Sometimes, Thanksgiving means dodging awkward conversations with relatives, skipping the stress of hosting, or simply taking a break from the traditional holiday grind.
Whether you’re craving a soul-soothing retreat or an adrenaline-filled adventure, here’s what you might want from a Thanksgiving escape—and where you can find it, whether you stay stateside or venture abroad.
1. Peace, Quiet, and an Unplugged Escape
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Ken Stringer
If the thought of Thanksgiving chaos makes you cringe, what you need is a serene, remote getaway where your phone signal barely works, and nature does all the talking.
- Stateside: Big Bend National Park, Texas is pure desert bliss. Vast, rugged landscapes, solitude, and nights under a star-packed sky make it the perfect digital detox. You can hike through canyons, explore the Rio Grande, and forget about everything else.
- International: Torres del Paine, Chile in Patagonia offers jaw-dropping natural beauty, glacial hikes, and endless horizons. With limited Wi-Fi and nothing but nature, it’s perfect for a total reset.
2. Soak Up the Sun, Forget the Cold
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean frosty weather and winter coats. If you’re more about sandy toes than turkey dinners, a sunny destination will warm your soul and help you dodge the holiday chill.
- Stateside: Palm Springs, California is a desert oasis of mid-century modern architecture, palm trees, and poolside lounging. You can spend Thanksgiving in the sun, sipping cocktails and avoiding holiday stress.
- International: Tulum, Mexico is a tropical dream with turquoise waters, white sands, and laid-back vibes. Spend the day on the beach, explore ancient ruins, and end with tacos instead of turkey.
3. Adventure for the Bold
If family dinners bore you to death and you crave an adrenaline rush, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to ditch the table and hit the trails. Adventure awaits—far away from stuffy dining rooms.
- Stateside: Moab, Utah is the ultimate outdoor playground. Think mountain biking in Arches National Park, rock climbing, and off-roading through red rock landscapes. It’s an adrenaline-fueled escape with plenty of adventure.
- International: Queenstown, New Zealand is for the daredevils. From bungee jumping and skydiving to heli-skiing, it’s the adventure capital of the world. There’s no room for post-turkey naps here—only thrills.
4. Cozy Cabin Retreats
If you’re more into hygge than hype, a snug mountain cabin with a roaring fire and peaceful views might be your perfect Thanksgiving escape. Think cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and maybe even a good book—without a relative in sight.
- Stateside: Aspen, Colorado is known for its luxurious cabins, alpine charm, and world-class views of the Rockies. Spend Thanksgiving hiking or simply relaxing by the fire as the snow falls gently outside.
- International: Lake Bled, Slovenia offers a fairytale-like setting with its lakeside cabins, castle views, and surrounding mountains. It’s a charming, peaceful retreat where you can spend your days rowing across crystal-clear waters or exploring nearby forests.
5. Small Towns with Big Charm
Sometimes, escaping family means seeking out the sense of a small community—without the drama. A picturesque, quiet town with cozy cafés, local festivities, and friendly faces could be the perfect balance between solitude and charm.
- Stateside: Woodstock, Vermont is the epitome of New England charm in the fall. You’ll find historic inns, quiet streets, and golden foliage. Spend your Thanksgiving sipping coffee by the fire or taking a scenic walk through the village.
- International: Bruges, Belgium offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and plenty of autumn charm. Stroll along the canals, enjoy a Belgian waffle, and take in the old-world atmosphere—no holiday tension required.
6. Food, Wine, and Fine Dining
Thanksgiving might be known for its food, but if you’re skipping the turkey, why not make it a culinary adventure instead? Head to a place where food and drink are celebrated in style, and indulge in local flavors without ever seeing a can of cranberry sauce.
- Stateside: Sonoma, California is Napa’s more laid-back cousin, but it’s still filled with boutique wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and fewer tourists. Spend Thanksgiving hopping between vineyards and tasting the season’s best wines.
- International: Tuscany, Italy is for those who want rolling vineyards, olive groves, and some of the best food and wine in the world. Think long lunches under the Tuscan sun and evenings sipping Chianti with views of medieval towns.
7. Festivals and Local Flare
If Thanksgiving is all about celebration for you—but family gatherings aren’t—why not experience local festivals and seasonal events somewhere unique? Immerse yourself in the local culture and find your own version of holiday fun.
- Stateside: New Orleans, Louisiana does Thanksgiving a little differently, and that’s part of the charm. With parades, jazz music, and Creole food, you’ll experience a holiday filled with spice and flavor.
- International: Barcelona, Spain is buzzing with local energy year-round, but fall brings street markets and festivals without the summer crowds. Enjoy tapas, explore the Gothic Quarter, and take in the city’s vibrant culture.
8. A Blend of Wellness and Escape
Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Bob Felderman
Maybe you want to spend Thanksgiving resetting your mind and body. Instead of stressful dinners, a wellness retreat or quiet spa getaway can give you the perfect mix of relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Stateside: Sedona, Arizona is known for its red rock landscapes and spiritual retreats. You can spend Thanksgiving hiking vortex trails and enjoying spa treatments, far from the holiday rush.
- International: Ubud, Bali offers lush rice terraces, yoga retreats, and holistic healing experiences. It’s the perfect place to find inner peace and reconnect with yourself while the rest of the world carves up a turkey.
Making Thanksgiving Yours
This year, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean the same old routine. Whether you’re craving a quiet retreat in nature, an adventurous escape, or a foodie’s dream trip, there’s a destination waiting to make your holiday a little more about you. So, where will you go to escape the turkey and trimmings?
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Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Ken Stringer.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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