For most travelers, destinations end up being where the budget leads, budget backpacking through local wonders are the average traveler’s yearly getaway and every other year or so after carefully saving up, a trip to an exotic or budget friendly bucket list destination becomes possible. But what does a traveler’s destination look like when there is no budget?
10 Expensive destinations and why they require no budget
United Kingdom – Royal palaces, historic museums, iconic train rides and sky-high hotels. Travelers start saving, as English standards for travelling are high; even a visit to a pub for a simple meal can cost you around $15, and with no budget, you simply pay for the privilege.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands – Take the entire family and extended family; this island has private chefs, spa therapists and water sport crews. Recent rate information shows whole-island stays for up to 48 guests in 24 rooms from around $140,000 per night, giving you exclusive use of the island.
United Arab Emirates – For the ultra-wealthy, a single night’s stay in the Royal Mansion — one of the world’s most expensive hotel suites at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai — will run you about $100,000 per night. Outshining many regional rivals, most travelers’ wallets will not survive a trip as lavish as this.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia – A true gem nestled in the South Pacific, it is the epitome of luxury; despite its high price tag, the allure of exclusive overwater bungalows with clear floor panels ensures you’re always connected to the sea life below.
St. Moritz, Switzerland – Polo on the frozen lake, designer boutiques, and heli-skiing make this a byword for Swiss sophistication in travel.
Seychelles – Jaw-dropping beauty—and prices to match. Just off Africa’s coast, this magical island nation has resorts where nightly rates can reach $1,000 or more.
Maldives – Private villas floating above a dazzling lagoon or secluded beaches with views made from dreams; travelling here sets the bar for travelling luxuriously.
Greenland – Although politically associated with Denmark, Greenland stands out as a luxury destination, with typical daily travel budgets often reaching several hundred dollars per traveler.
Lanai, Hawaii (USA) – With private golf courses and private-chef experiences, Lanai is often overlooked by mainstream travelers but offers ultra-luxury retreats.
Greece – On some of the most sought-after islands, renting a lounge chair for the day can cost far more than many budget travelers spend daily on vacation, with premium beach clubs charging well into the hundreds of dollars for front-row spots.
Conclusion
Travelling is an experience no matter what the budget, but for the world’s most discerning travelers, these destinations are meticulously designed for those who, well, acquire a lavish experience instead of a simple break or relaxing getaway.
Sources
- Coverage of Necker Island’s exclusive, whole-island stays and pricing for up to 48 guests.
- Necker Island official/luxury listing with current “from” nightly rates and capacity.
- Feature on Necker Island as Richard Branson’s private retreat, confirming its ultra-luxury positioning.
- Article and gallery on the Royal Mansion at Atlantis The Royal as one of the world’s most expensive suites, around $100,000 per night.
- Additional report on the Royal Mansion detailing amenities and 100,000‑USD pricing and “world’s most expensive” framing.
- Greenland travel guide outlining that Greenland is a high-cost destination with typical daily budgets in the several-hundred-dollar range for many travelers.