VERY SHOCK NEWS‼️ Wheel of Fortune’ Contestants Reveal Exactly What Happens When You Win a Trip

Inside the Wheel: What Really Happens When You Win a Vacation on Wheel of Fortune

When most people think of Wheel of Fortune, they picture contestants spinning the wheel, solving puzzles, and walking away with fabulous prizes. Among the most coveted? Exotic getaways to places like Iceland, Greece, Panama, and more. But what really happens after the cameras stop rolling and you’ve won that dream vacation?

In recent discussions sparked by fans and former contestants on Reddit, behind-the-scenes details of Wheel of Fortune prize trips were revealed—and they tell a more complex, often surprising story of what it’s actually like to win one of these legendary prizes.

✈️ A Vacation of a Lifetime – Or Is It?

On July 10, a Reddit user asked a simple but insightful question: What exactly do these prize vacations include? The response from former contestants poured in, offering a fascinating look at what winning really entails.

One contestant shared their experience winning a 17-day trip for two to Greece and Turkey. Due to young children at home, they had to cut the trip short—but Wheel and the travel company were flexible and helped accommodate. “Airfare, hotels, boat accommodations, and about 80% of the meals were included,” the contestant explained. “Every trip is different, though.”

What’s more, their prize included an additional $1,000 in spending cash for unexpected costs. “It was unbelievable,” they added. “It still feels like a dream.”

🧾 Taxes, Terms & (No) Negotiations

But for every dreamy detail, there are also real-world logistics involved. Another Reddit user described how the show’s prize coordinator handled most of the planning, from travel dates to hotel bookings. That contestant received $1,500 in spending money, but clarified: “You cannot bargain or try to get more cash by downgrading the trip. You either take the prize as offered, or you decline it.”

And then there’s the IRS.

Every trip counts as earned income under U.S. tax law. That means winners receive a 1099 form and must report the full stated value of the trip on their taxes. “I looked at it like getting a 70% discount on a vacation I never would’ve splurged on otherwise,” one former player said. “But yes, the taxes are real, and there’s no way around them.”

💰 Cash Up Front – But Not Always What You Expect

Another player who won a trip to Barbados shared that their prize included $1,000 in cash and $3,000 for airfare. The twist? They were sent a $4,000 check and left to book flights themselves. “I got my tickets for $2,400, so I pocketed the rest,” they said. But again—when tax season came around, all of it had to be reported.

Still, they were grateful. “It wasn’t as bad as I expected,” they said of the tax bill.

📝 You Can Say No — Really

Contrary to what many viewers assume, contestants aren’t obligated to accept the prizes they win. Right after taping, they meet with a prize coordinator and sign a slew of documents. At that time, they can choose to decline any prize, whether it’s a vacation, a car, or cash.

If they accept, though, the IRS is informed. “There’s no point trying to find a cheaper version of the trip to lower your tax burden,” one contestant noted. “They report the prize’s full value, period.”

 Domestic Trips & Backlash

Interestingly, fans have recently criticized Wheel of Fortune for offering too many domestic vacations. Instead of global destinations, this past season included trips to places like Miami, Atlantic City, San Antonio, New York City, and Williamsburg.

“For the amount they claim the trips cost, some of the destinations felt underwhelming,” one Reddit user wrote. “A $7,000 vacation to Atlantic City? Come on.”

Still, others defended the show, arguing that domestic travel can be just as meaningful—especially for players who may have never flown or vacationed far from home.

🌍 Not Just a Prize—An Experience

At its core, winning a Wheel of Fortune trip is more than just scoring a getaway—it’s a blend of logistics, emotions, and paperwork. But most contestants say the experience is well worth the effort.

“You’re winning something people dream about their whole lives,” one former player reflected. “It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And for me, that was enough.”

So the next time you see a contestant solve the puzzle and Pat Sajak announces, “You’ve just won a trip to Peru!”, remember: behind the glamorous destinations and glossy game show lights, there’s a journey—filled with excitement, fine print, and once-in-a-lifetime memories—just beginning.