Based on your own views, where do you think an American would vacation the most? Probably Europe… the Amalfi Coast, the French Riviera, or some pampering on the other side of the English Channel. Surprisingly, the answer is Rwanda according to an article by Faye Travel Insurance.
According to the article, Rwanda is the most expensive place to travel on Earth, standing at $18,417 per person. Directly below it are the Seychelles, Botswana, Kenya, Antarctica, Namibia, the Falkland Islands, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa. There are no layover or overly travelable locations. All of these are once in a lifetime, spanning safaris, private islands, and hidden remote journeys.
Comparing to Mexico, Spain, and Germany, as well as the other European staples like Italy, France, or the UK, travelable locations seem overly cheap. For most travelers, this price is the difference between a realistic and a dream trip.
So, why is it that Rwanda has the highest price? It is a matter of exclusivity. The market is flooded with scarce, costly permits, with the lodges offering accommodation crowned with five stars, that are deep, very deep within the jungle. With guided safaris and luxe transfers, the cost reaches its peak in a hurry.
Here are the 10 most expensive destinations listed by Faye Travel Insurance:
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Rwanda: average cost of $18,417 per person, known for its exclusive gorilla trekking experiences and luxury jungle lodges.
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Seychelles: average cost of $15,775 with resorts set on private islands and surrounded by colorful reefs and azure waters.
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Botswana: average cost of $15,619. The country is home to the most magnificent safari experiences.
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Kenya: average cost of $15,251, remains the crowned jewel for its Great Migration and Masai Mara.
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Antarctica: average cost of $14,491. Why? Is “off-limits” behind a complex route of a long expedition.
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Namibia: average cost of $14,147. Famous for its vast deserts, dramatic sand dunes, and remote luxury camps.
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Falkland Islands: average cost of $14,037, offering rugged landscapes, penguin colonies, and secluded exploration.
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Zimbabwe: average cost of $13,925, home to Victoria Falls and upscale safari adventures.
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Tanzania: average cost of $13,092, known for the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and luxury wildlife lodges.
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South Africa: average cost of $12,725, combining world-class safaris, vibrant cities, and wine country.
This type of vacation is aimed at travelers with high purchasing power, of course, who seek exclusive experiences in natural environments that are difficult to access.
Europe and beyond: Where Americans still love to go
While the allurement of exotic luxury is attractive, Europe remains the whitest beaten path for American tourists, and the reasons are apparent. Italy, France, and the United Kingdom offer culture, history, and cuisine for below $6,000, which is cheaper than what a luxury safari would cost.
The same is true for Mexico, Germany, and Spain, whose extensive air travel, accommodation, and infrastructure make the region very easy and affordable to travel to.
From sipping wine in Italy’s Tuscan countryside, to castle exploring in Bavaria all the way to the inviting beaches of the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, these exotic and luxurious destinations are much more within reach than what Americans hedging a bet would suspect.
Exclusivity or accessibility?
The report by Faye Travel Insurance brings about quite the contrast in types of travel. The world of travel can be very different between Rwanda, Botswana, or Antarctica with their secluded lands and beauty, hefty price for their remoteness and wild experiences vs Spain, Mexico, or France which offers accessibility at much lower rates.
Whether comfortable or wild, the other side of the world holds boundless new adventures and stories to be discovered. The only other question is: how far are you willing to dive into your pocket for the cause?