Aussie Traveler Lists US Among World's Most Expensive Destinations
A globetrotting Australian cited the U.S. as an 'overpriced' destination, particularly due to its tipping culture and currency exchange rates.
A Melbourne-based traveler, Lucas Brancatisano, has identified the United States as one of the world's most expensive countries, citing tipping culture and currency differences as major contributing factors.
Brancatisano, who has visited 60 countries, shared his experiences in a video that highlighted five destinations he found to be prohibitively expensive and often overcrowded, particularly during peak seasons.
"Now this one is particularly painful for people from Australia and New Zealand," Brancatisano stated regarding the U.S. He pointed to the weak Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar and the practice of tipping as significant cost drivers. "I think tipping is the stupidest thing ever. I think pay your staff properly, and we don't have to pay their wage."
He elaborated that in the U.S., additional costs are common for nearly every transaction, from ordering a beer to other services, which he described as "absolutely insane" for Australians and New Zealanders. This, combined with the exchange rate, made the U.S. a "very expensive place to visit."
Brancatisano's list also included Italy, which he found particularly expensive and unpleasant in the summer due to crowds, heat, and inflated prices, especially for items like pasta. He noted that in certain areas like Porto Cervo, Rome, and Milan, the value proposition diminishes significantly when prices are excessively high.
Uruguay surprised him with its high costs compared to other South American nations. Despite its beauty, he found cities like Montevideo to be unusually expensive. Switzerland, while acknowledged for its stunning scenery, also made the list due to high daily costs for accommodation, with hotel rooms often exceeding €100 ($160 AUD).
Oman rounded out the top five, with Brancatisano mentioning its strong currency, where the Omani Rial is equivalent to approximately $4 AUD. This can lead to surprisingly high menu prices. However, he suggested that hiring a car could make navigating Oman more affordable.
Other travelers echoed some of Brancatisano's sentiments. One commenter noted, "USA demolished my bank account," while another advised against visiting Italy in the summer or the north in winter without a substantial budget. Some users also mentioned Scandinavian countries and France as notably expensive travel destinations.