Many travelers who are getting a tax refund plan to spend some, if not all of it, on an upcoming trip. According to travel app Hopper, more than 50% of users expect to get money back from the government and 60% of them will spend it on a trip this year. And the typical tax refund through Feb. 23 stands at $3,213, or a 4% increase from the average refund at the same time last year, according to the most recent IRS data. Here are 12 killer vacations for spending your refund.
1. Turkish Archaeology + Culinary Cruise: On a new gulet cruise from Peter Sommer Travels, take in the archaeology, culture and food of Turkey’s southwest coast. On the Turkish Odyssey cruise, visit ancient cities, monumental tombs, a colorful market and a traditional carpet-maker, and savor wine, honey, olive oil and more produced in villages along the way. Traveling by handcrafted gulet, there will also be ample time to swim, snorkel, kayak or simply relax on deck. https://www.petersommer.com/tours/caria-turkey-food
2. Cowboy Glamping Retreat: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike, and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. https://ranchlands.com/pages/explore-the-paintrock-canyon-ranch
3. Darwin Adventure to Galapagos + Amazon: Starting at Scalesia Galapagos Lodge in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the Galapagos Islands’ most fascinating areas, including the Giant Tortoise Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests will then visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest and, from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, head into the jungle on expertly guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many species of different monkeys and an array of other wildlife. https://www.scalesialodge.com/programs/
4. Yellowstone White Water Adventure: Looking for exciting Yellowstone whitewater rafting, breathtaking scenery and awesome Montana river rafting guides? Choose from a half-day whitewater trip, full-day whitewater trip, scenic float or overnight Montana whitewater trip for thrilling and exhilarating rafting adventures. Flying Pig Adventures’ river experts ensure each trip is safe and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/white-water-rafting-yellowstone
5. Exploring National Parks by RV: Blackford’s brand-new, luxury RVs and campervans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pickup and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic national park vacation and support to ensure a seamless rental experience. Blacksford utilizes AdventureGenie, the easiest, fastest, most intuitive AI-powered RV trip planner on the market. https://www.blacksford.com/
6. Red Rock Canyon Single Track Adventure: Savvy locals know that Red Rock National Conservation Area quietly harbors 100-miles of singletrack with stunning desert scenery. This backyard treasure lends head-clearing lung expansion where the casino-floor smoke can’t reach. Ultra-forgiving, elegantly buffed trails present the perfect fit for those new to the sport of mountain biking. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/red-rock-canyon-singletrack-mountain-bike-tour/
7. Arizona High-Desert Ranch Retreat: Visit Rancho de la Osa in the high-desert grasslands of Arizona for classic dude ranch activities and Southwestern color and charm. The ranch is home to the longest continually operated building in the state, built in 1722 by Jesuit missionaries and now the ranch’s cantina, as well as a Spanish-style hacienda. During the day, try horseback riding, hiking, archery, shooting and more, then spend the night in accommodations once visited by the likes of John Wayne, Joan Crawford, and President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson. https://ranchodelaosa.com/
8. Extended River Cruise Through Europe: Sail through the heart of Europe to the Black Sea on Riviera River Cruises’ new 29-day itinerary along the Rhine and Danube rivers. Between Germany and Romania, enjoy 28 visits and tours, including beautiful capital cities and captivating riverside towns, the spectacular Rhine Gorge and Iron Gates Gorge, the Belogradchik Rocks and Mesolithic Lepenski Vir, the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta wetlands and more. https://www.rivierarivercruises.com/river-cruises/grand-cruise-through-the-heart-europe-the-black-sea
9. Arctic Glamping Under the Aurora: Explore the pristine landscapes of the Canadian Arctic and get to know the Inuit community on a new tour with Adventure Life. From a camp with unique domed accommodations in northern Quebec, see the massive tidal currents of Ungava Bay, explore the Gyrfalcon Islands, watch for the aurora borealis and spot wildlife like polar bears, muskoxen, caribou, seals and whales while enjoying fat-bike rides, ATV tours and boat excursions led by experienced Inuk guides. https://www.adventure-life.com/canada/tours/17474/ungava-polar-ecotour-adventure
10. Alpine Adventure + Tradition: Explore all that Europe’s mythical mountain range has to offer while visiting the classic resorts of the Best of the Alps collection. From Megève and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France to Crans-Montana and Davos Klosters in Switzerland, Courmayeur and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, and Lech Zürs am Arlberg, St. Anton am Arlberg and Kitzbühel in Austria, find outdoor adventure, enduring traditions and culinary delights. https://www.bestofthealps.com/en/
11. Piedmont Culinary Cycling Tour: Tourissimo is thrilled to announce a new seven-day culinary cycling tour of the Piedmont wine region in Italy. Famed for its truffles and wine, Piedmont is a gourmand’s paradise, with many experts arguing that it produces the best food in all of Italy. James Beard Award-winning Chef Jody Adams will cycle alongside guests and play a key role in understanding the local productions and the preparations that better tell the story of the territory. https://www.tourissimo.travel/chef-tours/piedmont
12. Big Sky Adventures: The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp for adventure in Big Sky, Montana, whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain, take in the natural wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone, raft and fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking. Back in Big Sky Town Center, The Wilson offers sophisticated accommodations steps from dining, entertainment and more.