The Most Expensive Vacation Splurges — And How Much They Cost
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Some people save up for a nice dinner. Others drop more money on a single vacation than most people make in a year. Potato, potato. If you’ve ever wondered what the ultra-wealthy splurge on when they travel, buckle up because these price tags might make your jaw drop all the way to the floor, but don’t worry, there’s a private butler that will pick it back up for you.
We’re talking about trips that cost more than luxury cars, private jets that run $100,000 for a single flight and hotel rooms with nightly rates that exceed many people’s annual salary. These aren’t just vacations; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that only the world’s richest can afford, darling.
The $2.2 Million World Cruise
The most expensive vacation package ever created costs a staggering $2.2 million for two people. This 140-day world cruise takes place aboard the Regent Seven Seas Splendor, where guests stay in a 4,443 square foot ultra-luxury suite while visiting six continents, 40 countries and 71 ports.
That breaks down to roughly $9,500 per night for the couple. The price includes business class flights, a pre-cruise luxury hotel package, personal chauffeurs and guides for 486 shore excursions, and a week-long stay in the most expensive hotel room in New York at The Mark Hotel’s penthouse suite.
During the cruise, staff will serve 14,000 bottles of champagne, 13,000 pounds of lobster and 150 pounds of caviar. The suite comes with its own spa, bar, grand piano and personal butler.
Private Jet Charters That Can Cost More Than Houses
Chartering a private jet for your vacation can easily cost more than most people’s homes. Ultra-luxury VIP airliners like the Boeing Business Jets cost between $16,000 to $23,000 per flight hour.
For context, a five-hour flight from New York to Los Angeles on a mid-sized Gulfstream G150 costs between $30,000 to $35,000. The same journey in a Cessna Citation X can run over $40,000.
That’s just for transportation. Add in custom catering (which can cost $600 to $1,000 for lunch for four passengers), ground transportation ($100 to $1,000 based on your needs), and various airport fees, and you’re looking at serious money just to get to your destination.
Hotel Suites That Cost More Than Cars
One of the most expensive hotel rooms is the Empathy Suite Sky Villa at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, which costs $50,000 per night with a two-night minimum. Designed by artist Damien Hirst, this two-story art installation includes original works, a cantilevered pool and 24-hour butler service.
If Vegas isn’t your style, the Royal Penthouse Suite at Hotel President Wilson in Geneva runs $75,000-$80,000 per night. This 18,083-square-foot space takes up the entire top floor and features 12 bedrooms, bulletproof windows, a Steinway grand piano and the world’s biggest TV screen at 103 inches.
For something slightly more “affordable,” The Mark Hotel’s penthouse in New York costs $75,000 per night. At 10,000 square feet, it’s literally the size of a mansion and includes five bedrooms, a ballroom-sized living room and a rooftop terrace overlooking Central Park.
Superyacht Charters That Rival Small Countries’ Budgets
Renting a superyacht for a week can cost anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the size and luxury level. The most expensive superyachts, like the 312-foot O’Pari with its custom artwork and DJ booth, cost $1.85 million per week.
These prices only cover the yacht and crew. You’ll need to add an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of about 30%-35% of the charter fee to cover food, drinks, fuel, port fees and other expenses. Don’t forget the customary crew gratuity of 10%-15% of the charter fee either.
So that $1.85 million yacht could easily cost over $2.5 million for the week when you factor in all expenses and tips.
Private Island Getaways Where Money Is No Object
If you want ultimate privacy, you can rent entire private islands. Musha Cay in the Bahamas, owned by magician David Copperfield, costs over $50,000 per night and you must rent the entire 700-acre island. The island features white sand beaches, heated pools, a tennis court and accommodations for up to 24 people.
Laucala Island in Fiji offers similar exclusivity at around $150,000 per night. You get total access to 25 overwater villas, a private golf course and meals prepared by world-renowned chefs. The island provides speedboat fleets, underwater wine cellars and open-air cinemas.
More From GOBankingRates
