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Turkey and stuffing, pecan pie, hours around the table followed by lounging on the couch with friends, family and football.
For many Americans, Thanksgiving is all about keeping it domestic.
But for those who aren’t committed to staying stateside, travel deals on airfare and accommodation abroad — to Europe, in particular — can be found, said Going.com travel expert and spokesperson Katy Nastro.
“Millions of people will travel to see family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, causing domestic flight prices to soar,” says Nastro. “But the millions of travelers flying domestically are, by definition, not traveling internationally.”
As a result, she says, airlines slash fares to help fill planes headed to international destinations over the holiday week, allowing travelers to take advantage of what are often incredibly cheap flight prices.
The deepest discounts tend to be on airfares from the U.S. to Europe.
Fewer crowds compared to peak summer travel periods in Europe mean deals on accommodations can also usually be found at this time of year.
“Hotels and experiences typically come down this time of the year before the ramp-up to the winter holidays,” says Nastro, adding that since it’s not peak holiday season in Europe, there are usually more affordable options available, too.
Among the online airfare deals she spotted in late September were a New York to Paris return flight for only $366 (roughly 55 percent off the average airfare), a Chicago to Barcelona trip for $476 and one from Boston to Lima, Peru, for $415.
When you find a good deal on airfare, Nastro says it’s in your best interest to book without hesitation, as such deeply discounted fares aren’t likely to stick around for long.
Frances Gulick, 40, of Carrollton, TX, plans to travel with her husband and a group of friends to Argentina’s Mendoza wine region this Thanksgiving and has turned the event into an extended getaway.
Gulick said she booked their airfare in March of this year but usually tries to book even further in advance of the Thanksgiving period to snag coveted award space. If her work schedule permits, she also tries to fly back the Monday or Tuesday after Thanksgiving, as it opens up more options and she can avoid traveling on the busy Sunday after the holiday.
Traveling over Thanksgiving week can mean a 10-day trip for the couple using only three days of paid time off (PTO), she said.
When deciding where to go, Gulick said she and her husband have a running list of things they want to see and do (including seeing the Northern Lights and hiking an active volcano) that helps narrow their focus. In a pinch, she’ll turn to AI for input. “If we really get stuck on planning, ChatGPT becomes our best friend as it can not only tell you the best countries to visit during Thanksgiving time but can even plan a day-by-day itinerary within a budget you set.”
If you’re looking for mild weather, consider Southern Europe as well as South America, where summer is on its way in by late November.
You could even book a ski vacation in Europe or Canada during the last week of November.
“Thanksgiving is an excellent time to take an early season ski trip abroad, and we’re seeing significant interest from travelers,” says Dan Sherman, chief marketing officer of Ski.com.
He noted the website’s bookings to European ski destinations are already up 33 percent over Thanksgiving week this year compared to the same period in 2023.
According to Sherman, bookings to Austria are up 20 percent over the same Thanksgiving period last year (Kitzbuhel and St. Anton are the most popular). Early-season ski trips to Northern Italy are also trending over Thanksgiving week this year, with 116 percent growth across the Dolomites. Do keep in mind that many ski areas don’t open until the last weekend in November.
Remember that if you have an Epic Pass or Ikon Pass, they now grant access to many resorts in Europe. “Passholders are taking big trips to maximize their pass’s benefit,” says Sherman.
Snow conditions can vary dramatically in the early ski season. So, while you might not have to contend with the crowds of peak ski season in January and February, you might also not have the best conditions this early in winter.
Not a skier but still looking for early-winter fun abroad over Thanksgiving week? Festive Christmas markets in Vienna and Nuremberg open mid to late November, so you can pair a city visit with early-season spiced mulled wine and shopping.
"Late November and the first days of December are the perfect time to experience Vienna’s magical holiday atmosphere,” says Helena Steinhart, spokeswoman for the Vienna Tourist Board. “The Christmas markets are in full swing, and the city's historic streets are beautifully illuminated, creating a festive yet relaxed ambiance. It's a wonderful time to enjoy the charm of the season without the hustle and bustle that comes closer to Christmas.”
Cruise lines like AmaWaterways and Viking offer Christmas market-themed sailings to Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and France over Thanksgiving week, too.
Still worried about missing Turkey Day at home?
If you’re hesitant about planning an international trip amid a holiday that's traditionally spent with loved ones, don’t worry. According to Nastro, “Many long-haul flights, especially to Europe, depart late, which means you can plan to have your iconic turkey dinner on the earlier side and then head out of town, so you don't miss out on the Thanksgiving festivities.”
Do any of you like to travel overseas over the Thanksgiving holiday? Let us know in the comments below.
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