In the age of online booking, finding a hotel room has never been more convenient — or more complex. Travelers are presented with a range of pricing, perks, and policies that can overwhelm even the most experienced globetrotters. Adding to the complexity are third-party sites, such as Priceline or Expedia, that promise big savings. Around 60% of hotel reservations today are made through third-party channels, yet many travelers still prefer to book directly. So, which is the better deal? The answer depends on when you’re booking and what type of vacation you’re going on. Here are the pros and cons of using a third-party service to find a hotel room versus booking directly.

When Is It Cheaper To Book Using a Third-Party Site?

Third-party booking sites, also called online travel agencies (OTAs), act as intermediaries between travelers and hotels. Some of the most popular OTAs include Hotels.com, Expedia, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, Hotwire, Kayak, and Priceline. An estimated four out of five travelers will visit an OTA at some point during the planning process, typically to read reviews, compare rates, or view amenities. When travelers do decide to book through an OTA, it’s likely because they found an offer they can’t refuse.

Deals Abound — If You Know Where To Look

OTAs typically take a percentage of the room cost as commission, which is paid to them by the hotel when a customer pays. The hotel makes less money this way, but it increases the likelihood of high occupancy by having rooms advertised on multiple platforms. Third-party sites offer deals all the time, and they might be better, worse, or the same as deals on the hotel’s website, so price comparison during the planning process is key.

Offseason and Last-Minute Trips

OTAs also secure hotel rooms through discounted wholesale (bulk) deals, in which they resell the rooms at a markup that still undercuts the standard rate. Hotels again benefit from occupancy during periods of lower demand, travelers score a deal, and OTAs get part of the revenue. This means hotel rooms for offseason and last-minute trips in particular could be cheaper on third-party sites than when booking directly.

Mystery Deals

Another way to save money on a hotel is through “mystery” or opaque deals, in which the hotel name and address are usually not revealed until after booking and payment is completed. This requires some flexibility on the traveler’s end and isn’t suitable for everyone. Take, for example, Priceline’s “Express Deals.” You choose the price you’re willing to pay, and Priceline will match you with a hotel (or car rental company or flight carrier), but you won’t see the name of the hotel until after you have paid. These deals aren’t flexible and are nonrefundable, but travelers can score discounts of up to 60%. 

Flash Sales

OTAs occasionally run last-minute flash sales to sell leftover inventory. Unlike “mystery deals,” flash deals let you know which hotel you’re booking, but these discounts typically come with stricter cancellation policies and zero flexibility. So, if you’re heading out on a spontaneous trip or looking for a last-minute change, this could be a cheaper option than booking directly, but remember to read the fine print.

When Is It Cheaper To Book Directly?

Though third-party sites can offer better deals in certain situations, direct bookings can also provide excellent value, especially when planned in advance.

Early-Bird Deals

If you’re planning a trip well in advance, booking directly often gives you access to the same rates advertised by OTAs, with the added benefit of perks exclusive to direct guests. To compete with third-party sites and avoid paying them a commission, hotels sometimes offer extras for direct booking. This often looks like 10% to 15% off the regular rate (to match the OTA discounts), as well as other benefits like waived resort fees, early check-in or late checkout, and complimentary breakfast, parking, or spa access.

When the Hotel Has a Loyalty Program

Many major hotel chains offer free loyalty memberships that provide instant discounts and allow you to earn points toward future free stays, upgrades, or other perks. So, while hotel chains with loyalty programs may be slightly cheaper on third-party booking sites versus booking directly, it’s worth considering the value of any extra loyalty benefits — because most hotels don’t award loyalty points or perks for bookings on OTAs like Expedia. On the other hand, small and boutique hotels without loyalty programs might offer lower prices than third-party sites to avoid paying them a commission fee.

Best Rate Guarantees

If you come across a better room rate on a third-party booking site, remember that many hotels advertise a “best rate guarantee.” If you find a lower rate elsewhere, share it with them, and they’ll often offer to match the discount.

Potential Pitfalls of Third-Party Hotel Booking Sites

While third-party platforms may offer convenience and steep discounts, they sometimes come with trade-offs that might cost you more money in the long run.

Hidden Fees

Some OTAs offer a lower rate but tack on additional fees. Sometimes, an OTA will advertise at a lower price and hide specific fees, such as resort fees or local taxes, bringing the final price in line with, or even above, direct booking costs. Third-party sites may also have higher change or cancellation fees than the hotel’s own site.

Limited Customer Support

When a traveler books with a third-party site, their reservation is technically not with the hotel. As Phil Dengler, co-founder of “The Vacationer,” explained to HuffPost, “In other words, your reservation is with them [the third party] and not the airline or hotel. That means you contact them for customer service instead of the airline or hotel.” This creates a layer of complexity if changes or cancellations must be made. And if you have specific room requests, they’re more likely to be honored if you booked directly with the hotel.

Scams and Fraudulent Booking Sites

While most major third-party booking platforms are legitimate, scams do exist. Avoid using lesser-known or suspicious sites — if a deal is too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers guidance about avoiding hotel booking scams, which can include fraudulent sites that mimic the look of well-known platforms.

Featured image credit: Anchiy/ E+ via Getty Images 

For decades, tucking a boarding pass into the crease of a passport was a familiar feeling for many travelers. But as airports around the world make the move to digital identification and boarding systems, these trusty slips of paper may soon go the way of relics like in-flight smoking. From smartphone scans to biometric passports, the way we get on an airplane is already being reimagined, and the boarding pass — once an essential travel document — may be obsolete sooner than we think. Let’s take a look at what’s changing and why.

The Evolution of Boarding Passes

Early boarding passes, from the end of World War II into the early 1970s, were simple handwritten cards. Starting in the 1980s and 1990s, airlines began printing passes with magnetic stripes or barcodes that worked with the era’s early computer systems. 

As air travel boomed in the 2000s, online check-in became more widespread. Boarding passes moved from airport counters to home printers and, eventually, to mobile phones. Now, digital boarding passes stored in airline apps or smartphone wallets have become the default in many parts of the world. The next step? Eliminating the boarding pass altogether.

Leading the charge is the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency dedicated to safe and efficient air travel. The ICAO is spearheading a seamless, contactless travel experience powered by what the agency calls the Digital Travel Credential. The idea is for this DTC to act as a virtual passport and boarding pass in one, allowing travelers to move through airports and into their airplane seats with nothing more than their face and their trusty phone.

What Will Digital Travel Look Like?

As you’re probably aware, currently travelers are required to check in before a flight. This can typically be done online from 24 hours in advance of your trip, or at the airport when you arrive. In both instances, this is when you receive your boarding pass, whether it’s a digital version or a printout. 

Under the new system, the process of checking in before a flight won’t be required. Instead, when booking a flight, passengers will download their Digital Travel Credential — also known as a journey pass — to their phone. The journey pass stores flight details and any relevant extra information, like car rentals, along with your passport information, which is also scanned during the flight booking process. 

This digital document will be automatically read throughout the airport. With traveler facial scans at the luggage counter, security checkpoints, and the boarding gate, you’ll be able to board a flight without ever pulling out a phone or boarding pass. The idea is for it to also be dynamic: Travelers with flight cancellations or missed connections will be automatically rebooked, and their journey pass will update in real time. 

How Safe Is Digital Travel?

The main reasons for the push toward fully digital travel are security and efficiency, according to the ICAO. Biometric identification is harder to forge than paper documents, and it also makes for speedier ID verification at borders and checkpoints. For travelers, not having to dig through bags or fumble with apps also leads to a smoother journey. 

Of course, it’s reasonable to be concerned about your personal data and how it will be used. According to Amadeus, one of the world’s largest travel technology innovators and a company involved in the initiative, all personal data is erased within 15 seconds after passing through each checkpoint. For travelers who do not wish to participate in digital identification, manual processing will still be available, according to an IATA press release. 

The Future Could Be Here Sooner Than You Think

The elimination of checking in for a flight and receiving a boarding pass may seem like a logical evolution. Since e-ticketing was introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s, digital boarding passes have become the norm — airlines such as Emirates and Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air no longer even offer the option of a printed pass. 

This also follows recent trends such as the slow disappearance of the analog passport stamp in favor of digital travel records. In Italy, airports in Milan and Catania began testing a new system called FaceBoarding in 2024. Passengers are still required to check in and obtain a boarding pass, but after that, they can go through security and board their flight using only facial scans to confirm their identity. 

Valerie Viale, Amadeus’ director of product management, touted this advancement as the “biggest change to civil air travel in 50 years” and noted that it could be in place as soon as two to three years from now. Some airlines, such as Delta with its Delta Digital ID and Lufthansa with the Star Alliance Biometrics program, have already begun integrating biometric boarding options at various airports. 

While it seems likely that ICAO’s full vision will eventually come to fruition, all technological transitions take time to be fully implemented, so it could still be a while before all airports have introduced the technology required for such a change. But even though traditional paper or digital boarding passes are still the norm for now, you never know how soon they might be considered yet another artifact, replaced by a simple glance at a camera. 

From hand gestures to tipping, many countries have different standards of etiquette. What’s polite in the United States may be considered rude abroad (and vice versa). This is true when it comes to table manners, too. There’s one particular faux pas that’s taboo in America — but in some regions overseas, that same gesture is not only acceptable but also encouraged and viewed as a compliment. Here’s one American etiquette rule you shouldn’t follow when traveling to certain countries overseas.

Burping: Rude or Acceptable?

If you let out a belch around the dinner table in the United States, chances are you’ll catch a couple of disapproving glances. Of course, that’s because most Americans view burping as rude, but in some places, burping is a sign that you feel deeply satisfied and enjoyed the meal.

In an interview with Reader’s Digest, international etiquette expert Jan Goss noted how burping is viewed as a compliment in places such as China, Taiwan, Turkey, Egypt, and other regions of the Middle East. A loud belch shows that you feel especially satisfied, and doing so is encouraged, or at the very least acceptable. 

However, there is some debate over who should hear you burp. Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore shared with Reader’s Digest that it’s a way to let other diners know how much you enjoyed the food, whereas etiquette expert Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick said that you should burp within earshot of the host to show your appreciation for their hospitality. In either case, the gesture is considered a sign of contentment that shows you’ve been well fed.

Food writer Petrina Verma Sarkar noted in Spruce Eats that even within the same country, this tradition can vary by region. For example, when traveling to India, Sarkar advised, “Please refrain unless you know your host intimately and are acquainted with the state of their origin and whether or not it is polite in their tradition.” In other words, while burping is a sign of respect to some, you should avoid belching unless you’re very familiar with the host and can be certain they won’t get upset.

What About Slurping?

Similar to burping, Americans are taught from a young age that it is rude to slurp at the table. But in parts of Asia, particularly in Japan, slurping is a symbolic gesture that not only shows delight, but is thought to enhance the flavor.

In Japan, the act of loudly slurping noodles dates to the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. Slurping up buckwheat soba noodles was believed to enhance their subtle flavor. There’s some truth to this — slurping noodles helps activate all five major senses, which play off one another to enhance flavor. Taking in oxygen as you eat can produce stronger flavors; think about how wine drinkers draw in air to fully taste the flavor of their wine. Slurping in air can also help cool the noodles, allowing diners to appreciate the flavor instead of being overwhelmed by heat.

While slurping may be commonly heard in ramen shops across Japan, some foreigners aren’t used to the custom. There’s even a concept called nu-hara (or “noodle harassment”), which takes the view that noodle slurping isn’t just offensive, but also a form of harassment to other guests. Whether you enjoy the sound of slurping or not, it’s customary to thank the chef afterward by saying, “gochisōsama deshita,” which means “thank you for the feast.”

Eating With Your Hands

For as common as utensils are in the United States, some countries encourage diners to eat with their hands instead. In Ethiopia, for example, meals are traditionally served atop a large platter of injera (spongy flatbread). Diners are expected to break off a bit of injera and scoop up the food with their hand. Just be sure to always use your right hand — according to Ethiopian etiquette, right hands are meant for eating and left hands are meant for matters related to personal hygiene.

Eating with your hands is also common in India and other countries in South Asia. Expect to use naan or roti (Indian flatbreads) to scoop up traditional cuisine. If there’s no bread available, you can still scoop up all the curry-coated rice using your fingertips. Much like in Ethiopia, it’s customary to eat with your right hand in India. Eating with your hands is tied to Ayurvedic teachings, which claim that using the fingers helps activate the body’s digestive system.

These are just a few of the many dining etiquette rules that may leave Americans scratching their heads. Before traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to research local etiquette so that you don’t accidentally cause offense to the locals you meet along the way.

Toll roads have helped fund America’s highways for centuries, ever since the first example, Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike, was introduced in 1792. Built to ease congestion and support infrastructure without raising taxes, these roads often come at a high cost for drivers. Rates can vary by distance, vehicle type, and time of day, and in some states, those tolls can quickly add up for regular commuters and long-distance travelers alike. Check out the 10 states with the most expensive toll roads, according to a 2024 report from LendingTree.

10. Georgia

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $0.49

Georgia’s toll road network, the 10th most expensive in the country, is centered around the Georgia Express Lanes. They are a collection of optional paid lanes that run parallel to the busy interstates around the Atlanta area. The system is split into four sections: The I-85 Express Lanes, the first to open in 2011, cover 16 miles from northeast Atlanta to Gwinnett County. Also in Gwinnett County is the 10-mile I-85 Express Lanes Extension. The I-75 South Metro Express Lanes extend for 12 miles through Henry and Clayton Counties. Lastly, the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes are the system’s longest section, traveling almost 30 miles around Cobb and Cherokee counties. 

9. New York

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $0.58

New York state’s toll road network is anchored by the 570-mile-long New York State Thruway (officially named the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway). It incorporates sections of I-87, I-90, and I-287, while connecting the state’s biggest cities, Buffalo and New York City. In 2024, the Thruway saw more than 338 million vehicles and generated $1.1 billion in toll revenue. New York state also has the second-most-expensive tolls for bridges and tunnels in the country, costing an average of $4.38 per mile, according to the LendingTree study.

8. Minnesota

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $0.63

While Minnesota doesn’t have any officially designated toll roads, motorists are required to pay a fee to travel in express lanes on I-394 and I-35 in the Twin Cities metro area. Vehicle fees range from $0.25 to $8 during peak hours. The express lanes run a total distance of 46 miles, with the longest stretch covering 16 miles on I-35 West between Burnsville and Minneapolis. There are also two toll bridges in Minnesota, the Fargo-Moorhead Bridge and International Falls Bridge. The latter crosses the Rainy River between International Falls and Fort Frances, Ontario. 

7. Texas

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $0.66

There are more than 50 toll roads in Texas, covering approximately 850 miles. One of the largest toll systems in the country, it stretches across several major metropolitan areas, including Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston. Prices range from $0.50 to $8.62 per vehicle; however, some roads use dynamic pricing based on the time of day and segments traveled. The North Texas area — which has more toll booths than the entire state combined — made an estimated $1.19 billion in revenue in 2024. Additionally, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is one of just two airports in the country (along with Miami International Airport) where drivers must pay a fee to use its access roads.

6. Washington

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $0.71

Drivers in Washington state will encounter five tolled facilities, which include bridges, express lanes, and tunnels. Some charge staggered fees, while others work on a dynamic pricing system. Carpools can ride for free during peak hours in the State Route 167 “HOT Lanes” and I-405 express toll lanes if they meet specific occupancy requirements. Elsewhere, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge carries around 90,000 vehicles daily over the Puget Sound between Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula, with rates starting at $4.50 for a two-axle vehicle. With a main span of 2,800 feet, it’s currently the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the U.S. 

5. Colorado

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $1.36

Colorado’s toll road network is a mix of traditional toll roads and express lanes. Opened in segments between 1991 and 2003, E-470 is a 47-mile beltway loop around Denver that begins in Thornton before crossing three counties on its way to Denver International Airport. Elsewhere, the Northwest Parkway links E-470 in the north Denver metro area with U.S. 36 in Broomfield. Another notable toll road is the Pikes Peak Highway. This 19-mile scenic toll road climbs from Cascade to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet above sea level, with 156 hair-raising turns along the way. 

4. California

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $1.38

With more than 870 miles of toll roads, the Golden State has one of the country’s most extensive toll systems. It includes 25 individually tolled bridges, express lanes, and roads, mainly located in the Greater Los Angeles Area, the Bay Area, Orange County, and San Diego County. Orange County alone has a 51-mile network of toll roads, which account for 250,000 daily vehicle trips and 89 million annual transactions. Around the Bay Area are a total of eight tolled bridges, the most iconic of which is the Golden Gate Bridge, part of U.S. Route 101. It has been tolled since opening in 1937, when it cost just 50 cents each way to cross. 

3. Maine

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $1.56

The 109-mile-long Maine Turnpike is the state’s principal toll road. Starting in Kittery, on the Maine-New Hampshire border, it crosses four of the state’s 16 counties on its way to Augusta, Maine’s capital. The turnpike incorporates sections of I-95, I-195, I-295, and I-495, and passes major cities such as Lewiston and Portland. The idea for the turnpike was developed in the early 1940s as a modern replacement to the congested Route 1 coastal road. In 2024, annual traffic numbers reached almost 89 million. 

2. Pennsylvania

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $1.73

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is the backbone of the state’s toll road network. Known as “America’s First Superhighway,” it opened in 1940 as a 160-mile route between Carlisle and Irwin. Planners initially estimated annual traffic numbers of 1.3 million, which in fact were closer to 2.4 million during the turnpike’s early years. Today, the turnpike extends 550 miles from the Ohio border in Lawrence County to the New Jersey border in Bucks County. It includes sections of I-76, I-276, and I-476, and transports roughly 550,000 daily travelers. . 

According to the LendingTree study, Pennsylvania is home to the country’s most expensive toll per mile — the bridge connecting the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the New Jersey Turnpike has an average maximum fee of $8.20 per mile.

1. Virginia

Average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile: $3.27

Virginia is the most expensive state in the United States for drivers traveling on toll roads. It’s the only state with an average fee above $2, and Virginia also has the highest average maximum fee per mile for interstate bridges and tunnels ($7.50). There are a total of 17 statewide toll roads, located in the Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads areas. One of the network’s major roads is the 16-mile Chesapeake Expressway, which connects I-64 to North Carolina and the Outer Banks.

About the data: To compile this list, we consulted a 2024 study from LendingTree that analyzed data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to calculate each state’s average maximum passenger vehicle fee per mile on interstate and noninterstate roads, bridges, and tunnels. Learn more about their methodology and read the full report here. 

When you visit a foreign country, there are often situations where paying attention to what you wear is especially important. If you’re traveling somewhere for the first time, it can be easy to unwittingly cause offense to the local population. Bear in mind these five common mistakes tourists often make, so you can avoid committing a fashion faux pas on your next trip abroad.

Dressing Inappropriately To Enter Places of Worship

It’s common to visit places of worship while on vacation, whether to admire their ornate architecture or because of their historical significance. While doing so, however, it’s essential that you adhere to religious etiquette. For example, when entering a Buddhist temple, it’s customary to remove shoes as a mark of respect. In other places, it’s often the case that heads, knees, and shoulders should be covered.

Some places are more specific. For instance, to set foot inside Gergeti Monastery in Georgia, women are asked to wear a long skirt. Plan to dress conservatively on days when you expect to visit a place of worship and check signage on arrival to avoid making an embarrassing faux pas.

Bringing Camouflage Prints Where They’re Banned

Many of us like to embrace bold patterns when on vacation. But be careful which ones you choose: In certain countries, wearing clothing with camouflage print is illegal. Wear such items in Caribbean nations such as Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, and Jamaica and you’ll be breaking the law. It’s a similar situation in countries such as Zambia, Ghana, the Philippines, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Oman, but in some cases it’s only military uniforms that are banned. 

Mostly, such laws exist to ensure the identity of military personnel won’t be confused with civilians. Though there have been calls in some nations, such as Barbados, for wearing camouflage to be decriminalized, it’s a smart move to leave at home any items of clothing with camouflage print, just in case. 

Dressing Without Taking Into Account Local Norms 

In more conservative countries, skintight or revealing clothing is a big fashion faux pas; instead, modest outfits are the norm. For instance, you’re likely to get attention for the wrong reasons if you stroll through a Moroccan souk wearing a crop top. 

In general, if you’re keen to blend in while traveling, you’ll want to avoid making fashion choices that scream “tourist.” These might include wearing baseball caps (especially backward or indoors), donning casual flip-flops or sneakers for formal occasions, or opting for clothing that could be considered inappropriately scruffy, such as ripped jeans. Also, T-shirts bearing controversial or political slogans are best left at home. 

Wearing the Wrong Color Clothing on Safari

When packing to go on safari, bear in mind that your choice of outfit can have unwanted consequences. Dark colors may attract insects —for instance, tsetse flies, which can inflict a painful bite and have a preference for black and blue. 

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of creatures that have a tendency to be skittish, you’ll want to avoid any fabrics that make noise when you move, such as nylon windcheaters. It’s also important to avoid highly visible whites or brights and ditch floaty or dangling items that might attract unwanted attention, particularly if you plan to incorporate a walking safari. A neutral palette that mirrors your surroundings — incorporating gray, green, cream, and beige — is most appropriate. 

Wearing Beachwear Away From the Beach

When the weather’s hot, it can be tempting to strip away layers to the bare minimum. But while that’s acceptable beside the pool or on the beach, it can be considered a fashion faux pas elsewhere. In some cases, you’ll actually be breaking local rules and could face hefty fines. 

In 2023, authorities in the Croatian city of Split threatened to levy a 150-euro fine on anyone wearing a bikini top in the street, following a similar communal order that had been put in place in Dubrovnik. It’s not the only city to take action — in 2011, officials in Barcelona, Spain, declared swimwear was not permitted away from its beaches, and in Venice, Italy, walking around bare-chested or in a swimsuit could land you with a 250-euro fine.   

No matter where you travel, vacations can be expensive. The price of accommodations, dining, and local transport can add up to hundreds of dollars each day in some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. A recent study from online insurance comparison platform HelloSafe reveals just how much you can expect to spend in the 10 most expensive countries to visit in 2025.

10. United Arab Emirates

Average daily budget per traveler: $220

The United Arab Emirates is the most expensive country to visit in mainland Asia, beating out neighboring Oman (No. 12 in the study) and Qatar (No. 15). The high cost to visit is due, in part, to the lavish and luxurious nature of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of the UAE’s most popular cities, both of which have a reputation for opulence.

For the ultra-wealthy, a single night’s stay in the Royal Mansion — the world’s most expensive hotel room at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai — will run you $100,000. But for the average visitor, Travel Visa Pro says that you can expect to pay $700 for a one-week budget vacation, $1,750 for midrange accommodations, and $4,500 for a luxury experience. The price of popular attractions in the UAE also adds up — a trip to the 2,722-foot-tall Burj Khalifa’s observatory costs roughly $49 USD, while a tandem skydive over the Palm Jumeirah requires a whopping $600 USD to experience.

9. Greenland

Average daily budget per traveler: $222

Though Greenland is technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it’s far more expensive to visit this self-governing autonomous territory than it is to visit Denmark itself (which ranks No. 26 in the report). One reason for this is due to Greenland’s relative isolation, meaning it’s costlier to develop infrastructure and import goods. Greenland is also at the mercy of the frigid Arctic weather, so peak tourism season takes place in a narrow window from June to August. During these months, expect costs to be even higher and hotels to book up quickly.

Looking to visit Greenland on a budget? The country’s tourism board has a few pieces of advice. They suggest coming during fall, winter, or spring — even though it’ll be colder and darker, it’ll also be much cheaper, and you can still experience attractions such as dog sledding or gazing upon the northern lights. The tourism board further recommends sticking to local fare when eating. Given the harsh climate, it’s difficult to grow any produce in Greenland, which makes imported fruits and vegetables pricier. Local offerings such as fish, seal, and reindeer are usually much more affordable when dining out.

8. Micronesia

Average daily budget per traveler: $249

Micronesia, the most expensive country to visit in Oceania, comprises 607 islands, spread out among the vast expanse of the western Pacific Ocean. While trips to Micronesia are notorious for their high airfare, those costs weren’t even included in HelloSafe’s rankings.

As of 2019, there were only 30 hotels in Micronesia, which means accommodations are limited, and some islands may have only one option. Also, there’s no public transportation, leaving visitors no choice but to walk, drive, or pay for a private taxi to get where they’re going. To travel between islands by boat, it can cost around $150 for a private cabin, further adding to the expense of visiting Micronesia.

7. United States

Average daily budget per traveler: $249

The U.S. ranks as the seventh most expensive country to visit, though the numbers vary considerably depending on where you’re traveling. Major cities such as New York, Miami, and Los Angeles are known for their expensive accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment, but it may surprise you to learn that some of the costliest places to visit in the U.S. are in the Mountain West.

A 2024 study conducted by OptimosTravel found that the ski resort town of Aspen, Colorado, was the most expensive vacation destination in the U.S., with an average cost of $761.39 per day per traveler. Another ski town — Park City, Utah — ranked next, with a cost of $710.08 each day, followed by Maui, Hawaii ($680.24); Montauk, New York ($617.65); and Santa Monica, California ($592.62).

6. Switzerland

Average daily budget per traveler: $251

While countries such as France (No. 16) and Iceland (No. 19) are also expensive vacation destinations, no European nation costs more to visit than Switzerland. According to Hans Markus Herren, the head of Switzerland’s consumer prices department, one reason for these high costs is the fact that wages are generally higher in Switzerland. The higher wages are covered, in part, by charging tourists more for dining, travel, and other services throughout the country.

Another reason for these high prices is that the Swiss franc has more buying power than most other currencies, including the U.S. dollar. As of May 2025, $1 USD is equivalent to 0.82 CHF. In other words, purchases will cost you roughly 21% more in Switzerland than in the United States, and that’s before you take exchange fees into account.

5. Grenada

Average daily budget per traveler: $259

Grenada is the first of four Caribbean nations to appear on this list. Costs tend to be higher in the southeast region of the island near Grand Anse Beach, where many luxury resorts are located. According to Expedia, stays at all-inclusive resorts in the area start around $200 per night, but quickly skyrocket into the thousands for more upscale properties.

Prices also tend to be higher in Grenada from December to April, as people visit during this time to escape the frigid winter months up north. If you’re looking for a cheaper and more authentic Grenadian experience, consider visiting outside of peak season and venturing off the beaten path to enjoy some local fare, such as oil down, the country’s national dish. This stew uses local favorites such as salted meat or chicken, breadfruit, and callaloo, rather than expensive imports.

4. The Maldives

Average daily budget per traveler: $268

Of the 1,100 islands that make up this nation in the Indian Ocean, only 200 are inhabited, and only half of those 200 are geared toward tourists. Given the small size of these islands, there are only so many hotel accommodations to go around, which leads to higher prices. These hotels are also in high demand, as the Maldives set a tourism record in 2024 with 1.97 million visitors, a 9% increase over the year prior.

Take, for instance, the Ritz-Carlton on the Fari Islands, which charges $1,500 to $2,000 per night on average, or the Muraka, a private underwater bedroom at the Conrad resort on Rangali Island that starts at $9,999 per night. That said, it is possible to enjoy the Maldives on a budget — going in the offseason (May to October) means lower costs, and many newer hotels may offer discounts.

3. St. Kitts and Nevis

Average daily budget per traveler: $272

Much like other Caribbean countries that rank high on this list, St. Kitts and Nevis is known for its luxury resort offerings with pristine beaches, which often come at a high cost. One of the more popular tourist destinations is Kittian Village, which was built up exclusively for tourists on the eastern coastline of St. Kitts. The travel booking service Kayak notes that the average price of a double room in St. Kitts and Nevis costs $593 per night, with prices for higher-end properties rising to $928 per night. According to Kayak, prices dip in September, making that month the cheapest time to visit St. Kitts and Nevis.

2. Antigua and Barbuda

Average daily budget per traveler: $311

Tourism dominates the economy of Antigua and Barbuda, contributing to roughly 60% of the national GDP each year. A 90-minute ferry service connects the two islands, allowing you to easily experience both during your visit. But when choosing where to stay, there are several factors worth taking into consideration, especially if you’re concerned about cost.

Larger and livelier Antigua tends to be more popular among tourists than Barbuda, which usually leads to higher costs in Antigua. This is especially true during Antigua Sailing Week, one of the world’s most popular sailing regattas, so expect to pay a premium if you visit during that time. But no matter the time of year, you’ll spend plenty on activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, which can cost hundreds of dollars per person. Many foods are also imported to Antigua and Barbuda, so the cost of dining out can be quite expensive.

1. Barbados

Average daily budget per traveler: $331

The world’s most expensive country to visit is the Caribbean island nation of Barbados, which is easily reachable with direct flights from many major U.S. cities. But despite high prices, 636,603 tourists visited Barbados in 2023 alone — more than double Barbados’ population.

While the costs of goods, services, and accommodations are already high, Barbados also levies several tourist taxes — up to $17.50 nightly for hotel rooms, a $5 daily fee for rental cars, and a departure tax (often included in the cost of your airline ticket) up to $70 when leaving the country.

About the data: To compile this list, we referenced HelloSafe’s ranking of average vacation costs in 2025 in 131 countries around the world. The study looked at accommodation costs, food expenses, transportation costs within the country, and cost of tourist activities, but it did not factor in the cost of transportation to and from each country. You can learn more about their methodology and view the full ranking here.