TOP 10 Thanksgiving Destinations

By Editorial Staff ShermansTravel.com

We’ve come up with a cornucopia of travel ideas on where to spend Thanksgiving. Sure, we cover the obvious – after all, no list would be complete without a nod to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade or the site of the 1620 pilgrim landing – but we also favor less traditional destinations, from lush islands and beach spots to desert landscapes and ski slopes. Plus, with fares so low to Europe at this time of year, we'd be remiss not to pick at least one European capital; our preferred city is known for its terrific beer and French fries, although you'll be hard-pressed to find football on television (American football, that is). We've even recommended a jaunt on the high seas, since we figure there's no better tribute to the adventuresome spirit of the pilgrim pioneers than by making your own transatlantic trek; bring your family along for the fun and enjoy the best of Thanksgiving!

1. Aruba

Granted, there’s not much of a connection between Thanksgiving and this Dutch-owned Caribbean isle, but it’s certain that giving thanks for all of life’s little pleasures is made infinitely more effortless when kicking back on the turquoise shores of tropical paradise. Boasting glorious weather nearly year round (Aruba is safely situated south of the tropical-storm belt), basking on the powdery white sand beaches needn’t be interrupted, unless, of course the activities of this tiny 20-mile long island should lure you away. Watersports abound, as do opportunities to explore surreal desert island landscapes where cacti and iguanas compose an exotic landscape – head out on foot, jeep, or by ATV. All-inclusive, luxurious resorts line the shores, diverse culinary fare is served up in numerous restaurants, and superb shopping opportunities abound. Casinos, bars, clubs, and assorted evening extravaganzas animate the night, while glorious sunrises give an incentive to party until dawn.

2. Brussels

Sure, you could be content scarfing down your traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all its trimmings, from turkey to Brussels sprouts, or you could sprout a plan for something a little bit different this year and actually head off to Brussels instead. With just over seven hours of flight time between the Belgian capital and the East Coast, Brussels makes for a feasible long-weekend getaway. Plus, this gastronomic paradise assures you needn’t forgo the feasting – just trade in the turkey and eggnog for moules-frites (mussels and French fries) and any one of several hundred delectably brewed Belgian beers instead. Or, give in to the whims of tradition and hunt down one of the restaurants where many ex-pats gather for the holiday – the American Club of Brussels, for one, hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner. Best of all, when you’re not chowing down, you can explore a charming city of cobbled streets and historic squares drenched in European tradition – with the magnificent Grand Place as its focal point and dozens of unique museums, you’ll be giving thanks for treating yourself to the trip.

3. Kauai

If you’re hankering to leave the shores of the continental US this Thanksgiving, but are craving traditional Americana on Turkey Day, there’s no finer option than the Aloha State. We recommend spectacular Kauai, a dramatically landscaped isle surrounded by glimmering Pacific waters. The oldest inhabited island in Hawaii, it’s no wonder people first settled down here – and opted never to leave. Every inch of Kauai seems to reflect some new and fascinating wonder of nature – be it the remote Na Pali Coast, where majestic cliffs preside over the sea; the central jagged mountain region with its verdant rainforests; the breathtaking grandeur of Waimea Canyon; or the seemingly endless miles of golden sandy beaches. And while much of the rest of the US is watching leaves drop to the ground with the onset of winter, Kauai remains as lush and green as you’ve ever seen – a most rewarding holiday getaway in every way.

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4. Los Cabos

Whether it be fishing, golfing, a spa retreat, or lazy beach-bumming days, a Thanksgiving getaway to Los Cabos sure beats the usual family banter around the dining table. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is composed of two very different towns: Cabo San Lucas, described by some as a glorified Los Angeles-style resort, and San José del Cabo, a traditional Mexican village. Whichever you fancy, both come complete with haute-style resorts and spas, world-class dining, and plenty of golden beaches. Fishing and golf are also major draws here, and an array of championship courses will easily tempt you away from watching afternoon football. Plus, you’ll be able to forego the usual game-watching diet of beer and chips and treat yourself to margaritas and tacos instead!

5. New York

For the biggest Thanksgiving event in the country, head to New York City for its annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. At 9am each Turkey Day, over 10,000 Macy employees and volunteers meet at 77th and Central Park West to begin their march down Broadway. It’s a fantastical procession filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and at least a dozen giant helium balloons – to the delight of the 2.5 million spectators that come out to watch from the sidelines. If you’re at home basting the turkey instead, stay tuned to the spectacle on television; this is one American pageant that’s bound to please.

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