Greenland Named the Most Expensive Travel Destination of 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2026 — Greenland has been named the most expensive travel destination of 2026, according to a new ranking that examines the rising cost of global travel.

The ranking, highlighted by TravelPulse, was based on research from travel insurance marketplace Squaremouth, which compared destinations across five major cost categories: average daily trip cost, average flight cost, accommodation cost, car rental cost and everyday food and drink prices.

Greenland took the top spot with an overall expense index of 9.84 out of 10 and an average daily trip cost of US$1,171.

The high cost reflects the destination’s remote location, limited tourism infrastructure, specialised travel logistics and growing appeal among travellers seeking Arctic landscapes, expedition-style trips and rare natural experiences.

The British Virgin Islands ranked second with an expense index of 9.72 and an average daily trip cost of US$925. Known for luxury resorts, private sailing experiences and premium island stays, the destination remains one of the most expensive beach escapes in the world.

French Polynesia placed third, with an overall expense index of 9.43 and an average daily trip cost of US$756. The destination is known for high-end overwater villas, long-haul flights and premium island experiences, particularly in Bora Bora and Tahiti.

Antarctica ranked fourth despite having the highest daily trip cost among the top five at US$1,511. Its ranking reflects the specialised nature of polar expedition cruises, limited accessibility and high operational costs involved in reaching the continent.

The Maldives completed the top five, recording an average daily trip cost of US$1,072. The island nation remains a leading luxury destination, driven by private island resorts, premium accommodation and high-end honeymoon travel.

According to the report, destinations that cater to polar expeditions, island holidays, beach escapes, safaris and wildlife experiences tend to dominate the most expensive travel list.

Beyond the top five, Switzerland ranked sixth, followed by Zimbabwe, Turks and Caicos Islands, Botswana and Anguilla.

The data also showed that some destinations are expensive for different reasons. Antarctica, Botswana and Rwanda recorded some of the highest overall trip costs, while Namibia, Antarctica and Zimbabwe ranked among the most expensive for flights from the United States.

For hotel costs, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos and French Polynesia stood out as the most expensive destinations for average weeknight accommodation.

Meanwhile, Bermuda, the Bahamas and Switzerland were identified as some of the most expensive destinations for everyday food and drink prices.

The report comes as many travellers continue to face higher travel expenses in 2026 due to inflation, rising airfares and stronger demand for premium experiences.

Despite higher prices, travel demand remains strong. The study noted that more than four in 10 American travellers are increasing their travel budgets this year, while nearly one in four are spending more to enjoy a premium travel experience.

For travellers planning luxury or long-haul holidays in 2026, the ranking highlights the importance of early planning, realistic budgeting and comparing total trip costs beyond airfare alone.

While destinations such as Greenland, Antarctica and the Maldives offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they also require significantly larger travel budgets due to access, accommodation, logistics and limited availability.

The latest ranking shows that luxury travel in 2026 is not only defined by five-star resorts, but also by remote landscapes, rare experiences and destinations that are difficult and costly to reach.