Consider using your tax refund for a surprise getaway this spring

As tax season approaches, many Americans are eager to see how it will affect their payments and refunds. The silver lining is that average tax refunds have been on the rise in recent years, and the latest data from the IRS indicates this trend continues, potentially bringing even more unexpected funds your way this tax season.

Tax refunds differ from state to state and person to person, but historical data and projections can provide taxpayers with a clearer idea of what they might owe the IRS — or receive back — in April. Recent figures show that as of late February, the average refund is $3,213, reflecting a 4.3% increase from the previous year.

Certain states tend to report higher average refunds than others. According to data compiled by LendingTree for the 2021 tax year, residents in Wyoming, Massachusetts, Florida, and Washington, D.C., enjoyed average refunds exceeding $5,000. Conversely, Maine, West Virginia, and Vermont reported the lowest averages, in the low $3,000s. While this year's specific averages may differ slightly, the relative standings of the highest and lowest states typically remain consistent.

Every taxpayer will choose to use their refund in their own way, with some opting to pay off debt or save. However, if travel is on your mind, we have some fantastic ideas for you. What better way to welcome spring (and the conclusion of tax season) than with a fully funded trip from your tax refund?

No matter the size of your refund, you may be surprised at how far it can stretch. Websites like Going.com and Skyscanner.com can help you discover last-minute vacation bargains.

$3,000 to $3,200

Even with a modest tax refund, you can plan an amazing trip, whether it's within the U.S. or overseas. Maine typically sees the lowest average refund, around $3,144 (based on the 2021 tax year). With this amount, a solo traveler could reach Cartagena, Colombia, where nonstop flights from New York City in May are available for $669, or even as low as $363 with a layover.

You could also visit Dublin this spring for just $607 round-trip. With nearly $2,500 left over, you'd have plenty to spend on lodging, meals, and entertainment.

While the budget may not stretch as far for couples, we discovered round-trip flights to Reykjavik on the low-cost airline PLAY for just $387. This means couples can cross the Atlantic for under $800 and enjoy several days exploring Iceland. Though Iceland may not be the cheapest spot, there are plenty of points-friendly accommodations in the city.

For a family getaway, consider spending a week in Sedona, Arizona, hiking its stunning red rocks, or relaxing on the beaches of Key West, Florida — we found round-trip flights for about $200 to $300 from numerous East Coast airports.

$3,250 to $3,450

Taxpayers in this range, which reflects the average person as of February, can escape the lingering cold with trips to warm and inviting destinations throughout the U.S.

For a budget-friendly getaway, you can catch a nonstop flight from Burlington, Vermont, to Orlando for as little as $151 round-trip on Breeze Airways. A trip to Orlando doesn’t have to mean a visit to the mouse; both Disney World and Universal feature many attractions that don’t require a park admission. You’ll find numerous fun and affordable hotels throughout the area.

For international adventures, we discovered flights from Boston to Frankfurt for only $437 round-trip per person. You can also quickly fly to the island of Aruba from Washington, D.C., for just $396. Families can enjoy this trip by utilizing points to book stays at the island's many fantastic points properties.

$3,550 to $4,550

If you receive a refund that exceeds the current average, you might be able to allocate part of it for travel while saving the rest.

For those living in Nevada, Alaska, or other western states, the San Juan Islands off Washington's coast are just a short flight and ferry ride away. This picturesque archipelago, filled with state parks and lush greenery, is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to hike, kayak, swim, or spot orcas starting in May. Flights from the west can be as low as $90 per person (for instance, from Las Vegas to Seattle on Frontier Airlines), and accommodations on the islands typically range from $115 to $285 per night in late May.

For international travel, West Coast residents can reach parts of South America in just a few hours. In May, flights from California to Bogota, Colombia, usually range between $300 and $400.

East Coast travelers can escape to St. Martin with flights costing around $300 on Delta. Alternatively, you can take a nonstop flight to Paris for about $500 from New York with airlines like French Bee, Air Caraibes, or Norse Atlantic Airways. Treat yourself to a stay at one of the finest hotels in Paris, such as the Ritz Paris or Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome. Or, use your hotel points for a reward night, leaving you plenty of refund money to indulge in exquisite French cuisine.

$4,800 to $6,000

If you reside in one of the states known for high tax refunds — typically including Connecticut, Nevada, New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming — you could be on your way to the vacation of a lifetime.

Southeast Asia can be incredibly affordable, allowing your refund to stretch a long way. While flights will take up a significant portion of your budget — with fares to Bali starting at $1,500 per person — accommodations, activities, and dining are quite inexpensive. Even if flights for two exceed $3,000, you can comfortably enjoy a 10-day stay with just $1,800 to $3,000 in spending money.

For instance, we found rates at Aloft Bali in Seminyak for under $100 per night, just a short walk from the beach. You can also soak in the breathtaking scenery around Ubud for only $125 per night at Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (another Marriott property).

If you're seeking something entirely different, North Africa's mild spring temperatures make it an excellent time to explore Morocco. While flights to Africa can be pricier year-round, fares to Casablanca are surprisingly reasonable, ranging from $500 to $900 round-trip, depending on whether you choose a nonstop flight or one with a layover. Visitors can rent entire homes near Casablanca through Airbnb for just over $100 per night, many of which come with their own pools.

In summary

While your tax refund represents the excess taxes you've paid or had withheld during the year, it often feels like found money. There's truly no better way to travel than with unexpected funds that have suddenly come your way.

With my travel suggestions, you can make the most of this tax refund and enjoy an exciting vacation.