Millions of US travelers want to get away on a Thanksgiving Trip for the same few days in November, so finding a cheap Thanksgiving travel deal can be a big challenge. But there are three main ways you can win in the search for an affordable budget break. First: if you fly, book off-peak days or times. Second: go to a resort that is less busy at Thanksgiving. Third: travel to Europe.
Off-peak flights Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest times to fly during the year and seat prices are likely to be high on the peak travel days: the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 22), and the Sunday after (November 26). If you have the flexibility, you are more likely to find cheaper flights and have a less stressful airport experience if you can depart on the days before or after peak dates, or even on Thanksgiving Day itself.
To show how much you can save by avoiding the peak travel dates, we priced peak and off-peak flight dates for Thanksgiving travel on two routes. For Peak travel dates we tested flights that depart November 22 and return November 26; for Off-peak travel we tested flights that depart November 21 and return on November 27. Prices include taxes and fees.
Los Angeles to Chicago - Peak $401, Off Peak $341. Saving $60
New York to Memphis - Peak $429, Off Peak $307. Saving $122
Whichever day you fly, book your Thanksgiving flights, like any other flights, as early as possible for the best deal. There is very little chance of getting a last-minute reduction at this time.
Stay at a resort in an off-peak destination Because Thanksgiving occurs during the fall, an off-peak season for many popular US destinations, it isn't hard to find discounted rates and special packages for Thanksgiving stays at upscale hotel and resorts that might normally be out of your price range. Seaside resorts in particular are good place to look for deals. To attract guests, many resorts offer special holiday activities and include Thanksgiving celebration meals as well as low room rates. Here is a selection of the deals we found:
* The classic New England resort, Ocean Edge in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has a three-night Thanksgiving Package for two adults and two children that includes accommodation with breakfast, Thanksgiving dinner and kids' activities throughout the weekend. Rates start at $185 a night for three nights compared with a room-only rate for peak summer stays starting from $367 per night.
* The luxurious Hotel del Coronado is offering a "Holiday Escape Package" for Thanksgiving week that includes accommodation, plus $20 daily dining or shopping credit. Prices start at $209 per night, a good price considering that published rates in July start at $355 per night. During your stay, you can partake in a holiday buffet dinner at one of three venues and skate at an outdoor rink overlooking the Pacific Ocean for an extra charge. Other activities include holiday craft-making, kids' camp, and Victorian Tea.
* At the Amelia Island Plantation located off the northeast coast of Florida, holiday rates start at $170 per night. You can join in a Thanksgiving Day feast for an extra charge and participate in free holiday games and activities throughout the weekend.
Go to Europe November is the beginning of the low season in much of Europe, and because Thanksgiving is not a public holiday there, you can take advantage of discount airfare and packages. Prices for goods and services in Europe are high all-around and airport taxes and fees are expensive, so don't expect a Thanksgiving trip there to be a total bargain. However, if you want to visit a European city like London or Paris, you may pay less for travel over Thanksgiving week than if you wait until spring or summer.
Planning an affordable Thanksgiving Trip will be good practice for finding your Christmas and New Year's travel deals. Keep an eye on the Budget Travel Tips Homepage where we will post the latest deals for December holiday trips.
Top Destinations for 2006 Thanksgiving Trips Boston, MA - Spend Thanksgiving at the site of the first celebration of thanks, following in the footsteps of the pilgrims with the Pilgrims Path Tour. You can also spend time exploring a living tribute to early American settlers with the Plymouth Plantation Tour.
New York, NY - Be a part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (pictured above): get out on to the streets of New York to experience this cultural icon live and in person.
San Diego, CA - Enjoy a West Coast Thanksgiving with all the excitement San Diego offers. Feast on a festive and hearty Hard Rock Cafe meal, enjoy special holiday activities with the kids at Legoland, then complete your vacation at the Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Festival.
Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge, TN - Enjoy an early home country Christmas in the Smoky Mountains with Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, then start your holiday shopping at malls and craft shops throughout the region, including the annual Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show.
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Thanksgiving Road Trip on a Budget Thanksgiving is a costly holiday season and at this time, keeping to your travel budget is likely a top priority. It is easy to waste cash on a long trip, but with a little planning your trip can come in on budget. Follow these simple steps and your Thanksgiving road
trip can be one of the best and cheapest you have ever taken.
One of the biggest areas to save cash is on food during the journey.
You can pack sandwiches, drinks and treats before you leave home so that you do not need to buy meals on the way. If you decide you want to eat out on the way to your destination, check out the restaurants offering discounts for children, or even 'kids eat free' offers. Look along the map of your route and contact the likely stop-off locations. A little research now can save you a lot of cash on the way.
Filling your car with gasoline can be the most costly expense of
your trip this year. With sky-high gas prices, the gas pump is
definitely the place to try to save money. You can get plenty of credit cards offering rebates on gas purchases, and gas station chains like Mobil or Shell
offer credit card rebates to frequent customers. Bear in mind if
you are using Mobil you will have to find Mobil stations on the road to use your rebate. Again, look up the locations of these stations on your route beforehand - you do not need the added stress of worrying whether you will run out of petrol.
On longer road trips you may need to make an overnight stop. Research your lodging choices ahead of time. Even at Thanksgiving you can still find a quality hotel or motel offering reasonable nightly rates. If you are traveling with children,
look for places that offer "children stay free" deals.
Look for a hotel offering complimentary
services. Many hotels offer inclusive continental breakfasts for the room rate
and some have snack bars set up as well. Hotels can also be
useful in offering coupons and discount rates for local
attractions and eateries as well.
Finally, be safe. Traffic accidents increase over the holidays
with lots of people on the road. Keep to the posted speed limits.
Take a first aid kit, extra safety supplies and drinking water,
drive safely and make it fun!
