This year, April 18 is tax day in the United States. The glorious day that marks the end of Tax Season. If you don’t have your taxes filed by then, you’ve just added more paperwork on to the process. Ouch.

According to the United States IRS, the average income tax refund this year was over $3,000. So with that in mind, I took it upon myself to plan your tax-refund-funded vacations.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

You’ve earned that tax refund and now its time to treat yo’self. Take a week or so to relax on the beach and explore Puerto Rico.  Relaxing sea air. Rejuvenating sunshine. Beautiful beaches and rain forest adventures. Puerto Rico is just a short flight from the US and (bonus feature!) you don’t need a passport to go there! Here is Amanda’s take on why you should visit Puerto Rico.

Flight: $307 pp

Hotel: Intercontinental San Juan  $150/night

Things to See/Do: 
– Relax on Flamenco Beach
– Wander through Old San Juan
– Hike in El Yunque National Park
– Go snorkeling in the blue waters
– Explore the Caves

Havana, Cuba

With the diplomatic relations restored between the US and Cuba, travel to Cuba has become much easier for US citizens. With that in mind, it is best to schedule your trip to Cuba as soon as possible. Tourism scholars speculate that the influx of US tourists may drastically affect the culture, infrastructure, and resources of Cuba. Therefore, if you want the real Cuba, you’ve gotta go NOW! Read about Marie’s trip to Cuba for inspiration.

Flight: $500 pp

Hotel: Hotel Parque Central Havana  $150/night

Things to See/Do: 
– Devour delicious Cuban food
– Soak in the Sights at Plaza Vieja
– Learn to Salsa dance
– Visit Ernest Hemingway’s House
– See the El Morro Fortress

Cusco, Peru

As the gateway to the famous Macchu Picchu, Cusco is an obvious choice to spend your tax refund. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and has since been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Filled with centuries of history and culture, a trip to Cusco will make you forget the taxes you didn’t get back…

Flight: $535 pp

Hotel: Sonesta Hotel Cusco  $108/night

Things to See/Do:
– Visit Macchu Picchu and the Sacred Valley
– Test your Tastebuds with some Guinea Pig or Alpaca dishes
– Marvel at the  many Artisan markets
– Trek the Inca Trail
– Admire Incan architecture at the Temple of the Sun

Cape Town, South Africa

With a little extra cash in your pocket, now is your chance to cross Africa off your bucket list. Cape Town was named the best place in the world to visit by both The New York Times and The Telegraph. This area of South Africa is incredibly biodiverse, with a beautiful harbor area, the famous Table Mountain, and thousands of different plant species. A visit to Cape Town will certainly keep your camera shutter busy!

Flight: $768 pp

Hotel: The Adderly Hotel  $106/night

Things to See/Do: 
– Climb (or ride a Cable Car) to the top of Table Mountain
– Cage-dive with Great White Sharks
– Educate yourself at Robbin Island and District 6 Museum
– Purchase goodies from Greenmarket Square
– Play with Penguins at Boulder Beach

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the best place to visit to make your tax refund dollars stretch far. With airfare being the bulk of your expense, you can stay in upscale accommodations and stuff your face with ALL the delicious Thai food, and still not break your budget. Bangkok has something to suit every traveler- Culturally rich religious temples, huge shopping malls, and plentiful food markets. Read more about What to Do in Thailand.

Flight: $790 pp

Hotel: Amari Boulevard Bangkok  $67/night

Things to See/Do: 
– Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn
– Experience the Floating Market
– Wander through Chatuchak Weekend Market and Kao San Road
– Eat everything possible

*Flights were found using Kayak’s Explore feature, flying out of Washington DC during the month of June. Please note that prices published are not guaranteed and many not include taxes and other fees.

**Images from Pixabay

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