Most Americans probably spend Thanksgiving pretty much the same way. Family dinner is a common tradition, and turkey is a traditional dish. But for us, travel lovers, every year the question arises: where to gather for a gala dinner. It is not necessary to do this at home if you can go on a short trip.
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on Thursday November 23rd in 2023. If you have the opportunity to get free days, then you can get a long weekend to travel (from Thursday November 23rd to Sunday December 26th in 2023). If you haven't made plans for Thanksgiving yet, let's look for travel ideas together.
It is known to everyone that if you want to travel during the holidays, then you should buy a flight and book a place to stay in advance. We just reiterate this recommendation.
City tourism
Not all of us can afford long, long and expensive trips. Surely there are small and large cities near your place of residence that you would like to visit.
Orlando, Florida. Orlando is considered one of the best places for family vacations, including Thanksgiving. Sure, theme parks tend to get crowded during the holiday weeks, but they often stretch their opening hours these days.
New York. New York City could be the place to go for a classic Thanksgiving. The traditional Thanksgiving Day parade attracts thousands of participants and spectators every year.
Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is a good place to travel for Thanksgiving. You will find free holiday events in the city these days. The festivities begin on Wednesday evening when the mayor lights the official Christmas tree. Watch the annual Thanksgiving Day parade the next day.
New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is known for its music, parties and great food. New Orleans even has its signature Thanksgiving dish. You can also take part in the magnificent Bayou Classic parade.
Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles and its famous suburbs are a great place to relax at any time of the year due to the mild year-round Mediterranean climate. It's not a bad idea to spend Thanksgiving somewhere in Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, etc.
Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santa Fe is widely considered one of the world's great art cities, due to its many art galleries and installations. Visit the annual three-day Indian Winter Market, held over Thanksgiving weekend each year. You even have the option of skiing at the Santa Fe Ski Basin, which may be open on Thanksgiving.
Las Vegas, Nevada. If you still couldn't choose a city to travel to Thanksgiving, then there is a universal solution - Las Vegas. Although Las Vegas does not seem like the most suitable place for a family vacation, families with children can have a great weekend there.
Las Vegas.
On the beach
If you enjoy spending time on the beach, then you don't need to invent anything. Go to Duda, where the sea is warm and the beaches are wide and sandy.
You will find good places for a beach holiday in Florida. For example, head to Key West or Miami Beach or Clearwater Beach.
Hawaii. Hawaii remains the top destination in the US for beach lovers. Especially for west coasters. Thanksgiving is a good time to travel to Hawaii, if only because at this time the islands are not crowded with tourists.
On vacation in Hawaii.
Ohau best beaches.
Riviera Maya, Mexico. Residents of the east coast are much closer and easier to get to the resorts of the Caribbean compared to Hawaii. Already classic vacation destinations for Americans are the Riviera Maya and Cancun.
On vacation in Mexico.
At the ski resort
For ski lovers, the Thanksgiving long weekend is the first opportunity to ski and snowboard this season. Of course, a lot depends on the weather, but some ski resorts can already open the season by the end of November.
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Lake Tahoe, California. Lake Tahoe is a great place to relax all year round. The ski season here usually starts in mid-November, and it's an opportunity for skiing on the slopes over Thanksgiving weekend. After skiing, it is especially nice to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in one of the restaurants.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and a popular family holiday destination all year round. Visit Ober Gatlinburg - a ski area and amusement park located in Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg offers fun and activities for everyone who loves sports and snow. The winter season is usually open around Thanksgiving.
Keystone Resort, Colorado. You will find here good places to stay, skiing and snowboarding areas. Colorado is world famous for its excellent ski slopes and abundance of sunshine. It is considered by some to be one of the best skiing spots on the planet. The opening of the winter season usually occurs on Thanksgiving Day.