Best Places To Travel With Family For Thanksgiving: Top Destinations To Create Lasting Memories

Thanksgiving is a time of year when families come together to celebrate, feast, and give thanks for all their blessings. It’s a time for traditions, memories, and quality time spent with loved ones. For some families, Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to travel and explore new destinations. If you’re looking for the best places to travel with your family for Thanksgiving, look no further than these top destinations.

New York City is a popular destination for Thanksgiving, offering plenty of festive activities and attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Take a spin on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center, visit the iconic department store windows display, or see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person. For families who love history, Plymouth, Massachusetts, is the perfect destination to relive the famous Thanksgiving story. Visit the historic 17th-century Plimoth Plantation that was once an old New England colonists' village.

Charlottesville, Virginia, is another great destination for Thanksgiving, offering a bucolic blend of historic buildings, rolling pastures, and plenty of wineries and cideries. For those looking for a unique experience, Iceland is a great option, where you can often see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Combine your holiday time with a few vacation days, and take a 6-day tour of Iceland to see ice caves, frozen waterfalls, glaciers, and the snowy, other-worldly landscape. These are just a few of the best places to travel with family for Thanksgiving, so start planning your trip today.

Why Travel for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and celebrate the blessings of the year. While many families choose to celebrate this holiday at home, there are plenty of reasons why traveling for Thanksgiving can be a great idea. Here are some reasons why:

1. Create New Memories

Traveling for Thanksgiving allows families to create new memories together. Whether it's exploring a new city, trying new foods, or participating in local traditions, traveling for Thanksgiving can be a fun and exciting way to bond with family members.

2. Avoid the Stress of Hosting

Hosting Thanksgiving can be a stressful experience. Traveling for Thanksgiving allows families to avoid the stress of hosting and instead focus on spending quality time together.

3. Experience Different Cultures

Traveling for Thanksgiving allows families to experience different cultures and traditions. Whether it's celebrating Thanksgiving in a different country or exploring a new region of the United States, traveling for Thanksgiving can be a great way to broaden your horizons and learn about different ways of life.

4. Take Advantage of Thanksgiving Getaways

Many destinations offer special Thanksgiving getaways that are perfect for families. From beach resorts to mountain lodges, there are plenty of options for families looking to get away for the holiday.

5. Spend Quality Time with Family

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is all about spending quality time with family. Traveling for Thanksgiving can be a great way to do just that. Whether it's exploring a new city, trying new foods, or simply relaxing together, traveling for Thanksgiving can be a wonderful way to connect with loved ones.

Top Family-Friendly Destinations in the United States

Looking for the perfect family-friendly destination for Thanksgiving? Look no further than the United States! With a variety of destinations to choose from, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best options:

Exploring New York City

New York City is a must-visit destination for any family during Thanksgiving. Catch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, explore Central Park Zoo, and stay at family-friendly hotels like The Mark.

Discovering California

California offers endless opportunities for family fun. Visit San Diego and check out the San Diego Zoo, or stay at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. In Los Angeles, explore Lake Tahoe and stay at the Pendry San Diego or the Montage Palmetto Bluff.

Visiting South Carolina

Kiawah Island and the Auberge Resort are perfect for families looking to relax and unwind. The Montage Palmetto Bluff is another great option, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.

Experiencing Washington

Seattle is a great destination for families looking to explore the great outdoors. Visit the National Mall and take in the fall foliage, or hit the slopes at Keystone or Park City.

Colorado Adventures

Colorado is a great destination for families looking to hit the slopes. Park City and Montage Deer Valley are both great options, with plenty of skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Utah's Park City

Park City is a great destination for families looking to experience the great outdoors. Visit during the fall for beautiful fall foliage, or hit the slopes during the winter for some skiing and snowboarding.

Rhode Island Retreats

Newport and the Otesaga Resort are perfect for families looking to relax and unwind. Explore Lake Erie and take in the Festival of Lights.

North Carolina's Charm

North Carolina is a great destination for families looking to experience some southern charm. Visit the Auberge Resort and explore the beautiful beaches, or stay at the Montage Palmetto Bluff and take in the beautiful scenery.

International Family Travel Destinations

For families looking to get away for Thanksgiving, there are many great international destinations to choose from. Here are a few recommendations for family-friendly travel destinations:

Mexico's Beachfront Resorts

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches and kid-friendly resorts. San José del Cabo and Los Cabos are two popular beachfront destinations that offer plenty of activities for families, including snorkeling, surfing, and archery. Many resorts in these areas also offer kids' clubs and babysitting services, making it easy for parents to enjoy some time alone.

Caribbean Escapes

The Caribbean is another great option for families looking to escape the cold weather. There are many all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean that cater to families with kids' clubs, water parks, and other activities. Some popular destinations include Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.

London's Holiday Attractions

For families looking for a more cultural experience, London is a great option. During the holiday season, the city is filled with festive lights and decorations, and there are many attractions that are perfect for families, such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. There are also many Broadway shows and musicals that are great for families.

Ireland's Natural Beauty

Ireland is a beautiful country with many natural wonders that are perfect for families. The Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway are two popular attractions that offer stunning views of the Irish coastline. There are also many outdoor activities that families can enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Overall, there are many great international destinations that are perfect for families looking to travel during Thanksgiving. Whether you're looking for a beachfront escape or a cultural experience, there is something for everyone.

Choosing Family Activities

Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family members of all ages. Choosing the right activities can help ensure that everyone has a fun and memorable holiday.

For families with young children, visiting a local zoo or aquarium can be a great way to spend the day. Many zoos offer special events and activities during the holiday season, such as holiday lights displays and animal-themed crafts.

Museums are also a great option, as they often have exhibits and activities that are engaging for both kids and adults. Some museums even offer special holiday-themed events, such as gingerbread house workshops or live performances.

For families looking for a more adventurous outing, amusement parks can provide a day of thrills and excitement. Many parks offer special holiday events, such as Christmas-themed parades and shows.

Golf courses and horseback riding facilities are also great options for families who enjoy outdoor activities. These activities can be a fun way to spend time together while enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Ultimately, the key to choosing the right activities for your family is to find something that everyone will enjoy. By considering the interests and preferences of each family member, you can create a holiday filled with fun and lasting memories.

Planning for Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving week is a time of celebration and togetherness for families across the United States. With the long weekend, families have the opportunity to spend quality time together and engage in various activities.

One popular activity during Thanksgiving week is shopping. Many retailers offer Black Friday deals, and families can take advantage of these sales to purchase holiday gifts. It is important to plan ahead and make a list of items to buy to avoid overspending.

Another highlight of Thanksgiving week is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Families can watch the parade and enjoy the floats, balloons, and performances. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the parade.

For those who want to stay active during Thanksgiving week, participating in a Turkey Trot is a great option. Many cities host Turkey Trots, which are fun runs or walks that typically take place on Thanksgiving morning.

Of course, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving week is the Thanksgiving meal. Families can choose to prepare a traditional meal at home or dine out at a restaurant. It is important to make reservations early, as many restaurants fill up quickly.

In summary, Thanksgiving week offers families the opportunity to engage in various activities, from shopping to watching the parade to participating in a Turkey Trot. Planning ahead and making reservations early can help families make the most of their Thanksgiving week celebrations.

Hotel and Resort Considerations

When it comes to traveling with family for Thanksgiving, choosing the right hotel or resort can make all the difference. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting your accommodation:

• Family-friendly amenities: Look for hotels or resorts that offer amenities catering to families, such as water parks, lazy rivers, and indoor pools. These can provide hours of entertainment and fun for kids and adults alike.
• Spa services: While the kids are off enjoying the water park, parents may want to take advantage of some relaxation time at the spa. Look for hotels or resorts that offer spa services, such as massages or facials, so that everyone can enjoy some pampering.
• Auberge Resorts Collection: For those looking for a luxurious Thanksgiving getaway, consider the Auberge Resorts Collection. With properties in locations such as Napa Valley, Aspen, and Cabo San Lucas, these resorts offer top-notch accommodations, dining, and activities.
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa: Located in San Antonio, Texas, this resort offers a range of activities for families, including a water park, lazy river, and golf course. Plus, with its Thanksgiving Feast package, guests can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner without having to leave the resort.

Overall, when selecting a hotel or resort for your Thanksgiving getaway, it's important to consider what will make the trip enjoyable and comfortable for the whole family. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure a memorable and stress-free holiday vacation.