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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Aircraft parked on snowy runway under winter sky

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM
Passport control sign at a European airport

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM

Limoges Airport Hosts Travel Showcase This January

Jan 10, 2026 01:37 AM
Etihad aircraft in flight against clear sky

Etihad Confirms First Direct Luxembourg–Abu Dhabi Route

Jan 10, 2026 00:24 AM
Qatar Airways Airbus aircraft climbing after take-off under clear sky

Qatar Airways Pushes Ahead with Starlink Rollout

Jan 9, 2026 23:51 PM
Emirates A380 taking off with engines visible

Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Key Routes

Jan 9, 2026 19:07 PM
Train approaching on suburban rail line viewed from inside carriage

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM
Aircraft on a snowy apron during winter weather disruption

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM

Tirana Adds Two New Summer Routes

Jan 9, 2026 04:04 AM

UK Introduces eVisa and ETA Requirements in Early 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:28 AM
Philadelphia Museum of Art with city skyline in the background

Edinburgh Gains Extra Transatlantic Flights for 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:03 AM
Cityscape of Wrocław with historic buildings and river

Paris Flights Coming to Wrocław in April 2026

Jan 9, 2026 02:05 AM
Passengers queue inside an airport terminal

Air Travel in Italy Faces Disruption on 9 January Due to National Strikes

Jan 9, 2026 01:18 AM
Beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and people swimming

Seasonal Nonstop Flights Open Fresh Options for European Holidaymakers

Jan 9, 2026 00:38 AM

Soldiers Deployed at Lisbon Airport After EU Finds Serious Border Control Failures

Jan 8, 2026 21:20 PM

Snow and Ice Keep Schiphol Flight Schedules Unstable

Jan 8, 2026 09:38 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a national strike.

Italy Prepares for Flight Delays as National Aviation Strike Set for 9 January

Jan 8, 2026 04:37 AM
Lufthansa aircraft on the apron during ground operations

One Booking Reference Instead of Many: Lufthansa Moves Towards Unified Travel Records

Jan 8, 2026 03:38 AM
Snow-covered airport apron during cold weather operations

Limoges Airport Disruption Continues After De-Icing Equipment Failure

Jan 8, 2026 02:08 AM
Ski lift operating above alpine mountain valley

Winter Ski Escapes Within Easy Reach of Europe’s Major Airports

Jan 8, 2026 01:30 AM
Air New Zealand aircraft on runway during daytime

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM
American Airlines aircraft operating scheduled passenger flight

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM
Wizz Air aircraft operating a scheduled European flight

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM