Best Thanksgiving Family Vacations

Thanksgiving is a cherished time for families. We'll help you figure out the best Thanksgiving family vacations & the best family getaways.

March 15, 2024

Lauren Stuttaford

Travel

Thanksgiving is a cherished time for families to come together, express gratitude, and create lasting memories. But planning fun family Thanksgiving vacations that are unforgettable AND budget-conscious can seem like a daunting task.

In this guide, we’ll help you figure out the best Thanksgiving family vacations, as well as looking at the best family getaways for thanksgiving.

Planning The Best Thanksgiving Family Vacations + Getaways

Let’s start off by taking a look at how you can plan fun family Thanksgiving vacations.

Identify Your Priorities

Start by discussing with your family what type of Thanksgiving vacation appeals to everyone. You should consider factors such as budget, preferred destination, activities, and accommodation preferences.

Set A Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your Thanksgiving vacation or getaway.

You should take into account things like accommodation, transportation, meals, activities, and any additional expenses.

Research affordable destinations and accommodations that fit within your budget. You can also look for deals, discounts, and special offers specifically tailored for family Thanksgiving vacations.

Choose Your Destination

Select a destination that caters to both family-friendly activities and your budget constraints.

Here are some spots for the best Thanksgiving family vacations:

Orlando, Florida: Known for its theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Orlando has endless attractions and entertainment options for the whole family.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a picturesque setting with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring quaint mountain towns.

San Diego, California: With its mild climate and abundance of family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, and beautiful beaches, San Diego is an ideal destination for a Thanksgiving getaway.

Asheville, North Carolina: Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, perfect for a Thanksgiving escape.

Newport, Rhode Island: Discover Gilded Age mansions, picturesque coastal scenery, and charming cobblestone streets in Newport, a historic seaside town perfect for a Thanksgiving getaway.

Find Accommodations

Choose family-friendly accommodations that provide comfort and convenience for everyone. Things like space, amenities, and proximity to activities are all important factors to keep in mind.

Figure Out Travel Logistics

Plan your travel logistics in advance, including transportation to and from your destination, as well as any necessary arrangements for getting around once you arrive.

Plan An Itinerary

The best Thanksgiving family vacations are filled with activities, as well as time for relaxing. Look for special Thanksgiving events and activities like parades, festivals, and holiday-themed attractions.

Plan Your Meals

Decide whether you’ll be dining out or preparing meals during your fun family Thanksgiving getaway. Research restaurants offering Thanksgiving specials, or consider cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal in your accommodations if feasible

Pack Wisely

Create a packing list for each family member, including clothing, toiletries, medications, and any other necessary travel accessories.

Fun Family Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas

If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit less mainstream, you could always plan your own Thanksgiving vacation. Here are a couple of great family Thanksgiving vacation ideas.

Traditional Thanksgiving Gatherings

You can’t go wrong with a classic. For a twist, why not book a stay at a vacation home or rental cabin? You can cook a homemade meal, and organize activities like board games, scavenger hunts, or hiking!

Cruise Vacations

Take Thanksgiving to a new (sea)level by going on a Thanksgiving cruise! Cruise ships offer everything you could want for the whole family. From pools to water slides, and gourmet dining, a cruise is definitely one of the best Thanksgiving family vacations – even if it’s a bit unorthodox!

Beach Retreats

Escape to the serene shores of a beach retreat for the ultimate family vacation experience. Beach retreats offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty, making them an ideal destination for families seeking to unwind and create cherished memories together.

National Park Explorations

Nestled within the vast and diverse landscapes of national parks are opportunities for discovery, relaxation, and awe-inspiring encounters with the natural world. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the ancient forests of the Smoky Mountains, each park offers a unique tapestry of landscapes, flora, and fauna waiting to be explored.

Planning Affordable Thanksgiving Getaways

While it might not seem like some of the places in this guide are affordable, there are some things you can do to make sure that they are! Here are some tips for planning an affordable Thanksgiving vacation.

Travel Off-Season

Consider traveling during off-peak times to take advantage of lower prices on flights, accommodations, and attractions. Thanksgiving falls on a busy travel weekend, so consider traveling a few days before or after the holiday to save money.

Be Flexible

Flexibility with travel dates can lead to significant savings. Use fare comparison websites and booking platforms to compare prices for different travel dates and choose the most budget-friendly option.

Limit Souvenir Spending

While we all want a cool snow globe or t-shirt, you should consider purchasing meaningful souvenirs or keepsakes. Overspending on souvenirs are one of the biggest drains of budget!

Book Early (Or Super Late)

Booking your accommodations and transportation early can often result in lower prices, as many hotels and airlines offer early booking discounts. On the other hand, lots of airlines and accommodations offer last-minute deals to fill up seats or rooms.

Don’t Forget To Download the Air Doctor App (Just In Case):

Traveling the world is exciting – but it comes with challenges.
That’s why apps like Air Doctor are there for you (just in case).

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical advice, get prescriptions, and receive expert medical guidance wherever you are in the world.

Air Doctor’s easy-to-use app gives you: