Top Warm-Weather Thanksgiving Escapes
There is nothing wrong with celebrating Thanksgiving at home with your family and having dinner together. However, if you feel like doing something differently this year, such as traveling to an adventurous place, you can do so without going bankrupt or needing a passport.
Jamaica
If you're going for just a few nights, you may want to concentrate on Montego Bay, a quite affordable winter destination. If you want to avoid families with kids stay at the The Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios where kids under 12 are not allowed. The unique and soulful island of Jamaica has an entirely different vibe than its sister Caribbean islands. Try off beat bush-medicine hiking tours or take a peek at the wetlands full of endangered crocodiles and manatees.
Bermuda
A quick and easy getaway from the East Coast, Bermuda is nice at Thanksgiving. Stay on the south shore for the spectacular beaches. Spend the holiday with your family in a whole new world filled with pink-sandy shores, beautiful gardens, and excellent shopping. The romantic tranquility of the island attracts many honeymoon goers, but the lack of sales tax makes this island a shopping paradise.
Baja California, Mexico
Mexico does not observe Thanksgiving so you can be fairly certain you can save money by vacationing there outside the winter season. Make the most of it and go on a lot of adventures. Kayak by day and camp on the beach by night; explore the abundance of wildlife, including sea lions, pelicans, whale sharks, and dolphins, and enjoy some of the world's most pristine white sand beaches. Consider staying at the Todos Santos Inn, the only historic hacienda hotel, built in 1870's.
Hawaii
The times with the biggest crowds in Hawaii are around Christmas, New Year and the summer. There is no price increase over Thanksgiving. In fact, November is one of the slowest months for tourism there. There is so much to see, adventures to experience and hidden gems to explore. The reasons to go are many; every kind of traveler will find motivation to explore the islands because of their unique offerings.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Punta del Este is more famous as the St. Tropez of Uruguay, according to Trip Advisor, with its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. It's ideal whether you're interested in lounging lazily by the beach or embarking on an active adventure. Have fun kitesurfing in Jose Ignacio and surfing in La Barra. Then simply enjoy a long, leisurely jog along the shore. Stand-up paddle boarding, beach volleyball, swimming and beach fishing are also popular. Other recreational activities you can participate in include horseback riding and sailing.
San Antonio, Texas
If Thanksgiving to you is all about the food, where better to celebrate than in the South. Combine the trip with adventures and sightseeing. There is a lot to do and see – River Walk, the Alamo and SeaWorld are just a few. Taste some of the best Mexican food in all of the U.S. Explore the history at the Spanish colonial missions, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, and enjoy pulse-pounding rides at world-class theme parks.
Memphis, Tennessee
Have as much as fun as you want while enjoying time with family in Memphis. Not only does it have all kinds of delicious southern food, but the country music will be entertaining as well. Visiting Beale Street must be on your bucket list. The 1.8 miles are a significant stretch in the city's history. The street is known as the "official home of the blues." Back in the 20's, the flourishing nightclubs, theaters, restaurants prospered alongside gambling, drinking, crime and voodoo. Enjoy the vibe and dance your heart out.
The Keys, Florida
The city of Key West, in the Florida Keys, opened for tourism on Oct. 1. The Empress of the Seas cruise ship has resumed docking on the island as of Sept. 24. With warm temperatures and sunny weather, they Keys are the perfect destination for people who are craving some sunshine. Some adventurous things to do while you are there include scuba diving, snorkeling, skydiving, kayaking, and parasailing.
Scottsdale, Arizona
With a lively nightlife scene and several cultural attractions, the outdoor adventure opportunities in Scottsdale are sometimes overlooked. In the fall, you can easily find hotels for under $90 per night, according to Hotels.com. Go on a half-day mountain bike tour through the Sonoran Desert, home to some the Southwest's best mountain-biking trails, or on a kayak ride through the desert's Salt River, a lush oasis surrounded by red cliffs and wondrous wildlife.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia, one of the best island vacation destinations in the world, was not impacted by either hurricane. The island is home to scenic rainforests and mountains, and a number of historical sites such as rum distilleries and burial sites. Thanksgiving Day is not celebrated on the island like it is in the U.S. so you'll find restaurants a and tourist attractions open. Zip-lining through forests is a favorite adventure there. Anse Chastanet is a must-see Caribbean dive site.
Andaman Islands, India
Get ready to spike your adrenaline this holiday with plenty of water sport adventures. It's still fairly affordable in November. Go scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing and water-skiing. Then try windsurfing, parasailing and paragliding. The islands are accessible via a flight through bigger cities. It's here where you can see swimming elephants.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Escape for the holidays to a place with great music and unforgettable food. The city is famous all over the world for its jazz, zydeco, blues, Cajun & funk events. The street to listen to the best music is the Frenchmen Street. The city is like an art paradise for the soul, a destination unlike any other. But there is a lot more to do besides eating and drinking.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a nice place to see due to its historic side, and it also has some very nice restaurants. Relax this holiday and explore this stunning city by foot. This coastal fishing village will delight you with history, adventure and of course, warmth, and great prices. Take a tour of the old town, visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, and spend a couple of days at Rosario Islands. You can choose from adventurous activities like snorkeling, SCUBA diving, hiking, biking and more.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Virgin Gorda's Taddy Bay Airport has reopened. Virgin Gorda, a land mass whose shape resembles that of a large reclining woman, and a place where the laid-back pace will wash all your worries away. Few spots there are "touristy," which is a good thing. There are many vivid and shallow-water snorkeling spots to keep you wide-eyed. The Dogs, a small group of uninhabited islands just off the western shore, have some of the best snorkeling in the BVIs, according to Villas Virgin Gorda. Other popular places are Savana Bay and Prickily Pear Island.
Caribbean cruise
Exploring exotic destinations during one trip is just part of the quest. Being onboard award-winning ships with crazy adventures such as skydiving will certainly not ruin your trip. Doing all that without breaking the bank during the holidays instead of staying home cooking large meals is even better. You can see and explore multiple regions of the world for as little as $47 per night per person.