A recent study unveils that Aspen, Colorado—renowned for its ski slopes and luxury lifestyle—has overtaken iconic metropolises like New York City as the most expensive tourist destination in the United States, spotlighting shifting trends in travel costs and expectations for both Thai and global tourists. According to a comprehensive cost analysis by GOBankingRates and highlighted by Travel + Leisure, a three-night trip for two adults to Aspen will cost an average of $2,708, factoring in hotels, flights, and meals, representing the pinnacle of pricey travel in 2025. (Travel + Leisure)
This finding holds particular resonance for many Thai travelers who view New York or Los Angeles as the epitome of costly American vacations. The new research challenges these assumptions, underscoring how destinations once considered seasonal, such as Aspen, now command year-round premium prices due to not just their winter sports offerings but also summer outdoor activities, cultural events, and exclusivity. The study’s relevance rises as outbound Thai tourism to the United States steadily recovers post-pandemic, with more families and young adventurers planning trips that balance budget with bucket-list experiences.
GOBankingRates’ methodology involved an analysis of 91 top U.S. destinations as identified by Travel + Leisure; this was narrowed to the 55 most popular cities, then assessed using U.S. Census data and Numbeo’s cost of living tool. The calculations included the combined cost for two adults visiting for three days, eating at both mid-range and affordable restaurants, buying domestic beer, and paying for average hotel rates and flight costs. Their findings positioned Aspen at the top: airfare alone averages over $1,300, while hotels for three nights hover at $791, and meals round out at approximately $510, with additional minor expenses for drinks and entertainment.
Rounding out the list of America’s priciest destinations are Santa Barbara in California, Anchorage and Fairbanks in Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine. Each offers unique attractions, with scenic coasts, northern lights, and small-town charm appealing to domestic and international tourists, albeit at considerable price tags. In contrast, Florida emerges as the most affordable state for tourists, with its major cities averaging $1,630 for a three-night trip—buoyed by lower hotel and meal costs and competitive airline fares. For those seeking the lowest singular indulgence, Branson, Missouri boasts the country’s cheapest average price for a domestic beer at $3.50.
Tourism experts interviewed by Travel + Leisure point out that Aspen’s premium is largely sustained by its status as a playground for celebrities, international visitors, and ultra-wealthy Americans. A senior analyst within the travel industry explains: “Aspen’s appeal extends beyond the winter season. In spring and summer, its landscape is transformed for hikers and culture-seekers. However, whether you are coming for skiing, music festivals, or the iconic autumn foliage, the exclusivity comes with a steep cost.” (Travel + Leisure)
For Thai travelers, familiar names like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco might still define the American dream trip, but reports such as this suggest a recalibration of expectations and travel planning is needed. “Many Thai clients express surprise at how quickly costs escalate in supposedly ‘off-the-beaten-path’ American destinations. Aspen is a prime example,” says a travel consultant from a leading outbound Thai tour operator.
Historically, U.S. tourism costs have fluctuated based on season, exchange rates, and global economic trends. In the past, New York City was often the unquestioned leader in travel expense, with its five-star hotels, theater scene, and gourmet dining. But the rise of experiential, nature-based tourism—now more attractive to affluent, health-conscious travelers worldwide, including Thais—has helped shift luxury travel’s center of gravity toward locations like Aspen. This mirrors similar trends in Asia, where exclusive eco-resorts in Thailand’s Chiang Mai or Phuket are seeing surges in room rates due to international demand, high seasonality, and limited capacity.
Aspen’s ability to maintain premium pricing despite broader inflationary pressures in the travel sector—where airfares and accommodation costs have increased globally post-pandemic—has experts anticipating a continued rise in luxury destination travel. For Thai travel agents, this means advising clients to plan and book well in advance, pay close attention to airfare trends, and be open to alternative destinations if cost is a concern. Comparing Aspen’s costs to those of Thai luxury resorts, hospitality professionals note that even Thailand’s most exclusive properties often remain a better value, particularly for local tourists considering flights, food, and overall expenditure.
Looking ahead, continued growth in demand for exclusive, year-round destinations is expected to further drive up costs in places like Aspen and Santa Barbara. At the same time, more affordable American regions—especially in Florida—may gain popularity among Thai and Asian travelers willing to compromise on elite status for savings. Meanwhile, shifting currency valuations will further influence the cost-benefit calculus for long-haul travelers from Thailand to the United States.
For practical action, Thai tourists preparing for U.S. vacations should research not only iconic cities but also second-tier and emerging destinations that fit within a reasonable budget. Allocating extra time for trip planning, using cost-comparison websites, and seeking package deals that include both airfare and accommodation can deliver significant savings. Those with flexible travel dates may benefit from targeting shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) when prices for hotels and flights can drop significantly, even in traditionally expensive destinations like Aspen.
The ongoing evolution of global travel costs—fueled by changing traveler preferences, economic shifts, and the quest for unique experiences—reminds Thai tourists to look beyond reputation and plan for the realities of rising expenses abroad, especially in destinations whose exclusivity and allure come at a premium.