Planning a vacation can be very stressful. Planning a vacation while also trying to stay under budget can be even more frustrating. However, we’ve laid out the steps to help you plan a week-long vacation for under $1000. Here’s how:

 

Be flexible

This may be the hardest part about planning vacations. Most people have set dates in mind when they begin to plan. However, if you allow some flexibility in your travel schedule then you can save even more money. Little things like taking midweek flights and even booking hotel stays during weekdays can save you significant money.

 

Purchase a flight deal or glitch fare

Since you are on board with being flexible, finding a flight deal will be no issue. Airlines post fare sales everyday. Most times they come from the airline not selling seats on a certain route fast enough. The reduced flights are normally posted for specific dates. They may not necessarily match up  with dates that you originally planned for, this is why being flexible is key. Also, glitch fares may pop up for the destination that you have in mind. As we mentioned in our glitch fare guide, these come from glitches in the actual airline reservation systems. So they may or may not be honored in the end. Just keep that in mind.

 

In order to stay under the $1000 mark for this week-long vacation, you want to pick a destination that will be $500 or less for a return ticket. This is pretty easy to do, especially if you live in a big city.

 

Opt for Airbnbs, hostels, or HomeAway

Depending on your destination, hotels will add up for a week-long stay. Even if the hotel is $100 per night, you are looking at almost $700. Now, if you are going with a group of people, splitting the costs of a reasonably priced hotel will be perfect.

 

If you are traveling solo or as a pair, then Airbnbs, hostels, and HomeAway will be a better option. Most hostels also offer continental breakfast too. For a 5-7 night stay, you want to spend no more than $300 per person on your accommodation.

 

Related: Hostel Hacks: A Beginner’s Guide To Saving On Accommodations

 

Find free excursions and negotiate tour prices 

If you are a serious planner, then you prefer to have your itinerary together before you take off for vacay. This is where you refer back to the first point, be flexible. You should have an idea of things you want to do during your vacation, but don’t set anything in stone.

 

Before heading to your destination research any free tours, free museums, or self-guided options. Once you arrive, try to negotiate prices for excursions that cost. This won’t be easy in first-world countries but if you are heading to the Caribbean, Asia, or Africa it is very easy to negotiate with tour operators in person.

 

Eat local or cook your own meals

If you opted for the Airbnb, hostel, or HomeAway option then your accommodation will likely come with a kitchen for you to use. Grocery shop at a local store and stock up for the week. If you want to try some of the cuisine that is authentic to your destination, then visit local eateries. You will pay much less than you would eating at more touristy restaurants.

 

If you follow these tips, you can easily stay on budget and meet your goal of staying under $1000.