10 Most Expensive Places to Visit
When is the last time that you took an expensive vacation? With the recent boom in travel bargain sites, most people are seeking out the cheapest deals they can find. Even still, there are some destinations that are way out of the average person's economic reach.
UBS Wealth Management Research, a Swiss-based global financial services company, recently conducted a Regular Prices and Earnings report that separated the deal-breaker destinations from the truly expensive cities. Their study accounted for factors such as currency strength and travel essentials like hotels, food and transportation.
What did they come up with? Well the good news is that the U.S. has become a much more wallet-friendly option when it comes to vacationing, along with some of the world's more popular tourist spots following suit. The bad news is, there are still those spectacular cities that, no matter how many deals you find, you should still try to avoid. Based on the Prices and Earnings report, here are the 10 cities most likely to make a dent in your wallet.
Singapore
According to UBS, this Southern Asia destination grabs the 10th place spot on the current list of most expensive places to visit. The Prices and Earnings report blames the steep price climb on the increasing strength of the Singapore dollar. At an average hotel price of $204 per night, you're sure to have quite a comfortable stay.
Toronto, Canada
The times when Americans would make their way up to Canada to take advantage of the desirable exchange rate are long gone. These days, going up north is going to cost you money -- more than you think. With the average hotel price at $133 per night, this maple leaf destination has climbed to the number nine spot on the Prices and Earnings report list of the most expensive cities.
Helsinki, Finland
Coming in at number eight, Helsinki hasn't seemed to notice that the rest of Europe is in somewhat of an economic crisis. But don't cross this city off your list just yet. According to Bloomberg, the Euro recession might have finally caught up to Finland. Even still, with an average hotel price of $163 per night, this city could cost you a pretty penny.
Sydney, Australia
Swanky Sydney, Australia placed seventh on UBS' list, due in part to their dollar's steady rise in worth. Although it could be compared with the U.S., our dollar has gotten weaker, while theirs has gotten stronger. It's really no wonder why. This place just looks expensive.
2 – Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan (166)
Stockholm, Sweden
Consider Stockholm to be leaps and bounds away from any recession that might be affecting its European neighbors. Landing smack dab in the middle of the Prices and Earnings report, at number five, Stockholm’s strong economy has become a “Keep-Out” sign for bargain savvy travelers. While the unfavorable exchange rate is mostly to blame, it’s the average hotel price ($190) that also scares many tourists.
Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the most consistently expensive cities, Copenhagen’s price levels haven’t been affected by the European recession. At number four, the capital of Denmark has dropped only one place since the last Prices and Earnings report. With its antique shops, intimate restaurants and cozy coffee bars, Copenhagen is sure to leave quite an impression on your bank account.
Geneva, Switzerland
By separating itself from the Euro, Geneva’s Franc has been able to remain a strong currency throughout the recession. According to the Prices and Earnings report, which places the Swiss city at number three, Switzerland’s residents benefit most from what are some of the bulkiest paychecks in the world. And while that doesn’t make it a bad place to live, it does make it a horrible idea for a vacation with a budget.
Zurich, Switzerland
The second Swiss city on Prices and Earnings report comes in at number two. Zurich surpasses Geneva by just one spot due to the steep price jumps that take place during the summer time. Also a desirable place for skiers during the winter time, Zurich’s nearby Alps make it a year-round hot spot for big time spenders.
5 – Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway (156)
