Where Travel is Cheaper or More Expensive in 2025: HelloSafe Study

In a time of rising costs for goods and services, travelers are paying closer attention to the price of international vacations. In March 2025, HelloSafe published a global study comparing the daily expenses of tourists across 131 countries. The results show where you can enjoy a budget-friendly holiday – and where you’ll need deep pockets.

The study calculated average daily expenses per traveler, covering accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment. Flight costs were excluded. The data allows travelers to compare destinations and find more affordable options.

The Most Expensive Countries for Travel

Topping the list is Barbados, with tourists spending an average of $331 per day. The island caters to wealthy visitors, with luxury villas, five-star hotels, and prices well above global averages.

In second place is Antigua and Barbuda, where daily spending averages $311. The country focuses on upscale resorts and exclusive service. Third place goes to Saint Kitts and Nevis at $272/day, also offering mostly premium tourism.

The Maldives ranks fourth at $268/day, despite some budget stays being available. The nation’s iconic overwater villas and high-end experiences dominate the market. Rounding out the top five is Grenada at $259/day.



Notable among non-island countries is Switzerland, where travelers spend about $251 per day due to high living costs, luxury ski resorts, and spa retreats. The United States also ranks high at $249/day, especially costly in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami.

Other expensive destinations include Greenland ($222), UAE ($221), Oman ($214), France ($188), Iceland ($184), Greece ($175), UK ($172), Denmark ($171), Italy and Norway ($159), Canada ($152), Finland, Turkey, and Australia ($149), Germany and Spain ($144), Portugal ($130).

Moderate Spending Destinations

Countries with daily spending between $70–$110 include Montenegro ($101), Czech Republic ($98), Croatia ($91), Slovenia ($90), Lithuania ($88), Romania ($74), and Albania ($71).

In North Africa and the Middle East, moderate expenses are found in Egypt ($98), Morocco ($80), and Tunisia ($75).

Asian destinations in this range include Taiwan ($97) and Thailand ($71), offering great hospitality and varied travel experiences.

China sits at $69/day. In Latin America, moderate costs are noted in Dominican Republic ($105), Mexico ($100), Brazil ($71), and Uruguay ($70).

Cheapest Destinations for Travel
At the other end of the ranking are destinations where travelers spend far less without sacrificing experiences. Laos tops the affordable list at just $15/day.

Kazakhstan ranks second at $19/day, followed by Rwanda ($21), Ghana ($22), and Mongolia ($24).



In Armenia, spending is about $26/day, Georgia ($28), Moldova ($35), India ($36), Serbia ($42), and Indonesia ($51).

Global Travel Trends

The HelloSafe study confirms that travel costs are mainly influenced by a country’s economic level, service prices, and tourism focus. Careful planning, using local transport, and opting for independent hotels can lower costs even in pricier destinations.

There’s growing demand for both budget and luxury travel. Wealthy tourists seek bespoke itineraries, luxury stays, and sustainability-focused services. Meanwhile, more travelers are discovering lesser-known, less crowded destinations.