Most Expensive Holiday: What It Costs and Why You Might Skip It

Ever hear about holidays that cost more than most people’s houses? We’re not talking about your typical beach break or city escape. There are getaways out there where just booking the room will make your bank account sweat. So, what actually makes a holiday insanely expensive? And why do some people pay it?

Sometimes it’s the destination itself—think private islands in Fiji or underwater suites in the Maldives. Other times, it’s about what’s included: helicopter rides, personal chefs, even a team of staff just for you. But crazy price tags don’t always mean better memories. Every euro spent can either bring a wow-factor or just vanish into something you barely notice once you’re home.

Before you go googling 'how to rent your own castle,' it’s good to know what you’re really paying for. Is luxury just about the money—or could a cheap holiday be just as epic? Let’s look at what makes these holidays so pricey, and why you might want to keep your wallet closed for the next flight out.

• Why Do Some Holidays Cost So Much?
• Peek Inside the Most Expensive Vacation
• Price Tags: Shocking Figures
• Are They Worth the Money?
• Luxury vs. Budget: What’s the Real Difference?
• How to Save on Your Next Getaway

Why Do Some Holidays Cost So Much?

There’s no sugarcoating it—some holidays come with absolutely wild price tags. If you’ve noticed that the most expensive holiday packages are often sold out regardless of cost, you’re not alone. But what actually jacks up the prices to those sky-high levels?

First, it’s all about exclusivity. Private islands or remote lodges in Antarctica only let a handful of guests in at a time. The harder it is to get there or book a spot, the more you pay. On top of that, personalized service costs big bucks. Ultra-luxury resorts might give you your own butler, chef, and even a driver on call 24/7.

Then there’s the location and what it takes to keep things running. Ever think about how food gets to a floating villa in the Maldives? Sometimes it’s literally flown in! Transport costs skyrocket for places that are far off the grid.

• Transport: Think private jets, yacht charters, or helicopters—not economy class flights.
• Accommodation: Unbelievable suites with infinity pools, underwater views, or palaces decked out with gold fixtures.
• Service: A private team making sure all you do is relax. That includes butlers, chefs, and security.
• Experiences: Whether it’s private safaris, exclusive dinners by a celeb chef, or diving on untouched reefs, these trips offer things regular tours can’t.

Here’s a quick look at what bumps up the bill on these kinds of holidays:

It’s not just the basics—everything from the thread count in your sheets to the type of caviar at breakfast is top shelf, and you’re footing the bill. For people who can afford it, the high price buys bragging rights and stress-free, over-the-top memories. If this seems way out there, you’re not alone—but it’s wild to see how far people will go (and pay) for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Peek Inside the Most Expensive Vacation

If you’ve ever wondered what the world’s most expensive holiday really looks like, it’s not just first-class flights and fancy hotels. Think bigger—like renting an entire private island with a staff ready to cater to your every mood. The “Lover’s Deep Submarine” experience in St. Lucia often tops the charts for extravagance, costing around $150,000 per night. You literally get a luxury submarine that doubles as your hotel, and a chef onboard who’ll whip up anything you crave.

Another wild example is the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience. Guests hop between cities like Kyoto, Marrakech, and the Galapagos in a customized Boeing 757, with prices starting at $190,000 per person for a 24-day trip. You don’t see a regular airport lounge or commercial check-in the whole time.

According to Forbes, "Ultra-luxury holidays are all about exclusivity, privacy, and going beyond what money typically buys—think personal fireworks shows and rare access to UNESCO sites after hours."

These holidays come with a ridiculous amount of perks, like:

• Private butlers and chefs available 24/7
• Unlimited spa treatments
• Personalized tours with no crowds
• Chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royces
• Access to remote areas not open to regular tourists

You probably won’t bump into anyone else, because most of these vacation spots keep guest numbers super low. That means no long buffet lines or fighting for a decent sunbed.

*Per night, based on a 24-day itinerary

People shell out for these trips because, for them, it’s about things you can’t get with regular cash—total privacy, bucket-list moments, and not having to think about logistics at all. If your biggest problem on holiday is picking between caviar or lobster for breakfast, you’re definitely not living the average tourist life.

Price Tags: Shocking Figures

Let’s look at some actual numbers—because the most expensive holiday isn’t just a splash of cash, it’s a tsunami. Right now, the priciest package on record is the “Around the World by Private Jet” trip offered by Four Seasons. It starts at a jaw-dropping $190,000 per person for about 24 days. If you’re traveling as a couple, that’s nearly $400,000—before you even pick a souvenir.

If that sounds wild, the “Explorations by Abercrombie & Kent” private jet journeys go for up to $165,000 per person. Want something even fancier? Renting the Necker Island in the Caribbean, Richard Branson’s private playground, can cost at least $128,000 per night for you and up to 47 buddies. That’s not a typo. Check the table to see how these dream trips stack up:

But what do you really get for these wild prices besides bragging rights? Think gourmet meals whipped up by celebrity chefs, guided tours led by historians, staying in presidential suites, and never having to wait in line. Some luxury tours even include a personal photographer to snap your Instagram stories for you, so you never have to ask a stranger to take your picture. The most expensive holiday brings stuff you don’t even know you want—until you see the bill.

Just for comparison, you could do a two-week European trip—with flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing—for less than $3,000. That’s less than what some of these travelers spend just tipping their butlers. And that’s worth thinking about if you’re aiming to go big on memories, not zeros on your statement.

Are They Worth the Money?

So, let’s get real: is dropping hundreds of thousands on the world’s most expensive holiday ever really worth it? That depends on what you value most when you travel. For some folks, the bragging rights alone—the Instagram shots in your private infinity pool, the chef on call 24/7—might make it feel worth every penny. But there’s more to the story.

If you look at what these luxury packages come with, sometimes they pile on things you could never do on a normal trip. We’re talking about renting an entire private island, having personalized diving guides, or VIP tickets to exclusive events. In 2022, one travel agency famously offered an around-the-world private jet tour for $1.5 million per couple, stopping at spots like Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, Easter Island, and more—all in just 24 days. For the ultra-rich, the zero-hassle, white-glove service is the main draw.

But here’s something that doesn’t make the brochures: studies show that travel happiness doesn’t always scale with spending. In a 2023 report by Booking.com, 87% of travelers said unique activities and authentic food mattered more to them than luxury extras. Basically, while a gold-plated bathroom looks cool, you might get the same buzz from a killer street food tour in Bangkok or a mountain hike in Peru.

For those who like numbers, here’s a peek at what you get (and pay) in one extreme example:

The jump is wild, right? But when you break it down, a lot of cash goes to things most travelers end up skipping. You can still hit the same bucket-list spots for a fraction of the price—just minus the celebrity perks.

At the end of the day, whether these splurges are worth it comes down to priorities. If total privacy, 5-star everything, and zero planning appeal to you—and you’ve got the money—go for it. For most of us, though, spending smart means more trips, more fun, and maybe even more stories to tell. There’s nothing wrong with dreaming, but always do the math before trading that year’s adventures for one mega-holiday.

Luxury vs. Budget: What’s the Real Difference?

At first glance, luxury and budget holidays seem worlds apart. In reality, the main contrasts are about service, space, and experience—not just the price tag. On a luxury trip, expect things like butlers, private pools, customized tours, and personal drivers. The top suites at places like the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, for example, come with gold-plated iPads and a fleet of Rolls-Royces at your disposal. For a budget getaway, think more along the lines of reliable public transport, cozy hostels, and group tours where you meet other travelers.

If you break down the costs, a seven-night stay at North Island in Seychelles—a spot famous for royal honeymoons—can hit €80,000, including private villas, personal chefs, and exclusive excursions. Swap that for a hostel in Lisbon and a few local meals, and you’ll get by for under €300, and you’ll still soak up culture and sunshine. The most expensive holiday usually covers extreme privacy, one-on-one attention, and zero crowds. Meanwhile, budget holidays focus on stretching your money: shared spaces, local food, and do-it-yourself adventures.

Here’s how the two usually stack up:

• Accommodation: Luxury: private villas, penthouses, or overwater bungalows. Budget: hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs.
• Food: Luxury: Michelin-starred dining or personal chefs. Budget: street food, local bistros, or supermarket picnics.
• Transport: Luxury: helicopters, limos, or first-class flights. Budget: buses, trains, and budget airlines.
• Activities: Luxury: exclusive safaris, VIP tours, private boat trips. Budget: self-guided hikes, museum free days, group pub crawls.

Sounds tempting, right? But is the splurge worth it? According to a 2023 report from Skift, “Most travelers remember moments over amenities. The feeling of adventure and discovery sticks longer than thread count or gold taps.”

“True value comes from memories, not marble floors or high thread counts.” — Skift Research, 2023

At the end of the day, both types of travel can bring brag-worthy stories and envy-inducing photos. The trick is deciding if you’d rather pay for pure comfort or more days on the road. For a lot of people, the best holiday is the one they’re still talking about a year later—not the one that drained their savings in a week.

How to Save on Your Next Getaway

A lot of folks want a big holiday but don’t want to blow their budget. The good news is you don’t need unlimited cash to have a trip worth bragging about. Here are some smart ways to cut costs and still come home with awesome stories.

• Book early or super late: Flights and hotels usually get cheaper when you book well in advance or grab a last-minute deal. For example, research from Skyscanner in early 2024 showed that booking flights 6 months ahead saved travelers up to 22% compared to peak prices.
• Use price-tracking tools: Set up alerts on Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Hopper. They’ll ping you when prices drop so you can snag the best deal.
• Travel in the off-season: Avoid school holidays and public holidays. Going in May instead of July (for many Europe trips) can cut your hotel costs nearly in half.
• Be flexible about where you go: Instead of fixating on one spot, compare a few different destinations. Sometimes swapping Paris for Prague or the Maldives for Bali can save hundreds—maybe thousands.
• Skip the fancy extras: Airport transfers, spa packages, and guided tours booked through hotels always have a markup. Google for independent options—often cheaper and more unique.
• Use reward points and cashback: If you’ve got a credit card, check for points or cashback deals on travel bookings. It adds up, especially for families.
• Pack smart and avoid baggage fees: Budget airlines charge for every little thing, so keep it to one bag. Every €30 bag fee avoided = more treats on your trip.

Here’s a look at how playing it smart on timing, location, and extras can make a difference. Check out the example savings below:

If you take a little time to plan, your next cheap holiday could end up being the highlight of your year—and you won’t be paying it off until the next one.