Fascinating map reveals the most EXPENSIVE tourist activities across the globe – from a $3,800 murder mystery TRAIN ride to a $60,000 trip to the South Pole
- DailyMail.com has scoured the globe for some of the priciest attractions around
- One of the priciest ventures comes in the form of a flight to the South Pole, with a round trip costing $59,900
- When it comes to travelers with luxury tastes, a trip to Masa restaurant in New York costs $950 per person
For travelers with cash to splash or those looking for some wish-list items, these high-priced tourist attractions might fit the bill.
DailyMail.com has scoured the globe for some of the costliest attractions around, with bungee jumping in New Zealand and gorilla trekking in Rwanda being among the activities to make the cut.
One of the priciest ventures comes in the form of a flight to the South Pole, with a round trip costing a cool $59,900.
Take a flight down for some inspiration to start saving for your next trip, as you’ll need more than a few bucks in the bank to give any of these a whirl.
For travelers with cash to splash or those looking for some wish list items, DailyMail.com has scoured the globe for some of the costliest attractions around
Blade helicopter airport transfer, New York: $195 for a roughly five-minute trip
Helicopter firm Blade runs an airport transfer services in New York with the flight to JFK taking about five minutes
The journey from JFK to New York City can take up to an hour during rush hour, with lanes of traffic grinding to a standstill.
So you can make the most of your time in the Big Apple, helicopter firm Blade runs round-trip airport transfer services, with flights taking about five minutes.
Making guests feel like VIPs, there is a concierge team on the ground to help travelers.
For guests traveling from the airport into the city, there will be someone from the Blade team at arrivals and a luxury vehicle to transfer them to the private helicopter terminal.
One-way trips come in at $195 with an alcoholic beverage included at the Blade bar in Manhattan pre- or post-departure. There are also transfers available to and from Newark Airport.
One Tripadvisor viewer who took the service from New York to Newark in October said: ‘From the moment I arrived at the amazing new lounge to the smooth flight and impeccable service, it was a journey to remember. Blade’s helicopter service surpassed all my expectations, offering a luxurious and hassle-free travel experience.’
The Edge City Climb, New York: $200
Thrill seekers in the Big Apple can feast on unparalleled views of the city, courtesy of The Edge City Climb.
The vertigo-inducing activity sees participants scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground before leaning out and looking down from the highest outdoor platform in New York City.
The Edge City Climb in New York sees participants scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground before leaning out and looking down
Before making the nail-biting ascent, everyone is given a comprehensive safety briefing and specially designed safety harnesses and jumpsuits are fitted.
Tickets per climb are $185 but it comes out at $201 per person with tax. Climbers are not allowed to take their phones with them, but the guide takes photos and footage throughout and a framed souvenir photo can be purchased for $20 at the end.
One Tripadvisor reviewer deemed the climb a ‘must do’ and worth the money. They wrote: ‘I did this for my 50th birthday and it was fantastic! Marco and (can’t remember the other guide’s name) were spectacular. My husband and I felt safe and enjoyed the incredible views. We are born and raised in New York and were blown away by the breathtaking scenery from our home. A must do!’
AJ Hackett Bungy combo, New Zealand: $309
AJ Hackett Bungy offers a bungy and swing package in Queenstown for $309
Adrenaline junkies with cash to splash can get the ultimate thrill thanks to AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, the company that launched the first commercial bungy jump site in 1988.
One of their offerings comes in the form of a bungy and swing package in Queenstown for $309.
A description on the website reads: ‘This is the cheapest way to make a mockery out of fear. As if one of the world’s largest swings isn’t enough, you can double up the thrill with our 134m (439ft), beast of a bungy jump. This is where adrenaline junkies come to hang out. Are you one of them?’
One traveler who did the combo on their trip to Queenstown says it is something ‘you’ve got to do’ if you are in the area. They wrote on Tripadvisor: ‘All the staff from the station to the ledge were all amazing, and safety is a very strong point which is reassuring….
‘For the jump itself, I’m not going to lie… it is the most terrifying yet exhilarating thing I have ever done. I was fine with everything until I had to start walking to the ledge, then the nerves hit me, but the staff were awesome and I didn’t hesitate to jump at the end of the countdown.
‘I was so glad I did it and would honestly do it again, just not today! We also did the Nevis Swing afterwards and highly recommend this if you’re braving the Nevis Bungy. It’s amazing how quickly you forget the rush of adrenaline until the swing drops even when you’ve just completed the bungy.’
Gorilla trekking, Rwanda: $1,500
In Rwanda at the Volcanoes National Park, a gorilla family can only be visited by a maximum of eight people and there are 80 permits available per day
For nature enthusiasts, gorilla trekking makes for one of the ultimate bucket-list items. The treks, which take place in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo, let small groups of tourists get very close to the critically endangered species.
In Rwanda at the Volcanoes National Park, a gorilla family can only be visited by a maximum of eight people and there are 80 permits available per day.
Permits for the park cost $1,500 per person, with part of the funds going towards various conservation and educational projects. Volcanoes Safaris also offers multi-day safaris to multiple locations, with trips starting from just over $5,000 per person.
One traveler who went gorilla trekking in Rwanda this year described it as ‘trip of a lifetime’ on Tripadvisor. She explained: ‘We had the most amazing Gorilla Trek with our guide, Luchi. Everything was very well organized and Luchi had a solution and answer for everything (including where to get the best coffee!)
‘The time spent with the Gorilla family was an experience of a lifetime and Luchi did so well to get us into a group where we met the Silverback, the young 12-year-old twin “bros,” and the babies. The golden monkeys and chimps, and canopy rainforest walks were also amazing experiences.
‘We appreciated the informative guides, our helpful porters and experienced trackers; as well as the chance to see so much of this remarkable Rwanda.’
Giraffe Manor, Nairobi: From $875
Due to its popularity, stays at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi are extremely hard to come by with the waiting list topping six months at times
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya, is home to a herd of Rothschild giraffes, which are some of the rarest on earth.
A conservation project to save them was started at the manor in 1974 when the grandson of a Scottish earl, Jock Leslie Melville, and his American wife, Betty, bought the stately home.
Later that year, they moved two highly endangered Rothschild giraffes into the estate where third and fourth generations live on.
As well as the herd of giraffes, the manor plays host to a large family of warthogs, exotic birds and the elusive bush buck.
Due to its popularity, stays at the manor are extremely hard to come by with the waiting list topping six months at times.
There are two accommodation blocks, with the original 1932 manor house serving up six rooms and a replica of the country house offering another six.
Rates, which start from $875 a night, include all meals. Just be careful at breakfast time, as the giraffes have a habit of poking their long necks through the windows to indulge in some treats.
British Pullman luxury train ride, UK: $3,780
Belmond has a range of train itineraries to pick from, from day trips to multi-leg adventures at locations around the world
For a rail trip to remember, Belmond serves as one of the world’s leading experts in luxury train travel.
The travel company has a range of itineraries to pick from, from day trips to multi-leg adventures at locations around the world.
One of the swankiest trips on offer in the UK comes in the form of a murder mystery about the newly restored 1951 British Pullman. The historic train leaves from London’s Victoria station in the morning and returns the same afternoon.
A $3,780 ticket gets you a seat in a private carriage designed by director Wes Anderson, ‘free-flowing champagne,’ a ‘sublime’ five-course lunch with an ‘upgraded wine package,’ unique crockery and glassware selected by the famed filmmaker, a gift box, and hand-tied bouquet and private boarding.
In terms of the plotline, Belmond says: ‘The intimate setting of our art deco train heightens the suspense as you roll through the Kent countryside. Using your clue sheet and detective skills you can interview the suspects to crack the case.
‘Blurring the lines between fact and fiction, every dramatic plot twist invites you to lean further into the train’s astonishing history.’
Everest helicopter tour, Nepal: $1,350
Kathmandu-based Global Holidays Adventure offers a chopper ride to Everest for $1,350
For tourists who want to get up close to Everest without days of arduous trekking, there are a number of companies offering high-altitude helicopter rides.
Kathmandu-based Global Holidays Adventure offers a chopper ride to Everest for $1,350.
The four-hour tour also includes aerial views of many other sky-high mountains, including Lhotse and Changtse.
A blurb on the travel company’s website explains: ‘The Everest helicopter tour in Nepal is designed for those adventure lovers who are physically or timely unable to do trekking in Everest.
‘This helicopter Everest tour is the easiest and the luxury way to dive into the heart of Mt Everest which gives you the chance of enjoying your life’s best tour even with your family. You can fly like a bird into the world’s highest peak.’
One tourist who did the helicopter tour with his family in 2022 gave the experience a thumbs up, writing on Tripadvisor: ‘I won’t say they are the cheapest tour company, but it’s every single penny well spent.’
Masa omakase experience, New York: $950
Seats at Masa’s counter, where diners can watch the chefs in action, cost from $950 per person, but tax and beverages are not included
When it comes to travelers with luxury tastes, a trip to Masa in New York should definitely be on the radar. This high-end omakase restaurant, which boasts three Michelin stars, offers diners a 26-course menu of bite-sized sushi pieces masterminded by chef Masa Takayama.
Seats at the counter, where diners can watch the chefs in action, cost from $950 per person, but tax and beverages are not included.
Detailing what the dining spot offers, the Michelin guide notes: ‘Everything here carries a certain weight, from the heavy wooden door to the bill.
‘Attention to detail is unsurpassed and at times it may seem like a bit much, but a reverential spirit is part of your meal here. Service displays the same smooth grace, with servers at the ready.’
Some of the highly-rated course include a ‘sweet chunk of hairy crab meat dressed in citrusy yuzu,’ a coupe of minced toro (fatty tuna) topped with caviar, and Maine uni (sea urchin) ‘served in its shell with caramelized custard and paper-thin white truffle.’
Photography and videography in the restaurant is forbidden and guests are asked to ‘limit the amount of fragrance they wear, so as not to interfere with the experience of other guests.’
Shark cage diving, South Africa: $200
Travel company Gadventures offers a great white shark excursion from Cape Town for $200
Along with its breathtaking scenery and world-class wine, shark diving is another reason why droves of tourists flock to South Africa each year.
The sharks typically congregate off the coast during South Africa’s coldest months from May to October to eat, socialize and rest.
Travel company G Adventures offers a great white shark excursion from Cape Town for $200.
The trip notes state that the full-day tour is ‘sure to leave you breathless.’
Detailing what travelers can expect, it continues: ‘Head to the fishing town of Gansbaai and learn all about Great White Sharks from some of the foremost experts on shark cage diving in this region.
‘Take in your surroundings, marvel at the sharks, and opt to get face-to-face with these incredible animals during your tour.’
Northern Lights tour, Alaska: $140
Alaska Tours offers a Northern Lights evening viewing tour from $140 per person
Catching sight of the Northern Lights is a wish list item for many, with the atmospheric phenomenon creating jaw-dropping photos.
Along with various spots in Scandinavia and Iceland, Fairbanks in Alaska is deemed one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights, as it’s located directly under the auroral oval.
This means the area is close to the Earth’s magnetic poles, offering a higher probability of seeing the Northern Lights.
Alaska Tours offers a Northern Lights evening viewing tour from $140 per person.
The five-hour trip departs at 10pm and passengers are instructed to ‘dress warmly’ so they can stand outside to view the lights.
Guided tour of Buckingham Palace: $116
Exclusive guided tours of Buckingham Palace in the UK are available during winter and spring
Get a taste of what royal life is like with a trip to Buckingham Palace in the UK.
Exclusive guided tours are available during winter and spring between 11am and 4:30pm, with tickets priced at $116 per person.
These tours, which only allow a maximum of 30 people, offers access to ‘magnificent’ rooms which aren’t usually open to the public.
The palace website notes that the tour ‘lasts around 1.5 hours and a complimentary guide book is included in the price.’
One couple who booked the tour this year deemed it ‘excellent’ on Tripadvisor. They wrote: ‘We booked the tour of the Palace, including the new exhibition of the King and Queen’s Coronation robes.
‘The tour of the Palace is fascinating, with all the grandeur of the State rooms. The tour ends on the steps of the back lawn, where there is a substantial café and shop. Prices here are a bit steep.’
Alcatraz behind the scenes, San Francisco: $109
Alcatraz, which is set on a rocky outcrop one mile offshore from San Francisco, welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors a year
Sixty years ago one of the world’s most infamous prisons closed all of its 378 cell doors for good.
Alcatraz, which is set on a rocky outcrop one mile offshore from San Francisco, operated for 29 years as a penitentiary and during that time it held some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly.
In 1972, Alcatraz was added to the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was opened to the public in 1973 as a historical landmark.
Today the former prison welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors a year.
Tickets sell out nearly every day, sometimes weeks in advance, for audio tours of the main cell block and recreation yard plus the chance to stroll past the island’s gardens and ruined buildings.
For more of an intimate glimpse of what life behind bars was like, there is a behind-the-scenes tour offered with just 20 people or fewer. The website alcatrazislandtickets.com explains: ‘Open a hidden doorway, go through a secret tunnel, visit an underground jail. If you’re an Alcatraz Enthusiast, this tour is a must.’
Hot air balloon ride, Albuquerque: $189
Viator offers a sunrise hot air balloon tour in Albuquerque for $189 per person
Albuquerque in New Mexico is famed for its annual International Balloon Fiesta, but balloon rides run throughout the year, so tourists can soak up the mountainous scenery in all its glory.
Viator offers a sunrise tour for $189 per person.
A blurb detailing the excursion reads: ‘Watch daylight appear above the Rio Grand Valley during a sunrise hot air balloon ride from Albuquerque, and see the first rays illuminate the rugged Sandia Mountains.
‘Take in stunning aerial views and dip low enough to skim the Rio Grande, then rise back up above the desert landscape.
‘Touch town after a one-hour flight, and begin the day with sparkling wine and a light continental breakfast before returning to your launch site.’
The tour has a five out of five rating based on 923 Viator and Tripadvisor reviews.
Warner Bros. Studio Deluxe Tour, London: $200
The Warner Bros studio in London offers a $200 deluxe tour. Pictured is the studio
Harry Potter mega fans will have to magic up $200 if they want to bag a spot on the exclusive deluxe Warner Bros studio tour in London.
Perks of the high-priced tour include a two-and-a-half hour tour with an expert guide, a ‘delicious’ breakfast, priority parking next to the entrance, and photo and video footage ‘from both the broomstick flight over London and Hogwarts Express carriage.’
Topping it off, studio goers will also get the option of a pint of butterbeer or butterbeer ice cream in the Backlot Café.
Many visitors on Tripadvisor said the deluxe tour was worth the extra cost.
One patron wrote: ‘We went on the deluxe / VIP package with a family full of Harry Potter fans and it really exceeded expectations.
‘From the minute we arrived to our departure 4.5 hours later it was an extraordinary experience, really worth while the extra cost. We had Kevin M as our personal guide and he could not have done a better job. I would go back tomorrow if I could!’
Universal Studios, Florida: $355
DailyMail.com did a price check and found that a ticket for one day at Universal Studios, plus an express pass so you can jump lines, cost just over $355
It’s one of the world’s most famous theme parks, but Universal Studios in Florida isn’t universally accessible to all with its sky-high ticket prices.
DailyMail.com did a price check and found that a ticket for one day plus an express pass so you can jump lines cost just over $355.
In 2022, a British family of four complained that the park was a ‘universal rip off’ after they spent more than $1,000 for just one day of park going.
In the viral video, Miranda Pearce explained how she and her husband spent $438.66 for four tickets, plus an additional $396 for Fast Passes.
They then spent $62.79 for lunch; $42.60 on just one souvenir – a Harry Potter notebook with a pen; and $36.29 for dinner at the Burger King in the park.
Additionally, Pearce said, she and her husband had to shell out $27 to park; $19.76 for ice cream; $19.16 for drinks and $4.25 for a cup of coffee.
Flight to the South Pole: $59,900
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions offers round-trip flights to the South Pole for $59,900
It’s at the bottom of the world, but the South Pole comes out on top when it comes to being one of the world’s priciest tourist destinations.
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions offers round-trip flights to the White Desert for $59,900.
The cost includes meals and tented accommodation in Antarctica for six to seven days.
Flights to Antarctica depart from Punta Arenas in Chile.
After exploring the area around the Union Glacier Camp for a few days, a ski aircraft takes guests to the southernmost point on Earth.
Visitors can pay more to stay the night at the pole and for the more active traveler, there’s the option of skiing the last degree.
Veuve Clicquot tasting and tour, Reims: $267
The Veuve Clicquot champagne house offers an exclusive La Grande Dame tour and tasting priced at just over $260 per person
Champagne lovers will be in their element with a trip to the Veuve Clicquot vineyard in the Champagne region.
The 18th century champagne house, which is one of the largest in the Reims region, offers an exclusive La Grande Dame tour and tasting priced at just over $260 per person.
The package includes a tasting of three cuvées – Brut Yellow Label, La Grande Dame and La Grande Dame Rosé – along with tours of the vineyards and sprawling cellars.
Overall, the champagne house has an ‘excellent’ rating out of 1,084 reviews with many people recommending it as a day trip from Paris.
One visitor said after their trip: ‘I love this champagne and after getting to have a tour, fell even more in love with them! Great history behind the making of champagne and how it came about, amazing chalk champagne caves.’
They advised others to ‘dress warm,’ as they found the temperature inside the caves ‘very chilly.’
Swimming with manta rays, Maldives: $250
The hip Standard Hotel on Huruvalhi Island in Raa Atoll offers a two-hour manta ray excursion for $250
The Maldives is a mecca for manta rays, with the mysterious creatures flocking to the balmy waters between July and October to feed.
Many of the luxury hotels offer manta ray experiences.
One of the perks is that you don’t need to be a certified diver to get up close to the rays, as they come close to the surface so you can snorkel alongside them.
The hip Standard Hotel on Huruvalhi Island in Raa Atoll offers a two-hour excursion for $250.
The snorkel session takes place at Hanifaru Bay, which is a Marine Protected Area and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve area, famous for its concentration of reef manta rays.
One traveler on Tripadvisor deemed The Standard’s manta ray tour ‘an experience of a lifetime.’
Graceland Ultimate VIP tour, Memphis: $200
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Elvis Presley’s former residence every year to see the place that inspired his hits
Fans of the the king of rock ‘n’ roll can’t stop falling in love with Graceland, the legend’s home of more than 20 years.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit Elvis Presley’s former residence every year to see the place that inspired his biggest hits.
The famous music gates, the king’s piano and even his family’s graves can be seen while touring the vast mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.
For mega fans, there is a $200 VIP tour on offer. Highlights include a small group tour with an ‘expert guide,’ full access to Elvis’ Memphis entertainment complex, access to a special lounge area, a exclusive photo opportunity and a keepsake backstage pass.
One Tripadvisor reviewer gave the Graceland VIP tour a 5 out of 5 excellent rating. They wrote: ‘We did the VIP tour and it was excellent. It is definitely worth the extra money and I would highly recommend it. Our tour guide John B. was very knowledgeable and made the VIP tour unforgettable.’
Disneyland Resort park hopper ticket, California: $169
The two parks at the California Disney outpost comprise of Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park
To maximize your time at the Disneyland Resort in California, the park suggests splashing out on a park hopper ticket along with a standard entry pass, bringing the grand total to $169.
Guests must make a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit.
After entering that first park, they will be able to visit the next park from 11am and go between the parks until closing time.
The two parks at the California Disney outpost comprise Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Many Tripadvisor reviewers say the park hopper pass is a good idea, but there it too much to cram in for one day.
So if your budget can run to it, it’s better spending at least two days checking out the attractions.
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