Top 5 key factors influencing the cost of a vacation: tourists assess them to save money

By TravelWiseDec 17, 2023 08:33 AMNews
Share:
What affects the cost of a vacation
What affects the cost of a vacation. Source: Freepik

Deciding where to go on your next vacation can be difficult. With the cost of travel and everything else related to it on the rise, air travelers need to plan their expenses as accurately as possible to stay within their budget.

A wide range of cost factors is taken into account when planning a travel destination. The 2023 Skyscanner Horizons report shows that air travelers typically consider 8 to 10 major cost factors when planning a destination. The main cost factors include airfare, accommodation, tourist attractions, and food and drink at the destination, as reported by Simple Flying.

Top 5 key factors influencing the cost of a vacation: tourists assess them to save money
Top 5 key factors influencing the cost of a vacation: tourists assess them to save money. Source: Freepik

Flight cost

At the top of the list is the cost of the flight, which, according to 30% of travelers worldwide, determines their destination when planning an air trip. Usually, people are guided by the flight's cost to choose a destination to visit. It is known that many airlines and travel sites offer economical fares to tourist destinations.

Hotel cost

Second on our list is the cost of the hotel, which, according to 21% of global travelers, determines their destination when planning a flight. The cost of a hotel is another important nuance that travelers consider when planning a vacation destination. This is one of the biggest expenses if travelers have not arranged to stay with family or friends.

Entrance fees to tourist attractions

Third on our list is the cost of attractions in a tourist destination, which, according to 7% of global travelers, determines their destination when planning an air trip. The cost of tourist attractions is usually an important criterion for people visiting a new destination. While some tourist attractions, such as national museums and parks, may not cost a dime, others can be expensive.

The cost of food and drink

Number four on the list is the cost of food and beverages, which, according to 6% of travelers worldwide, determines their destination when planning an air trip. The cost of food and beverages at a destination is an important factor, especially for exotic destinations. For example, the cost of food and beverages when traveling to an island in Hawaii will be significantly more expensive than in a city like London.

Cost of services

The cost of services, according to 6% of travelers worldwide, also determines the destination when planning an air trip. The cost of activities includes shopping, local market activities, and sporting event tickets. A fair percentage of people seem to consider the cost of services to be an important factor in determining where they will go on vacation.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Red sale sign displayed on the window

airBaltic Launches Short Express Sale With Flights Starting At €33

Mar 13, 2026 04:22 AM
Doha skyline with Pearl Qatar towers along the waterfront

Airlines Reroute Flights As Middle East Airspace Closures Spread

Mar 13, 2026 04:14 AM

Iberia Adds Pets to Online Flight Bookings

Mar 13, 2026 04:08 AM

Mallorca Tops New Ranking of Europe’s Best Family Holiday Spots

Mar 13, 2026 03:51 AM
Delta Air Lines aircraft on airport runway

Delta Delays Tel Aviv Flight Restarts Until Spring and Summer

Mar 13, 2026 03:45 AM
Gondolas moored along a narrow canal in Venice

Wizz Air Adds Aircraft and Five New Routes in Venice

Mar 13, 2026 03:39 AM
Yellow and blue passenger train standing at a railway platform in Europe

Paris–Berlin Night Train Returns This Month

Mar 13, 2026 03:23 AM
airBaltic Airbus A220 aircraft climbing after departure

airBaltic Pauses Dubai Flights Until Late March

Mar 12, 2026 22:36 PM
Rail maintenance work on the West Coast Main Line

Easter Rail Works to Close Key West Coast Routes for Six Days

Mar 12, 2026 22:27 PM

Lufthansa Keeps Majority of Flights During Pilot Strike

Mar 12, 2026 00:42 AM

Ryanair Expands Regional Germany Network for Summer 2026

Mar 12, 2026 00:34 AM
Hilton mobile app displayed on smartphone screen

Hilton Tests AI Trip Planner on Its Booking Website

Mar 11, 2026 23:18 PM
Montréal skyline viewed from Mount Royal overlooking downtown

Montréal Rental Limits Could Leave Visitors Short of Beds in 2026

Mar 11, 2026 23:01 PM
Cologne Cathedral Gothic façade with twin spires viewed from below

Cologne Cathedral to Introduce Tourist Entry Fee

Mar 11, 2026 22:55 PM
Santa Claus portrait with surprised expression on red background

LaplandUK Christmas Experience Tickets Go on Sale This March

Mar 11, 2026 22:49 PM

Iceland’s Geothermal Bathing Tradition Nominated for UNESCO Heritage List

Mar 11, 2026 22:33 PM

American Airlines Plans Larger Admirals Club Lounge in Austin

Mar 11, 2026 05:36 AM
Passenger cabin view during commercial flight

Middle East Tensions Begin to Shift Global Travel Plans

Mar 11, 2026 05:27 AM
Canoe on a calm forest lake in Finland

What Makes Finland Feel Good to Live In

Mar 11, 2026 00:52 AM
Lufthansa aircraft taxiing at an airport

Lufthansa Group Adds Extra Long-Haul Flights as Demand Jumps

Mar 11, 2026 00:04 AM
Philippine Airlines aircraft flying under cloudy sky

Philippine Airlines Extends Middle East Flight Cancellations Into Mid-March

Mar 10, 2026 23:58 PM
Tornado funnel cloud over open farmland

Loganair Offers Free Rebooking as Weather Warning Hits Scottish Islands

Mar 10, 2026 23:41 PM

United Airlines Warns: Loud Phone Audio Could Lead To Flight Ban

Mar 10, 2026 23:35 PM

Edinburgh Gains Daily New York Flight For Summer

Mar 9, 2026 23:39 PM
Kyrenia harbour with boats and waterfront buildings in northern Cyprus

Cyprus Holidays Dip After Drone Incident

Mar 9, 2026 23:23 PM
Woman standing near a “No Access” sign by the sea

Places Around the World Where Women Still Face Entry Bans

Mar 9, 2026 23:16 PM