You’ve worked a lifetime to earn your dream getaway, but some destinations can turn retirement plans into financial wake-up calls. Behind the timeless charm of these places lie serious costs. Ready to find out which vacation spots demand a millionaire’s mindset to truly enjoy? Let’s break it down.
Hawaii
A Hawaiian getaway sounds like the ultimate retirement splurge until the receipts start stacking up. Hotels average around $285 a night, meaning a simple weeklong stay hits nearly $2,000 before you’ve even ordered a pina colada. Add in meals and excursions priced 30% higher than the mainland.
Alaska Cruise + Land Tours
There’s no denying Alaska is breathtaking, but so is the price tag. With only six prime months—from late April through early October—to catch the cruise season, fares start around $2,000 per person for a weeklong voyage, according to CostcoTravel. Add glacier treks and wildlife excursions, and your “bucket-list adventure” can easily cost another $1,000.
Paris, France
Paris presents a fascinating price paradox: while France’s national hotel rates soar to $339 nightly, the city itself offers more moderate accommodations averaging $174 as per TripAdvisor. TimeOut states that this pattern extends to dining, where casual meals range from $20 to $40, though upscale venues exceed $50 per person.
Maldives
In the Maldives, your stay can range anywhere from $45 guesthouses to jaw-dropping overwater bungalows priced north of $1,100 a night. Most resorts fall in the $400–$500 range, but don’t forget daily dining costs of $60–$150 per person. Even mid-tier stays can stretch your budget.
Monaco / French Riviera
Three-star hotels in the French Riviera run about $120 a night, while luxury properties can soar past $500. Dining in Monaco? Expect to pay $100 per person, easily. Like Monaco itself—tiny but expensive—your retirement budget here will need careful planning.
Santorini, Greece
Those postcard-perfect whitewashed buildings and blue-domed roofs come with a serious price tag. In Santorini, peak-season hotels average around $400 per night according to Tripadvisor, while caldera-view restaurants charge €25–€40 per entree. Even so-called “budget” options typically start around $74, making this Aegean paradise a splurge for many retirees.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
If you’ve ever dreamed of walking where Darwin once roamed, prepare your wallet, too. Budget hotels in the Galapagos start near $100 a night, mid-range spots hit $400, and luxury lodges can exceed $650. Then add in daily guided tours, and suddenly, this natural wonder becomes a pricey adventure for most middle-class retirees.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Radical Storage says that a week in paradise can easily surpass $20,000 at Bora Bora’s exclusive resorts, where overwater bungalows floating above turquoise lagoons command up to $4,000 nightly. Even beach bungalows start at $500, while the barrier reef-enclosed setting elevates dining costs, with resort meals starting from $60.
Switzerland
Few sights rival the majestic Matterhorn cutting through Switzerland’s alpine skyline. Yet staying near this iconic peak isn’t exactly budget-friendly—prime resort accommodations can reach $461 a night during peak seasons, as per TripAdvisor.
Iceland
Iceland’s raw beauty feels otherworldly, and its economy reflects that uniqueness. While the country has more sheep than people, it’s the geothermal wonders that draw travelers willing to pay premium prices. Expect hotels to run $150–$250 nightly and meals to start around $50 each.
