Although a lot of Thanksgiving is about getting together as a family, sharing a meal, reflecting on the past year, and everything you're grateful for, it also serves another purpose.
Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of the peak holiday travel season. And more than 50 percent of Americans plan to travel for the holidays this year.
Ahead of this travel extravaganza kicking off, trivago experts have released insightful data on where people are planning to travel this year, as well as their travel motivations.
For example, the booking platform found that many travelers are looking to take advantage of the warmer weather and escape the city to relax in tropical destinations like Cancun, Orlando and Miami.
Additionally, solo travel has exploded, with a good portion of travelers seeking independent adventures and opting for urban destinations like New York or London, rather than nature-based ones.
In the meantime, for procrastinators still considering a getaway, here's an important takeaway (as shocking as it may sound): it's not too late to book your trip.
“Sometimes booking closer to your travel date can help you discover a good deal, especially when you have flexibility,” say Trivago experts.
Here's a closer look at where everyone is heading during the upcoming holiday season.
Aerial view of Cancun, Mexico (Photo credit: Andrea/Adobe)
Best Thanksgiving Destinations
Based on research conducted by trivago over the past 90 days ending October 15, here are the top 10 Thanksgiving travel destinations for Americans from November 27 to December 1. (And thanks to trivago, the list also includes how much you can save by traveling to each destination.)
- Las Vegas – Save up to 75%
- New York – Save up to 45%
- London – Save up to 40%
- Cancun – Save up to 50%
- New Orleans – Save up to 30%
- Orlando – Save up to 44%
- Miami – Save up to 35%
- Panama City Beach – Save up to 35%
- Lake Buena Vista – Save up to 40%
- Chicago – Save up to 40%
Affordable, Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Destinations
Want to get off the beaten track and avoid the crowds (while saving a little money)? Trivago has you covered too. The booking platform suggests the following locations (based on searches in the last 90 days ending October 15, for U.S. travelers and for travel dates from November 27 to December 1).
Niagara Falls, save up to 35%: Iconic tourist destination with historic waterfalls and a region brimming with stunning natural scenery, a variety of outdoor activities, wineries and more.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, save up to 30%: New Mexico's capital offers a mix of outdoor activities, unique architecture and historic sites like the Santa Fe Plaza and the Palace of the Governors.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Save up to 25%: Relaxing place with activities for everyone, from local restaurants along a historic pier, to water activities (kayaking, fishing, lobster tours, etc.) as well as Palace Playland amusement park.
Leavenworth, Washington, Save up to 25%: Quaint village with Alpine-style buildings and festive activities including a Bavarian-style Christmas market that begins Thanksgiving weekend, the Nutcracker Museum nestled in the mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc.).
Top Five Winter Destinations (United States)
Need even more inspiration for your winter travels? Here are the five best winter destinations in the United States, courtesy of trivago:
- Las Vegas
- new York
- London
- Orlando
- Cancun
Travel period December 1 – January 12, 2025, US trivago.com users, searched within 90 days ending October 28, 2024.
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