Tax Refund? Time to Travel! Trips That Are Worth Every Penny

Instead of letting your tax refund disappear into the black hole of bills and boring stuff, why not turn it into a passport stamp (or five)? Here are 9 amazing trips you can take with your refund check—some big, some small, but all unforgettable.

A Long Weekend in New Orleans
Jazz, jambalaya, and French Quarter flair—New Orleans delivers big culture in a small package. Perfect for a 3- to 4-day getaway, this vibrant city offers rich history, incredible food, and zero passport required. Explore historic plantations, take a steamboat ride on the Mississippi, and wrap up your nights with live music on Frenchmen Street. Beignets for breakfast? Always a good idea. It’s an ideal choice for budget-friendly domestic travel within the United States.

A Caribbean Cruise
Many 4- to 7-night cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico, or the Virgin Islands start under $1,000 per person—sometimes even with drink packages and gratuities included. Your refund could cover it all, with some left over for excursions. With multiple ports to explore, every day feels like a new vacation. Plus, the ease of unpacking once and waking up in a new destination is hard to beat. Caribbean cruises are among the best all-inclusive vacation options for families and couples alike.

A Week in Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s best travel deals. Spend your days wandering colorful alleyways in Lisbon, sipping port wine in Porto, or relaxing on Algarve’s sunny beaches. Affordable boutique hotels and mouthwatering meals mean your money goes further—without sacrificing luxury. Bonus: the locals are warm, and English is widely spoken. Portugal is perfect for an affordable European vacation packed with culture, coastlines, and cuisine.

A Road Trip Through the Southwest
Think Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley. Rent a car, pack a cooler, and let the desert skies and red rock landscapes blow your mind. Visit local art galleries, hike to hidden viewpoints, and spend your nights stargazing under clear desert skies. Each turn of the road reveals something breathtaking, making it a photographer’s dream. This is a classic American road trip ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

A Wellness Weekend in Costa Rica
Use your refund to reset. Costa Rica has incredible eco-resorts and wellness retreats where you can meditate, zipline, and sip fresh coconut juice between yoga sessions. Add in hikes to waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and warm local hospitality, and you’ve got a perfect escape. Whether you want adventure, healing, or a mix of both—Costa Rica delivers. It’s one of the best international travel destinations for wellness tourism and eco-conscious escapes.

An Alaska Cruise
If you’ve been dreaming of seeing glaciers, whales, and untouched wilderness, this is your sign. Alaska cruise deals are often available in spring and fall shoulder seasons, making your refund stretch further. Many itineraries include scenic rail rides or cultural experiences in Indigenous communities. Bring binoculars—you never know when a bald eagle or breaching whale will make an appearance. Alaska cruises offer unbeatable value for nature-focused travel and multi-generational vacations.

A Foodie Tour of Chicago or San Francisco
Stay stateside but eat like royalty. Both cities offer iconic eats (deep dish or sourdough, anyone?), amazing museums, and walkable neighborhoods that make short trips feel like real adventures. Try local food tours or chef-led tastings to experience flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Between bites, explore art scenes, historical sites, and waterfronts. These are top foodie travel destinations in the U.S. with year-round appeal for culinary tourism.

A European Christmas Market Hop
Use your refund as a down payment on a winter trip through Europe’s famous Christmas markets. Germany, Austria, and France light up with mulled wine, gingerbread, and old-world charm. You’ll find handmade gifts, cozy cafes, and picture-perfect towns that feel like a holiday movie set. Add in castles dusted with snow and twinkling lights, and it’s a true winter wonderland. This is one of the most magical seasonal travel experiences in Europe.

A Group Getaway to Mexico
Grab a few friends, split a beachfront villa in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, and live your best beach life. Your tax refund could cover your share of the lodging, flights, and margaritas. Spend your days swimming in cenotes, exploring Mayan ruins, or simply lounging with your toes in the sand. With vibrant nightlife and stunning sunsets, the memories will be as rich as the tan lines. Group trips to Mexico offer great value for tropical travel with all the fun and none of the stress.

Bottom line?
Your tax refund has the power to buy a lot more than stuff—it can buy memories. Let’s turn that check into your next adventure!