What It Really Costs to Travel the World in 2025: Budget Breakdown by Continent
📝 Andy Porter
🗓️ Apr 16, 2025
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich
If you’re eyeing international travel in 2025, brace yourself for some sticker shock. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is projecting a significant rise in travel expenses—globally, we’re looking at a 24% increase, putting the average trip at about $7,249 per person. For those of us in the U.S., that number climbs even more to around $10,244—nearly double the 2024 estimates, according to Statista.
Despite the uptick in costs, it seems people are still keen to wander. Understanding the expenses broken down by continent will go a long way in helping you budget wisely and make the most of your travels.
What’s Driving Up the Costs?
A few key factors are at play here:
Inflation: Just like in everyday life, inflation is putting pressure on travel essentials like fuel, food, and accommodation (Forbes).
Demand: With travel restrictions easing, more folks are jumping at the chance to book their trips, leading to higher prices (Expedia Trends Report).
Supply Issues: Limited availability in airlines and hotels means that good deals are harder to come by.
But even with these challenges, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) anticipates a 16% rise in global travel spending in 2025—clearly, the desire to explore is alive and well.
Travel Costs in 2025, by Continent
Asia: Affordable for All Travel Styles
Budget Travel: $36–$100 per day
Hostels: $5–14/night in Southeast Asia; around $25 in Japan
Street Food: $1–$7 in Southeast Asia; $4–$6 in Japan
Local Transport: $1–$2; long-distance buses from about $10
Mid-range Travel: $170–$250 per day
Hotels: ~$50/night in Japan
Sit-down Meals: $10–$20
Activities: Food and walking tours around $80
Luxury Travel: $500+/day
High-end hotels starting at $435/person (sometimes flights included)
Expect Michelin dining and exclusive experiences
Africa: From Budget Adventures to High-End Safaris
Budget Travel: $20–$60 per day
Guesthouses and hostels: $10–$25/night
Local Meals: $2–$5
Budget Safaris: From $200/day in places like Tanzania
Mid-range Travel: $150–$500 per day
Safari Packages: $150–$1,000/day
Flights between regions: $200–$400
Guided safaris: From $530/day
Luxury Travel: $1,000+/day
Exclusive lodges: $300–$2,000+/night
Private flights: $300–$500 per leg
Hot air balloon safaris: $400–$600
Europe: Wide Range of Prices and Experiences
Budget Travel: $115–$130 per day
Hostel Dorms: €27–43/night (~$29–46)
Meals: €3–7
Intercity Buses: From €5
Mid-range Travel: $200–$250 per day
Hotel or Private Rooms: €48–133/night (~$52–144)
Meals at Local Restaurants: €15–25
Regional Trains: €25–45
Luxury Travel: $350+/day
Premium hotels and fine dining
Wine tours: €70–130 (~$76–141)
North America: Higher Price Points, Diverse Options
Budget Travel: $120–$150 per day
Budget Hotels and Hostels: $50–90/night
Food: ~$37/day if you self-cater or choose casual dining
Mid-range Travel: $300–$350 per day
Hotels: $80–$160/night
Food and Activities: ~$145/day
Luxury Travel: $900+/day
Upscale hotels: $190–$350+/night
Fine dining and curated experiences
South America: Scenic and Cost-Effective
Budget Travel: $20–$70 per day
Hostels: $6–20/night
Local Food: $2–$10 per meal
Mid-range Travel: $70–$250 per day
Hotels: $50–150/night
Domestic Flights: Often under $100
Luxury Travel: $210+/day
Resorts: From $210/night
Amazon Jungle Lodges: Up to $830
Australia: High Quality Comes at a Cost
Budget Travel: $75–$100 per day
Hostels: $32–38/night
Street Food: $2–$10 per meal
Mid-range Travel: $180–$250 per day
Hotels: ~$126/night
Dining Out: $13–27 for a main meal
Luxury Travel: $500+/day
Premium stays: $300–$2,000/night
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance and Visas
These costs can sneak up on you but are essential:
Travel Insurance: Around $22.50/day, or about 4–10% of your trip cost (NerdWallet).
Visa Requirements:
U.S. travelers won’t need ETIAS for Europe until late 2026
The UK ETA launches Jan 8, 2025, costing about $13–$21
Australians will need visas to visit Brazil starting April 10, 2025
A new U.S. passport costs $165 (U.S. State Department)
5 Ways to Make Your Travel Budget Go Further
Even with rising prices, you can still travel smart:
Travel during the shoulder season to avoid peak rates
Book flights and accommodations early to snag better deals
Use public transport where possible to cut costs
Look for free or low-cost activities and attractions
Consider meal prepping to save on food expenses
With thoughtful planning and a good understanding of what to expect, you can make the most of your travel adventures in 2025—no matter where you choose to go!