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12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund

Tax season isn't fun, but refunds are—Forbes reports nearly 80% of filers receive an average of $3,053 per household. Make the most of yours with these handpicked travel deals, even for modest refunds.

Filter by expected refund: $200 or less | $500 or less | $1,500 or less

Prices checked April 8, 2016; updates provided weekly. Verify current availability.

$200 or Less

Savoy Suites, Washington, D.C. 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: 45% off
Why: Recently renovated on Embassy Row, just north of Georgetown. Ideal for exploring D.C.'s sights.
Price: $79/night, July 1–Sept. 5 (June dates discounted).

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: 50% off
Why: Iconic Strip resort with three pools (one adults-only), top spas, Forum Shops, and dining by Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay.
Price: $109–$149 select midweek dates through July.

The Sky Hotel, Aspen 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: 40% off
Why: Fodor's "trendiest hotel" near downtown. Kimpton perks: free wine hour, airport shuttle, no resort fee.
Price: $119 into June; $149 Sept. 1–Dec. 9; $199 June 11–Aug. 31.

Bagni di Pisa Palace & Spa, Tuscany 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: 50% off
Why: Historic 5-star spa (former duke's palace) near Pisa. Named Europe's Best Hotel Spa by World Spa Awards.
Price: $165/night through June & September (+$94 summer).

$500 or Less

Hotel Mousai, Puerto Vallarta 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: Over 45% off
Why: Adults-only, #2 on TripAdvisor. 1,069-sq-ft suites with private plunge pools, hammocks, and spa baths.
Price: $269/night into December (holidays included).

San Juan, Puerto Rico Cruise 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: Over 40% off
Why: MSC Divina ("gorgeous," per Cruise Critic) visits St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Bahamas. Departs Miami April 23/May 7.
Price: $449/person (before taxes/fees). Click here for rates and availability (use desktop to book)

Playa del Carmen, Mexico 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: $130 off DIY
Why: Riviera Maya resort with waterslides and cenote snorkeling. Includes U.S.–Cancun flights/taxes (April–August).
Price: $469/person. Click here for rates and availability (use desktop to book)

Alaska Cruise 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: $400 off
Why: Family deal: 3rd/4th sail free + $100 onboard credit. Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, Juneau, etc. (May departures).
Price: $499/person. Click here for rates and availability

$1,500 or Less

Colorado Dude Ranch 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: Over 35% off
Why: All-inclusive at 5-star Majestic Dude Ranch: horseback riding, rafting, fishing, ATV, biking, meals.
Price: $799/person. Click here for rates and availability

Dublin, Ireland 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: $205 off DIY
Why: 4 nights at 4-star North Star Hotel (city center) + roundtrip flights (fall/winter). Travelzoo Tip: See expert Ireland recs.
Price: $809/person. Click here for rates and availability

Dubai, UAE 12 Budget Travel Deals Under the Average $3,053 Tax Refund
Savings: $600 off
Why: Emirates flights + 4 nights + city tour. Luxury shopping haven (May 11/Sept. 28; other dates +$200).
Price: $1,399/person. Click here for rates and availability (use desktop to book)

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