14 Trips To Take With Your Tax Refund

With just a few days left before tax day, it’s time to get crackin’ — not just on filing your taxes, but figuring out how to spend that precious return.

If last year’s trends are an indication, the average U.S. taxpayer will see a return of $3,000. For some, that’s a down payment on a new car or money that goes straight into savings. But we like to think of it as an annual travel fund whenever possible.

That’s why we teamed up with the data engineers at Expedia, who scoured their databases for the best package deals bookable this tax season. We asked them to curate two types of trips: five-day vacations under $3,000, and three-day getaways under $1,500. All are inclusive of round-trip coach flights and overnight stays in three-, four-, or five-star hotels and are priced for two travelers.

Families of four can also buy in. Simply book the $1,500 trips for four travelers instead of two, and you’ll still manage to cover the cost of your trip with the average tax return. (Hotel costs will only double if you book two of the same room category; family-friendly suites will incrementally increase the price in most cases, without entirely doubling it.) Stick to two travelers, and these $1,500 trips will afford you the opportunity to get some quality R&R while also stashing half of your return into savings. The possibilities are vast.

Our goal is to help you find the perfect trip no matter where you are, so we pulled itineraries that depart from four major hubs — New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Consider it our gift to you: full itineraries that deliver big value, top-notch quality, and prime springtime destinations. (We’ve even got a cherry blossom trip on the list.) What’s left to think about? Go ahead, pick your perfect vacation and get booking. These deals won’t last forever, and you’ve worked all year to earn this one.