Budget busters: the 10 costliest cities to visit

By Staff | October 10, 2013 | Last updated on October 10, 2013
3 min read

While some of your clients plan for retirement, others may have a more adventurous expense in mind: luxury travel.

Hotels.com used its Hotel Price Index to find the ten most expensive cities for Canadians to stay in. But before your clients go anywhere, remind them to look into travel insurance:

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Cities with the most expensive accommodations:

1. Paradise Island, Bahamas

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $394

A small island that reflects its name well, Paradise Island is dominated by Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino, which is a tourist attraction in itself with a giant aquarium, shopping center, marina, water park and more.

2. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $360

If you’re looking for perfect beaches, this is a destination to consider having been voted the number one beach destination in the world. This is the most developed island and includes attractions from shopping facilities to a professionally-designed golf course.

3. Lahaina, Hawaii

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $303

Despite Hawaii’s reputation as a sun-filled paradise, Lahaina is also active after dark where popular family eateries become night clubs after hours. The Old Lahaina Luau is also considered the most authentic luau in the world.

4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $301

This city combines the historic authenticity of the nation’s capital, Santo Domingo, with the modern comfort of all-inclusive resorts that line the beaches. Tourists have the option of staying in a resort paradise or escaping to explore the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $285

One of the most recognizable tourist destinations in the world, Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its sprawling beaches, picturesque landscape and giant Christ the Redeemer statue. Visit at the end of February for Carnival, the biggest carnival in the world.

6. Key, Florida

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $274

At the southernmost tip of the continental United States and closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is a city and an island of the same name. With a tropical climate, a historically beautiful Old Town and a trendy entertainment strip known as Duval Street, this city has a wide appeal.

7. New York City, New York

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $264

The setting of many famous movies, shows, books and songs, this busy city is known around the world for its trendy neighbourhoods, theatre, nightlife and museums. Whether you’re visiting in the summer and exploring by foot or in winter by horse and carriage, this is the place to see and be seen.

8. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $255 Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is a picturesque medieval seaport and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fans of the hit TV series “Game of Thrones” might recognize neighbourhoods that were used in filming.

9. Lake Louise, Alberta

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $250

This is actually a hamlet and a popular destination featured on Canadian postcards in large part because of the turquoise blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This area has an endless supply of activities for travellers seeking adventure, regardless of the season. Relax at the end of an active day in one of the area’s famous hot springs.

10. Napa, California

Average Daily Hotel Rate: $242

Filled with some of the most famous U.S. wineries and top rated spas, the region is also home to Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry considered one of the best restaurants in the country.

Are you or your clients dreaming bigger than their pocketbooks will allow? Here are some budget-friendly alternatives: Jacksonville, Florida; Granada, Spain; or Ko Samui, Thailand. Those destinations have average room rates under $104, good weather and delicious food without the premium prices.

Advisor.ca staff

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.