It’s safe to say the majority of US citizens dread tax season, but nonetheless, it comes around every year. Imagine if tax season inspired a different reaction—one of adventure, curiosity and most importantly, relaxation. Put your tax return towards your dream vacation with a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico. According to the IRS, the average tax refund is just under $3,000, just enough to cover your next beach vacation. We carefully curated four beach vacations with budget-friendly price breakdowns, so you don’t have to dip into your savings.
Tulum, Mexico
Put your tax refund to good use in Mexico’s musical and spiritual hub, Tulum. October through December is the best time to visit and our research shows round-trip flights from New York are under $500 if you book well in advance. In Tulum, you can expect to pay between $200-$500 per night on accommodations ranging from boutique beachfront hotels to all-inclusive resorts. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive option, Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa is equipped with almost every amenity for an affordable rate. Or, if wellness and yoga is more your speed, book at Nomade Tulum and get an all-natural experience by the beach in this collaborative community of nomads.
Average Cost Breakdown A La Carte for Five Nights:
Flight = $500
RT Private Shuttle from Cancún Airport to Tulum = $175
Accommodation @ $250/night = $1,250
Food and Activities @ $150/day = $750
Total = $2,675
Average Cost Breakdown All-Inclusive for Five Nights:
Flight = $500
RT Private Shuttle from Cancún Airport to Tulum = $175
Accommodation @ $400/night = $2000
Activities @ $50/day = $250
Total = $2,925
Havana, Cuba
Take a trip back in time when you visit Cuba’s classic capital, Havana. Round-trip flights from New York to Havana cost under $400 during peak season, December through May. Enjoy 72 hours in Havana packed with fun before you venture to Viñales. You can get to Viñales via car or tour, just be sure to book in advance. After enjoying the lush valleys, finish your trip off right by lounging on Playa Santa María del Mar, a popular beach on the main strip of Playa Del Este. If you are looking for a beach vacation that is filled with more relaxing than sightseeing, check in to the all-inclusive Meliá Cayo Santa María or Iberostar Varadero hotel for prices as low as $200 per night.
Average Cost Breakdown All-Inclusive for Five Nights:
Flight = $400
Car Rental or Tour to Viñales = $200
Accommodation @ $400/night = $2000
Activities @ $50/day = $250
Total = $2,850
San Juan, Puerto Rico
This US territory is one of the most underrated vacation destinations, with flights from New York coming in under $400 during the least crowded time of year, April-June. It’s hard to determine what isn’t offered in Puerto Rico since the island has terrain ranging from beaches to rainforests, delicious local cuisine and most importantly, the Piña Colada for the national drink. You can scuba dive right off the shore, hike the Yunque National Forest and visit a bioluminescent bay all in one trip! Plan on spending between $200-300 per night on accommodations from small hotels to all-inclusive resorts. While staying at the Villa Montaña Beach Resort, be sure to book in advance for a beach bonfire with s’mores. Or if you’re looking to hit both the green and the beach, book at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort.
Average Cost Breakdown A La Carte for Five Nights:
Flight = $400
RT Transport to Hotel = $60
Accommodation @ $300/night = $1500
Food and Activities @ $200/day = $1000
Total = $2,960
San Pedro, Belize
Spend your 2017 tax refund in San Pedro, Belize if you love crystal clear water, pristine beaches and world-famous diving. Scuba divers, hop aboard a boat for a day trip to The Great Blue Hole of Belize, one of the most famous diving sites in the world. Stay at the Sapphire Beach Resort, San Pedro for rooms starting at $120, or live large at Las Terrazas Resort and Residences, San Pedro for rooms starting at $329. It’s important to book your Belize beach vacation well in advance as flight and accommodation prices drastically fluctuate, with the average flight from NYC costing $500-600. Plan your trip between November-April to avoid rainy season.
Average Cost Breakdown A La Carte for Five Nights:
Flight = $600
RT Taxi to Marine Terminal = $50
RT Ferry Ticket Belize City to San Pedro = $38
Accommodation Option @ $120 or $329/night = $600 / $1,645
Food and Activities @$100/day = $500
Total = $1,788 / $2,833
Before takeoff, always have the local currency on hand, the required documentation (like a passport or return ticket) and directions to your destination once you land.
All flight and accommodation prices are approximate and were sourced in March 2018.
