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Thanksgiving abroad? Here’s why it’s perfect for families — and 7 destinations to visit
According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans traveled during Thanksgiving week in 2024, making it the busiest travel period on record. While most Thanksgiving travelers stay stateside, international bookings are rising by 23% every year, signaling a growing trend toward spending the holiday abroad. But for these families, spending Thanksgiving abroad isn’t about skipping tradition. […]
According to AAA, nearly 80 million Americans traveled during Thanksgiving week in 2024, making it the busiest travel period on record.
While most Thanksgiving travelers stay stateside, international bookings are rising by 23% every year, signaling a growing trend toward spending the holiday abroad.
But for these families, spending Thanksgiving abroad isn’t about skipping tradition. Instead, it’s about redefining it; stepping away from everyday life to realize just how much there is to be thankful for, while making beautiful, lasting family memories.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of trading your dining table for a beach or cityscape, here are seven destinations for a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving abroad.
Why Thanksgiving abroad might be ideal for your family
Traveling during Thanksgiving week comes with many surprising perks. Firstly, it’s off-peak season in several international destinations, which means:
- Lower prices
- Fewer crowds
- A more intimate and relaxed experience (compared to the busy summer months)
In the US, it’s also when kids get a 4–5 day break from school, creating the perfect opportunity for a getaway together.
Plus, late autumn brings pleasant weather across much of Europe, Central America, and Asia. It’s cool enough for sightseeing yet warm enough for outdoor adventures.
7 International family-friendly destinations to visit this Thanksgiving
Here are seven destinations that prove Thanksgiving abroad might just be your best family trip yet.
1. Cancún, Mexico
Want one more bout of sunshine before winter arrives? Cancun in Mexico will deliver that dose of Vitamin D in just a few hours, as it’s a short flight from most US cities.
Cancun is THE Caribbean gem for families, thanks to its:
- All-inclusive resorts that make family travel effortless
- Stunning beaches and calm swimming waters
- Activities for all the family, from snorkeling to theme parks to cultural shows
Must do activity: Take a boat trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for a day of island adventure.
Top cultural experience: Check out the Maya archaeological sites nearby Cancun, like El Rey and El Meco, or take a day trip to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Many of Cancun’s beachfront resorts have special Thanksgiving menus, but if you want a local twist, try Porfirio’s for authentic Mexican dishes in an upscale setting.
Forget patchy hotel WIFI. Stay connected wherever you go in Cancun and beyond with Holafly’s eSIM for Cancun.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Love Europe but hate the crowds that come with a summer getaway? Visiting Portugal’s capital in late November provides the European charm you know and love but without the long queues, price hikes, and sweltering heat.
Lisbon is perfect for families thanks to its:
- Unique trams and funiculars that offer a super fun way to explore the city’s sights
- Historic sites like hilltop castles and waterside towers
- Endless colorful buildings, cobblestone alleyways, and cute squares to admire
Must-do activity: Ride the iconic Tram 28 through the city’s historic neighborhoods for a moving history lesson with a view.
Top cultural experience: Stop by the Belém district to taste the famous pastéis de nata, directly from the birthplace of Portugal’s beloved custard tarts.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Try Portugal’s hearty comfort food, bacalhau com natas (creamy baked cod).
Navigate the city’s trams, historic streets, and pastéis de nata spots with Holafly’s eSIM for Lisbon.
3. Tokyo, Japan
For a mix of dazzling cityscapes, cultural adventures, and seasonal beauty, Tokyo is a Thanksgiving destination like no other.
- Peak autumn foliage in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno, offering vibrant red and gold landscapes perfect for Thanksgiving family photos
- Family-friendly attractions, like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, and interactive museums
- Cultural immersions, including sushi-making classes, kimono photo shoots, and tea ceremonies
Must-do activity: Head to Takeshita Street for some of Tokyo’s best street food. It’s a sweet lover’s heaven, with crepes, ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, and more!
Top cultural experience: Explore Tokyo’s themed cafés like the Pokémon Café and Kirby Café.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Warm up with Nabe, a Japanese hot pot filled with vegetables, tofu, and meat or seafood.
Post your Disneyland snaps in realtime with Holafly’s eSIM for Tokyo.
4. Costa Rica
If your family loves adventure and nature, a trip to Costa Rica will turn a standard Thanksgiving into an unforgettable jungle experience with:
- Rainforest adventures like ziplining, river rafting, and canoeing.
- Eco-lodges and sustainable resorts where you can learn about the country’s conservation efforts.
- Incredible wildlife encounters, such as sloths, toucans, and sea turtles.
Late November falls just after the rainy season, meaning you’ll enjoy the greenest of landscapes and pleasant tropical temperatures. Plus, with the average flight time 4 to 5 hours, Costa Rica is fab for those who want to avoid transatlantic travel.
Must-do activity: Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for nature walks and sloth-spotting.
Top cultural experience: Take a chocolate-making class, such as at La Iguana Chocolate in Mastatal. One of the things Costa Rica is known for is its high-quality chocolate beans, and kids and adults alike enjoy tasting their way through Costa Rica’s sweetest tradition.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Enjoy a hearty plate of Casado, full of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein. You’ll find it at any local eatery!
Stay online wherever your jungle adventure takes you with Holafly’s eSIM for Costa Rica.
5. London, UK
For a festive Thanksgiving with a touch of British magic, head to London. While it’s cold in the UK this time of year, autumn/winter brings tons of charm, coziness, and sparkle.
- London’s holiday lights are among the most famous in the world. By Thanksgiving, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Regent Street have transformed into a twinkling wonderland.
- Iconic sights like the London Eye, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge
- Family-friendly museums like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, which are amazing whatever the weather
Must-do activity: Take the legendary Harry Potter Studio Tour, where you can sip a butterbeer while wandering through the Hogwarts sets.
Top cultural experience: Partake in an afternoon tea experience in a classic hotel like The Langham or The Ritz!
Thanksgiving meal idea: Tuck into a traditional Sunday lunch of roasted meats, gravy, sides, and a Yorkshire pudding at any local pub!
Navigate between sights seamlessly with fast, reliable data through Holafly’s eSIM for London.
6. Bali, Indonesia
Thanksgiving in a tropical paradise? If you want the perfect blend of serenity, adventure, and luxury, consider Bali in Indonesia, where you’ll find:
- Lavish family-friendly villas (with private pools) and all-inclusive resorts for a stress-free vacation
- Unique sights like temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls
- Exciting attractions for kids like a waterpark and a monkey sanctuary
Note that there are no direct flights from Bali to the US, so consider a stopover somewhere to break up the journey, especially if traveling with young kids.
Must-do activity: Get up close and personal with the monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest.
Top cultural experience: Attend the Balinese temple festival (Kuningan) on November 29 and witness the island’s deep-rooted gratitude rituals; a perfect complement to the Thanksgiving spirit.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Try Nasi campur, a platter of rice with small portions of flavorful Balinese dishes, like spiced chicken, vegetables, and sambal (chili sauce).
From temple-hopping to floating breakfasts, share every magical moment with the Holafly eSIM for Bali.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Sunshine, seaside strolls, and a splash of culture; Barcelona is a brilliant Thanksgiving escape. November is a fantastic time to visit, as you’ll enjoy:
- Mild, sunny weather with average temperatures of 12-18ºC (54-64ºF)
- Walkable seaside promenades and playground-lined beaches
- Awe-inspiring architecture like Park Güell and La Sagrada Família
Must-do activity: Take a family bike ride along Barceloneta Beach and stop for warm churros by the sea.
Top cultural experience: Explore the mosaic wonderland of Park Güell’s, where you’ll feel gratitude for art and nature alike.
Thanksgiving meal idea: Order Barcelona’s iconic seafood dish Fideuà. It’s similar to paella but made with short noodles instead of rice.
Stay online wherever you wander in Barcelona with the Holafly eSIM for Barcelona.
Thanksgiving abroad made easy with Holafly
Traveling internationally for Thanksgiving is exciting, but staying connected while navigating new cities can be tricky.
Holafly’s eSIMs solve that problem with unlimited data, instant activation, and reliable coverage across 270+ destinations.
For more smart travel tips and destination ideas, follow Holafly on Google Discover.
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Hi there! I'm Mika, a content creator at Holafly! ✈️ I share travel tips and tricks to help make your adventures more enjoyable and stress-free. 😊
