Are you looking for your next vacation destination? If you’re willing to splurge, these unforgettable travel spots might be worth considering.
In a recent study, GoBankingRates analyzed 91 popular tourist destinations in the U.S. to determine the priciest cost of a three-night getaway for two people. The analysis included airfare, meals, and drinks. The locations were sourced from reporting by Travel + Leisure, and the expense data was gathered from the Census Bureau data and Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index.
Aspen, Colorado, known for its ski resorts and stunning mountain views, is ranked as America’s most expensive tourist destination. Couples visiting this alpine paradise can expect to spend an average of $2,708 in total. Airfare accounts for a significant portion of the total cost at $1,341, with hotel accommodations averaging $791 and with meals costing $510, and domestic beer available for around $4.50.
For budget-conscious travelers, Clearwater, Florida, stands out as the most affordable option. This waterfront city offers the best value, with total vacation costs of $1,630 or less for two adults, which includes airfare at $264, lodging of $247, and meals at $446. Domestic beer also costs $4.50.
Here’s what they found to be the ten most expensive tourist destinations:
1. Aspen, Colorado
- Airfare cost for a couple: $1,341
- Total cost of hotel: $791
- Total cost for all meals: $510
- Domestic beer cost: $7.50
- Total cost for vacation: $2,708
Aspen, ColoradoGetty Images
2. Santa Barbara, California
- Airfare cost for a couple: $952
- Total cost of hotel: $830
- Total cost for all meals: $600
- Domestic beer cost: $8
- Total cost for vacation: $2,446
Santa BarbaraGetty Images
3. Anchorage, Alaska
- Airfare cost for a couple: $1,190
- Total cost of hotel: $440
- Total cost for all meals: $600
- Domestic beer cost: $8
- Total cost for vacation: $2,294
Anchorage Alaska downtown skyline.Getty Images
4. Bar Harbor, Maine
- Airfare cost for a couple: $883
- Total cost of hotel: $566
- Total cost for all meals: $720
- Domestic beer cost: $6.25
- Total cost for vacation: $2,224
Town and Harbor of Bar Harbor in Acadia National ParkGetty Images
5. Fairbanks, Alaska
- Airfare cost for a couple: $1,179
- Total cost of hotel: $350
- Total cost for all meals: $563
- Domestic beer cost: $8
- Total cost for vacation: $2,157
Fairbanks, AlaskaGetty Images
6. Portland, Maine
- Airfare cost for a couple: $838
- Total cost of hotel: $538
- Total cost for all meals: $720
- Domestic beer cost: $6.25
- Total cost for vacation: $2,150
Summer at Portland Head LightGetty Images
7. New York City, New York
- Airfare cost for a couple: $878
- Total cost of hotel: $401
- Total cost for all meals: $788
- Domestic beer cost: $8
- Total cost for vacation: $2,134
New York CityGetty Images
8. Asheville, North Carolina
- Airfare cost for a couple: $669
- Total cost of hotel: $765
- Total cost for all meals: $564
- Domestic beer cost: $7.50
- Total cost for vacation: $2,058
Peak Autumn and Fall Colors seen next to a river in Linville Gorge Wilderness near Asheville, North CarolinaGetty Images
9. Seattle, Washington
- Airfare cost for a couple: $819
- Total cost of hotel: $539
- Total cost for all meals: $600
- Domestic beer cost: $8
- Total cost for vacation: $2,024
from Kerry ParkGetty Images
10. Juneau, Alaska
- Airfare cost for a couple: $978
- Total cost of hotel: $600
- Total cost for all meals: $381
- Domestic beer cost: $7
- Total cost for vacation: $2,016
Juneau, AlaskaGetty Images
What’s the most expensive vacation destination in Alabama?
The answer might surprise you.
Birmingham ranks as the 30th most expensive vacation spot. GoBankingRates highlights the Magic City as having one of the most costly airfare costs at $1,010 for a couple. Hotel prices come in at $186, meals $396, and domestic beer costs $6.
The Birmingham skyline at sunset, looking west from the roof of the Elyton Hotel downtown, on Dec. 21, 2021. Birmingham was awarded a nearly $22 million grant to build an urban trail connecting downtown to historic neighborhoods just west of the city center.Greg Garrison
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