Skip to main content

5 Last-Minute Travel Destinations Worth Blowing Your Entire Tax Return on

Tax season is upon us in the United States. If you played your cards right last year, that (hopefully) means a big tax refund. You could do something sensible with that cash like save for your kids’ college education or max out your 401k. Or you could splurge on a ridiculously unnecessary, bucket-list-worthy vacation because you deserve a little “me time.” Assuming you decide on the latter, here are five destinations worth blowing this year’s tax return on.

For a Wild, Honeymoon-Worthy Vacation

South Africa

If you’re the sort of person with a pulse and eyeballs, you’ve no doubt dreamt of going on safari. Kruger National Park is hands-down the most iconic place in South Africa — arguably the world — to do just that. Within the park, the Sabi Sands Reserve boasts some of the most luxurious lodging for nature-watching. At the Lion Sands Treehouses, guests sleep in private, open-air treehouses with panoramic views of the rugged reserve. “The Big Five” frequently stroll the grounds, so enjoying a sunrise mimosa while watching lions, elephants, and leopards amble across your “front lawn” will become part of your daily routine here.

Recommended Videos

For a Natural Escape Away from the Crowds

The Azores

Portugal’s “secret” archipelago is creeping onto the radar of in-the-know travelers. For the most part, however, it’s largely unknown. Picture the rugged, volcanic landscape of the Hawaiian islands with the small town charm and world-class vineyards of rural Portugal — all without the crowds. Spend your days whale watching, hiking volcanoes, and pedaling between impossibly beautiful island villages where you’re unlikely to hear a word of English. Roundtrip flights from just about anywhere in the U.S. can be pricey, but travel costs — lodging, food, car rentals, and tours — on the islands are quite reasonable.

For Classic Island Chill

Jamaica

For a traditional fly-and-flop-style beach vacation, Jamaica is a good value any time of year. In May and June, in particular, budget travelers can find roundtrip flights to Montego Bay from JFK and other East Coast departures for less than $500. Pour that money you saved into swankier accommodations like the all-inclusive Sandals Royal Plantation where every room includes an ocean view and a private butler. Or, if you’re determined to blow your entire tax return and then some, splash out at the Sandals Royal Caribbean. The over-the-top overwater bungalows here are the swankiest you’ll find without flying around the world to the Maldives or Bora Bora.

For Pure Outdoor Adventure

Iceland

Iceland has been on everybody’s hot list — including ours — for the last few years. Adventure travelers would be hard-pressed to find a more outdoor-centric vacation spot. From stunning waterfalls and volcanos to dramatic fjords and mountain peaks, it’s an otherworldly landscape where every roadside lookout is Instagram-worthy. Plan a couple of nights in Reykjavik and a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon. Assuming money is no object, you can even overnight at the iconic geothermal hotspot at the luxurious new The Retreat spa hotel. To jettison the crowds, however, head to the island’s more remote reaches. Tucked into Iceland’s fantastical Thingvellir National Park, ION Adventure Hotel is an impossibly beautiful design hotel with a distinct, nature-forward ethos.

For a Sun-Soaked Getaway Close to Home

The Florida Keys

If you’re keen to vacation closer to home (i.e., not leave the country), The Florida Keys are a great option. Roundtrip flights in May from many East Coast cities run just north of $300 per person. Once on the ground, however, you can splurge on some of the most beautiful lodging in South Florida. For a relaxing getaway away from the maddening crowds, book an oceanfront villa all to yourself at Marathon Key’s Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort. If you’re looking for something closer to the action, Key West is the obvious choice. Marquesa Hotel is steps from the iconic Duval Street bar scene but offers the designer charm and upscale panache that once made Key West the richest zip code in America.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Personalized experiences beat loyalty points for most travelers, says survey
Today's travelers no longer seek transactional loyalty
Arizona Biltmore

A recent survey commissioned by Mews and conducted by Talker Research suggested a new era in personalized travel. The study polled 2,000 Americans ages 18+ who have traveled in the last 12 months, and found that nearly 68% of travelers now say they'll stay loyal to hotels that deliver standout, personalized experiences, leaving traditional, points-based rewards behind. The survey's findings suggest that today's luxury travelers embrace personalization, preferring tailored experiences over an outdated points-based reward system. This study highlights the changing needs of travelers who no longer seek transactional loyalty. Instead, today's travelers want genuine recognition.

The poll of 2,000 American travelers found that only 24% of Americans say hotel rewards are the most valuable (behind grocery store rewards, credit card points, gas rewards, and airline miles). Additionally, 82% of current hotel loyalty members cited frustrations with traditional programs, including points expiring too quickly (28%), blackout dates (24%), and difficulty earning meaningful rewards (23%). These challenges drive travelers, especially younger and affluent segments, to seek alternatives.

Read more
From alpine golf to nighttime kayaking: Unforgettable things to do in Lake Tahoe
Things to do in Lake Tahoe that locals actually love
A view of Lake Tahoe from U.S. Highway 50.

Lake Tahoe, straddling the California-Nevada border, is one of those rare destinations that truly has it all. With turquoise waters, pine-covered mountains, powdery ski slopes, and sunny beaches, it’s basically a choose-your-own-adventure in nature’s playground. Whether you’re in it for summer swims, airy fall hikes, fresh winter powder, or spring wildflowers, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up Lake Tahoe’s great outdoors.

From peaceful kayaking mornings to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, the range of things to do in Lake Tahoe is almost overwhelming (in the best way). That’s why I reached out to locals, outdoor experts, and frequent Tahoe-goers to round up the most epic activities for every season – plus a few personal favorites I couldn’t leave out.

Read more
Arajet celebrates July 4th with flight deals to 28 sunny destinations
Buenos Aires Argentina

Arajet, a Dominican-based airline, is offering promotional fares as low as $78 one-way this 4th of July weekend. The sale lasts through July 6, and includes round-trip deals to Latin American getaways like Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Bogotá, Columbia; El Salvador, and more. In total, customers can choose from 28 Latin American getaways.

Arajet helps travelers discover Latin America

Read more