You’ve done the turkey with all the trimmings for so many years. You deserve something new and fun...Maybe it’s time to think outside the bird and ditch the family this Thanksgiving. 

Hopefully these five places give you some real #travelinspo.

Banff National Park, Alberta

If you’re a traveler who loves wintertime activities, consider a trip to Canada’s Banff National Park, home to three major ski resorts. Whether a novice or expert, you can enjoy a long weekend on the slopes against the backdrop of spectacular Canadian Rockies. When you’re ready to come in from the snow, there are lots of restaurants, galleries and shops to explore in Banff. The Banff Craft Beer Festival takes place November 23-25, offering samples from dozens of breweries, as well as food from the area’s best restaurants and pubs.

Bahamas

If, like me, your perfect holiday idea leans more towards tropical weather…think about the Caribbean. The Bahamas is a great destination for a three or four-day cruise or a long holiday weekend at a resort. Try watersports like snorkeling or parasailing or just relax on a beach of soft, powdery sand. In the capital city, Nassau, you can soak up some history and culture...catch the Changing of the Guard at Government House on November 24th and do some shopping for handmade crafts at the authentic marketplace downtown on the weekend.

Oh, For the Love of History, Boston!

For history buffs like hubby, a long weekend in Boston should fit the bill. Take a walk back in time along the Freedom Trail to see the sights of the American Revolution, like Paul Revere’s House and Old North Church. For a break from sightseeing stop for lunch at the Boston branch of Eataly, chef Mario Batali’s Italian marketplace. You’ll be less than an hour from Plymouth, site of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and home to Plymouth Plantation, where you can learn how the Pilgrims and their Native American neighbors lived.

Key West

A Thanksgiving trip to Key West offers an opportunity to explore a different side of Florida. The southernmost city in the United States is a four-hour drive from Miami, along the scenic Overseas Highway. While you’re there, go sailing or snorkeling, enjoy fresh seafood and don’t miss the key lime pie. The area is home to the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and there are numerous opportunities for the whole family to swim with these engaging creatures. Other attractions include the house where Ernest Hemingway lived in the 1930s and the Dry Tortugas National Park, with its 19th century fort. You’ll also be in time for the International Sand Art Competition, which takes place November 22-26. 

Chicago

So, what if you still love Thanksgiving but just don’t want to be at home? Let’s give you some Midwest flavor! For a combo of Thanksgiving parades with holiday shopping, the Chi is the place to be. The city’s parade takes place on November 23rd, Thanksgiving morning, complete with marching bands, floats and giant balloons. On Friday, go shopping or just browse the stores along the Magnificent Mile. The Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s European-style outdoor market, will be open for the season with dozens of vendors selling food and holiday gifts. And the whole family will enjoy the Goodman Theatre’s 40th anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol.” This is one of my favorites but be sure to dress warm!

If you are considering Thanksgiving travel and have some other ideas in mind, I am here to help you plan a memorable holiday vacation! And for all you traditional peeps out there, Happy Turkey Month! Wishing you and yours a fun holiday season.

Eat, Drink and Travel More!

Courtnie

Why not get a head start on your Thanksgiving travel plans? As a TRvLB member, our travel designers can start looking at the best flights and hotels available for your holiday weekend away. Find out more about the perks our current members are enjoying!

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.