Most expensive place to vacation in America costs nearly $3,000 for just three nights

Are you looking for your next vacation destination? If you’re willing to splurge, these unforgettable travel spots might be worth considering.

In a recent study, GoBankingRates analyzed 91 popular tourist destinations in the U.S. to determine the priciest cost of a three-night getaway for two people. The analysis included airfare, meals, and drinks. The locations were sourced from reporting by Travel + Leisure, and the expense data was gathered from the Census Bureau data and Numbeo’s Cost of Living Index.

Aspen, Colorado, known for its ski resorts and stunning mountain views, is ranked as America’s most expensive tourist destination. Couples visiting this alpine paradise can expect to spend an average of $2,708 in total. Airfare accounts for a significant portion of the total cost at $1,341, with hotel accommodations averaging $791 and with meals costing $510, and domestic beer available for around $4.50.

For budget-conscious travelers, Clearwater, Florida, stands out as the most affordable option. This waterfront city offers the best value, with total vacation costs of $1,630 or less for two adults, which includes airfare at $264, lodging of $247, and meals at $446. Domestic beer also costs $4.50.

Here’s what they found to be the ten most expensive tourist destinations:

1. Aspen, Colorado

Airfare cost for a couple: $1,341
Total cost of hotel: $791
Total cost for all meals: $510
Domestic beer cost: $7.50
Total cost for vacation: $2,708

Aspen, ColoradoGetty Images

2. Santa Barbara, California

Airfare cost for a couple: $952
Total cost of hotel: $830
Total cost for all meals: $600
Domestic beer cost: $8
Total cost for vacation: $2,446

Santa Barbara beach with palm trees and city skyline at sunset, California, USA — Santa BarbaraGetty Images

3. Anchorage, Alaska

Airfare cost for a couple: $1,190
Total cost of hotel: $440
Total cost for all meals: $600
Domestic beer cost: $8
Total cost for vacation: $2,294

Downtown Anchorage, Alaska — Anchorage Alaska downtown skyline.Getty Images

4. Bar Harbor, Maine

Airfare cost for a couple: $883
Total cost of hotel: $566
Total cost for all meals: $720
Domestic beer cost: $6.25
Total cost for vacation: $2,224

The Town Of Bar Harbor, Maine, USA — Town and Harbor of Bar Harbor in Acadia National ParkGetty Images

5. Fairbanks, Alaska

Airfare cost for a couple: $1,179
Total cost of hotel: $350
Total cost for all meals: $563
Domestic beer cost: $8
Total cost for vacation: $2,157

Scenic view of snowcapped mountains against sky at night, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States, USA — Fairbanks, AlaskaGetty Images

6. Portland, Maine

Airfare cost for a couple: $838
Total cost of hotel: $538
Total cost for all meals: $720
Domestic beer cost: $6.25
Total cost for vacation: $2,150

7. New York City, New York

Airfare cost for a couple: $878
Total cost of hotel: $401
Total cost for all meals: $788
Domestic beer cost: $8
Total cost for vacation: $2,134

Statue of Liberty and Jersey City skyline seen from helicopter, New York City, USA — New York CityGetty Images

8. Asheville, North Carolina

Airfare cost for a couple: $669
Total cost of hotel: $765
Total cost for all meals: $564
Domestic beer cost: $7.50
Total cost for vacation: $2,058

Fall Colors seen from Linville Gorge Wilderness in North Carolina — Peak Autumn and Fall Colors seen next to a river in Linville Gorge Wilderness near Asheville, North CarolinaGetty Images

9. Seattle, Washington

Airfare cost for a couple: $819
Total cost of hotel: $539
Total cost for all meals: $600
Domestic beer cost: $8
Total cost for vacation: $2,024

Sunset Seattle — from Kerry ParkGetty Images

10. Juneau, Alaska

Airfare cost for a couple: $978
Total cost of hotel: $600
Total cost for all meals: $381
Domestic beer cost: $7
Total cost for vacation: $2,016

Mount Roberts and Juneau Waterfront — Juneau, AlaskaGetty Images

What’s the most expensive vacation destination in Alabama?

The answer might surprise you.

Birmingham ranks as the 30th most expensive vacation spot. GoBankingRates highlights the Magic City as having one of the most costly airfare costs at $1,010 for a couple. Hotel prices come in at $186, meals $396, and domestic beer costs $6.

The Birmingham skyline at sunset, looking west from the roof of the Elyton Hotel downtown, on Dec. 21, 2021. Birmingham was awarded a nearly $22 million grant to build an urban trail connecting downtown to historic neighborhoods just west of the city center.Greg Garrison

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