A luxurious hotel stay in Melbourne
The Land Down Under isn’t just home to kangaroos – it’s also the best place to spend your money if you’re looking to stretch your dollar. In Australia, $1,000 can get you close to two grand when it’s exchanged. That may not be enough for an island getaway, but it’ll get you a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and two nights at the luxurious Park Hyatt in Melbourne.
Michelin star dining in Hong Kong
What would $1,000 buy you in Hong Kong? Sadly, not a lot! If you’re looking for luxury, three nights at five-star properties like The Langham Hong Kong would run you over $900. Taking in the local cuisine might easily include an $100 meal at the Michelin Star restaurant Lung King Heen, and that’s your budget gone.
A month in beautiful Bali
Given the rising costs of travel, Bali remains affordable when compared to other locations around the world. For $500, you can buy one month’s rent at a homestay or apartment. Use the rest of your money to see the best Bali has to offer – like a day trip to Nusa Penida ($100), a trek up Mount Batur ($50), quad biking in Ubud ($70), and dolphin-watching in Lovina ($100).
Guided tours in London
There’s no denying that London is expensive. But, if you’ve got your accommodation and flight out of the way, you can have some fun with your remaining budget. For the Harry Potter fans, $260 per person will get you a guided tour at Warner Bros studio – The Making of Harry Potter. Or if you’re a history buff, $300 will get you a private tour of the Tower of London.
Fly high in Toronto
Ever wanted to hang off the CN Tower? Now you can! For $1000, you and a few friends can take the Edgewalk – the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk. You won’t just be walking across – you’ll be hanging off the side of the building! This experience is worth it just for the unobstructed views of Toronto and beyond.
A trip to Machu Picchu
For $1000 you could take a trip to one of the most amazing places on Earth: Machu Picchu. It is a site that has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s no wonder why. The hike takes about four days and three nights and costs $500-600 per person.
A two-day luxury stay in Singapore
For $1000 you could live your best Crazy Rich Asians life – but only for two days. Two nights at the luxury five-star hotel Marina Bay Sands – which is beside the Gardens of the Bay, a location that was prominently featured in the film – will take up your entire $1000.
Pretend you’re in a video game in Tokyo
If you have $1000 dollars to spend in Tokyo, you and the gang can suit up as Mario Kart characters and ride around the city in go-karts for $200 per person. Unfortunately, there are no banana peels to be thrown. To refuel after your ride, try a steak made from some of the most expensive and sought-after beef in the world: Kobe beef. One meal can cost up to $200 per person.
See the sights from above in New York City
New York City is one of the priciest cities on the planet, which means it’s the best place to splurge. $250 will get you the best views of Manhattan in a private helicopter tour of all the sights. And don’t just stick to the city! A day trip to the nearby Niagara Falls costs around $220 per person.
A short stay in Los Angeles
While the City of Angels is known for its glitz and glamour, it can be difficult to find deals. You could take advantage of one of the many cooking classes in town ($100) or book a professional photo shoot ($200). If neither of those things appeal to you, Catalina Island is just off the coast and is the closest you can get to the Amalfi Coast without leaving the country. A weekend getaway at a nice hotel will cost about $700.
Snowmobiling in Iceland
Iceland is absolutely beautiful, and travellers from all over the world come to see its rugged landscapes. However, Iceland is also one of the most expensive places in Europe. A trip to this frozen wonderland can be very pricey. One of the most popular activities tourists take part in is snowmobiling across the fjords. For $1000, you and a few friends can go on a 90-minute snowmobile tour.
A foodie’s paradise in Paris
Paris is the perfect place to spend a week eating your way through the city but, to get the most out of your trip, you need to include some hands-on experiences. For $1000, you can learn how to make croissants and baguettes from a French master baker. Then, head over to La Marais where you can take a jewellery-making class. After that, finish your day with a macaron-making lesson.
A yoga retreat in Bangkok
The city of Bangkok is a melting pot of culture and colour. There are plenty of adventures for you to embark on, but if you’re looking for a break from exploring the city, there’s nothing like an escape to a health resort. A 28-day course of yoga and Thai healing rituals will cost just under $1000 and will help you relax and rediscover your inner strength in a tropical oasis.
A hiking adventure in Morocco
If you have $1000 to spend in Morocco, the Toubkal hike is a great way to make the most of your trip. It takes place in the High Atlas Mountains, takes four days to hike, and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful treks in the world. Plus, you get to ride an adorable camel!
A luxury suite in Dubai
Forget the days of spending hundreds of dollars on a hotel room. In the most luxurious hotels in the world, a night’s stay can cost thousands. The Atlantis, an all-suites hotel located in Dubai, is one of them. Rooms at this ultra-luxury hotel go for an average rate of $1,000 per night, with some rooms costing as much as $10,000 a night.
A historical getaway in Rome
When travelling to Italy, you can’t go wrong with Rome, but it can be expensive. By contrast, Orvieto is just as rich in history and culture, and a day trip there is more affordable. If you have $1000 to spend in Rome, exploring Orvieto is a great way to get more bang for your buck. Don’t forget to drop into a winery while you’re there!
A sunset cruise in Santorini
As the most expensive island on the planet, Santorini doesn’t just have the best views in Greece: it has some of the best views in the whole world. If you have $1000 to spend on a date night in Santorini, take a private tour of a winery. You can enjoy 12 wine tastings alongside a display of tapas. You can finish off your date night with a sunset cruise with your loved one.
A jazz dinner in New Orleans
If you have $1000, begin your trip with a VIP Jazz Dinner cruise on the Mississippi River aboard a fully restored steamboat. You’ll enjoy amazing food and even better entertainment as you sail down the river. Plus, if you’re looking for something historic and want to learn more about America’s past, then we recommend spending an afternoon at Oak Alley Plantation.
Rent a luxury yacht in Miami
If you have $1000 to spend in Miami, grab a group of your besties, and rent a private luxury yacht, which will come complete with a captain and champagne. Hitting the high seas is an experience like no other, especially if you’re used to living on land. You’ll be able to catch some sun, swim with dolphins and take in the city’s skyline from the water. Pure Miami fun!
Explore history in Copenhagen
If you have $1000 to spend in Copenhagen, you can take a private tour to the historic Frederiksborg Castle, which was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway in the early 17th century. You’ll learn about the castle’s fascinating history and architecture, including its impressive Gothic towers and intricate wood carvings.
Get close to your idols in South Korea
If you’re a BTS superfan, you might be familiar with the band’s album shoot for the album Butter. It took place at Mengbang Beach, and the scenery is breathtaking. You can make your own way to Mengbang Beach from Seoul, but if you have $1000 to spend you can book your own private tour.
Live for a month in Mexico City
If you have $1000 in Mexico City, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment with air conditioning in a good location for one month. The cost of living is lower than in other major cities, so it’s possible to live well for the same price as any other place, enjoying amazing street food, boutique stores and celebrations.
Take a trip to Pandora in China
If you’re a fan of the movie Avatar, then you’ll be thrilled to discover that if you have $1000 lying around, you can spend three days in a place that looks almost exactly like the film’s scenery. Zhangjiajie is located in China, and it’s probably the closest we’ll ever get to finding an actual Pandora. A three-day tour will typically cost around $1000.
Ride hot-air balloons in Cappadocia
If you’re short on time and don’t want to waste any of it, consider taking an express getaway to Cappadocia, Turkey. The incredible Turkish region is known for its views of the desert, countless hot air balloons, and incredible cave hotels. A getaway for two from Istanbul runs around $900.
Spend over two months in India
It’s an exciting time to be an international backpacker, with so many countries offering discounted rates to young travellers. India has been a popular destination for a while now, but in 2010, RoughGuides.com published a chart that rated the most inexpensive countries by looking at how many days a budget traveller could last on US$1,000. India came in highest/least expensive, with a possible 71 days of travel for $1,000.
Take in the architecture in Moscow
If you travel to Moscow, Russia, be sure and spend a day taking in all of its unique architecture. The city is famous for its cathedrals, including St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Moscow Kremlin. It’s also home to the Bolshoi Theatre, a place that’s not only beautiful but also home to an incredible ballet company with over 200 dancers! You can take a private tour for $200-300 per person.
A luxury safari in Tanzania
If you’re in the market for a great vacation that doesn’t break the bank, then consider taking a safari in Tanzania. One of the best places is Serengeti National Park, where you can see lions, elephants and other wild animals up close. The average cost of three days at a luxury lodge at Serengeti is around $1000.
See Everest up close in Nepal
Nepal is a bit of an underrated country, but it’s one that should definitely be on your bucket list. It’s got some of the best scenery in the world, with some of the most spectacular views. For thrill-seekers and nature lovers, $1000 will be enough to join a 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp.
See Komodo Dragons in the wild in Indonesia
Komodo dragons are one of the most fascinating species in the world, and you can see these giant lizards in their natural habitat with a tour of Komodo Island. If you want to get a great view of these animals, you can go on a four-day tour from Bali or Java. Tours depart from either the Labuan Bajo or Manggarai harbour and cost up to $1000 per person.
Take a private tour of the Pyramids in Cairo
If you have $1000 to spend in Cairo, you and your friends can hop on camels and take a private tour of one of the Wonders of the World – the Pyramids of Giza. The pyramids were built more than 4,500 years ago by the Egyptians, who were at the forefront of mathematics, architecture and philosophy at that time.
Sleep at the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon is something everyone should do at least once in their life. A trip to Phantom Ranch, with its scenic views and rustic cabins on the banks of the Colorado River, makes for a more memorable vacation than staying in one of the hotels at the South Rim. A cabin at Phantom Ranch costs $200-350 per night, and a guided hike is $110 per person per day.
Visit one of Africa’s largest reserves in Johannesburg
If you have $1000 to spend in Johannesburg, take a four-day trip to Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, and enjoy the classic African safari experience. The park covers nearly 8,000 square miles and is home to over 200 species of mammals – you can be sure that your $1000 won’t go to waste here!
Sandboard in a desert oasis in Huacachina
If you’re a globetrotter, chances are that you’ve already seen images of Huacachina, Peru’s desert oasis. It looks like something out of a movie, after all. However, you might not know that it can be visited on the cheap. This lagoon with tropical palms and a hot climate is a tempting place to spend a good chunk of your vacation time. Don’t forget to try sandboarding for only $20! A private day trip from Lima starts from $200 per person.
Spend a week in magical Tulum
Tulum has become one of the hottest travel destinations, known for its cheap food, gorgeous cenotes and hippie aesthetic. $1000 will get you a pretty incredible week in this tropical paradise. Take a tour of all the cenotes and a day trip to Chichen Itza. Ride ATVs and zip lines through the jungle and then finish off with a diving tour.
Go caving in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to some of the most incredible caves, just waiting to be explored. Unfortunately, a guided tour to Son Doong Cave – the world’s largest – will set you back $3000. If you don’t have that budget, you can take a tour of the Tu Lan caves system for about $1000. This lesser-known network of caves features a beautiful river and stalactites and stalagmites as big as cars.
Go back in time in Berlin
Berlin is a fascinating place to visit, but it’s also a city with a lot of history. If you’re travelling here for the first time, you’ll want to make sure to check some of its World War II and Cold War sites off your bucket list. The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is just one train stop outside of central Berlin and is a popular pilgrimage site. A full tour of all the sights costs around $200 per person.
Follow in Al Capone’s footsteps in Chicago
If you’re planning a trip to Chicago, here are two options to consider. If you’ve got a group of friends or family, you can take a dinner cruise down Lake Michigan. And if you’re interested in Chicago’s mob history, you can add in a private Al Capone tour for $800 – where you’ll visit notorious hangouts of John Dillinger, The Untouchables, and the legendary Al Capone.
Stay in the remote rainforest in Borneo
Borneo has long been a place of fascination for adventurers and explorers, as it’s one of the most biodiverse places in the world. If you’re looking for an trip that will allow you to experience nature in all its glory, Danum Valley Conservation Area is a great choice. Four days at this remote nature reserve will set you back $1000.
Explore rice terraces in The Philippines
If you’re in the Philippines and looking for something different to do, take a trip to the Banau Rice terraces – sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The history of these rice terraces has been lost to time – but they’re estimated to be as old as the Pyramids and were carved by the ancestors of the Igorot people – the indigenous peoples of Luzon. A three-day private tour from Manila costs $630 per person.
Hike Half Dome at Yosemite
If you’re looking for a trip that combines your love of the outdoors with your penchant for city life and natural beauty, Yosemite National Park is a winner. Yosemite is huge, so be prepared to spend a few days making your way through all the sights. One night at a private cottage or lodge hotel is around $300. And if you’re feeling up to it, try tackling Half Dome – the famous 16-mile hike.
