Tax-rebate vacation ideas

Starting in early May, more than 130 million tax rebate checks will be sent to U.S. taxpayers. The IRS has an online calculator to help you determine if you’re eligible and how much money you can expect.

If that rebate is already burning a hole in your pocket and you’re looking for a summer vacation, now is a good time to start shopping for a destination and a deal.

USA Today has an article detailing vacations that cost less than $600 per person. Ideas include cruises, trips to the Caribbean or Mexico, weekend escapes to cities such as Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., and good old-fashioned road trips.

In recent days, I’ve come across two tax-rebate travel promotions as well. Expedia is offering $200 off air-and-hotel vacation packages of five nights or more and $1,800 or more when you book by April 21 and travel by May 31. Use coupon code TAX200 when prompted. If you’re not willing to spend that much to save $200, Expedia also lists less expensive air-and-hotel packages.

The state of New Hampshire has rallied many of its hotels, campgrounds, supermarkets, gas stations, and attractions and is offering discounts as well. Many of them are gasoline vouchers or rebate deals, though there are also reduced rates as well.

(Editor’s Note: SmarterTravel.com is a member of the TripAdvisor Media Network, an operating company of Expedia, Inc. Expedia, Inc. also owns Expedia.com.)