For some Americans, 2025 is the year of big-time travel. New data from Faye Travel Insurance shows where travelers are heading and, more intriguingly, where they’re splurging. While Europe may still be a pricey dream destination, big spenders are looking beyond the obvious and heading to more unexpected—and pricier—spots. Here's what the numbers say.
Africa is the year’s ultimate splurge, with bucket-list safaris, remote island retreats and epic wildlife encounters pushing average trip costs into five figures. Leading the pack is Rwanda, where Americans are spending an eye-popping $18,417 per trip. The East African nation is famed for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, but it also delivers chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe, Big Five safaris in Akagera and a thriving arts and food scene in Kigali.
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Other African gems topping the spare-no-expense list are The Seychelles ($15,775) and Botswana ($15,619) in second and third place, followed by Kenya ($15,251), Namibia ($14,147), Zimbabwe ($13,925), Tanzania ($13,092) and South Africa ($12,725).
Antarctica takes the number 5 spot with average trips costing $14,491. Cruising the icy seas or flying in to set foot on the White Continent, this is an adventure with a steep price tag (and once-in-a-lifetime bragging rights).
To be sure, Europe remains king when it comes to popularity. Three out of four U.S. travelers will be sipping wine in Italy, museum-hopping in France or pub-crawling in the UK this year. The continent’s mix of culture, cuisine and convenience is irresistible, with average trips clocking in at $5,832 per person. Spain and Germany also keep pulling crowds, while closer-to-home escapes like Mexico, Canada and even U.S. hotspots remain strong contenders.
But for those willing to spend on an unforgettable trip, Africa is where the serious splurges are happening.
Top 10 destinations U.S. travelers are spending the most on in 2025
- Rwanda—average trip cost $18,417
- Seychelles—$15,775
- Botswana—$15,619
- Kenya—$15,251
- Antarctica—$14,491
- Namibia—$14,147
- The Falkland Islands—$14,037
- Zimbabwe—$13,925
- Tanzania—$13,092
- South Africa—$12,725