What It Really Costs to Travel the World in 2025: Budget Breakdown by Continent

Andy Porter
Apr 16, 2025
3 min read

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!