Thanksgiving can be a great time to take a holiday, especially since most people head home for the holidays rather than going to a tourist spot. But the long weekend extended into a vacation can be the perfect time to indulge the traveler in you and satiate your wanderlust. But which are the places that you can visit which will still allow you to experience a flavor of the season? There are many perfect destinations. In this article, we introduce you to those places that you can visit this holiday season, both nationally and internationally.
Destinations in America
So, we all know that Thanksgiving is a predominantly American festival, so if you are planning your vacation, then which are the best cities and towns to make a trip to? We give you our top five picks.
New York City
There is no other city that can be more fun than New York city. The parade dedicated to the holiday organized by Macy’s is televised nationally and is something you should definitely watch in person. Encourage the festival spirit by making a trip to all those tourist hotspots in the city that you have always wanted to visit. Also do not miss the traditional Thanksgiving dinner that many restaurants have on offer. From a buffet meal to a three-course menu, your dinner can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be.
Plymouth
Can you think of any other destination that would be perfect for this holiday? After all Plymouth, Massachusetts, is where the festival originated after the first Pilgrims landed here aboard the Mayflower. You can have fun aboard a replica of the Mayflower or live life as a Pilgrim at the Plimoth Plantation at Plymouth. They have role players who speak only in Shakespearean English and live the lifestyle that the first Pilgrims followed. Also do take a look at the Plymouth Rock which is where the first Pilgrims landed and which now rests at sea level.
Chicago
If you are on the lookout for a budget destination, then the city of Chicago can be the perfect vacation spot for you. If you visit the megapolis, then do not miss a trip to the many museums in the city. Thanksgiving eve is huge in Chicago and can be one of the best nights to experience the nightlife in Chicago. Another must visit is the Daley Plaza Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition followed in Chicago of throwing open an old world market that is open till Christmas Eve.
Las Vegas
If you are amazed at the thought of spending the holiday in Las Vegas, do not be. The best way of doing so in Las Vegas is the fine dining experience you can partake of. There are many brilliant restaurants at Sin City that make the experience no less than divine. Combine this with lounging around the Las Vegas strip and you have a holiday on your hand that you will more than enjoy.
Orlando
The biggest attraction of spending Thanksgiving in Orlando, Florida is obviously Disney World. And the amusement park lives up to every expectation with great meals on offer, themed parades, and extended hours for the holiday season. Also many travel agencies have packages planned for the holiday season which makes it a discounted way of enjoying the festival.
International Destinations
If spending the holiday in the country does not hold much appeal for you and you are looking forward to a trip abroad, then the places mentioned below are the ones you should pick from.
Istanbul, Turkey
Spending Thanksgiving in Turkey may be unheard of but it can be a brilliant getaway. The festival falls after a week of celebration in Turkey so you can take advantage of the extended festivities. Visit the Galata Bridge, Topkapi Palace, and the Column of Constantine amidst other famous tourist spots. Istanbul is an amalgamation of the old and the new and will allow you to relive historical events.
Whistler, Canada
While Canada celebrates the festival much before America, in the month of October, it can still be one of the best places to go to when planning your holiday. Whistler is a resort town and a trip there can be a rejuvenating experience. If you enjoy skiing and biking, then these are options that you can indulge in as well. A Canadian experience may be exactly what you need this holiday season.
Paris, France
Who would not want to take a trip to the romantic city that is Paris? Thanksgiving can be the perfect time to visit the city as it is off season. Visit the usual suspects like the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre but also take a trip to the countryside and enjoy the authenticity of the country that is France.
Aruba
Beautiful white beaches, relaxation in the atmosphere, and low prices, what else would you need for a perfect Thanksgiving on international shores? It is off season in Aruba during the festival which makes it the perfect time to visit. Lounge around on the beach, get that perfect tan, and have a brilliant holiday.
These are our picks for the top destinations. There are many other ideas that you can definitely try out this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving!
