#ExpensiveDestinations

A new study has revealed stark contrasts in the cost of international travel for 2025, ranking Iceland as the most expensive country to visit, whereas Thailand continues to offer some of the best value for global tourists. The findings carry major implications for travelers from Thailand and Southeast Asia, highlighting the continued importance of currency trends and inflation in shaping vacation budgets worldwide.

According to the latest research released by The Forex Complex and shared with Travel + Leisure, Iceland outranks all other major tourism destinations in terms of cost, with the average traveler needing to spend more than $400 per day to visit the Nordic island nation. The analysis, which evaluated 19 popular countries, factored in core travel expenses like accommodations, transport, and meals, as well as local inflation rates and year-to-year shifts in currency strength against the US dollar (Travel + Leisure). For Iceland, a 5.5% inflation rate has led to noticeable jumps in the prices of hotels, food, and transit—exacerbating the financial challenges for American and other international tourists, even before considering airfare.

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)

A recent cost analysis places Aspen, Colorado, ahead of New York City as America’s most expensive destination for travelers. The study, conducted by GOBankingRates and highlighted by Travel + Leisure, estimates a three-night trip for two adults in Aspen at about $2,708, including hotels, flights, and meals. This positions Aspen at the pinnacle of pricey U.S. travel in 2025.

For Thai travelers, Aspen’s rise challenges the assumption that New York or Los Angeles are the nation’s priciest cities. The report shows that Aspen’s appeal extends beyond ski season to summer outdoor activities, cultural events, and an aura of exclusivity that sustains premium pricing year-round. As outbound Thai tourism to the United States recovers post-pandemic, more families and young explorers are weighing experiences against budgets.