THERE'S no doubt the economic doom and gloom is having a major effect on travel.

Airlines fuel surcharges have all but destroyed the mega-cheap airfare, while petrol price hikes are forcing Aussies to holiday at home, literally, rather than hitting the open road.

The cost of living is going up and wages are staying the same, yet we are all working harder. Holidays lounging in resort luxury or exploring new cultures have never been more important than now.

Yet we still believe we have to break the bank for that big overseas adventure… until now!

For under $1000, you can experience eight days in the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, go hard on a nine-day multi-adventure through Sri Lanka or de-stress in a deluxe room at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.

For the price most of us would spend on a long weekend in Australia, you can trek along Vietnam’s mountain valleys, surf Bali breaks or explore New Zealand’s north island.

That’s not to say there are no deals to be had in our own backyard. For just over $800 you can set out on a 4WD outback adventure in the Northern Territory, while sunning it up in the Cable Beach Club Resort in Western Australia costs a little over $550.

So start planning your great escape from the rat race with these big breaks for under $1000.