Thanksgiving to New Year’s: 12 Top Destinations for Affordable Holiday Escapes
Written by
Cynthia Measom
Edited by
Laura Bogart
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Almost half of Americans are planning to travel this holiday season, according to the 2024 Deloitte Holiday Travel Survey.
And while budgets are up for 28% of travelers, many are still looking for ways to save wherever possible — especially when it comes to accommodations.
If you’re still debating about a holiday escape, leading hotel search platform trivago sent to GOBankingRates recently released information on the top affordable destinations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
Top Affordable Thanksgiving Destinations
According to trivago travel experts, many people are choosing destinations closer to home for Thanksgiving, having already taken larger trips earlier in the year. Others are heading to warmer, tropical spots like Cancun, Orlando and Miami, trading city life for a relaxing beach getaway.
For those still thinking about a holiday escape, trivago recommends booking closer to your travel date — a move that might reveal some good deals, especially if you have flexible plans.
Here are the top affordable Thanksgiving destinations for people traveling between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1, according to trivago:
Las Vegas: Save Up to 75%
Although Las Vegas is known for its luxury and glitz, spending Thanksgiving there can be affordable with accommodations up to 75% off. You can book a room for three nights — from Wednesday, Nov. 27 to Saturday, Nov. 30 — for as little as $29 per night.
New York: Save Up to 45%
While hotels with the best view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, like the Ritz Carlton or the Warwick, aren’t even close to affordable, travelers can book a hotel the day before Thanksgiving within walking distance of Times Square in the Big Apple for $260 or less per night.
Cancun: Save Up to 50%
Travelers searching for a tropical destination to celebrate Thanksgiving can head to Cancun. Highly-rated accommodations are between $21 to $100 per night and range from hotels and bed and breakfasts to houses and apartments.
New Orleans: Save Up to 30%
New Orleans is famous for its culinary scene, and many of the city’s restaurants are offering up both traditional and non-traditional Thanksgiving fare on Nov. 28.
Splurge on the food while saving on accommodations. Hotels with excellent ratings are available for as little as $56 to $150 per night.
Orlando: Save Up to 44%
Travelers who prefer to escape somewhere with pleasant weather will be happy to know that Thanksgiving temperatures in Orlando average about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Highly rated accommodations can be found for $94 to $135 per night.
Miami: Save Up to 35%
Miami’s average temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in November and the nightlife runs even hotter. Find excellent hotels in “The Magic City” from $83 to $150 per night.
Panama City Beach: Save Up to 35%
Visit Panama City Beach for Thanksgiving and get a jumpstart on Christmas with the city’s “Beach Home for the Holidays” celebration on Nov. 29 to 30, featuring Santa’s Village, Christmas tree lighting, holiday movies, “The Nutcracker” ballet, fireworks, campfires and s’mores.
Top-rated accommodations can be booked for as little as $61 to $150 per night.
Lake Buena Vista: Save Up to 40%
Average temperatures in Lake Buena Vista for Thanksgiving will hover between 78 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, which means no winter clothes are needed. Hotel rooms with “excellent” ratings can be booked for $60 to $96 per night.
Chicago: Save Up to 40%
A Thanksgiving Day parade, holiday markets, ice skating, and mouthwatering Thanksgiving feasts are all things travelers heading to Chicago can look forward to. But the best part might be a top-rated hotel room that can be snagged for as little as $60 per night.
Non-Traditional Affordable Thanksgiving Destinations
Here are some non-traditional Thanksgiving destinations that are affordable if you’re traveling between Nov. 27 and Dec. 1, according to trivago.
Niagara Falls: Save Up to 35%
For a Thanksgiving getaway with scenic views, Niagara Falls offers historic waterfalls, a variety of outdoor activities and nearby vineyards. Visitors can find excellent accommodations starting at $59.
Santa Fe, New Mexico: Save Up to 30%
New Mexico’s capital city offers a unique holiday experience, blending outdoor adventures with rich history and Southwestern architecture. Highly rated rooms can be booked starting at $68 per night.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine: Save Up to 25%
Known for its coastal charm, Old Orchard Beach has local dining and water activities, like kayaking, fishing and lobster tours, to enjoy during a Thanksgiving getaway. Rates for top-rated hotels begin at $96.
Top Winter Destinations
Those who are planning to travel after Thanksgiving — from Dec. 1 to Jan. 12 — can also find affordable escapes in these U.S. winter destinations, according to trivago data:
- Las Vegas
- New York
- Orlando
- Cancun
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