Taxes Are Done, Refund's On Its Way - Treat Yourself To A Little R&R from Vacation Outlet.

Lifestyle Editors/Travel Writers

WOBURN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2004

As Americans shake off the burdensome 28 hours and 30 minutes that it took to complete an average tax return, their minds turn to what to do with the refund soon to hit their mailboxes. With the IRS reporting that the average tax refund this year is $2,090, leading leisure travel site Vacation Outlet (www.vacationoutlet.com) is offering tips on getaways for people eager to part with some of it.

"Having that extra money makes people want to splurge a little," said Jessica Labaire, brand manager for Vacation Outlet. "If people received the average refund, they can have the best of both worlds - take a quick getaway and still stash some in savings."

Refund under $500: Take a chance on doubling your refund with a 3-night getaway from New York to Las Vegas' Excalibur Hotel & Casino. It's $385 per person double occupancy and includes airfare and hotel. Relax away your tax frazzles by lazing on the beach in Miami. A 3-night trip, also from New York, with accommodations at the Newport Beachside Resort includes airfare and costs $399. Or try a cruise to the Bahamas. Sailing from Miami, a 3-night cruise on Royal Caribbean with an oceanview stateroom starts at $244 per person (excludes airfare).

Refund $500-$1000: Unwind in Hawaii with a 4-night trip to Oahu's Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. From Los Angeles, the cost is $735 per person double occupancy (airfare, hotel, and transfers included). Rejuvenate with a 4-night escape to Cancun's Hyatt Regency, available from New York for $799 including airfare and hotel. Seek out adventure with a 7-night Alaskan glacier discovery cruise on Holland America departing from Vancouver. It starts at $895 per person (airfare excluded).

Refund $1000+: Sail away from Italy on Celebrity Cruises' 10-night "Best of the Mediterranean" and explore Greece, Malta, Spain, and France without the hassle of packing and unpacking. The cost for this European bliss: $1,395 per person (airfare not included). Or dream your days away and head to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Resort & Villas for a 5-night vacation available from $1,069 per person departing from Newark (hotel, airfare, and transfers included).

About Vacation Outlet

Each year, Vacation Outlet sends thousands of people on vacations and cruises around the globe. Travelers choose their trips or weekend getaways from a vast selection of travel packages and last-minute deals from the world's best resorts, hotels, and cruise lines. Longstanding relationships with trusted brand-name partners means the best deals for each and every customer. For outstanding deals, visit www.vacationoutlet.com or call 800-690-2210. Vacation Outlet is one of the flagship brands of NLG, a leading leisure travel provider.

Terms & Conditions

All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, quoted in U.S. dollars, and valid for new bookings only. Exact price depends upon date of travel, hotel or ship, and room or stateroom category. Cruise prices are cruise-only and includes port charges. Cruise prices do not include administration fees, departure tax, gratuities, or shore excursions. Vacation prices are based on lowest fare for select departures and do not include U.S. and state taxes, September 11th Security fee of $2.50 per flight segment that originates at a U.S. point, foreign departure and arrival taxes, or PFCs. Prices do not include a non-refundable $15 processing fee. Blackout, weekend, and holiday peak season surcharges may apply. Rates accurate at time of announcement and are subject to changes and restrictions. Cancellation and change fees apply. All offers may be withdrawn at any time.