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Unforgettable Getaways: The Best Places to Travel to for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in the United States often means gathering with family, feasting, and perhaps navigating crowded airports or highways. However, for those seeking a different kind of holiday experience, it presents a unique opportunity for international travel. Since Thanksgiving is primarily a U.S. holiday, many international destinations are less crowded and potentially more accessible or affordable compared to the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. This makes late November an ideal time to explore exotic locales and create lasting memories with loved ones. Here are some incredible destinations where travelers have made the most of their Thanksgiving break.

Cuba offers a holiday adventure focused on connecting with local culture and people. Travelers seeking an authentic experience found Cuba provided a genuine sense of the country’s culture and daily life.

One family described their Thanksgiving week in Cuba as a “spectacular adventure.” Their trip was carefully planned to integrate their interests while ensuring compliance with visa requirements. They enjoyed delicious and unique dining experiences at local paladares. The flexibility of their travel planners was highlighted when they had to move the trip last minute due to a family emergency. Their guide was praised for being kind, knowledgeable, and quickly becoming part of their family. The connections of the planners also provided memorable experiences, such as a private dinner at a friend’s house, which was a personal favorite for one traveler. Visiting Cuba during this time allowed them to truly connect with the culture and local people.

A Rumba band performs lively music with conga drums in Cuba, a fascinating best place to travel thanksgiving.A Rumba band performs lively music with conga drums in Cuba, a fascinating best place to travel thanksgiving.

For an ambitious island exploration, Australia and New Zealand can be combined into a remarkable trip, even within a tight timeframe like a 12-day break over Thanksgiving. These destinations are truly magnificent and offer diverse experiences.

One couple celebrating a joint milestone took an extraordinary adventure starting in Auckland, New Zealand, captivated by the city’s skyline and culture, enjoying local cuisine and wine tasting on Waiheke Island. They then ventured to Queenstown, the adventure capital, experiencing jet boating, a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu, and a breathtaking helicopter trip to Milford Sound. Hiking tracks added to their active exploration. Their journey continued to Australia, with a stop in Melbourne for city touring and fine dining. A highlight was Kangaroo Island, where they explored natural landscapes and encountered native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos. Luxury accommodations at Southern Oceans Resort were noted. After wine tasting in Adelaide, they traveled to the Great Barrier Reef and Lizard Island, enjoying spectacular snorkeling daily. Their final stop was Sydney, where the iconic Opera House, Bondi Beach, and a harbor boat ride provided memorable experiences. The detailed organization allowed them to fit a vast amount into their limited time. Looking for warm travel destinations in november? Australia and New Zealand offer pleasant weather as they head into their summer season.

Travelers Jesse and Alison Deutsch stand near a rock formation on Kangaroo Island, Australia during their best places to travel on thanksgiving trip.Travelers Jesse and Alison Deutsch stand near a rock formation on Kangaroo Island, Australia during their best places to travel on thanksgiving trip.

Southern Africa offers a Thanksgiving getaway filled with wildlife encounters and visits to natural wonders. This region provides incredible experiences for travelers of all ages.

One family, ranging from 7 to 77, described their trip as “perfect.” The planning was meticulous, with flawless accommodations, flights, and tours. Sharing this magical time with grandchildren, watching them experience the excitement and warm African culture, was considered priceless. They hoped this trip would instill a lifelong love for exploring the world and appreciating different cultures and people. Hotels in Cape Town were well-situated, and the safari camps were comfortable, clean, and welcoming, especially accommodating for a large group. The watering hole outside Savute Camp was a particular favorite. Guides were extremely knowledgeable and patient, even with inquisitive young travelers. Although the water levels were low, Victoria Falls was still considered worthy of its status as a natural wonder. Medical support was readily available during a minor emergency. The journey was deemed invaluable, enriching both adults and children.

An aerial view shows Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, a stunning destination for November travel.An aerial view shows Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Southern Africa, a stunning destination for November travel.

China offers memorable, hands-on experiences perfect for a family Thanksgiving trip, particularly in provinces like Guangzhou and Yunnan.

One family spent their Thanksgiving in the gorgeous Yunnan province. Their trip was expertly planned with guides and excellent drivers navigating both city and mountain roads. They saw historic, cultural, and natural sights, with days that were full but not overly crowded. Small, hands-on experiences were the most memorable, such as working with indigo dye, making cheese and local flatbread, preparing flower cakes at a rose farm, and visiting a village shaman. A highlight was visiting a small village for a fabulous dinner featuring locally grown food, followed by music, folklore, and dance, where they were invited to join in. The hotels were comfortable, and the food was thoroughly enjoyed. Seeing the sun on the snowy mountain peaks around Dali, with the lake below, was an incredible sight.

Kathryn Wilson and her family share a meal in China, enjoying delectable food during their holiday trip.Kathryn Wilson and her family share a meal in China, enjoying delectable food during their holiday trip.

Oman, with its fascinating history, diverse scenery, from lush coastal areas to high mountains and deserts, offers a unique destination for a Thanksgiving trip. It’s a country that has undergone significant modernization while preserving its heritage.

Travelers found Oman easy to navigate, with great roads, hiking trails, and reliable transportation. The government has invested heavily in preserving old forts and castles, many of which were included in the touring itinerary. Visits to historical structures, hikes through old towns, mosque visits, desert stays (including a visit to a Bedouin household), and stays in both luxurious and acceptable hotels comprised the trip. The country boasts beautiful long white sand beaches and is being increasingly discovered by travelers. It is highly recommended for those interested in history and culture, or simply seeking warm weather and beaches. The arrangements were described as excellent, with everything unfolding exactly as planned. If you’re looking for warm travel destinations in November, Oman is a great choice.

The Omani Coast landscape at Barr Al Jissah near Muscat showcases a stunning view on a sunny day.The Omani Coast landscape at Barr Al Jissah near Muscat showcases a stunning view on a sunny day.

Vietnam can be explored extensively even in one week, offering a journey from north to south that reveals the country’s incredible variety.

One couple described their trip as “magical,” exceeding expectations. Starting in Hanoi and ending in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) worked perfectly. Hanoi felt charming and delightful, while subsequent stops in Ha Long Bay and Hoi An were totally different and unique. Ending in Saigon felt like re-entering the modern world. The abundance of sights and activities, all interesting and beautiful, made even an abbreviated time in each location feel fulfilling. The activities were perfect and left them excited for a future return trip. This trip delivered everything and more they wanted from a Thanksgiving break in Vietnam, particularly appreciating the chance to get slightly off the beaten track and connect with local people.

Islands and islets dot the iconic waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, a picturesque place to travel to for Thanksgiving.Islands and islets dot the iconic waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, a picturesque place to travel to for Thanksgiving.

Portugal offers a rich experience combining history, culture, and adventure, suitable for families with adult children. Exploring cities like Lisbon and Porto, alongside the countryside, provides a diverse itinerary.

One family chose Portugal for their Thanksgiving trip after changing original plans due to unforeseen circumstances. Traveling with two adult sons, they found Portugal to be an amazing destination. The planning balanced planned tours with free days, allowing for relaxation alongside exploration, perfect for busy schedules. Starting in Porto, they enjoyed a port-tasting tour and a private city tour covering historical sites like St. Francis Church and the Stock Exchange Palace. They found Porto beautiful and loved it. A stop in the countryside included a visit to Tomar to see one of the oldest synagogues and a castle. At a rural property, they enjoyed stargazing, a spa, and excellent dining. E-biking to the town of Monsaraz led to discovering a Jewish History Center in a tiny town, a fascinating and incredibly meaningful experience. The scenery during the bike ride was spectacular. Lisbon was found to be a fun and lively city with great views from their hotel’s rooftop bar. Activities included a tuk-tuk tour, a day trip to Cascais and Sintra, a Fado concert, delicious meals, and shopping. Despite being planned close to the travel date, the trip was seamless, benefiting from traveling off-peak with sunny days and mild temperatures.

A scenic view of Lisbon, Portugal, a vibrant city offering cultural experiences for Thanksgiving travelers.A scenic view of Lisbon, Portugal, a vibrant city offering cultural experiences for Thanksgiving travelers.

India is a fascinating destination for multi-generational family travel, offering hands-on art lessons, street food exploration, temple visits, and more. November provided perfect weather in Rajasthan, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.

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One family, spanning three generations, found their trip to India wonderful and long overdue. The planning catered to the diverse interests and abilities of the group, including children. The guide was exceptional – knowledgeable, flexible, agreeable, patient, and capable of managing family dynamics. The driver was also wonderful, ensuring safety and always greeting them with a smile; the vehicle was clean and spacious. Tuk-tuk and rickshaw rides, despite being chaotic at times, added to the adventure. The accommodations were beautiful, unique, and comfortable. Yoga sessions were a bonus. Highlights included a food tour in Delhi that encouraged stepping outside comfort zones, a dawn tour in Jaipur including an authentic Hindu temple visit, an impromptu walking tour in Udaipur leading to feeding a wild elephant, a block printing workshop, an elephant experience, a Jain temple visit and lunch, an astrologer reading (spectacular for the kids), and a street food Indian breakfast. The trip successfully delivered a cultural and fun experience, teaching the kids about religions, culture, and history, definitely contributing to their “travel bug.”

Amy Evers and her family pose with vibrant marigold flowers at a produce market in Jaipur, India.Amy Evers and her family pose with vibrant marigold flowers at a produce market in Jaipur, India.

Costa Rica is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving, offering hot springs, high adventure activities, and abundant wildlife, making it a best place to travel thanksgiving for nature lovers.

One family’s trip to Costa Rica over Thanksgiving week was described as “spot-on perfect.” They visited diverse regions: Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, finding travel distances manageable. In Arenal, Tabacon Resort provided spacious rooms with volcano views, incredible breakfasts, and relaxing hot springs. Private drivers and guides enhanced the experience, allowing for deeper learning and exploration. Activities matched their desire for high adventure, including canyoning, ziplining, white water rafting, and numerous hikes. Travel days were filled with fun activities, such as a private boat ride with a naturalist guide who pointed out wildlife, followed by a night hike and climbing a towering jungle tree for sunset views. Hiking in Monteverde included hanging bridges and bird watching. They saw an impressive array of wildlife in every location, including over 20 sloths. The driver was also highly praised. A private crocodile boat tour was exciting, although slightly scary. While Manuel Antonio National Park was crowded, seeing abundant wildlife with a guide and enjoying the pristine beach were highlights. Recommended hotels in Monteverde and Quepos also featured wildlife and amazing cuisine. The trip was seamless and filled with wonderful experiences.

A White-Headed Capuchin monkey is seen in Manuel Antonio's rainforest in Costa Rica, a country rich in wildlife.A White-Headed Capuchin monkey is seen in Manuel Antonio's rainforest in Costa Rica, a country rich in wildlife.

Denmark provides a charming destination for solo travelers, particularly Copenhagen and beyond, offering early access to the festive Christmas season. Copenhagen begins decorating for “Jul” and opening Christmas markets as early as mid-November.

A solo traveler seeking a Thanksgiving getaway found Copenhagen to be exactly what was desired, providing a delightful kick-start to the Christmas season. The hotel was perfectly located near a market, harbor walks, and shopping. A local guide offered a great introduction to Copenhagen’s art, architecture, urban development, food, and culture, even taking the traveler to a “pop-up” Christmas market off the beaten path. Day trips outside the city included visits to castles and introductions to locally made products, artisans, and designers. Copenhagen is known for its food scene, including Michelin-star restaurants; securing a table at a top restaurant like Geranium provided an experience that was both visual and gastronomic. Traveling during the off-season meant fewer crowds, lines, and traffic, which was a priority. The weather in Copenhagen in late November alternates between cool and crisp with blue skies and heavy/overcast with occasional rain, manageable with appropriate packing. The trip was seamless, with every detail covered, making it a terrific and different Thanksgiving getaway.

Jeannie Mullen stands in front of Frederiksborg Castle, located outside Copenhagen, Denmark.Jeannie Mullen stands in front of Frederiksborg Castle, located outside Copenhagen, Denmark.

Spain offers family-friendly experiences in its southern regions, including tapas, flamenco shows, and unique equestrian displays, making it one of the best places to travel on thanksgiving with kids.

An 11-day Thanksgiving trip to Southern Spain with kids (ages 10 and 8) focused on Madrid, Seville, and Granada. The success was largely attributed to wonderful guides who connected the boys with Spanish culture. In Madrid, this involved trying the city’s best tortilla, stopping for churros, visiting rooftops to learn about landmarks in an engaging way, and finding authentic, family-friendly tapas restaurants. Their Madrid guide was kind, generous, and made them feel welcomed. In Seville, the kids surprisingly enjoyed a planned authentic Flamenco show. A day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the dancing white horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art was a highlight. The tour of Alhambra Palace and Generalife was perfectly timed to keep the kids’ interest while allowing the family to see the entire complex without rushing. The trip details were seamless, and flexibility was shown with a last-minute itinerary change. Spain is considered a wonderful place for children, and this was one of their best family vacations. If you are considering where to travel in us in november, keep in mind that international destinations like Spain offer unique cultural experiences without the same level of domestic holiday crowds.

Gina Melton and her family are pictured enjoying a boat trip on Seville’s Río Guadalquivir in Spain.Gina Melton and her family are pictured enjoying a boat trip on Seville’s Río Guadalquivir in Spain.

Tulum, Mexico, provides a stunning setting for a blended family gathering over Thanksgiving, with options for private villas, exquisite beaches, snorkeling, and historical site visits.

An “extraordinary” trip to Tulum, Mexico, was planned for a blended family with five grown children celebrating milestones. The challenge was finding a destination that catered to diverse backgrounds, interests, and styles. The family desired exquisite beaches, Mayan history, a private villa with a chef, and planned, safe activities. Casa Ixchel exceeded expectations with spectacular accommodations, beautiful common areas, and an amazing beach. Excursions included biking at the Coba ruins and snorkeling off Cozumel Island. Free days allowed for biking, beach walks, lounging by the pool, and simply being together. The meals were delicious and accommodated various dietary restrictions. The villa staff was professional, kind, helpful, and responsive. The week was described as beautiful and breathtaking, creating cherished memories.

An underwater photo captures a blended family snorkeling together in the clear waters of Mexico.An underwater photo captures a blended family snorkeling together in the clear waters of Mexico.

London offers a festive atmosphere over the Thanksgiving holiday, providing an early glimpse of Christmas lights and a variety of activities suitable for families with teens, making it a best place to travel thanksgiving outside the US.

A five-night trip to London over Thanksgiving was described as fantastic, fulfilling the wishes of a family of four, including two teens. The duration was perfect for an energetic and vibrant getaway without language barriers. While they had heard streets wouldn’t be crowded, they found them busy, but the early Christmas lights were indeed grand. The trip provided a great refresh. The planning team was efficient and thorough, creating a packed itinerary within five weeks that met all specifications. Hotel options were provided, and the selected hotel was charming with attentive staff and delicious food. The planners added value by organizing activities geographically to avoid backtracking and maximizing sightseeing, considering walking stamina. Guides were highly knowledgeable on diverse subjects, from history and architecture to environmental changes. A food tour was a highlight, described as “over the top.” They also received helpful advice on booking theater tickets directly. Guides were flexible, even managing to secure restaurant tables without reservations. The teens enjoyed the London Eye (with priority tickets), Cabaret, Winter Wonderland, Tower of London, and a RIB ride. The historians appreciated sites like St. Paul’s, the changing of the guard, and historical districts. The husband enjoyed architecture and night lights, while the wife loved a personal nighttime photo shoot. The food tour was a hit with everyone. Providing detailed interests to the planners was key to customizing the trip.

London is decked out for Christmas in this festive nighttime scene, a popular destination for late November travel.London is decked out for Christmas in this festive nighttime scene, a popular destination for late November travel.

Peru, home to the Amazon rainforest and the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, is a compelling destination for a Thanksgiving trip, even for multi-generational groups with teenagers.

One family traveled from the U.S. to Peru for Thanksgiving week with three teenagers. Their trip included an ecolodge stay in the Amazon Basin rainforest followed by visits to the Sacred Valley area and Machu Picchu near Cusco. Travel and hotel arrangements were well organized. The guides and drivers were fabulous, and the value of having expert local support became clear when protests caused city shutdowns. The local team skillfully managed to reschedule activities, finding alternatives even when transportation was restricted and planned locations were closed. Despite the challenges, they had a great visit and saw many wonderful parts of Peru thanks to the help provided. Peru offers unique experiences that differ greatly from traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, positioning it among the Best Places To Travel To For Thanksgiving for adventurous families.

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The majestic ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru are a popular site for tourists exploring the Andes mountains.The majestic ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru are a popular site for tourists exploring the Andes mountains.

Belize is an ideal destination for a multi-generational family celebration over Thanksgiving, offering a mix of beach and jungle adventures, from kayaking and zip-lining to cultural experiences like hand-grinding corn and making pottery.

Planning a 50th-anniversary family celebration in Belize involved careful consideration for four grandchildren aged 9-12, ensuring plenty of kid-oriented activities. The goal was lots of “WOWs,” and the trip delivered. The adventure began with helicopter transfers from the airport to the jungle resort and later a private plane to an island, followed by a boat trip. The kids’ reactions to luxurious accommodations with plunge pools were priceless. Chaa Creek Resort in the jungle exceeded expectations with excellent service, including a butler who arranged private dinners, breakfast deliveries, fresh drinks, and even babysitting. The staff was generous and kind, and the food delicious, accommodating dietary needs. A dedicated driver and guide ensured seamless touring, adapting plans when necessary, like when rising water closed a cave tour. They explored Mayan sites, visited a coffee plantation and a women’s co-op where grandchildren participated in hand-grinding coffee and pottery making. Zip-lining added an adventurous element. Beach days at Ray Caye Resort were relaxing, filled with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and scuba diving. Gourmet meals, poolside relaxation, and family games brought the family together. The island resort provided a private experience, being almost exclusively occupied by their group at one point. The entire trip was seamless, thanks to the expert planning and support staff.

A luxurious treetop villa with a private outdoor plunge pool is pictured at Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize.A luxurious treetop villa with a private outdoor plunge pool is pictured at Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize.

Italy and Switzerland offer a diverse European experience suitable for families, combining cultural immersion with scenic beauty, even on relatively short notice over the Thanksgiving period.

A family of six, with four daughters aged 5 to 11, traveled to Italy and Switzerland in late November/early December. The trip was arranged on relatively short notice, just four weeks lead time. Great hotels, fun excursions, and private guides were arranged, with the guides in Florence and Zurich being particularly fantastic with the girls. Having the same accommodating driver in each city was also a convenience. A major highlight in Florence was a pizza making lesson. Another memorable experience, described as a “WOW Moment,” involved visiting an artist’s studio in a residential neighborhood across the river. The artist welcomed them and helped them create their own mosaics, followed by enjoying food in a cafe while the mosaics dried. The artist and guide were friendly, making the afternoon a real treat. Everything went smoothly, and not having to worry about the details was appreciated.

Baja, Mexico, particularly the areas beyond Los Cabos like Todos Santos and La Paz, offers a mix of relaxation and adventure for families over Thanksgiving, including scuba diving, sandboarding, and rappelling. If you’re looking for warm travel destinations in november with plenty of activities, Baja is a strong contender.

One family with two teen daughters chose a Thanksgiving trip to Baja California for its ease of access from Southern California and the opportunity to explore less-visited areas like Todos Santos and La Paz. They enjoyed the charm of Todos Santos, hiking, and surf lessons at Los Cerritos. La Paz offered potential for adventure activities. Despite a few travel hiccups, the local team worked to make the trip as good as possible. A primary goal was swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, but their unpredictable absence required backup plans. Instead, they had a beautiful sunset sandboarding excursion on oceanfront dunes. They also took a full-day boat trip for scuba diving with friendly sea lions and through a shipwreck, followed by lunch on a remote beach. These exciting excursions filled the void left by the whale sharks. Their final stop was Grand Velas on the Los Cabos corridor, a property praised for its rooms, views, service, spa, and food. Activities outside the resort included horseback riding on the beach and in the hills, and a packed adventure day in the mountains with zip lines, rappelling, and climbing, all seamlessly organized. Returning to the resort was a highlight, especially their spectacular Thanksgiving night celebration on the rooftop deck. Even with some struggles, the trip was a memorable holiday break that left them feeling recharged.

An underwater photo captures a diver exploring the marine life and shipwreck in Los Cabos, Mexico.An underwater photo captures a diver exploring the marine life and shipwreck in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Costa Rica offers a family-style adventure over Thanksgiving, focusing on wildlife encounters like monkeys and sloths, along with exciting activities such as zip lines and surf lessons.

Another family trip to Costa Rica over Thanksgiving week centered on Arenas Del Mar resort in Manuel Antonio, noted as the only one directly on the beach with its own private section. The presence of monkeys and sloths, seen frequently, was thrilling. A zip-line tour was fun for the whole family, and some tried a surf lesson. A guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park was busy but allowed them to find quieter spots and appreciate the park’s beauty and wildlife. Their other destination was the Osa Peninsula, reached by an exciting boat ride through rivers, mangroves, and the ocean to La Paloma Lodge, a luxury eco-resort. Their room offered a spectacular view and space for the family. Activities included scuba diving, kayaking, exploring Corcovado National Park, and a guided night walk. They saw a wide variety of animals, including macaws, toucans, different monkey types, sloths, agoutis, crocodiles, and even a tapir. Despite some rain, which made the scenery lush and green, they didn’t mind. The planning was seamless, and having someone knowledgeable about the country, hotels, and activities was very helpful. If you’re considering the best place to travel in november for warm weather and wildlife, Costa Rica is an excellent choice.

Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica features calm waters ideal for snorkeling along the tropical Pacific coast.Manuel Antonio beach in Costa Rica features calm waters ideal for snorkeling along the tropical Pacific coast.

Morocco offers a culturally rich Thanksgiving trip with experiences ranging from watching traditional ceramics artists at work in cities like Fes and Marrakesh to adventurous camel and ATV rides in the desert.

A first-time trip to Morocco was described as “absolutely amazing.” The guide was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about all the locations and sites. The sites and towns themselves were spectacular. Starting in Casablanca, the drive to Fes immediately provided an orientation to Moroccan culture and history. Exploring the souks of Fes included seeing ceramics-making, a working tannery, mosques, and other cultural sites. Marrakesh was highlighted as the absolute peak of the trip, with amazing accommodations. A memorable last day included hiking in the High Atlas mountains followed by ATV-ing and camel riding in the desert, described as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

A race is shown taking place on the sand dunes in Morocco's desert, offering an adventurous activity.A race is shown taking place on the sand dunes in Morocco's desert, offering an adventurous activity.

Thanksgiving offers a fantastic opportunity to embark on international adventures, free from the intense crowds and high prices of later holiday periods. As seen through these varied experiences, destinations across the globe, from the cultural depths of Cuba and China to the natural wonders of Southern Africa and Costa Rica, or the historical richness of Portugal and Italy, provide unique and enriching ways to spend the holiday. Whether seeking warm weather, thrilling activities, cultural immersion, or simply quality time with family in an exciting new setting, traveling for Thanksgiving can turn the traditional holiday into an unforgettable global exploration. These examples demonstrate the potential for seamless and deeply rewarding trips when planning creatively for this unique travel window. For those looking for the [Best Places To Travel To For Thanksgiving], considering destinations like these could lead to your most memorable holiday yet.

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