A new 2025 travel-cost survey has turned the usual vacation expectations on their head. Aspen, Colorado, rises to No. 1 as the most expensive U.S. vacation destination for a three-night getaway, beating famously pricey coastal towns and even Hawaii. The ranking lists Aspen, Santa Barbara, Anchorage, Bar Harbor, and Fairbanks as the top five, with Hawaii sitting well down at No. 20. The study drew from multiple travel and cost-of-living sources and simulated a three-night itinerary for two adults, including meals, modest lodging, and average airfare to the nearest gateway. The result is a telling snapshot of how expensive certain American getaways have become, driven by demand, seasonal pricing, and the unique mix of lodging, dining, and activities in each locale.
For readers in Thailand, the findings land with a practical thud: a dream destination can quickly become a budget hurdle, especially when flights to the United States already stretch savings. The survey’s broader context matters here too. Inflation and demand have shifted price structures across the hospitality and leisure sectors, but the way costs accumulate in elite mountain towns, wine-country havens, and Arctic-adjacent hubs reveals a pattern. Lodging dominates the expense sheet in Aspen, where room rates spike alongside lift-ticket prices in peak season; Santa Barbara commands premium coastal real estate, high-end dining, and wine-tasting experiences; Anchorage blends urban amenities with access to Alaska’s famed wilderness, elevating hotel and tour costs; Bar Harbor taps Acadia National Park’s enduring draw with seasonal traffic and seafood-driven meals; and Fairbanks capitalizes on unique aurora viewing and cultural offerings that attract a global crowd during the northern summers and winters.
The ranking matters because it challenges common assumptions about “expensive” travel. Hawaii, long seen as the quintessential costly escape, is not always the top of mind for the average traveler when the data is parsed through a specific, time-bound itinerary. For Thai families considering international trips, the contrast is instructive: costs can balloon not just from hotel bills but from transport, activities, and peak-season dining. In this sense, the list helps travelers recalibrate expectations and plan more strategically, whether chasing a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a more modest, value-conscious vacation elsewhere. It also underscores the importance of timing, route optimization, and the growing role of seasonality in shaping what an affordable three-night break looks like in the United States.
Aspen anchors the list at No. 1, and its appeal is multi-layered. It isn’t only about world-class skiing; it’s a year-round destination with hiking among alpine wildflowers in the summer and a renowned food-and-wourstory scene that draws culinary visitors from around the globe. The snow-dusted mountains, luxury lodges, and a roster of high-profile events—such as food and wine gatherings that put Aspen on the international dining map—push up both lodging and experiential costs. For Thais planning a trip, Aspen’s high price tag illustrates a broader point: premium destinations monetize exclusivity through a combination of high occupancy, limited inventory, and aspirational experiences. Yet the city also serves as a reminder that extraordinary landscapes can be enjoyed on tighter budgets by choosing timing more carefully, selecting alternative lodging options, and prioritizing free or low-cost outdoor activities like scenic trails and public events.
Santa Barbara, No. 2 on the list, embodies the “American Riviera” through its temperate climate, Mediterranean vibe, and wine-country allure. The city’s hotels sit at premium price points, while dining and winery tours command hefty reads on the travel ledger. For Thai travelers used to tropical or temple-rich itineraries, Santa Barbara represents a different kind of beauty—more about coastal cliffs, vineyard paths, and sunlit harbors than palm-shaded beaches. The cost structure highlights how coastal regions, even outside the glamour capitals, can demand a higher daily budget due to real estate, seasonal demand, and premium restaurant scenes. Visitors can still craft meaningful experiences by focusing on self-guided wine trails, free coastal walks, and off-peak hours for popular attractions to stretch their baht further.
Anchorage, ranked No. 3, challenges the assumption that Alaska is all about rugged hinterlands and off-grid lodges. The city’s status as a cosmopolitan hub with museums, dining, and cultural centers, paired with access to iconic wilderness, creates a diversified price ecosystem. Lodging near downtown, specialty tours, and ship-and-rail adventures contribute to a higher three-night price tag than some might expect. For Thai travelers, Anchorage illustrates a practical lesson: affordability in a premium destination often hinges on choosing the right mix of urban amenities and nature activities, booking in advance, and leveraging local operators that bundle experiences. Alaska’s appeal—its Indigenous heritage, craft breweries, and scenic viewpoints—also speaks to a growing trend among travelers seeking immersive experiences that blend culture with nature.
Bar Harbor, the gateway to Acadia National Park, No. 4, leans on a classic Northeast charm. The small seaside town attracts visitors with historic inns, fresh seafood, and access to one of America’s premier national parks. The three-night cost there reflects the premium placed on seasonal seafood cuisine, boutique shopping, and park-based excursions. For Thai readers, Bar Harbor offers a model of travel that foregrounds natural beauty and relaxed pacing. It’s a reminder that cost isn’t solely a function of distance from a major metro; it’s also about how destinations price experience, from guided tours to evenings by the harbor. A practical takeaway is to calibrate plans to local calendar rhythms, seek bundled deals, and consider staying in nearby towns where front-facing prices may be gentler yet access to Acadia remains straightforward.
Fairbanks, No. 5, anchors the Alaska narrative in a different light: the Midnight Sun Festival, aurora viewing, and a cultural center that celebrates Indigenous heritage. The appeal is twofold—phenomenal natural phenomena and a surprisingly robust urban scene with museums, theaters, and dining. The cost picture reflects Alaska’s transportation realities and the premium placed on unique experiences that can’t be easily replicated elsewhere. For Thai travelers, Fairbanks underscores the value of timing and destination selection when the goal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience rather than a routine beach vacation. It also illustrates how a destination’s seasonality—be it aurora-dazzled nights or sunlit summers—can dramatically shape price trajectories within a short window.
Beyond the top five, the survey notes that Hawaii sits at No. 20, with Honolulu cited as hosting the world’s highest tourist tax in some segments. That tax wrinkle adds another layer to the cost calculus for Thai families considering multi-destination trips that include Hawaii. The broader message is clear: tax, fees, and local pricing strategies are integral to the true cost of a vacation, sometimes more so than flight distance or famous reputation. The tourism economy—driven by demand, seasonal pricing, and a mosaic of experiences—continues to recalibrate what constitutes accessible luxury. For Thai readers, this means smarter choice architecture: identifying value within a premium experience, leveraging off-peak opportunities, and balancing once-in-a-lifetime goals with family budgets.
From a Thailand-focused perspective, these findings intersect with domestic realities and travel aspirations. Thai families increasingly seek meaningful travel that blends culture, learning, and relaxation, sometimes prioritizing experiences over simply checking destinations off a list. When planning international trips, many Thai travelers weigh currency exchange rates, visa processes, and travel insurance as central pillars of budget planning. The Aspen-Santa Barbara-Bar Harbor-Fairbanks connect-the-dots narrative offers a cautionary tale: even destinations famed for beauty can escalate quickly in price when peak-season demand collides with high-end accommodations and premium experiences. This is where local knowledge and long-term planning come into play. Thai travel agencies and tour operators can help families map cost-effective routes, suggest value-packed itineraries, and bundle accommodations with activities to maximize every baht. In addition, Thai travelers may consider leveraging loyalty programs, booking through reputable operators with transparent pricing, and exploring alternative gateways or nearby towns that offer similar scenery and experiences at lower rates.
Culturally, the Thai approach to travel—often a family-centered, respectful journey that values safety, comfort, and shared experiences—aligns well with the kind of mindful budgeting these destinations demand. The principle of “keeping the family safe and content” translates into prudent choices about lodging locations, meal plans, and daily activities. When Thai travelers plan for expensive destinations in the United States, it makes sense to discuss and deliberate as a family unit, much as families in Thai society might discuss major decisions with elders and respected family members. In practice, this means building in buffer times for rest, seeking subsidized or free cultural experiences, and prioritizing activities that provide lasting value—such as national park access, museum days, or scenic day trips—over high-priced dining or specialty tours that may not suit every budget.
Looking to the future, part of the story is how travel costs might evolve. If demand remains strong and inventories stay tight in premium destinations, price pressures could persist or even intensify in coming years. For Thai readers, this implies that the window for “splashy” luxury trips is not constant; instead, it requires ongoing vigilance around deals, seasonal promotions, and travel-credit incentives. The flip side is that the beauty and diversity of the United States offer abundant alternatives that blend memorable experiences with more moderate budgets. Thai travelers can diversify their plans by pairing smaller, less-visited but equally rewarding places with a few star experiences to maintain balance between cost and enrichment.
In practical terms, what should Thai readers take away from this latest research? First, set a realistic travel budget that accounts for lodging, meals, activities, and internal transport, plus a cushion for currency fluctuations and taxes. Second, time your trip to shoulder seasons when prices soften but the scenery is still spectacular. Third, look for bundled deals and loyalty programs that include lodging near major sights for a single price, which can significantly reduce per-day costs. Fourth, be flexible about the destination mix: a few days in high-demand locations can be balanced with equally striking but less expensive experiences in nearby towns or alternative routes that offer comparable landscapes, culture, and cuisine. Finally, use trusted Thai travel experts who can tailor itineraries to family needs, ensure safety, and optimize every baht for a richer, more sustainable travel experience.
If there is a larger takeaway for Thai audiences, it is this: the price tag attached to “dream destinations” does not have to deter aspiration. With careful planning, informed choices, and culturally mindful budgeting, Thai travelers can enjoy extraordinary experiences in the United States without breaking the bank. The newest data simply reinforce a universal truth of travel and life alike—that value is found not only in price tags but in the alignment of dreams, practicality, and personal meaning. For families watching the costs rise in front of them, the story remains a prompt to plan wisely, stay curious, and share the journey with loved ones in a way that reflects Thai values of togetherness, prudence, and gratitude.