Greenland surpasses Maldives to top the list of most expensive travel destinations.
Squaremouth, a US travel insurance comparison platform, has just released its ranking of the world's most expensive travel destinations for 2026. The results show that Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark since the 19th century) tops the list with an average cost of approximately $1,700 per day per tourist.
To compile this ranking, Squaremouth analyzed common spending habits at 50 destinations worldwide, including travel costs, accommodation, and other incidental expenses incurred during a trip.
What makes Greenland one of the most expensive destinations lies in its hotel prices and unique geographical location. This Arctic island is isolated, making travel to and from it significantly more costly than to other destinations.
Furthermore, domestic travel is inconvenient. Due to the lack of a road network connecting towns and villages, tourists primarily rely on air or boat travel. Most goods and services must be transported from outside the region, leading to higher prices. The limited number of hotels and guesthouses also contributes significantly to the high cost of accommodation.
Nevertheless, Greenland remains a dream destination for many nature lovers. It is famous for its massive glaciers, verdant hills in summer , diverse wildlife including polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, whales... and unique Inuit culture.
Many luxury resorts made it into the top 10.
Coming in second on the list is the British Virgin Islands. According to Squaremouth, the main reason for the high cost of accommodation in this Caribbean destination is the price of lodging. It's known for its high-end resorts, luxury villas, and yacht rentals, primarily catering to high-spending travelers.
Third place goes to French Polynesia. This region comprises 121 islands and atolls located across five archipelagos in the South Pacific. Its remote geographical location and focus on high-end resort tourism, particularly targeting the honeymoon market, keep costs consistently high.
Among the top 10 most expensive destinations, French Polynesia also has the highest accommodation costs. Additionally, much of the food, wine, and luxury goods must be transported by air, significantly increasing the overall cost of the trip.
Antarctica ranks fourth. It's a destination only accessible through specialized expeditions at very high prices. To reach Antarctica, travelers typically fly to Ushuaia, Argentina, and then continue their journey by expedition ship to one of the world's most remote regions.
Ranked fifth is the Maldives, an island nation renowned for its luxury resorts and primarily catering to the high-spending segment of the traveler community.
The remaining positions in the top 10 are occupied by Switzerland , Zimbabwe, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Meanwhile, Botswana, Anguilla, and Saint Lucia are all tied for 10th place in the ranking of the world's most expensive travel destinations in 2026.