Couple on a beach boardwalk.

A $50k Vacation? 15 Most Expensive Trips of People’s Lives

It’s easy to go on a trip and spend a bit more than you bargained for. But some have experienced extravagant getaways as costly as a new car. These folks took to the internet to share the most they’ve spent on a vacation and if it was worth the pretty penny. 

Note: Some quotes in this piece have been lightly edited for grammar.

1: Spendy Sightseeing

A woman holding money.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

One commenter spent a whopping $50K across a ten-month vacation. “Started in Singapore, went through Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Malaysia, Thailand, India, then on to Western Europe (mostly UK, Italy, and Spain), New York City, and a meandering road trip to California. Wish dearly I could do it again, but it seems unlikely.” Talk about time off. 

2: Newlywed Safari 

Bride and groom.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

What better way to celebrate your nuptials than spending $13K on the honeymoon? One happy couple took “A week-long safari through the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater followed by a week-long beach stay on Zanzibar.” The verdict? “It was SO worth it.”

3: Getting Ritzy in Hawaii 

Honolulu skyline.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

You know what they say: go big or go home. “$10k for a trip to Maui done right. Ten days at the Ritz Kapalua. Worth. Every. Cent” 

4: Flying Solo

Happy woman holding money.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

After solo traveling for a month in Spain and a total cost of $5,000, this commenter had one thing to say: “100% worth it.”

5: No Regrets 

Switzerland countryside with a river.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Another solo adventurer dropped $5,000 on a two-week trip through Switzerland. “I’d do it again, and someday I’m hoping to. I’m by no means wealthy, but there have been a few times when I’ve spent an excessive amount of money to travel. I’ve never once regretted it.”

6: Lost in Japan 

Happy couple traveler.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Two adults. Two weeks. $6700 in Japan. “Totally worth it. Would do it again in a heartbeat.”

7: Pennies for Pyramids 

Old man holding a pink suitcase.
Photo Credit: Deagreez1 via Depositphotos.

One big spender spared no expense on their 2015 trip to Egypt. “Spent $6,500. This includes a luxury guided tour, all tips, souvenirs, etc. Egypt was my dream trip, and I wanted to do it right. I had a great time, no issues with touts (due to having a guide 95% of the time), and would love to go back.”

8: My Big Fat Greek Honeymoon 

Couple throwing money.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Weddings can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a day and could bring more burden than bliss. This couple cracked the code. “We used the money we were saving for a wedding for a two-week elopement/honeymoon around Italy and Greece. First-class tix, resort stays everywhere, and memories for a lifetime. Easiest $20K ever spent.”

9: An Icy Itinerary 

Penguins on ice in Antarctica.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

One audacious explorer spent around $11K for their Antarctic expedition. “Daily landings or zodiac cruising, jumping into the icy water, camping on the snow with midnight penguin visitors… It was absolutely worth it. I would love to do it again, but it definitely busted my travel budget for a few years.”

10: Worth Every Penny 

A jar of coins with the label "Travel."
Photo Credit: Africa Studio via Adobe Stock.

This traveler has no regrets even after spending $15K on a two-week excursion through Greece. “I’ve regretted spending money on a lot of things, but travel has never been one of them. I’ve enjoyed every trip, from staying at budget guest houses and flying economy to splurging on 5-star hotels and flying business.”

11: Family Affair 

Little girl on a plane.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

This mother-daughter duo spent an arm and a leg on their country-hopping journey. “$40k, give or take, for a trip to New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji for a month. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I worked with a travel agent for most of it, though I booked some excursions and all restaurants myself.”

12: Go All Out 

Couple looking at a map.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

One couple lived in the lap of luxury for their three-week Greecian excursion. “5 stars all the way with chauffeurs at each arrival and departure – $30,000. And yes, the wife and I would do it every year if we could! Greece is one of the most tourist-friendly, sunny, heavenly places on earth!”

13: Would Do It Differently

A trolly in Lisbon.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Two weeks spent across Madrid and a concert in Portugal cost this commenter upwards of $5,000. “It was absolutely worth it. Lisbon was beautiful, with great food and mostly nice people. The concert was legendary, with 2nd row seats in a small theater. I would do it again, but leave out Madrid and do more of Portugal.”

14: Big Bucks in Bora Bora 

Bungalow over blue water.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

Simply put, the breathtaking island of Bora Bora is worth the splurge. “Bora Bora. $15k. ETA: worth every penny.” 

15: Cruising Right Along

Cruise ship parked at a port.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

For $8K, you could afford an unforgettable adventure. This couple went on a Galapagos cruise in 2020 and loved it. “Absolutely no regrets, best trip of our life. The only reason we went on it was because the cruise operator was giving a 50% discount, so it was the one chance to go on a trip of a lifetime.”

Source: Reddit. 

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