The ideal Thanksgiving destination transforms the holiday into a genuine retreat rather than just a checklist. Whether your aim is to swap a hectic kitchen for a chef-prepared feast, trade overcast skies for farm trees, or provide the children with an unforgettable parade, this guide offers valuable insights.  

If you are wondering where to travel for Thanksgiving, this guide features 10 well-established travel editor-endorsed destinations for Thanksgiving. Spanning from leaf-covered towns in New England to radiant beach villas, each location includes concise itineraries, accommodation suggestions, and essential local insights that ensure a family vacation feels thoroughly organized rather than impulsive.  

Quick tip: If you find yourself pressed for time and contemplating where to spend Thanksgiving, consider a warm island villa for a turkey-free ocean field, a southern city rich in culinary delights and history, or a mountain perfect for cozy fires.  

To summarize, the best places to celebrate Thanksgiving right now include:  

• Stowe, Vermont—a beloved family destination known for its classic New England allure — is recommended for its food and culture.  

• Charleston, South Carolina, is renowned for its low-country cuisine and historical significance.  

• For those seeking warm weather, the beaches and villas in Mojave or Tulum are excellent options.  

These are some places to travel to for Thanksgiving.  

1. Stowe, Vermont, is a quintessential New England Thanksgiving.  

Stowe is the ideal Thanksgiving destination, with its quintessential New England charm. Quaint town streets, nearby skiable mountains, and inns that excel in roasting a turkey. This creates an idyllic Thanksgiving atmosphere filled with the scents of wood smoke and maple syrup.  

Why consider Stowe? It represents the pinnacle of autumn-leaf viewing and offers cozy amenities that make a getaway feel seamless and nostalgic, such as:  

• Farm-to-table dining  

• Inns featuring fireplaces  

• Short excursions to Vermont’s sugar houses  

The top 5 activities include:  

1. Reserving a farm dinner  

2. Visiting local artisan boutiques  

3. Driving around Route 100 to admire the foliage  

4. Skiing or snowshoeing on Mount Mansfield  

5. Enjoying mornings with hot cocoa  

6. Nighty bed and breakfast  

Day 1: Arrive around noon. Take a leisurely walk down Main Street and dine at the inn early in the evening. Day 2: Go for a morning hike. Enjoy a scenic drive in the afternoon and have Thanksgiving dinner at the hotel.  

Practical information:  

• Burlington, BTV The nearest major airport is approximately a 45-60 minute drive away.  

• Renting a car is recommended.  

• Hotel Thanksgiving menus and accommodations tend to fill up quickly, so it is advisable to make reservations for holiday meals well in advance.  

2. Tulum and Riviera Maya: A Blend of Barefoot Modernism and Private Culinary Experiences.  

The villas within Tulum’s collection offer an alternative to the busy atmosphere of hotels, featuring rooftop terraces, private swimming pools, and chefs who expertly prepare fish dishes. A villa in Tulum is the perfect beach destination for Thanksgiving, especially for those seeking warm places to visit. You can experience warm ocean waves, morning swims in cenotes, and romantic dinners on the terrace, all while emphasizing a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Haute Retreats provides fully staffed accommodation that ranges from intimate three-bedroom homes to grand eight-bedroom estates.  

A typical Thanksgiving in Tulum may involve:  

• A leisurely mid-day nap  

• A morning of snorkeling  

• A private chef who crafts a unique menu that includes turkey, grilled fish, or local citrus fruits  

If you are contemplating where to spend Thanksgiving, Tulum alleviates your concerns about the weather and offers a design-centric living experience, complemented by staff dedicated to ensuring the holiday focuses on togetherness rather than cooking.  

Practical Advice: Villas in this region often include private drivers, daily supplies, and curated shopping lists. Enquire with the villa manager regarding the management of grocery and chef fees, as well as the possibility of adding festive elements, such as fireworks and live music.  

3. Punta Mita Pacific Views and Multi-Gen Scale  

With palapa roofs, terraces that overlook the ocean, and living rooms designed for sunset cocktails, the villas in Punta Mita resemble modern haciendas. A villa in Punta Mita features multiple suites, spacious terraces, and staff available to prepare outdoor meals, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving gatherings with grandparents, cousins, and aunts.  

Reasons to choose a villa here:  

• These homes come with private chefs.  

• Both indoor and outdoor dining spaces  

• Staff who handle cleaning and grocery shopping  

Celebrating Thanksgiving at a villa in Punta Mita transforms a multi-day event complete with a twilight meal that continues until the stars appear, an afternoon nap, and morning paddle-boarding. Punta Mita offers visitors, whether they are considering it as their Thanksgiving destination, a sense of being at a private beach resort.  

Booking Recommendations: To effectively plan your budget, verify whether staff fees are included or charged separately, and confirm the transfer times from Puerto Vallarta.  

4. Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay, offers Serene Holidays with White Sand  

Equipped with water toys, heated swimming pools, and chefs ready to create a seafood-centric feast, the villas at Grace Bay deliver the ambience of a private resort for a Thanksgiving celebration amidst white sands and azure waters. If you are considering a Thanksgiving destination and prefer to avoid the oven’s heat, Turks and Caicos is an excellent option.  

A typical day at the villa features:  

• An early paddleboarding session  

• A mid-morning visit to the market  

• Cocktails by the pool before dinner  

• A chef who curates a holiday menu that includes local sides, a smaller roast, and fresh fish  

For those considering a Thanksgiving gathering with outdoor dining, the Beach Destinations for Thanksgiving offer a light, scenic setting.  

To prevent the rush for post-meal naps, numerous villas in Grace Bay offer transfer services and staff who can arrange in-house childcare or late check-outs.  

5. St. Barth’s and Anguilla, the Epitome of Island Elegance for a Sophisticated Gateway  

Featuring infinity pools, expansive glass views, and terraces designed for extended sunset dinners, the villas in St. Barth’s represent the height of island luxury. St. Barth’s offers cinematic dining experiences, with staff dedicated to crafting exquisite multi-course meals for those contemplating their Thanksgiving destination and seeking an upscale beachside retreat.  

Anticipate a Thanksgiving feast that showcases a flawlessly roasted bird, seasoned with Caribbean spices as the centerpiece, complemented by fine estate wines and the gentle rhythm of the tide. The initial course might consist of ceviche. If you are uncertain about your Thanksgiving plans, opt for a residence with an indoor dining space to shield against the unpredictable island breezes.  

Insider Tip: Inquire with the villa regarding a provisioning estimate and whether specialty items, such as specific pies or labeled wines, can be arranged in advance. Provisioning for islands may lead to increased expenses.  

6. Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, Autumn Light and Long Tables.  

A Tuscan villa transforms the holiday into a wine country fiesta. If you’re thinking of where to go for Thanksgiving as a slow-food weekend, the meal takes on a different shape at some places, with stone kitchens, wood-burning ovens, and cypress-strewn views. Some of the typical trimmings here are replaced with porcini, chestnuts, and local olive oil.  

The way the meal evolves. A villa chef might recommend a roast with chestnut stuffing, porcini jus, and several courses of matched Tuscan wines. Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast transform Thanksgiving into a regional celebration rather than a rerun of anyone looking for a Thanksgiving destination who enjoys cool evenings and strolls along vineyards.  

Logistics: Local butchers and grocery provisioning are available at many Italian villas. Verify whether a lasting day at the closest vineyard is feasible during your stay, as well as whether the house manager can arrange transportation from Florence, Pisa, or Naples.  

7. Mexico (Cabo & Riviera) – A Blend of Sunny Relaxation and Family Enjoyment  

Breath-taking ocean views and seamless indoor/outdoor living spaces facilitate effortless hosting at Cabo and other Pacific villas. These venues offer the option to replace traditional pumpkin pie with grilled fish and mezcal cocktails, making them ideal for those contemplating Thanksgiving in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.  

What makes a Mexican villa a preferred choice? Typically, the staff includes a house manager and recommended chefs who can craft either a traditional menu or a more casual regional alternative for families still deliberating on their Thanksgiving destination. Travel time and the availability of a private walkable beach often play crucial roles in their decision-making process.  

Practical advice to avoid any last-minute rush. Inquire whether the villa offers a pre-arrival provisioning list and if the chef is able to accommodate dietary restrictions ahead of time.  

8. Caribbean, Private Islands and Antigua Estates – Total Seclusion.  

Expansive Antigua estates and private-island villas cater to groups seeking total seclusion. A private estate offers both privacy and staff to oversee your Thanksgiving holiday if your response to the enquiry about Thanksgiving destinations is “somewhere no one can find me.”  

A typical day here includes a morning swim, midday lounging, and an evening dinner organized by the Villa staff on the terrace or beach.  

When selecting a Thanksgiving destination, travelers should consider whether they prefer complete privacy or convenient access to dining options. Although private islands are enchanting, they may sometimes necessitate additional planning regarding provisions.  

Expert tip: When reserving private islands, particularly for a multi-generational family, ensure to verify emergency protocols and the proximity of medical facilities.  

9. 1Desert & Wellness Villas Palm Springs and Beyond  

A villa styled in the Palm Springs Manor can offer the tranquility you desire if your vision of a Thanksgiving gateway includes serene pools, desert illumination, and a wellness regimen rather than concentrating solely on a single meal. Residences equipped with spas and personal instructors elevate the holiday into a restaurant-to-retreat.  

The experience includes:  

• A guided hike or meditation session in the morning  

• Leisure by the pool in the afternoon  

• A chef who crafts a lighter menu featuring roasted vegetables, a simply carved bird, and an elegant dessert  

When considering Thanksgiving destinations, the optimal choice may not always be a beach or a parade, but instead a tranquil residence complete with a hot tub and a yoga terrace.  

Booking advice: Ensure you reserve any spa treatments in advance and ask whether the villa provides recommendations for instructors or if they must be arranged independently.  

10. Villa Exploration, Casa Tres Soles Punta Mita.  

The preferred choice for multi-generational gatherings, Casa Tres Soles is a modern hacienda located on the Pacific coast. If you desire terraces, staff assistance, and ample space for anyone and everyone during Thanksgiving, this home is an excellent option. The villa boasts an infinity-edge pool perfect for late-afternoon cocktails, multiple dining areas, and the option to hire a private chef. This property alleviates much of the planning burden for travelers uncertain about their Thanksgiving travel destination. Staff members can handle grocery shopping, meal preparation, and cleanup, allowing family members to partake as guests.  

Available facilities include an indoor Thanksgiving feast, where the chef combines local seafood with a traditional roast, a surprise paddle, and an afternoon spent in the Poolside Library. Punta Mita offers a compelling solution to the practical consideration of whether you need space for your grandchildren to play while adults enjoy their wine.  

A leisurely departure, or if possible, a late checkout, is also allowed after Thanksgiving, as many villas permit leisurely departures so that the final day feels like a contribution rather than a rush.