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
Passengers queueing at airport check-in desks

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM
Málaga city centre and cathedral

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM
Geneva waterfront with Swiss flags

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM
Air Canada aircraft at the airport

Air Canada Opens New Europe and Asia Routes for 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:05 AM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft on the runway

TAP Launches €49 Return Sale Across 90+ Destinations

Sep 3, 2026 21:22 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport

easyJet Cancellation Leaves Family in Turkey for Nearly a Week

Sep 3, 2026 21:19 PM
Passenger seats inside a French train

New High-Speed Trains Could Shake Up Paris–Bordeaux Travel

Sep 3, 2026 21:06 PM

Six New Ski Flights Open Easier Routes to Europe’s Slopes

Sep 3, 2026 20:53 PM

Jet2 Ibiza Flight Diverts to Paris After Mid-Air Emergency

Sep 3, 2026 20:47 PM
Buddhist temple complex in Thailand

Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stays to 30 Days From September 15

Sep 2, 2026 03:44 AM
Caracas skyline beneath green mountains

Madrid–Caracas Flights Return After Earthquake Disruption

Sep 2, 2026 03:31 AM
Passengers inside a busy Spanish airport terminal

Italy and Spain Extend Border Checks on Flights and Ferries

Sep 2, 2026 01:28 AM
Grand Canyon and Colorado River from above

Grand Canyon Shuts In-Park Lodging After Deadly Floods

Sep 2, 2026 01:15 AM

Ferry Sinks off Cyprus, Leaving Eight Dead and 20 Missing

Sep 1, 2026 21:12 PM

UK’s Most-Visited Attraction Reopens Gallery Shut Since WWII

Aug 31, 2026 22:09 PM
Lake Bled and Bled Island in Slovenia

Slovenia’s Lakes and Caves Get Fresh Summer Travel Focus

Aug 30, 2026 23:56 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight

Berlin Gets New Direct Flights to Romania’s Bukovina Region

Aug 30, 2026 02:53 AM
Parent and child waiting beside trains at a station

Kids Can Ride Free on These European Trains, Some Have Play Areas Too

Aug 30, 2026 02:47 AM
Cap Spartel lighthouse near Tangier

TUI Adds Three Moroccan City Breaks Beyond Marrakech

Aug 30, 2026 02:34 AM
Black British passport close-up

Jet2 Passengers Lose £500 Over 10-Year Passport Rule

Aug 29, 2026 23:11 PM

Iberia Flights Drop to €24 — but Most Travellers Must Wait

Aug 28, 2026 23:18 PM

Montreal Airport Worker Dies After A350 Pushback Accident

Aug 27, 2026 02:35 AM
Disney cruise ship in New York City

Disney Cruise Line Returns to New York After Nearly Four Years

Aug 27, 2026 02:22 AM
easyJet aircraft in flight

easyJet to Leave Oslo as Final Route Is Axed

Aug 26, 2026 12:39 PM