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Where Americans are traveling abroad after Tax Day for cheaper spring getaways
Discover exactly where Americans are traveling abroad after Tax Day. Explore top destinations for cheap spring getaways and smart tips on last-minute booking.
You’ve just submitted your tax return and are anticipating a nice refund. At the same time, longer days and warmer weather are setting in, and you can’t help but think, this would be the perfect time to get away.
Your timing couldn’t be better.
Late April is one of the best times to travel abroad as it’s the shoulder season in many parts of the world, meaning lower prices and fewer crowds.
So if you’re pondering a spontaneous trip, here’s exactly where Americans are heading right now for affordable spring escapes.
Why late April is a sweet spot for international travel
That vacation feeling you’re experiencing right now isn’t a coincidence; it’s a result of multiple things lining up perfectly.
Firstly, tax return season is coming to an end, and that post-deadline relief is real. Many people feel stressed in the lead-up to filing their returns and want to unwind afterward, creating a post Tax Day travel surge.
Yet international travel is where you can really find incredible deals. Late April and early May offer a small window when prices drop, as Easter and Spring Break are over and most people are back at work.
Flights out of the US tend to be cheaper from mid-April until Memorial Day weekend (late May). Midweek flights are often the cheapest days to fly, too. So, being flexible with your travel dates can amplify savings.
In addition, hotels in most European destinations don’t apply their summer rates until late May, meaning right now is shoulder season. Traveling during this period offers low prices, minimal crowds, and pleasant temperatures.
Where Americans are actually going after Tax Day
Here are some of the best and cheapest places to travel in April, including short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul options.
| Destination | Why it works in late April | Flight time from East Coast |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rico | Warm weather, no passport needed, short flight | 3-4 hours |
| Mexico | Dry season, prices drop after spring break | 4-5 hours |
| Portugal | Pleasant weather, lower crowds before summer peak | 6-8 hours |
| Japan | Mild weather, lush green landscapes, colorful flowers | 13-14 hours |
| Thailand | Tail end of dry season, tropical scenery, shoulder season pricing | 20-22 hours |
- Puerto Rico: Late April brings warm, sunny weather and low humidity (before the summer heat kicks in). It also marks the end of Puerto Rico’s peak tourism season, so flight and hotel prices drop.
- Mexico: April sits right at the tail end of the dry season, meaning hot temperatures (highs of 86°F/30°C) and clear skies, making ideal beach and swimming conditions.
- Portugal: In April, Portugal boasts mild temperatures and minimal crowds. Exploring Lisbon and Porto feels much more relaxed and comfortable than in the summer months.
- Japan: Late April is a magical time in Japan, especially in northern regions where cherry blossoms are still in bloom.
- Thailand: As the dry season comes to an end, late April promises plenty of sunshine, fewer tourists, and a more laid-back atmosphere across popular islands like Phuket.
Europe after Tax Day: An underrated time to visit
Many Americans plan their European trips in the summer, believing this is the best travel window.
But the truth is, Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece) is already warming up by April. And so, visiting during this time allows you to explore when it’s sunny and warm, but not uncomfortably hot.
What’s more, because most people visit Europe in the summer, popular destinations are much quieter at this time of year. You can visit the Colosseum in Rome without queuing for hours, admire Sintra Castle in peace, or check out Barcelona’s iconic architecture without battling crowds.
By late April, Europe’s Easter celebrations, like Semana Santa, as well as famous festivals like Feria de Abril in Seville, have passed. Cities quieten down, and hotels and airlines drop their prices until late May.
So if you dream of visiting Europe but worry about the cost, a late Spring trip could be the ideal workaround. And if you want to save costs further, skip the Mediterranean and head to one of the cheapest European countries, like Croatia or the Czech Republic.
Latin America: A post-spring break reset
Spring break period drives prices up in Mexico and the Caribbean, but after Tax Day, demand drops sharply, and so do prices. Weatherwise, it’s reaching the end of the dry season in many places, so it’s hot and mostly dry.
There are many cheap places to visit in Mexico after Tax Day. Cancun is ideal for those looking for a beach holiday, while Mexico City is ideal for cultural travelers.
Puerto Rico is one of the smartest options for Americans who prefer a short flight or want an international feel without needing a passport. There are so many cool things to do in Puerto Rico, from exploring tropical rainforests to snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea.
Then there’s Costa Rica, which is a must-visit for adventurers thanks to the vast array of thrilling activities on offer, like ziplining and white water rafting.
Finally, Peru is a top choice for April travel, with lush, green landscapes and mild temperatures that create idyllic conditions for trekking.
Asia: Is it the right window?
US to Asia flight prices are at their lowest in April, as it sits at the tail end of the dry season across much of Southeast Asia.
It’s a viable time to visit Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, as rainfall is minimal; however, it’s also the hottest part of the year. That said, hotels apply low-season prices in April, so you can book a luxury beachfront hotel or pool villa for a surprisingly affordable price.
Bali has a different climate, as late April marks the transition into the dry season. Temperatures here are more comfortable, and the humidity is lower than in other parts of the region.
Late April is also one of the best times to visit Japan. The cherry blossom season is wrapping up, meaning lower crowds and prices, yet the country remains beautiful, with many other flowers in bloom, creating colorful landscapes.
Ready to book? What to know before you go
As of Tax Day, it’s still very much possible to find good deals on late April or early May flights. However, when making last-minute travel plans, it’s easy to skip crucial steps, leading to costly, stressful mistakes.
Here’s what to keep in mind when booking your spring getaway:
- Be flexible on your departure dates: If you’re traveling to Europe or Asia, Mid-week departures (Wed/Thu) from the US tend to be cheaper than weekend flights on these long-haul routes.
- Check your passport’s validity before booking: Most countries require at least 6 months of validity beyond your travel dates. If your passport expires within the next 6 months, consider destinations that don’t require a passport, like Puerto Rica.
- Don’t forget travel insurance: Even with last-minute trips, international travel insurance remains crucial. Having insurance ensures you are covered should your flight get canceled, your luggage become lost, or anything else unexpected happen.
The one detail that makes last-minute trips smoother
Another thing that’s easy to forget when planning spontaneous vacations is how you’ll stay connected.
Reliable mobile data is essential for navigating a new country, accessing your booking, and staying in touch back home. And with Holafly, this couldn’t be any easier.
With Holafly eSIMs, you can get instant unlimited mobile data anywhere in the world, without a physical SIM card. Better yet, you can customize your plan to match your exact trip, so you’re only paying for what you need.
It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, especially when your trip comes together at the last minute.
Unlimited data. Peace of mind.
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Hey, I’m Mika! I’m an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience and a passion for travel info that actually helps you explore smarter. I write travel guides and tips backed by SEO insights so you can spend less time searching and more time adventuring.
