This is the most expensive holiday destination for 2026

Taking a holiday is never exactly a cheap thing to do – especially these days – but some vacations are definitely more expensive than others.

For most of us, those are the bucket list holidays, like chartering a yacht to a private island, journeying into the heart of Antarctica, or embarking on a charter jet safari.

According to a new ranking from Squaremouth, Greenland is the most expensive place in the world to take a holiday.

The travel insurance marketplace crunched the numbers and compiled common expenses in 50 destinations around the world to find which were the most expensive.

Greenland ranks so highly due to its remoteness. You’re forking out a ton of cash just to get there – flights in and out of the Arctic island are notoriously expensive. Once you arrive, expect to spend about $1700 per day.

There are no roads connecting Greenland’s towns and villages, so you need to fly or take a boat to get around.

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Everyday goods are costly because it’s so isolated, and the small number of hotels and guesthouses means you’re paying a premium for accommodation, too.

That being said, it’s a stunning holiday destination if you can afford it. A nature-lover’s paradise, Greenland is home to polar bears, muskoxen, reindeer, and whales, with staggering glaciers, lush green hillsides in summer, and a rich local Inuit culture.

The British Virgin Islands ranked number two on the list, due mostly to its exorbitant hotel rates. The Caribbean getaway is a haven for rich holidaymakers, where luxury resorts, private villas, and sailing charters abound.

The islands also run on the USD, making things especially pricey for Australian visitors.

At number three sits French Polynesia, a group of 121 islands and atolls across five archipelagos, including Tahiti and Bora Bora.

The high price tag here comes as a result of its ultra-remote location in the South Pacific, and its tendency to cater to high-end honeymoon luxury style travel.

Of all the destinations in the top ten, French Polynesia comes out on top when it comes to accommodation costs.

Nearly all luxury amenities, including food and wine, must be flown in, driving up the cost of everything even more.

Fourth is Antarctica, which is impossible to visit without paying a huge premium to get there. It’s not your typical holiday.

First, you need to fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, then board a specialised expedition ship to one of the most remote places on Earth.

The Maldives came in fifth place, another far-flung luxury island destination that caters primarily to travellers with very deep pockets.

The most expensive holiday destinations for 2026

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The cities to avoid if you're trying to plan a budget holiday

1. Greenland
2. British Virgin Islands
3. French Polynesia
4. Antarctica
5. Maldives
6. Switzerland
7. Zimbabwe
8. Turks and Caicos Islands
9. Three-way tie between Botswana, Anguilla, and Saint Lucia