Top Travel Destinations to Visit During Thanksgiving (On a Budget with Friends or Family)

Thanksgiving is not only a time for feasting and gratitude but also an excellent opportunity to take a memorable vacation with friends or family. Whether you’re seeking beautiful fall landscapes, snowy mountain adventures, or charming city escapes, there are plenty of budget-friendly travel options during Thanksgiving. Below are some top destinations that are ideal for a Thanksgiving getaway, offering a mix of history, nature, and culture without breaking the bank.

New England, USA

If you’re looking for an affordable destination steeped in Thanksgiving tradition, New England is a perfect choice. As the birthplace of the holiday, towns like Plymouth, Massachusetts, offer plenty of historical significance. You can visit sites like Plymouth Rock and take part in reenactments and Thanksgiving-themed events. While peak fall foliage may have passed by late November, New England’s coastal towns and scenic drives are still charming.

For budget travelers, renting a vacation home with friends or family in a quaint New England town can help reduce costs. Many smaller towns also offer free or inexpensive activities like hiking and walking tours, allowing you to experience the area’s beauty without spending a fortune. Additionally, you can save by cooking your own Thanksgiving meal using fresh, local ingredients from farmers' markets.

Aspen, Colorado, USA

While Aspen is known for its luxurious ski resorts, there are ways to enjoy this stunning mountain town on a budget. If you’re traveling with friends or family, consider renting a cabin or condo, which can often be more affordable when splitting the cost. Many vacation rentals come with kitchens, so you can prepare your own meals, including a Thanksgiving feast, saving on dining expenses.

Aspen’s outdoor activities are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. While skiing and snowboarding are popular, there are also free or inexpensive options like hiking, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the scenic views. The town itself is beautifully festive during Thanksgiving, with holiday events and plenty of opportunities to soak in the mountain ambiance without spending too much.

Paris, France

Paris might sound like an expensive destination, but visiting the City of Light during Thanksgiving can be surprisingly budget-friendly, especially if you travel with a group. By late November, tourist crowds have thinned, and many flights to Europe are more affordable than during peak summer months.

Consider staying in a vacation rental or affordable hotel outside of the main tourist areas. Paris’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to explore the city without needing to stay in the pricier central districts. Sharing accommodations and cooking meals together with your group can help reduce costs. While Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in France, you can still indulge in a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at a Parisian bistro or prepare a feast using fresh, local ingredients from markets.

Tuscany, Italy

Traveling to Tuscany with family or friends during Thanksgiving can be both an unforgettable and budget-friendly experience. By late November, the tourist season has slowed, which means more affordable accommodations and fewer crowds. Tuscany’s beautiful countryside, rolling vineyards, and historic towns are perfect for exploration without high costs.

Renting a villa or farmhouse with a kitchen is a great way to experience the region on a budget. You can shop at local markets and prepare your own meals, including a unique Tuscan-inspired Thanksgiving dinner. Group tours of vineyards or day trips to nearby towns like Siena and Florence can also be budget-friendly when splitting costs with friends or family. Plus, the cooler weather in November makes for pleasant walks and hikes through the countryside.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is a magical destination year-round, and Thanksgiving is no exception. In late November, the city begins preparing for its famous Christmas markets, adding a festive charm to the streets. While it may be cooler during this time, the city offers plenty of budget-friendly activities, making it ideal for travelers looking to experience European culture without overspending.

For a budget-friendly Thanksgiving in Prague, consider staying in hostels, affordable hotels, or vacation rentals. The city’s public transportation is affordable, and many attractions, like walking tours of the Old Town and visiting Prague Castle, are either free or inexpensive. Traveling with friends or family helps reduce accommodation and meal costs, allowing you to splurge on a few special activities, like enjoying a traditional Czech meal.

Bavaria, Germany

Bavaria’s fairy-tale landscapes and historic towns make it a wonderful destination for Thanksgiving travel with family or friends. While Bavaria is known for its castles and alpine scenery, it’s also an affordable destination, especially when traveling in a group. Munich and the surrounding regions start to embrace the holiday season with festive markets by late November, offering free events and a festive atmosphere.

To save on accommodations, consider renting a vacation home in a smaller Bavarian town, which can be more affordable than staying in Munich. Many of Bavaria’s attractions, like hiking in the Alps or visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, are budget-friendly, and group travel allows you to share the cost of transportation and meals.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to embark on a budget-friendly adventure with friends or family. Whether you’re exploring the historic roots of the holiday in New England, skiing in Aspen, or taking in the festive charm of European cities like Paris, Prague, or Bavaria, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank. By sharing accommodations, preparing your own meals, and choosing affordable activities, you can make the most of your Thanksgiving vacation while staying within budget. These destinations offer a variety of experiences that are ideal for celebrating the holiday and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Other places worth mentioning where Thanksgiving travel is less ideal during this time but are still awesome destinations:

• Kyoto, Japan – November is typically still a good time for visiting, but the peak for autumn foliage is usually in mid to late November. Early December may be too late for prime foliage, depending on the year.

• Lake Bled, Slovenia and Hallstatt, Austria – These destinations are more appealing in early fall or winter, and by late November, you may experience colder weather and early snow.

• Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper), Canada – This would be more winter-like by Thanksgiving, with snowy landscapes and skiing opportunities, rather than the fall foliage you’d find earlier.

Image by Adina Voicu

Neuschwanstein Castle, Image by Lilen

Prague, Czech Republic, Image by Leonhard

Tuscany, Italy, Image by Dagny Walter

Eiffel Tower, Paris. Image by Pete Linforth

Aspen, Colorado, Image by Waleed Khalid from Pixabay

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