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

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!