The stress of tax season is finally over. If you filled on time you can expect to get your tax return as early as May 6th. It’s time to start planning a trip to celebrate. You deserve to relax and treat yourself to a well-deserved adventure with your hard-earned extra cash. Head to these lesser-visited American towns to infuse your tax return into local economies in communities that don’t get loads of visitors.
Tax refunds are a great excuse to book the trip you’ve been day-dreaming about from your desk. The average tax refund this year is about $3,000 so if you have that kind of spending money you can certainly check off some major items from your bucket list. Don’t fret if your tax return is nowhere near the 4 figures mark — mine is pocket change at just $25 this year so I’ll be treating myself to a facial. If you’re expecting a larger check then get yourself to any of these 5 off-the-radar American towns with your tax return travel funds.
No matter where you decide to go please be sure to get travel insurance. After coming down with pneumonia and breaking my foot while traveling this year I can’t stress enough how important it is to have health care coverage. World Nomads offers reliable travel insurance which can be bought and claimed online and is recommended by Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. When deciding where to go check for the best flight routes on Skyscanner and get the best deals by using the Skyscanner app.
BEND, OREGON
Bend offers travelers many adventure-fused activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the spring. If outdoor sports aren’t your thing and you’d rather just enjoy the stunning vistas from inside you can head to any of the 150 breweries sprinkled throughout the city — many of which are kid-friendly if you’re bringing the little ones on your tax return travel. If the kiddos are with you don’t miss Bend’s High Desert Museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits that include animal viewings such as bats, otters, birds of prey, and other high desert critters sure to impress children.
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NORTHAMPTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Northampton is home to the excellent Smith College Museum of Art and Thornes Marketplace. The town is lovely to visit in the spring when the lilacs are blooming and the weather in the Connecticut River Valley is very pleasant. Western Mass is a bargain compared to the nearby Metro Boston so your tax return travels will go much further visiting this quaint town.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Baltimore, Maryland is a great spot for tax return travel often overshadowed by nearby Washington D.C., but the seaport city is fantastic to visit in the spring. The Flower Mart is from May 3rd – 4th and was founded in 1911 to beautify the city and continues to do so to this day, with more than 100 flower and garden vendors, photographers, artists, craftsman, and food purveyors taking over Mt. Vernon Place for the free festival. Don’t miss trying a lemon stick, a true Baltimore delicacy.
Responsible travelers may join in on the Urban Adventures sustainable experiences in Baltimore from Harbour cruises to happy hour bar crawls that give back to the community.
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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
South Lake Tahoe, California has many exciting outdoor experiences ranging from hiking, biking, waterfalls, and wine boat cruises. Eagle Falls at iconic Emerald Bay and Glen Alpine Falls near Fallen Leaf Lake are must-see spots. South Shore has many spa locations perfect for relaxing. Unwind from the hectic tax filing process with a massage treatment at Alpine Spa or a facial at Tahoe Lakeshore Spa.
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TULSA, OKLAHOMA
In the midwest head to Tulsa, Oklahoma for many budget-friendly, world-class institutions and destinations that make the city a must visit such Gathering Place, a brand-new 100-acre public park. Dine at Mother Road Market, a new 27,000 sq ft food hall located directly on Route 66 with Taste Andolini’s Pizza which has been awarded as one of the top 10 pizza the States by Trip Advisor. Shop the Kitchen 66 General Store, featuring graduates from Tulsa’s Kitchen 66 food-based business incubator program. Don’t miss the BBQ at Oklahoma Joe’s, the winner of the Grand Champion Overall Title at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship. There are many family-friendly things to do in Tulsa making it a great place for tax return travel with your clan.
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Silly Little Kiwi Blog | Tara
27 Apr 2019I LOVE Bend, OR! Such an underrated town! I’ also add basically every town in Montana to this list– an underrated state that’s pretty budget-friendly. Great post, Lola!
Josy A
27 Apr 2019We owed tax this year, so no free travelling for us! I do like the idea of traveling with tax refund money though, and it is always good to hear about less famous, but fun to visit places! 🙂
p.s. Yay for you $25! You deserve that facial!
Katherine
27 Apr 2019South Lake Tahoe and Big Bend in Oregon are now on our list! Thanks for the suggestions 🙂