How Rich Do You Have To Be To Travel to These 6 Swanky Destinations?

Traveling opens up an entirely new world of possibilities and the opportunity to experience different cultures, cuisines, music, history and more.

But while the average person needs to carefully weigh travel costs with the rest of their budget, those with a high net worth can choose destinations without worrying about the price tag.

If you’ve ever wondered where the wealthy travelers spend their vacations and how rich they need to be to be able to afford them, you’re in the right place.

Here are some of the most expensive travel destinations in the world and the typical net worth of those who vacation there.

• Typical net worth: $5 million+

Antarctica is one of the most expensive — and remote — places in the world, but it requires a good deal of money to make a trip there happen.

“Expeditions to this remote continent offer unparalleled adventure and pristine landscapes. However, the logistical challenges and limited availability drive costs sky-high,” said Aaron Sutherland, the founder of Jetsetter Lifestyle and Jetsetter, a luxury travel company that curates bespoke travel experiences for high-net-worth-individuals.

According to Sutherland, typical costs to Antarctica range from $15,000 to $100,000 or more per person for a two-week expedition.

• Typical net worth: $5 million+

You can find underwater hotels in places like Maldives, Tanzania and the Bahamas. And while some of these hotels are a little more affordable — priced at or around $1,000 — some are geared toward very high-net-worth-individuals.

“A select few underwater hotels offer a truly unique experience, but their limited availability and high operating costs make them extremely expensive,” said Sutherland.

According to him, typical costs range from $5,000 to $20,000 per night.

• Typical net worth: $5 million+

Another swanky destination that draws in the wealthy is Maldives.

“Needless to say, the Maldives is most definitely a destination that is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, and for some clients it is really a status symbol destination,” said Chloe Esme, co-founder of Amazing Escapes, a Maldives travel specialist agency.

“During high season, the airport is dotted with private jets, and celebrities are just another regular traveler.”

Esme added that nightly rates there are some of the highest in the world, reaching $95,000 or more per night in some cases.

• Typical net worth: $10 million+

While you might not need to have a $10 million+ net worth to go on a simple African safari, luxury options are out of reach for all but the wealthiest individuals.

“Bespoke safaris with private guides, luxury lodges and exclusive wildlife encounters come with a premium price tag,” said Sutherland.

Typical costs range from $20,000 to $100,000 or more per person for a two-week safari.

Tracy Thomas, the president of luxury travel company, T Thomas Group, also noted South Africa as being one of the most expensive travel destinations frequented by the affluent.

“Tented safari camps on the best reserves can start at $2,500/night and up for 2 guests. Keep in mind, these are inclusive of food, game drives and some other activities such as entertainment and a sundowner after a long game drive,” she said.

“However, high-net-worth travelers tend to opt in for private game drive vehicles, hot air balloon rides, bottles of fine wine and/or in tent spa treatments, which would rack up the extra costs very quickly,” she continued.

“You also have to factor in the cost of international airfare as well as regional flights. Flying first-class to these destinations from the US will likely cost $10,000 or more per person (probably twice that number).”

And if you choose a place like Uganda or Rwanda to trek gorillas, Thomas said you’ll need to factor in permitting costs. These alone can range from $1,500 to $2,500 per person.

All in all, you can easily expect to spend $100,000 or more on a bespoke trip to Africa.

• Typical net worth: $20 million+

The ultra-rich and private islands are nearly synonymous at this point, so it should come as no surprise that you’d need a high net worth to make such a trip happen.

“Renting an entire island for ultimate privacy and exclusivity is the pinnacle of luxury travel,” added Sutherland. Typical costs range from $100,000 to over $1 million a week.

• Typical net worth: $100 million+

Space tourism is very much reserved for the ultra-rich. Given its exorbitant starting price point, this makes sense.

“While still in its nascent stages, venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere is the new frontier of luxury travel,” said Sutherland. “It is becoming increasingly popular amongst high-net-worth travelers due to accessibility.”

The typical cost of space tourism varies widely, but you can expect it to start at around $450,000 per set to as much as $50 million or more per seat.