The belief that you need a hefty sum of money to travel is long gone. There are so many travel options out there that make it easy to travel, even on a limited budget.

Put this year’s tax refund to good use and pick a destination from the list below – a selection of some of the best trips you can afford with your tax refund.

Vietnam
Tax Refund Vietnam
Vietnam’s Chau Doc Mangroves, Image via G Adventures

Vietnam is a truly mesmerising destination in Southeast Asia. Some say it has it all: the stunning beaches, the out-of-this-world bays that make you feel you’re in a scene from Avatar, amazing cuisine and lots of cultural activities. You can start your trip in Hanoi, the vibrant gateway to Halong Bay, where you’ll be able to visit the famous bay in a boat tour, with the possibility of visiting caves and waterfalls. But Vietnam’s charm it’s not just in the north – further south you’ll experience Hoi An, a great stopover on your way to Ho Chi Minh City, where you can take your tastebuds on a trip as well as do a bit of shopping. Finally, visiting the nation’s capital will provide you with the cultural and historical part of the trip.

Africa
Tax Refund Africa
Travellers viewing Zimbabwe Falls, Image via G Adventures

If you’re after something a bit more wild (and not in the partying sort of way), consider a trip to Africa. South Africa is a must if you’re in the continent, but if your budget allows, you shouldn’t just limit yourself to that. Countries like Zimbabwe or Kenya make for great adventures too. While in South Africa, a stay and safari through Kruger National Park is something you simply can’t pass on, where hopefully you’ll get to see the Big Five, and other African-exclusive wildlife.

Zimbabwe’s main attraction is the Victoria Falls, an unparalleled mesmerising sight that is worth witnessing while you’re there. A great itinerary would be starting up in Zimbabwe and making your way down to South Africa.

Berlin to London
Tax Refund
Biking along the canals of Amsterdam, Image via G Adventures

One of the most exciting things about Europe is how close everything is. From country to country it can be just a short train ride, (plus flights within Europe are so affordable!).

However, when you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to split your time between 3 or 4 places maximum. Even though you may be tempted to do more, traveling between places will add up. Plus, isn’t it better to dedicate more time to a place rather than passing through just for the sake of it?

A typical European trip is Paris to London, as it’s only a 2-hour train ride between the two cities. But if you’re interested in changing it up a bit, Berlin to London is a fairly easy route, and the best part is, you get to stop in progressive Amsterdam and enchanting Bruges on the way.

India’s Golden Triangle
Tax Refund India
India’s Taj Mahal, Image via G Adventures

India is a destination everyone should get to in their lifetime, so why not plan a trip with your tax refund? The Golden Triangle is one of the most popular itineraries when travelling to India. This trip features three very different cities: Delhi, the nation’s capital; Agra, where the perfectly-symmetrical Taj Mahal is located; and Jaipur, referred to as the ‘Pink City’, which will give you the true feel of a culturally-packed Indian village.

India is a full-of-surprises type of destination; dynamic, beautiful, full of landmarks and monuments and deep history. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s really affordable either.

Bali
Tax Refund
A Balinese monkey chant, Image via G Adventures

A favourite amongst Aussies, Bali remains a popular destination when you’re keen to get out of Australia but are on a tight budget. So if your tax return wasn’t super generous this year, Bali remains a great option.

Don’t be fooled by those who say it’s simply a party spot – it’s up to you to make it the kind of holiday you want. Beautiful beaches, friendly locals, deep-green rainforest and highlands, mouth-watering food and cultural activities are there – you just need to be willing to find them! I’d suggest trying to visit Ubud, where you’ll get to visit rainforests and hills and see tonnes of local art.

Looking for more options?

For me, taking a holiday is the only way to spend your tax refund. For a sum of money you didn’t even know you were missing, you can buy an experience you’ll remember for many years to come.

Hopefully now you have a better idea of awesome trips you can take on a budget, but if these ones aren’t for you, take a look at these additional options that are under $2,000, $1,500 and even $1,000.