9 of the best trips under £1,000 (including flights)

From Northern Lights sightings to exploring the Pyramids, it's possible to find a trip to suit a £1,000 budget, including flights. In fact, you might be surprised to find just how far it can take you...

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1. Jordan without breaking the bank

The Treasury in Petra, Jordan (Shutterstock)

The Treasury in Petra, Jordan (Shutterstock)

Have a grand old adventure for only a grand on this exhilarating trekking holiday in Jordan with Intrepid.

Wander the streets of Amman, wind your way along shepherd's paths in Mukair, and get off the beaten track inancient Petra, taking the lesser known back road to the famous Treasury.

Add in a jeep ride through Wadi Rum, a night under the stars with Bedouins, and a dip (and bob) in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, and you’ve well and truly got your money’s worth.

Trip: Trek Jordan

Who: Intrepid

Type: Small group

When: Mar to Jun & Aug to Dec

How long: Eight days

How much: From £893 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £112 return

2. Northern Lights on a budget

The Northern Lights in Finland (Shutterstock)

The Northern Lights in Finland (Shutterstock)

Spend three nights under the Northern Lights in magical Apukka in Finland and still have change from £1,000 on this flights-included Lapland adventure with the Aurora Zone.

The Apukka Resort is ideally situated so you can enjoy the wintry wilderness of Lapland, while still basing yourself in prime Aurora territory. A local guide will be on hand to offer their expert knowledge of the Northern Lights, and help maximise your chances of seeing this astonishing natural wonder.

You’ll also enjoy a complimentary night in an Ice Cabin, a truly Arctic experience. There are plenty of optional activities like snowshoe trekking and dog sledding to keep you busy, too. A truly captivating Finnish escape.

Trip: Rovaniemi: Aurora Adventure In Apukka

Who: The Aurora Zone

Type: Tailor-made

When: Jan to Mar

How long: Three nights

How much: From £925 (inc. flights)

3. Enjoy Egypt’s blockbuster sights

A felucca sailing along the Nile near Luxor (Shutterstock)

A felucca sailing along the Nile near Luxor (Shutterstock)

Discover the ancient treasures of Egypt and learn about one of the oldest and most fascinating civilisations in the world, on this incredible budget adventure with Tucan Travel. 

Kicking off Cairo, you will visit Egypt’s most iconic sites, including the famous Great Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Luxor.

You’ll float down the Nile Aswan to Kom Ombo aboard a tradition felucca, and have plenty of time to spend the money you’ve saved buying papyrus paintings and alabaster sphinxes in Cairo’s medieval bazaars. This really is ‘bucket list on a budget'.

Trip: Egypt Adventure

Who: Tucan Travel

Type: Small group

When: Departures throughout the year

How long: Nine days

How much: From £495 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £243 return

4. Whales and volcanoes in the Azores

Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel (Shutterstock)

Lagoa das Sete Cidades on São Miguel (Shutterstock)

Watch whales, walk amongst volcanoes and enjoy a unique twist on Portuguese cuisine, on this incredible active holiday in the Azores with Artisan Travels.

Based on the island of São Miguel, this is an exotic twist on a typical European getaway. You will watch for whales from a tour boat, swim with dolphins in the Atlantic, and snorkel close to a colourful variety of fish and other underwater fauna off the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

You’ll also experience the island’s volcanic side: bathing in a naturally-heated spring at the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden, exploring São Miguel’s longest lava tunnel, and tucking into Cozido das Furnas – a traditional Portuguese stew cooked by natural steam.

Trip: Azores: A Volcanic Wonderland

Who: Artisan Travels

Type: Small group

When: Apr to Oct

How long: Seven nights

How much: From £895 

Flights start from: £103 return

5. Cycle the Loire Valley

Château de Saumur, Loire Valley (Shutterstock)

Château de Saumur, Loire Valley (Shutterstock)

Experience the very best of the Loire Valley and still have change to buy a carton or two of the region’s finest wines, on this eight day cycling tour with BSpoke Tours.

Based at Candes-Saint-Martin, a charming medieval village that sits on the point of confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, you’ll cycle through the beautiful Loire Valley, canoe the gorgeous waters of the Loire and Indre rivers, and sample many, many fine wines.

Your tour includes self-catering accommodation in stylish, fully-equipped apartments, bikes for the duration of your stay, with pannier bags, water bottles and repair kits, and support from local representatives. And just to get you started, your welcome pack upon arrival includes two bottles of local wine!

Trip: Loire Single Centre Cycling Holiday

Who: BSpoke Tours

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: Eight days

How much: From £500 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £90 return

6. Trek Morocco’s wild Atlantic coast

The Essaouira ramparts (Shutterstock)

The Essaouira ramparts (Shutterstock)

Hike coastal trails to remote fishing villages and experience unchanged Morocco, on this affordable trekking and cultural adventure along the Atlantic Coast with KE Adventure Travel. 

Your days will be filled with spectacular cliffs, long sandy beaches and rural landscapes. Your nights will see you falling asleep to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean beneath star-filled Moroccan skies.

You’ll also stay in a charming traditional riad in the heart of Essaouira’s ancient white-washed medina, and have time to explore the bustling city of Marrakech complete with exotic souks, beautiful palaces and colourful squares.

Trip: Walking Morocco’s Undiscovered Coast

Who: KE Adventure Travel

Type: Small group

When: Jul & Sep

How long: Eight days

How much: From £560 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £140 return

7. Discover classic Georgia

Svetitskhoveli Orthodox Cathedral, Mtskheta (Shutterstock)

Svetitskhoveli Orthodox Cathedral, Mtskheta (Shutterstock)

Tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia is a cultural gem. You’ll experience it all on this budget adventure through most of its highlights, over a jam-packed six days. 

From the buzzing capital of Tbilisi to the near-empty Caucasus, you'll learn all about Georgia's rich history and culture, plus experience its legendary hospitality and tasty food.

With a visit to Mtskheta, the ancient capital of Georgia, and a journey along the Silk Road to Uplistsikhe, who knew your £1,000 could take you so far into lesser-visited territory?

Trip: Classic Georgia

Who: TravelLocal

Type: Tailor-made

When: Flexible departures throughout the year

How long: Six days

How much: From £660 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £199 return

8. Iceland at your own pace

Arnarstapi, a small village o Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Shutterstock)

Arnarstapi, a small village o Snæfellsnes Peninsula (Shutterstock)

On this winter self-drive holiday with Discover The World, you can experience the landscapes and activities Iceland is famous for without breaking the bank. And you’ll probably get to see the Northern Lights, too.

Based in an idyllic rural base, just 90 minutes from Reykjavik, you will search for the Aurora Borealis under the dark skies of Borgarfjordur, visit the amazing Ice Cave and explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with an optional whale watching tour, should you choose.

A tour of the iconic Golden Circle will reveal Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls and geysers. A dip in the natural Krauma geothermal baths is a soothing way to end the day. See, Iceland doesn't need to be *too* expensive... 

Trip: Iceland: Northern Lights, Glaciers and Waterfalls

Who: Discover The World

Type: Tailor-made/Self-drive

When: Jan to Apr & Oct to Dec

How long: Four nights

How much: From £527 (exc. flights)

Flights start from: £80 return

9. Walk through history on Gozo

The view from Tal-Mixta Cave in Gozo (Shutterstock)

The view from Tal-Mixta Cave in Gozo (Shutterstock)

Stay in a secluded five star hotel, trek along magnificent coastal paths and discover colourful fishing villages - on a luxury walking holiday in Gozo with Exodus. Plus, you don't need to worry about booking your own flights...

Cherished since the time of Homer, Gozo remains an unspoilt Mediterranean island, with a temperate climate year-round, making it the perfect place to explore on foot.

Blessed with a rugged landscape and spectacular coastline, it is also brimming with Baroque architecture, gardens and churches. Only the occasional farmhouse punctuates the countryside.

Trip: Headwater - Self-Guided Walking On Gozo - Calypso's Isle (4 Nights)

Who: Exodus

Type: Small group

When: Departures throughout the year

How long: Four nights

How much: From £895 (inc. flights)

P.S. This article was published in September 2019. Of course, flight prices do change, so keep an eye on your chosen destination's fares to get the best deal.

More ways to make your budget go further:

9 budget-friendly trips

9 of the best trips for under £700

19 trip ideas for (approximately) £250 or less

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