With the return of Spring comes a day we can count on to arrive on time every year: tax day. According to the IRS, the average tax refund is $3,120*,and if you’re lucky enough to be getting a refund there’s no better way to use the unexpected chunk of change than on travel. We’re here to give you the information to help answer the age-old question: should I splurge or save?
Splurge: Milan
There’s no better time to visit Milan than June, especially in 2015, when the World Expo takes over, bringing new life to the city from May to October. Three nights at our top trending hotel in Milan, Grand Hotel Verdi, will run about $1,209 according to a recent search. Add that to June’s median airfare and you’re at $2,352. The Grand Hotel Verdi is located in the middle of Milan’s action, just 5 minutes from the Brera district – home to the world-famous Pinacoteca art gallery – and the Corso Como area, which is packed with bars, restaurants and clubs.
Save: Savannah
If you want a quick, inexpensive getaway to escape the cold, look no further than Savannah, Georgia in January. Median airfare is just $351, and three nights at the Dresser Palmer House mansion, built in 1876, can get you a luxury B&B experience for around $537. Visit historic landmarks, museums, and soak in the Southern charm. You might even see a ghost.
Splurge: Rio de Janeiro
Use your tax refund to ring in the New Year on Copacabana Beach. Revelers can watch the fireworks and entertainment on the beach, at a beachfront hotel party, or on a neighboring beach like Ipanema. Brazilians always use the holiday as a time of renewal and symbolically wear all white, so dress appropriately and don’t miss out. Travel Hacker Data shows median airfare to be $1,384 and a recent search for three nights at our top trending hotel, the Miramar Hotel by Windsor ran about $1,620. Don’t forget to check the ideal booking window.
Save: Vancouver
Channel your inner Herman Melville with a trip to Vancouver at the end of October. The whale-watching season is just coming to a close at that time, and locals say you’re likely to get lucky spotting one. Vancouver was the #4 Deal destination in our 2015 Travel Hacker Guide (October median airfare came to $432) and the Four Seasons Vancouver was our top hotel. Luxury AND adventure together at last!
Splurge: Fiji
If dropping temperatures are not your thing, a trip to Fiji in January will definitely do the trick. Travel Hacker Data shows median airfare in January to be $1,592, and three nights at the top trending Sheraton Fiji Resort runs about $543, totaling $2,135 for flight and accommodations. Take a day trip to neighboring islands and enjoy cultural shows at the resort at night to make the most of this splurge trip.
Save: Puerto Vallarta
Check out Puerto Vallarta in September, when the sun is still hot and our Travel Hacker Data tells us the airfare is lowest ($457 median airfare). Three nights at top trending Grand Miramar Club + Spa will cost about $555, making this the perfect location to extend your summer. Take that scuba lesson you’ve wanted to try or get that extra margarita to put your refund to work.
Visit our 2015 Travel Hacker Guide for more tips and tricks because whether you splurge or save, spending your tax refund on a vacation is always a worthy cause.
*Based on an IRS report published on 2/20/15
Median Airfare pulled from the 2015 Travel Hacker Guide
Hotel Rates based on KAYAK searches conducted on 3/19/2015 for:
- Milan travel dates: 6/12/15 – 6/15/15
- Rio de Janeiro travel dates: 12/29/15-1/1/16
- Fiji travel dates: 1/15/16-1/18/16
- Savannah Travel Dates: 1/15/16-1/18/16
- Vancouver Travel Dates: 10/9/15-10/12/15
- Puerto Vallarta Travel Dates: 9/11/15-9/14/15
Total trip cost does not include taxes or fees
