How to Plan a Thanksgiving Getaway Instead of Staying Home

Thanksgiving does not have to mean a crowded kitchen or a quiet house. A getaway gives you the long weekend to rest, see somewhere new, and start your own tradition. Better yet, the holiday falls on November 26 this year, so there is still time to plan it well.

This guide covers short trips, warm destinations, city breaks, resorts, and how to choose between driving and flying. Start by checking Thanksgiving flight prices on Trip.com to see what your dates cost. Then look through attractions and experiences you can book through Viator to picture what your weekend could hold.

Why a Thanksgiving Getaway Works (1-4)

• 1. You get a built-in break. Most people already have Thursday and Friday off, and many have the whole weekend. That is a ready-made trip with little time off work.
• 2. You skip the cooking and cleanup. A getaway lets you enjoy a holiday meal without hosting, shopping, or washing the dishes afterward.
• 3. Time is short, so start now. Google Flights data shows Thanksgiving fares tend to bottom out about 34 days before the holiday, which lands near October 23 this year. See the best timing for Thanksgiving fares before you decide.
• 4. Set a budget first. Holiday trips cost more than usual. Use a simple budget for holiday trips to give every cost a number before you book.

Short Trips Close to Home (5-9)

“The best Thanksgiving getaway is often the one that takes the least effort to reach.”

• 5. Pick a place within a few hours. A two or three night trip works well when you are not spending the whole weekend traveling. Smaller towns often have a quiet, cozy feel in late November.
• 6. Look at farmhouse retreats and country inns. Autumn is a lovely time for a fireplace, a long walk, and a slow breakfast. These places book early for the holiday, so reserve soon.
• 7. Ask about a Thanksgiving dinner. Many historic inns, lodges, and restaurants serve a holiday meal, often with a set menu. Reserve your table when you book your room.
• 8. Keep the plan loose. One planned outing per day is plenty. Leave time for reading, walking, and doing nothing.
• 9. Drive, and plan for traffic. Short trips often work best by car. Leave early, and pack snacks and water for the road.

Warm Destinations: Trade the Cold for Sunshine (10-14)

• 10. Choose a warm place that fits your time. Florida, southern California, Arizona, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii are popular picks. A shorter flight gives you more beach time.
• 11. Expect higher prices. Warm destinations are in demand at Thanksgiving, so flights and rooms cost more. Book early for the best choice.
• 12. Check the weather for the Caribbean. The Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30, so look at the forecast before you book and read the cancellation rules.
• 13. Try a cruise. A ship bundles your room, meals, and entertainment, and visits warm ports. Look at a Hawaii cruise for a warm Thanksgiving week if you want sun and ocean without much planning.
• 14. Plan a simple beach day. A late-November stroll on the sand with friends or family can be the highlight of the trip. Pack sunscreen, a light layer, and a book.

City Breaks: Lights, Food, and Culture (15-19)

• 15. Cities have a lot to do on a holiday weekend. Many offer parades, museums, shows, and restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals. Check the schedule for your city before you book.
• 16. Book dinner early. Holiday dinner reservations fill up fast. Reserve a table as soon as your dates are set.
• 17. Add a guided outing. A walking tour or food tour is an easy way to see a new city. Browse guided city tours on Viator for options on the days you plan to be there.
• 18. Expect crowds after Thanksgiving. Shopping and festive events can make popular areas busy on Friday and Saturday. Plan quieter activities for those mornings.
• 19. Compare hotel totals. City rates can vary a lot over the holiday. Look at Thanksgiving weekend hotel rates on Booking.com and city hotel prices at Agoda before you choose.

Resorts: Rest With Little Planning (20-23)

• 20. An all-inclusive resort keeps things simple. Meals, drinks, and activities come in one price. Learn why so many travelers choose all-inclusive resorts.
• 21. Many resorts serve a holiday dinner. Some offer special menus or events for Thanksgiving, but details vary. Check the holiday schedule before you book.
• 22. Spa and lodge resorts offer a quiet option. If you want a slow weekend, a resort with a spa, a fireplace, and good food can feel like a full reset.
• 23. Reserve early and read the rules. Holiday rooms fill up and rates change. A room with free cancellation lets you hold a spot while you decide.

Driving Versus Flying: How to Choose (24-29)

• 24. Add up the full cost of each. For a drive, count gas, tolls, parking, and any hotel nights on the way. For a flight, count the fare, bags, airport parking or rides, and a rental car if you need one.
• 25. Compare the total time. A flight is fast in the air, but airport time adds hours. A drive of a few hours can easily beat a flight door to door.
• 26. Know the busy road days. Roads are often busiest the day before Thanksgiving and on the Sunday after. Leaving early in the morning, or on Thanksgiving Day itself, can help.
• 27. Fly smart on the busiest days. Kayak found that flying on Thanksgiving Day itself can cut domestic fares by as much as 19 percent. If you fly, read about how to handle a tight connection on a busy travel day.
• 28. Make the drive easier. Good habits help on a long drive. See road trip habits that make long drives easier, and learn what to pack so the car stays tidy.
• 29. Consider a rental car for the destination. If you fly somewhere spread out, a rental car gives you freedom. Compare rental car prices on Expedia early, since holiday cars can sell out.

Make It Happen (30-32)

• 30. Pick the trip, then lock in the big pieces. Book your hotel or inn first, then your flight or route, then dinner and activities. Choose refundable options when you can.
• 31. Use points to lower the cost. A travel card can cover part of a flight or a hotel night. Learn how points can cut Thanksgiving travel costs, and pay the balance in full.
• 32. Compare your options in one place. Browse the tools we use to compare trips to find the best prices fast, and check choosing a card for everyday travel spending if you want to earn rewards as you book.