Where to Travel During Thanksgiving 2025: Top 5 Warm & Affordable Destinations
Oct 27,2025 | Milo
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Top 5 Best Places to Travel for Thanksgiving 2025
Thanksgiving is no longer only about turkey, mashed potatoes, and staying home. More travelers are choosing to spend their holiday abroad — chasing sunshine, exploring new cultures, and escaping early winter chills. If you’re searching for thanksgiving travel ideas or wondering about the best places to travel for Thanksgiving, this guide gives you five incredible destinations where warm weather, lower crowds, and affordable flights make the perfect holiday escape.
Whether you’re dreaming of beaches in Cancún, European charm in Lisbon or a tropical retreat in Bali, staying connected with an eSIM like ByteSIM ensures smooth travel from start to finish.
Grateful to Go
Hands full of gifts, heart full of places yet to see. This Thanksgiving, travel with gratitude. Pack memories instead of just wrapping paper.
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Why Travel for Thanksgiving?
Instead of long airport lines and overstuffed dining tables, more travelers are booking flights in late November for three key reasons:
- Better international flight deals than Christmas and New Year
- Warm-weather destinations to escape freezing temperatures
- Remote work + vacation flexibility — especially with fast mobile data via eSIM
- Cultural experiences without the holiday crowds
Choosing travel over tradition doesn’t mean disconnecting from loved ones — thanks to ByteSIM eSIM, you can still video call family during dinner while enjoying a sunset in Bali.
Top 5 Best Places to Travel for Thanksgiving 2025
1. Cancún, Mexico
- Weather: Sunny and warm, with temperatures around 25–28°C (77–82°F), ideal for beach and water activities.
- Why visit: Cancún is a Caribbean gem that delivers a perfect dose of sunshine before winter. Families love it for its all-inclusive resorts that make vacationing effortless, calm swimming waters, and endless activities from snorkeling and kayaking to theme parks and cultural shows.
- Festive touch: Many beachfront resorts offer Thanksgiving dinners, and for a local twist, Porfirio’s serves authentic Mexican cuisine in an upscale setting. Cultural excursions are also rewarding—visit the nearby Maya archaeological sites like El Rey and El Meco, or take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza.
- Perfect for: Families, beach lovers, and travelers looking for a sun-soaked getaway without leaving the Americas.
Tip: Take a boat trip to Isla Mujeres for a full day of island adventure and unforgettable photo opportunities. Don't forget to stay connected with ByteSIM Mexico eSIM.
2. Lisbon, Portugal
- Weather: Mild and comfortable, 14–20°C (57–68°F), perfect for exploring city streets without summer crowds.
- Why visit: Lisbon blends European charm with affordability and manageable crowds in late November. Ride its iconic trams and funiculars, wander through cobblestone alleyways, and admire the colorful, pastel-painted buildings scattered across the hills.
- Festive touch: Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated, but you can enjoy hearty local comfort food like bacalhau com natas (creamy baked cod) and warm pastries. Cultural highlights include tasting pastéis de nata in Belém and visiting hilltop castles and waterside towers.
- Perfect for: Couples, families, and solo travelers who want European architecture, history, and cuisine minus the summer rush.
Tip: Hop on Tram 28 for a scenic tour through historic neighborhoods—it’s both a moving history lesson and a fun ride for all ages. Check maps, find restaurants, and share photos instantly with ByteSIM Portugal eSIM.
3. Costa Rica
- Weather: Tropical and lush after the rainy season, with pleasant temperatures and green landscapes.
- Why visit: Costa Rica is an adventure-lover’s paradise, ideal for families seeking eco-friendly experiences. Rainforest excursions include ziplining, river rafting, and canoeing, while eco-lodges and sustainable resorts offer insights into the country’s conservation efforts. Wildlife encounters with sloths, toucans, and sea turtles make every day memorable.
- Festive touch: Thanksgiving becomes a jungle adventure with local cuisine—enjoy Casado, a hearty plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein. Cultural experiences like chocolate-making classes, such as those at La Iguana Chocolate in Mastatal, are fun for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts, adventurous families, and travelers who want an active holiday immersed in wildlife and natural beauty.
Tip: Visit Arenal Volcano National Park for guided walks and sloth spotting, combining adventure with local conservation education. Stay online to access park guides, maps, and safety updates with ByteSIM Costa Rica eSIM.
4. Barcelona, Spain
- Weather: Mild and sunny, 12–18°C (54–64°F), comfortable for sightseeing and seaside strolls.
- Why visit: Barcelona offers a mix of beach, culture, and family-friendly attractions. Architectural wonders like Park Güell and La Sagrada Família inspire awe, while seaside promenades and playground-lined beaches make it ideal for families. November provides fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for exploring the city.
- Festive touch: Though Thanksgiving isn’t widely observed, locals enjoy traditional seafood dishes, like Fideuà, and cultural experiences such as mosaics at Park Güell. Walking along Barceloneta Beach with warm churros in hand adds a holiday flavor.
- Perfect for: Art lovers, families, and travelers who want sun, seaside walks, and Spanish culture without summer crowds.
Tip: Rent bikes for a ride along Barceloneta Beach, stopping for churros and enjoying views of the Mediterranean. Navigate city streets, check attractions, and instantly share family fun with friends and relatives with ByteSIM Spain eSIM.
5. Bali, Indonesia
- Weather: Tropical and warm, early rainy season with short showers, temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F).
- Why visit: Bali combines adventure, serenity, and luxury. Family-friendly villas and resorts offer private pools, while the island’s temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces provide immersive cultural experiences. Attractions like the Ubud Monkey Forest and waterparks make it engaging for children.
- Festive touch: Though Thanksgiving is not celebrated locally, Bali has its own festivals in late November, such as Odalan (Temple Festival of Bali) on November 29, showcasing gratitude rituals that complement the Thanksgiving spirit. Local cuisine like Nasi Campur offers a flavorful alternative to a traditional holiday meal.
- Perfect for: Families, couples, wellness travelers, and those seeking a tropical escape with cultural richness.
Tip: Plan a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest and, if traveling from the U.S., consider a stopover to break up the long journey. Stay connected with ByteSIM Indonesia eSIM to coordinate transportation, access travel apps, and share your tropical adventures seamlessly.
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