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Have a tax refund to spend? 3 long weekend getaways to consider

April 16, 2022
6 min read
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This weekend is the last one before Tax Day. Monday, April 18, is the federal deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or file an extension. While that reminder might be an unwelcome one for those owing taxes from 2021, there’s less of a sting among those set to receive a tax refund. If you fall in the latter category, are you thinking of spending that refund on a trip?

According to the IRS, the average refund was $3,226, up 11.5% compared to last year.

So, just for fun – and in the interest of adding a silver lining to one of America’s less joyful rites of spring – we thought we’d suggest a few getaways falling within that range for transit and lodging that might make the coming months of 2022 all the more enjoyable.

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1. A couple’s getaway to Grand Cayman

With the Cayman Islands easing some COVID-19 restrictions in recent months, It’s hard to think of a better way to relax for a few days this spring than on one of the world’s best beaches. Grand Cayman’s 7 Mile Beach, along which numerous resorts sit, features spectacular white sand and beautiful, warm waters. There are also some great dining options both on the resort properties along the beach, and also in town. When I visited in 2018, one of my favorite stops was Lobster Pot.

Seven Mile Beach (Photo courtesy of the Westin Grand Cayman)

Looking at airfare for two to the island later this spring, I found a round trip departing from the northeast on American Airlines for $319 per ticket for a long weekend from May 5-9. The basic economy ticket (which does not include a full-size carry on bag) involves a layover in Charlotte.

(Screenshot courtesy of American Airlines)

Once you get there, there are numerous resorts, including multiple Marriott Bonvoy properties, a Westin and a Ritz Carlton. For this particular weekend, the most affordable Marriott property was the Marriott itself, which is right on the beach and has a pool overlooking the ocean. The nightly rate of $348 brings the total for the four-night stay to $1,392.

(Screenshot courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy)

Related: Where to use points in Grand Cayman

That brings your total for airfare and hotel to $2,030, meaning, if your tax refund falls near the U.S. average you’ve got some cash leftover for meals, transit, checked bags and other expenses.

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 2. A family trip to New York City

With COVID-19 cases just a fraction of what they were back in January, and many more children eligible for vaccination compared to this time last year, it could be a great opportunity to take the kids to New York.

(Photo by Alexander Spatari/Getty Images)

Looking at trips departing from Washington, D.C., earlier this year, I decided to go the Amtrak route, since a train ride to Manhattan puts you right in the middle of the city. The trip to New York went for $78, with a great $29 fare on the return trip. For a family of four, the round trip comes to $428.

(Screenshot courtesy of Amtrak)
(Screenshot courtesy of Amtrak)

Related: 5 scenic Amtrak trips you can enjoy on a budget

Once in the city, I checked Hilton properties right in the middle of the action: $225 per night is the rate at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square/Penn Station, so $1,1,65 for the four-night stay.

(Screenshot courtesy of Hilton)

Add in four $125 tickets to see catch a Saturday matinee Broadway production of the Lion King at Minskoff Theater, and your total for transportation, lodging and the centerpiece of your entertainment comes to $2,093.

(Screenshot courtesy of Ticketmaster)

Related: What it’s like to attend a Broadway show with young kids

3. Meet friends in California for a golf getaway

Golf is on the mind of many people. After all, just last weekend marked the playing of the 2022 Masters. So I thought I’d check on trips to Southern California, which is home to numerous renowned golf courses and popular for golf getaways.

Looking at trips from Chicago that same long weekend (May 5-9), the best nonstop service I found involved flights on United from Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) to San Diego (SAN) for $482.

(Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights)

For lodging in California, you might consider booking at the Andaz San Diego Boutique Hotel, which is right in the heart of the city and has a rooftop pool and spectacular views overlooking the city’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Pool at the Andaz San Diego Boutique Hotel. (Photo courtesy of World of Hyatt)

The four-night stay comes to $1,329, bringing your total airfare and lodging to $1,811, leaving some cash for food, transit and – of course – the golf!

(Screenshot courtesy of World of Hyatt)

Not getting a tax refund?

We also know not everyone will be getting a tax refund in 2022. If you're not, maybe it's a great time to book a trip using points and miles. Our advice on that front? The sooner you can book, the better!

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. If anyone on our team wouldn’t recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldn’t recommend it on The Points Guy either. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners.
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Cons

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  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.