Americans spending and venturing destinations in the year 2025
In the year 2025, Americans are venturing out on unforgettable adventures, with a focus on exploration and peace of mind. While the charm of Europe remains popular, Africa and domestic destinations are also attracting big spenders. Here's a look at the top 10 most expensive domestic travel destinations for Americans in 2025, based on cost-of-trip analyses.
## Top 10 Most Expensive US Travel Destinations for Americans in 2025
| Rank | Destination | Notable Cost Drivers | Source | |------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------| | 1 | Aspen, Colorado | Elite ski resorts, luxury lodging, high dining costs| [1][3][5] | | 2 | Santa Barbara, California | Coastal luxury, premium hotels, upscale dining | [3] | | 3 | Anchorage, Alaska | Remote location, high hotel and airfare costs | [3][5] | | 4 | Bar Harbor, Maine | National park gateway, seasonal demand | [3] | | 5 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Remote, high transportation and lodging costs | [3][5] | | 6 | Santa Monica, California | Beachfront luxury, high accommodation and dining | [1] | | 7 | Charleston, South Carolina | Historic charm, boutique hotels, gourmet dining | [1] | | 8 | New York City, New York | Iconic attractions, premium hotels, dining | [3] | | 9 | Asheville, North Carolina | Craft culture, boutique lodgings, dining scene | [3] | | 10 | Taos, New Mexico | Arts destination, remote, boutique accommodations | [3][5] |
Aspen, Colorado, tops the list with an average daily cost approaching $780 per person[1]. Santa Monica and Charleston are standout for their high accommodation and dining expenses, despite relatively lower attraction costs[1]. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Bar Harbor are expensive due to their remoteness and seasonal demand, which drives up lodging and transportation costs[3]. New York City, Asheville, and Taos round out the list, each with notable lodging and dining costs, though overall trip costs are somewhat lower than the very top destinations[3].
## Travel Insurance Implications
Travel insurance premiums are directly tied to the cost of the trip, typically 4–10% of non-refundable expenses[2]. Thus, visiting these destinations would generally result in higher insurance costs, with the average U.S. traveler spending about $21 per day on insurance in 2025[2]. The highest premiums would logically be for trips to Aspen, Santa Barbara, Anchorage, and other destinations at the top of this list.
## Limitations
- This ranking is based on public cost-of-trip data, not proprietary travel insurance company data. - International destinations are not included, as the sources focus on U.S. travel. - Actual travel insurance premiums may vary based on age, coverage level, trip length, and specific itinerary.
While Africa, Antarctica, and lesser-explored parts of South America are driving up costs with luxury safaris, private island escapes, and remote destinations, the average trip cost to Europe is $5,832 per traveler[4]. In 2025, 75% of Americans are planning trips to Europe, with Spain and Germany continuing to draw crowds with their iconic landmarks, food, and culture[4].
For those looking to protect their investments, an upgrade to Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) protection is becoming increasingly popular[6]. CFAR offers flexibility that travelers love: the ability to be reimbursed for up to 75% of non-refundable trip costs, as long as you cancel within 48 hours of departure[5]. However, CFAR protection can increase the cost of travel insurance by 40-60%[6].
As Americans invest in peace of mind for their travels in 2025, it's important to plan smart and travel smarter and safer. Every trip in 2025 deserves to be unforgettable, and the website can help you make the most of your travel budget.
[1] https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/us/aspen-colorado/ [2] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/travelinsurance.asp [3] https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/us/santa-barbara-california/ [4] https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/europe/ [5] https://www.insuremytrip.com/resources/travel-insurance-guides/cancel-for-any-reason/ [6] https://www.insuremytrip.com/resources/travel-insurance-guides/cancel-for-any-reason-insurance-cost/
- For those planning adventure-travel within the United States in 2025, travel insurance costs could be significantly higher due to the expensive nature of some destinations, with Aspen, Colorado, Santa Barbara, California, Anchorage, Alaska, and others potentially being the most costly.
- Although Europe remains a popular destination for travelers, the average trip cost to Europe is relatively lower compared to domestic destinations like Aspen and Santa Barbara, with the average European trip costing around $5,832 per traveler in 2025.
- As Americans continue to prioritize peace of mind in their travel, many are opting for higher-tier travel insurance options like Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) protection, which can provide increased flexibility but also come with higher premiums, potentially increasing the overall travel cost by 40-60%.
