Squaremouth Survey Reveals the World’s Most Expensive Travel Destinations in 2024: Africa, Antarctica, and Oceania Lead as Top Choices for Luxury Travelers

Published on November 14, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, Squaremouth.com, the nation’s leading travel insurance comparison site, has revealed the world’s most expensive destinations for luxury travelers in 2024. This year, the top 10 destinations saw an increase in spending, with trips to Africa, Antarctica, French Antarctic Territories, and the islands of Oceania reaching new heights in cost.

Travelers Spend Millions on High-Cost Destinations

More than 15,000 travelers spent over $82 million to visit these top 10 expensive destinations, with an increase of 43% in spending compared to 2023. The average cost per trip to these luxurious locations was over $16,000, which is 3.4 times higher than the average spend for travelers this year.

Rising Costs and Changing Travel Trends

Despite the allure of these costly destinations, high travel expenses have begun to dissuade some travelers. Tourism to these high-cost areas has dropped by 27% in 2024, while destinations with an average trip cost under $6,000 saw a 18% increase in travel.

Africa Dominates as the Most Expensive Destination

For more than 15 years, Africa has consistently ranked as one of the most expensive travel regions. This year, Djibouti, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic, and Tanzania were the top five most expensive countries in Africa to visit.

Djibouti has seen the highest cost increase, more than tripling from the previous year, making it the most costly destination on the continent.

Top 10 Most Expensive Destinations of 2024:

The Value of Travel Insurance for Expensive Trips

Traveling to these costly destinations means investing significantly in both experiences and travel insurance. The average premium for insuring trips to the top 10 most expensive destinations was $841, which is 4% lower than in 2023. Despite the high travel costs, the cost of insurance was only 6.4% of the average trip price, making it a smart investment for travelers.