador (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

With volcanic hikes, surf-friendly beaches, and ancient Maya ruins, El Salvador is one of Central America’s top tourist destinations. While accommodations and food are relatively affordable here, taxi fares are surprisingly steep, averaging $3 per kilometer.

In busy cities such as San Salvador, where public transportation can be confusing for tourists, the convenience of taking a cab may be worth the added cost. Plus, certain remote tourist destinations are not easily accessed by public transportation. So, whether you’re chasing a volcanic sunrise or heading to a downtown museum, prepare to pay a little extra for taxis in El Salvador.

10. Venezuela (tie)

Cost per kilometer: $3

In a tie for 10th place, Venezuela has some of South America’s most expensive taxi rates. Many factors play into these sky-high prices, including limited or unreliable public transportation in certain areas. Taxis often offer the most direct and flexible form of transportation for travelers looking to explore the country’s diverse terrain, from the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin to Isla de Margarita and the historic streets of Caracas. 

9. The Netherlands

Cost per kilometer: $3.07

In Dutch urban centers such as Amsterdam, visitors can expect to pay over $3 per kilometer in cab fare. You can cut down on taxi costs, however, by renting a bicycle in this cycling-friendly country, which has more bikes than citizens. But for visitors unfamiliar with local geography, a cab may be the most efficient way to see several popular tourist sites in one day, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. 

8. Jamaica

Cost per kilometer: $3.09

This Caribbean island nation is known for its sprawling beaches, lush rainforests, and unique cultural landmarks, including the former home of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley in Kingston.

However, navigating the public transportation system to see these sites can be tricky for tourists, and there are some safety concerns in certain regions. Aside from traveling with a tour group, taxis are the typically best way to get around. Though cab fares are among the most expensive in the world, these prices come with added comfort and local knowledge from drivers, who can point you in the direction of the best waterfall views or quietest tourist beaches.

7. Japan

Cost per kilometer: $3.25

Japan’s public transportation system ranks among the world’s best, so taxis aren’t usually necessary. However, a hired ride can be helpful where trains are lacking or when train times don’t align with your itinerary. 

For instance, you might call a cab to decrease your travel time to historic temples in Kyoto or hiking trails with views of the majestic Mount Fuji. One place you might avoid taking a taxi, though, is near Shibuya Crossing. Tokyo’s most famous intersection, filled with neon lights, bustling traffic, and hundreds of pedestrians crossing in all directions, is a tourist destination in itself. 

6. Kuwait 

Cost per kilometer: $3.26

Kuwait, a small country on the Persian Gulf, is known for its architectural wonders. Towering above Kuwait City is Al Hamra, the world’s tallest curved skyscraper; nearby, the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country, is popular for tours and education on Islamic culture. Shopping is a major draw, too, especially at the Avenues, one of the largest malls in the world. 

To see these sights, the best mode of transportation for most tourists is a taxi, as there are no metro systems in Kuwait. While there are public buses available, they might be a little more complicated to navigate or not as direct as a cab. 

5. Mauritius 

Cost per kilometer: $3.30

The tropical island country of Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar. While taxis aren’t the cheapest way to explore, they can be more efficient for reaching remote or scenic areas, such as hopping between beaches and hiking trails with ease.

There are many sights to see in Mauritius, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Le Morne Brabant, a 1,824-foot seaside monolith, and the nearby Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, home to naturally rainbow-colored sand. On the north side of the island, the 300-year-old National Botanical Garden is among the oldest in the world. 

4. Bahrain 

Cost per kilometer: $3.45

Located on the Persian Gulf, Bahrain boasts a unique blend of modern and ancient culture. This island country has limited public transportation options, so tourists often opt for taxis. They’re especially convenient for getting around the capital city of Manama, which does not yet have a train system. Here, visitors frequent the impressive Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, while sports fans flock to the Bahrain International Circuit, home of the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

3. Albania 

Cost per kilometer: $3.59

Albania, frequently cited as one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, boasts sun-soaked beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and stunning views in the Albanian Alps. For history buffs, the UNESCO-listed towns of Berat, known for its Ottoman architecture, and Gjirokastër, famous for its hilltop castle, are must-sees.

However, public transportation is sparse and slow in Albania. As a result, many tourists rely on taxis to get around, though they pay some of the most expensive cab fares in the world. Fortunately, other travel costs in Albania are much more affordable compared with busier European desitnations.

2. Luxembourg

Cost per kilometer: $4.11

Tiny Luxembourg draws visitors with its unique blend of cultures and natural beauty. Its capital, Luxembourg City, features a UNESCO-listed fortified old town where visitors are transported into the Middle Ages while exploring the cobbled streets.

Although the country has a robust — and most importantly, free — public transit system, taxis are occasionally more convenient for quick airport transfers or late-night travel. The price is high, but in this compact country, you won’t have to travel too far to reach your destination.

1. Switzerland

Cost per kilometer: $4.72

Switzerland tops the list with the world’s most expensive taxi fares. These high cab prices may come as little surprise, as Switzerland is often cited as the most expensive European country for tourists. But Switzerland is packed with worthwhile experiences, from the snow-covered Alps to postcard-perfect lakeside cities such as Lucerne. To reach these top destinations, taxis are helpful where the Swiss rail system falls short, especially for late-night arrivals, ski resort transfers, or more remote hiking trails.

Note: Costs listed above are accurate as of the publish date but are updated frequently on Numbeo’s website.