Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year in the U.S. Airports are packed as millions of Americans fly home to enjoy turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie with family and friends. But here’s a little-known secret: Thanksgiving week is also one of the best times to travel internationally!
If you’re ready to trade in your traditional Thanksgiving meal for a unique travel experience, you’re in luck. With over 52 million people expected to travel domestically during Thanksgiving, only a small fraction—about 4 million—choose to travel internationally. This makes it one of the best-kept secrets for savvy travelers. Fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and lower hotel rates? Yes, please!
1. Thanksgiving Travel: Why Go International?
Lower Demand, Lower Prices. While most people are traveling within the U.S., international travel demand drops. This means you can often snag incredible deals on airfare and accommodations. Plus, international airport terminals are far less crowded, making your trip much smoother. You’ll avoid the peak-season chaos that comes with summer and winter holidays while still enjoying pleasant weather in many global destinations.
Avoid the Holiday Rush. Ever stood in line at TSA for hours, packed shoulder-to-shoulder with frazzled travelers? That’s the reality for domestic travel during Thanksgiving. But when you opt for international flights, you’ll breeze through the airport. Fewer passengers and shorter lines mean less stress and more time enjoying your trip.
Affordable Luxury. Thanksgiving can be one of the best times to indulge in luxury travel at a fraction of the cost. Many high-end hotels, resorts, and even luxury tours offer lower rates during this shoulder season. Imagine lounging at a 5-star resort in the Maldives or exploring Tuscany without the crowds—or the peak-season price tag.
2. Maximize Your Vacation Time with Just 3 PTO Days
One of the biggest perks of Thanksgiving travel is how easy it is to get away without burning through your vacation days. Most schools are closed for at least half the week, and many businesses give employees the day off on Black Friday. This means you can turn Thanksgiving into a nine-day vacation using only three PTO days!
For example, if you take Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday off, you can enjoy a full week and two weekends away. That’s plenty of time to jet off to Europe, Asia, or the Caribbean and still return in time to recover from jet lag before heading back to work.
3. Make New Thanksgiving Traditions (And Memorable Meals)
Worried about missing out on the traditional Thanksgiving feast? Don’t be! One of my favorite things about traveling over Thanksgiving is experiencing new cultures while still finding ways to celebrate with a special meal.
A few years ago, my husband and I spent Thanksgiving in Paris. We swapped turkey for a fantastic steak frites dinner at the famous Le Relais de L’Entrecôte with 2 of our daughters and friends. Eating our Thanksgiving meal in a cozy French bistro while the Eiffel Tower sparkled in the distance? Pure magic.
Another year, we celebrated Thanksgiving on the beach in Puerto Vallarta. We traded stuffing and mashed potatoes for tacos by the ocean. We’ve also feasted on Thai cuisine while exploring the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, enjoying an epic picnic on a private long-tail boat.
No matter where you go, you can create new holiday memories—and enjoy incredible food along the way. And let’s be real: who says Thanksgiving has to be about turkey when you could be eating fresh seafood on a Mediterranean island or delicious street food in Southeast Asia?
4. The Best International Destinations for Thanksgiving Travel
Looking for inspiration? Here are some of the best international destinations to consider for your Thanksgiving getaway:
- Paris, France: Enjoy fewer crowds at popular landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Plus, Paris is extra magical with the Christmas markets starting to pop up! Here’s our 5 day itinerary for Paris.
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Swap chilly fall weather for warm sun and sandy beaches. Puerto Vallarta offers affordable beachfront resorts, and it’s easy to get to from many U.S. cities.
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is an affordable and beautiful city to explore with its stunning architecture, delicious food, and rich history. Plus, it’s a great gateway to explore other parts of Europe!
- Rome, Italy: Rome is less crowded during Thanksgiving, meaning you can explore the Colosseum and Vatican City without the summer rush. Check out our mini-guide to Rome Here!
- Aruba: White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and all-inclusive resorts—Aruba is perfect for a relaxing Thanksgiving vacation.
5. Thanksgiving Travel Price Comparisons: International vs Domestic
You might think traveling internationally is more expensive, but during Thanksgiving, you can often find international flights for less than domestic ones! Here are some airfare comparisons that will make you reconsider that domestic trip:
- Boston to Seattle: $428 vs. Boston to Paris: $364
- JFK to Minneapolis: $521 vs. JFK to Rome: $453
- LAX to Miami: $684 vs. LAX to Aruba: $436
- Phoenix to Atlanta: $679 vs. Phoenix to Lisbon: $542
- Seattle to NYC (JFK): $797 vs. Seattle to Reykjavik: $519
As you can see, traveling internationally doesn’t just give you a more exciting holiday experience—it can also save you money!
(All fares were valid as of October 7, 2024, for travel over 2024 Thanksgiving week.)
6. How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway
Start by researching the destinations you’ve always dreamed of visiting—many offer deals specifically for Thanksgiving week. Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights to find the best deals, and don’t forget to check out discount travel sites.
We also swear by Jet Set Club. For $59 a year, you get daily cheap international flight alerts sent to your email. Not only do we see incredible flight deals, it’s such a fun way to plan travel. Instead of picking the destination first and then planning around that, we watch for a deal that works for us and plan our trips around that. We save hundreds on every flight we book this way. And booking just one flight through this more than pays for itself!
For insider tips, deals, and destination inspiration, head to our blog and follow us on Instagram @JetsetPetersons. We’re always sharing the best travel hacks, budget tips, and behind-the-scenes from our own adventures around the world!
Make This Thanksgiving Unforgettable
Ready to trade turkey for travel? Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway, a European city break, or a cultural adventure, Thanksgiving is an amazing time to explore the world. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and plenty of options for unique holiday celebrations, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake up your Thanksgiving tradition.
