Most people associate Thanksgiving travel with stressful journeys to the airport or long, tiresome car rides. And part of that may be related to the family component. By making your Thanksgiving travel more a vacation, however, you can make the long weekend more fun and stress-free.
Even though Thanksgiving is the beginning of the peak holiday travel season, you can still find cheap flights to some of your dream destinations during this time of year. Whether you’re looking for a cozy small town to celebrate the holiday or anisland getaway to forget about it entirely, there are plenty of options for Thanksgiving travel.
Keep reading for the 15 best places to go for Thanksgiving if you don’t want to stay home.
Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. The city has plenty of must-see sights, but it can often get crowded and expensive.
Traveling to Athens in November, however, is a great way to see the city without all the hassle. And since many local shopkeepers and restaurant owners leave the city for the summer, you’ll get a much more authentic experience traveling when they’re back open in the fall.
Read more: 12 simple hacks that will make hosting Thanksgiving easier and cheaper
New York, New York
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a Thanksgiving tradition for people all over the country, but there’s nothing like witnessing the event in person.
Thanksgiving is the unofficial start to the holiday season in New York City, so there’s no better time to take in all the amazing decorations and the city’s unbeatable holiday spirit.
Bangkok, Thailand
The weather is mild and sunny in Bangkok in November, making for the perfect late-fall getaway.
Plus, it is significantly cheaper to fly to Thailand around Thanksgiving than it is during the rest of the holiday season.
Montreal, Canada
Thanksgiving is often a short break from school and work, so the more accessible a destination, the better.
Montreal, Canada, is within driving distance of several major US cities, although it feels as if you’ve been transported to Europe. Plus, if you’re not going to be indulging in traditional American Thanksgiving dishes, you can’t beat French Canadian comfort foods.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende is one of this year’s hottest travel destinations, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to visit.
November is the beginning of the region’s dry season, so there’s no better time to enjoy the sun and the city sights without having to worry about inclement weather.
Paris, France
The city is on every traveler’s bucket list, but summer crowds make Paris a bit less desirable. Instead, visit Paris for Thanksgiving so you can beat the crowds and enjoy the city like a local. Not to mention the foliage is at its peak, and temperatures are still mild.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is a popular winter vacation destination. Going at Thanksgiving means you get a visit before crowds and prices soar.
Additionally, November in Cabo is also a great time for fishing and whale watching.
Read more: Here are the best and worst times to travel this Thanksgiving
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Many people who travel around Thanksgiving are looking to escape the holiday altogether. If you’re looking to celebrate a festive Thanksgiving away from home, however, then Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the perfect spot.
From the holiday lights of Winterfest to the annual Thanksgiving night fireworks at the Titanic Museum, there are plenty of activities to get you into the holiday spirit.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
November is springtime in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, so it is an ideal vacation destination for travelers looking to avoid cold weather at all costs. By traveling for Thanksgiving, you can get your warm weather fix while avoiding Rio’s usual summer crowds.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is at its best in the late fall season since temperatures are far more manageable than in the summer months.
Travel to the southwestern city for hiking, golf, and other outdoor activities that might be off limits if it’s already cold back home.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland, is a popular stopover destination for travelers flying from the US to Europe. But with cheap flights and plenty of sights to see, Reykjavik is an exciting city all on its own.
Orlando, Florida
Temperatures in Orlando, Florida, remain in the high 70s and low 80s in November, so it’s the perfect warm weather escape for Thanksgiving.
You can even start the holiday season a bit early by visiting Walt Disney World to view the park’s legendary holiday decorations.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs, California is just a short drive from Los Angeles although it feels worlds away. The peaceful desert town offers a wide array of hotels, resorts, and rental homes, so you can easily find the perfect venue for your vacation.
Whether or not you’re looking for a traditional holiday feast, there are plenty of restaurants in Palm Springs that serve fresh new takes on the classic Thanksgiving dinner.
Barcelona, Spain
You may not want to take a dip in the ocean in Barcelona in November, but it’s still a perfectly good time to visit the often tourist-packed city.
Although it may be colder around Thanksgiving, crowds and prices are down, making it much easier to enjoy the city’s top sights like Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.
Read more: 10 dishes you should never make on Thanksgiving
Park City, Utah
If you’re ready to start the winter season a little early, head to Park City, Utah. The Park City Mountain Resort opens to skiers and snowboarders in mid-November, so there’s no better time to start enjoying the slopes. There are also plenty of other winter activities in the area like snow tubing, an alpine coaster, and even a zipline, so you can take in all of Utah’s natural beauty.
This article originally appeared on ThisIsInsider.com
