Five International Vacations to Book with Your Tax Refund

PLYMOUTH, Minn., March 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Many American taxpayers wish to spend a tax refund on a vacation, according to a Nielsen Poll commissioned by H&R Block. As a result, Travel Leaders – America's top retail travel agency brand – today announced some of its top suggestions for where those refunds could get the most bang for the buck, along with travel tips for those consumers seeking vacation travel ideas based on spending this year's tax refund.

"While financial experts say not overpaying your taxes is best, many American still look forward to receiving a healthy tax refund. For those individuals receiving a refund, it's no surprise that many wish to spend that money on a relaxing vacation – after paying Uncle Sam all year, they've earned it," said Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group (TLFG), home to Travel Leaders Associates. "With the strong exchange rate for the U.S. dollar against many other currencies in the world, the average amount of a refund check can cover the costs of a rather spectacular vacation compared to five years ago."

Since the average 2016 tax refund issued so far this year is $3,053, according to the Internal Revenue Service, Travel Leaders' expert travel agents across the country are sharing their top vacation ideas within this budget. Here are five international travel packages for approximately $3,000*, as recommended by Travel Leaders travel agents:

1.  6-Days in Ireland, including airfare, for less than $2,200 per couple: 

For early bird filers who have already received their tax refund, Ireland is a perfect vacation  option. Americans ranked Ireland third among "dream destinations" according to last year's Travel Leaders Group "Consumer Travel Survey." Traveling from Florida, a vacation package would be less than $1,100 per person, if departing in April.

"Some roundtrip flights to Ireland right now are under $700 per person. And you can book one of CIE Tours for six nights in Ireland with a rental car at $392 per person," said Lindsay Hardy, co-owner of the Travel Leaders location in Palm Coast, Florida. "Ireland has been rated as one of the friendliest destinations in the world. Make sure to enjoy your free pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, with 360 degree views of Dublin."

2.  13-Day Tour of the Best of Spain and Portugal for $3,000:

"For about $3,000, you can discover the best of two wonderful countries for nearly two weeks. What makes this package especially nice is it includes air and hotel," said Rey Alton of Travel Leaders in Houston, Texas, who recently booked this trip for a client. "Since this is a fully escorted tour, it would normally cost a lot more for a single traveler, but our client opted to share the experience with another solo traveler." The trip departs on July 18, 2016.

Among the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Sites tour is a visit to the walled city of Toledo, Spain, with its St. Tome Church, made famous by El Greco's paintings.  "It has so much history and it is so picturesque, it takes you back in time," said Alton. Other stops include Granada's royal Alhambra complex; Malaga and its surrounding resort villages; historic Ronda, spectacular Seville; delightful Lisbon, and the famed Fátima sanctuary. There's also a stop in Oporto, rich in culture and history and known for its Port wine production. The last two nights are spent in Madrid.

3.  7-Day Caribbean Cruise for a Family of Four is only $3,014 or Less:

"A cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's new Escape would be an amazing vacation, with stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands," said travel agent Karen Malone, of the Travel Leaders location in Woodbury, Minnesota. "You could book a Spa Balcony for $2,800 for two passengers or you can book your family of four in an ocean view cabin, which would be $3,014, using the kids-sail-free promotion. The savings for a family of four would be even greater in an inside cabin for $2,374."

Certain promotions offer the option of free amenities, which could include free unlimited beverages, free specialty dining, free shore excursions, or free Wi-Fi. "This ship has it all, including a three-story ropes course, water slides, miniature golf course, and a quiet sunbathing area for adults only with hidden grottos and cooling waterfalls," Malone added.

4.  Fly Roundtrip to Bangkok, Thailand, from Los Angeles for approximately $600:

According to Phoenix-based Travel Leaders travel agent Wally Jones said, "You can score roundtrip tickets to Bangkok out of LAX for about $600." He also suggested … see here.

5.  Enjoy six nights at a 5-star all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, for under $3,000:

"At less than $1,500 per person, the Riviera Maya is a great destination to get the best bang for your buck, said Travel Leaders' Brian Sanchez in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin … see here.

Read the full news release here.

To find more vacation options, go here, to Travelleaders.com or visit Travel Leaders' Facebook page, here.

* Pricing subject to availability: Prices listed may vary and may not be available at time of booking.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Alex Trettin - http://www.profnetconnect.com/alex-trettin
Rey Alton - http://www.profnetconnect.com/rey-alton
Brian Sanchez - http://www.profnetconnect.com/brian-sanchez  

SOURCE Travel Leaders