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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the Most Expensive Country to Visit in 2025
Traveling internationally can be pricey, but one European destination in particular tops the list for the most expensive in the world for Americans. Iceland was named the most expensive popular tourism destination for 2025, according to a recent study by The Forex Complex shared with Travel + Leisure . The financial trading company evaluated 19 international destinations and found the average vacation cost in Iceland totaled more than $400 per day, the highest of any country included in the study. In addition, the report noted Iceland's inflation rate is 5.5 percent, adding to the overall costs of hotels, food, and transport. 'Currency fluctuations can significantly reshape travel costs, even in countries with stable local prices. While daily expenses tend to dominate perceptions of affordability, shifts in exchange rates can quietly make or break a vacation budget for American tourists,' a spokesperson for The Forex Complex said in a statement shared with T+L. 'In 2025, travelers who overlook currency trends might be in for a costlier summer than expected.' The second most-expensive destination was Australia where daily vacation expenses came in at around $280 per day. Inflation in Australia is relatively low—just 2.4 percent—but costs remain high. Mexico came in third on the list in part due to a strong 6.4 percent increase in its currency (the Mexican peso) against the dollar. This adds to costs for American tourists and may offset the relatively inexpensive prices that would otherwise make Mexico a more budget-friendly destination. Popular destinations for American tourists in Europe—like the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy— now cost less thanks to more favorable exchange rates, but high daily prices still keep them in the top 10. (The UK came in at No. 8, Germany came in at No. 9, and Italy came in at No. 10.) The least expensive destination included in the study was Thailand, which boasts an average per-day spend of just $81.87 and a weakened currency (the Thai baht) compared to the U.S. dollar. Indonesia was the second most-affordable thanks to a daily average cost of just $70.23, but hindered by its inflation rate of 1.95 percent. To determine the results, the Forex Complex weighed three factors: the average daily tourism-related costs in U.S. dollars, the local inflation rate, and the year-to-year change in the destination's currency strength compared to the dollar. The study took into account several common expenses, including the cost of accommodations, transportation options, and the price of meals.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
As an American in Scotland, I know we need many things – but Donald Trump isn't one of them
As an American comedian living in Scotland, I'm often asked: 'Krystal, why don't you talk about Trump more on stage? I'll bet that subject is rife for comedy!' Yesterday he was in Washington, today the schedule says Scotland. I know this visit isn't a personal attack on me, but woo boy, it sure does feel like it. I live in Edinburgh. But I didn't come to Scotland so I could be around the most annoying, unhinged, rich Americans in existence. There are many reasons I don't tend to talk about Donald Trump that much on stage. For one, that 10 to 20 seconds in the morning before I remember who occupies the position of president of the United States is honestly the best part of my day. And those few precious moments I savour will not be present for me over the next four days, because the aura of Trump's presence will permeate my consciousness, not to mention all the major news outlets, with everyone giving their very strong opinions on this man who has managed to inflame humanity more than anyone in all of our collective living memory. And what's more, he doesn't seem to care. But it sure does feel like he wants Scotland to love him, doesn't it? He desperately wants to be embraced as Scottish. His mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, so I suppose that's something. But the truth is, he's just like any other American who comes to Scotland on holiday. I love asking American tourists what brings them to Scotland, because they always say the same thing. 'Well, actually you see … I'm Scottish. And I'm tracing my roots.' And I always say to them: 'Wow. You should definitely tell every Scottish person you meet that. Watch out, because you're going to be so popular.' If I had to find an upside to Trump visiting, and there aren't many, I'd say at least it makes me look good in comparison. It's the same reason I love having English people at Scottish gigs. I once dated a Scottish guy who said to me: 'Don't worry Krystal, I hate the English way more than I hate the Americans.' What an absolute sweetheart. And the thing is, as much as I hate to admit it, I know where Trump is coming from when he expresses a small need for Scotland to accept him. Because I feel the same. I love Scotland. I've had my kids here (and not just because it's free and I can't pass up a deal). I will always live here. I just know it. I've never lived anywhere longer than I've lived in Scotland. I have a lot in common with many Scots I encounter. I've been drinking heavily my entire life and yet for some reason, still can't hold my liquor. I buy those weird little flat barbecues and burn a hole in the grass right under the 'no barbecuing' sign. I've even accidentally said 'aye' unironically more than once. Why don't I talk about Trump more in my comedy? Honestly, I've lived here so long I know more about Nicola Sturgeon and the reintroduction of wolves than any of Trump's day-to-day blunders. So he's here, and nearly every person I've told that I'm writing this article has warned me that I'll probably be monitored and put on some government list of scary, threatening comedians and writers who are flagged as they try to enter the US for saying unfavourable things about Trump. I guess we'll just have to see how that goes. It's difficult to put into words the way his visit truly makes me feel, but I know who could. Nine years ago, during another visit by Trump, the late comedian Janey Godley knew exactly what to do. A one-woman protest, with a very very sweary sign making clear her absolute disdain for the would-be president. Humour and rebellion. Mutiny. Her act of defiance went around the world. With Trump in Scotland, on his golf course at Turnberry, Godley knew that no long, flowery language was needed. No 1,000-word opinion pieces. (Though she could smash those, too.) Mr President, you probably don't even know who Janey Godley is. Which is one of the many reasons you will never, ever be Scottish. But she crafted those beautiful four sweary words saying exactly what she thought of you. She expressed in perfect, poignant prose what so many of us feel down to the marrow of our bones. I won't quote her directly, of course, but we all know it. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here, protected by Scottish police and security. Playing golf and speaking with other powerful men. Enjoying the delicious Scottish tap water. And you're allowed to do that, I guess. But we don't have to like it. Krystal Evans is an American comedian who lives in Scotland. Her latest show, A Star is Burnt, is at the Edinburgh festival fringe 2025
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
As an American in Scotland, I know we need many things – but Donald Trump isn't one of them
As an American comedian living in Scotland, I'm often asked: 'Krystal, why don't you talk about Trump more on stage? I'll bet that subject is rife for comedy!' Yesterday he was in Washington, today the schedule says Scotland. I know this visit isn't a personal attack on me, but woo boy, it sure does feel like it. I live in Edinburgh. But I didn't come to Scotland so I could be around the most annoying, unhinged, rich Americans in existence. There are many reasons I don't tend to talk about Donald Trump that much on stage. For one, that 10 to 20 seconds in the morning before I remember who occupies the position of president of the United States is honestly the best part of my day. And those few precious moments I savour will not be present for me over the next four days, because the aura of Trump's presence will permeate my consciousness, not to mention all the major news outlets, with everyone giving their very strong opinions on this man who has managed to inflame humanity more than anyone in all of our collective living memory. And what's more, he doesn't seem to care. But it sure does feel like he wants Scotland to love him, doesn't it? He desperately wants to be embraced as Scottish. His mother was born on the Isle of Lewis, so I suppose that's something. But the truth is, he's just like any other American who comes to Scotland on holiday. I love asking American tourists what brings them to Scotland, because they always say the same thing. 'Well, actually you see … I'm Scottish. And I'm tracing my roots.' And I always say to them: 'Wow. You should definitely tell every Scottish person you meet that. Watch out, because you're going to be so popular.' If I had to find an upside to Trump visiting, and there aren't many, I'd say at least it makes me look good in comparison. It's the same reason I love having English people at Scottish gigs. I once dated a Scottish guy who said to me: 'Don't worry Krystal, I hate the English way more than I hate the Americans.' What an absolute sweetheart. And the thing is, as much as I hate to admit it, I know where Trump is coming from when he expresses a small need for Scotland to accept him. Because I feel the same. I love Scotland. I've had my kids here (and not just because it's free and I can't pass up a deal). I will always live here. I just know it. I've never lived anywhere longer than I've lived in Scotland. I have a lot in common with many Scots I encounter. I've been drinking heavily my entire life and yet for some reason, still can't hold my liquor. I buy those weird little flat barbecues and burn a hole in the grass right under the 'no barbecuing' sign. I've even accidentally said 'aye' unironically more than once. Why don't I talk about Trump more in my comedy? Honestly, I've lived here so long I know more about Nicola Sturgeon and the reintroduction of wolves than any of Trump's day-to-day blunders. So he's here, and nearly every person I've told that I'm writing this article has warned me that I'll probably be monitored and put on some government list of scary, threatening comedians and writers who are flagged as they try to enter the US for saying unfavourable things about Trump. I guess we'll just have to see how that goes. It's difficult to put into words the way his visit truly makes me feel, but I know who could. Nine years ago, during another visit by Trump, the late comedian Janey Godley knew exactly what to do. A one-woman protest, with a very very sweary sign making clear her absolute disdain for the would-be president. Humour and rebellion. Mutiny. Her act of defiance went around the world. With Trump in Scotland, on his golf course at Turnberry, Godley knew that no long, flowery language was needed. No 1,000-word opinion pieces. (Though she could smash those, too.) Mr President, you probably don't even know who Janey Godley is. Which is one of the many reasons you will never, ever be Scottish. But she crafted those beautiful four sweary words saying exactly what she thought of you. She expressed in perfect, poignant prose what so many of us feel down to the marrow of our bones. I won't quote her directly, of course, but we all know it. I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here, protected by Scottish police and security. Playing golf and speaking with other powerful men. Enjoying the delicious Scottish tap water. And you're allowed to do that, I guess. But we don't have to like it. Krystal Evans is an American comedian who lives in Scotland. Her latest show, A Star is Burnt, is at the Edinburgh festival fringe 2025
Condé Nast Traveler
5 days ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
How Europeans Feel About American Tourists Right Now
When you picture an American tourist in Europe, a certain cliché is bound to spring to mind. Perhaps you envision a loud, bumbling traveler in a large tour group, who doesn't attempt to adhere to cultural customs or speak the local language, and who is impatient at tourist attractions and restaurants. But do these stereotypes actually have any truth to them? Or are they outdated tropes that don't represent the majority of US travelers? A new study is shedding light on the matter. To get to the bottom of how Europeans really see American travelers, Upgraded Points surveyed more than 2,200 people across 22 European countries on their general view of US tourists. The travel credit card advice site also asked Europeans whether recent political events impacted their opinions. For comparison, they also surveyed 1,000 American travelers on their views of the typical US tourist. How Europeans really see American tourists On the whole, Americans actually had a much harsher view of themselves as tourists than the European respondents did. 'Americans often assume the worst about how they come off, while Europeans see a more balanced, though definitely still loud, picture,' the study said. Indeed, the one matter on which both groups agreed was that American travelers can be loud: 70% of Europeans said loudness was a typical trait of US tourists, while 69% of Americans agreed.
Wall Street Journal
14-07-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Plunging Dollar Leaves American Travelers With Less Buying Power This Summer
American tourists have grown accustomed to their dollars traveling well, too. This summer, they are getting a wake-up call. The ICE U.S. Dollar Index, which compares the U.S. currency to a basket of six others, just posted its worst first half of the year in more than 50 years. The dollar has tumbled 13% against the euro this year and 6% against the Japanese yen.
