Travel may feel like it's getting more expensive (and at times, high-stakes).
But there are still a handful of affordable spots that offer sunshine, relaxation, adventure, and a higher quality of life.
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According to Hopper, a travel expense tracking and planning app, 60% of its users expecting a tax refund this year plan to spend it on travel.
With the average IRS tax refund in 2022 coming in at $2,970, that's plenty of change left over to hop over the Atlantic or find a shady spot on the beach.
Here Are the Top Places to Use Your Tax Refund
If you're planning to travel using your new funds, several places across the globe still offer plenty of refund on investment. You may not be spending most of your time at the Ritz eating caviar but the following places offer major upside for those with wanderlust.
- Europe: Spain and Portugal. "With a lower cost of living (and visiting!) cities like Lisbon and Seville can stretch your budget further. Both countries also offer access via train or short flight to much of the rest of continental Europe," Hopper writes. The average flight price to Porto, Portugal is $930 with nightly hotel rates as low as $107. Flights to Barcelona are $1,030 with nightly hotel rates as low as $162.
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South America: Argentina and Brazil. "Though airfare is 6% higher than in 2019, the dollar has appreciated by 3x compared to 2019 due to the rapid inflation in [Argentina]," Hopper writes.
"Similarly, the USD has appreciated 31% compared to the Brazilian Real (BRL) in 2019. Not only will you be able to stretch your dollar further, but travelers can expect to see hotel rates as low as $43 or $55 in some major cities." Average flights to Buenos Aires are $1,009 with hotels as low as $63. Average flights to Sao Paolo are $806 with hotels as low as $55.
Scandinavia: Norway and Sweden. These are both technically still in Europe, but if you're looking for a colder getaway, Norway and Sweden offer plenty of monetary upside and friendly locals. Flights to Oslo are, on average, around $955 with hotels as low as $100. Flights to Stockholm are $909 with average hotel stays around $178.
Asia: India. While getting to India might be pricier, once you're there, it's worth it. "Travelers can expect to see their USD stretch further than pre-pandemic. The USD has appreciated 19% compared to the Indian rupee (INR) in 2019," Hopper writes. Flights to Mumbai are around $1,286 with nightly hotel stays as low as $72.
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