What is it like to travel to the United States during the country's annual national holiday? We ask a bunch of Visit USA members for their top tips
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts © Discover New England
Thanksgiving is often named as the busiest holiday for travel in the US. With nearly 80 million Americans criss-crossing the country in planes, trains and automobiles, you’re not going to convince every one of your clients that it’s the best time to travel.
However, some clients might actively embrace the opportunity to experience the US traditions – such as the turkey trot running races – that mark the start of the holiday season.
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What is it like to travel to the United States during the country's annual national holiday? We ask a bunch of Visit USA members for their top tips
The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, Massachusetts © Discover New England
Thanksgiving is often named as the busiest holiday for travel in the US. With nearly 80 million Americans criss-crossing the country in planes, trains and automobiles, you’re not going to convince every one of your clients that it’s the best time to travel.
However, some clients might actively embrace the opportunity to experience the US traditions – such as the turkey trot running races – that mark the start of the holiday season.
Andrew Bird, director at Purely America, says Thanksgiving is one of his favourite times of the year to be in the US. “The atmosphere over that time is really nice,” he adds. “If travelling domestically, it can be busy, but anywhere on a direct flight from the UK is less impacted. It’s very much a family holiday so people are at home, which means the hotel prices actually stay quite reasonable.”
Whether your clients are looking for a full-on Thanksgiving experience or want to escape the crowds, here’s our guide to selling America around Thanksgiving.
“The crisp autumn air transforms Tucson into the ultimate fall destination, drawing visitors to experience Thanksgiving in a place where the holiday spirit is as vibrant as the Sonoran sunset. Tucson’s resorts pull out all the stops for Thanksgiving, creating magical experiences. Walk off your feast in Saguaro National Park, the Coronado National Forest, or in any of the hundreds of trails surrounding the city to enjoy the perfect weather and stunning desert landscapes.”
Gail Godbey, director of tourism, Visit Tucson
Coronado National Forest: Thanksgiving often coincides with the tail end of Fall colours © Visit Tucson
“Many LA attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood, stay open on Thanksgiving, so visitors can make the most of their time in the City of Angels. With many Angelenos away, lighter crowds are ideal for a Griffith Park hike, capped by sunset at the Observatory.”
Francine Sheridan, regional vice-president, Los Angeles Tourism
“Thanksgiving in the Florida Keys offers warm, sunny weather and a mix of traditional and tropical celebrations. Visitors can enjoy a classic turkey dinner and key lime dessert at local restaurants but also try fresh Keys seafood for a tropical twist. It’s a time to join the local festivities, listen to live music, plan outdoor fun such as snorkelling, diving, boating and simply relaxing on the beaches.”
Anita Skibiel, senior account director, Florida Keys and Key West
“Fort Myers is always a popular choice for those seeking a sunny Thanksgiving. With local community events like the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning 5km and the Fort Myers Tip-Off college basketball competitions taking place that week, it’s the ideal place to embrace a real sense of community over the holidays.”
Charmine Evans, global sales manager, Visit Fort Myers
“In St Pete-Clearwater, start with a local Turkey Trot along picturesque waterfronts before soaking in the sun on America’s Best Beaches. Then savour dinner aboard the Yacht StarShip for a special Thanksgiving dinner cruise.”
Brian Lowack, president and chief executive, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
“Orlando has become a popular Thanksgiving destination due to its warm weather and seasonal celebrations. Visitors can enjoy festive theme park decor and entertainment, traditional holiday meals, Black Friday shopping and multicultural events like FusionFest – all while escaping the cold.”
Phil White, travel industry sales director, EMEA, Visit Orlando
“From festive Cajun holiday menus in local restaurants to football traditions like the Bayou Classic, plus several holiday festivals and downtowns kicking off their celebrations and holiday lights, there are many ways for visitors to celebrate Thanksgiving traditions that are unique to Louisiana.”
Doug Bourgeois, assistant secretary of tourism, Louisiana Office of Tourism
“Thanksgiving in New England is deeply tied to the region’s history and traditions. Since the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts, visitors often come to see Plimoth Patuxet Museums and attend Thanksgiving parades and reenactments that bring the story to life. Many towns host craft fairs, harvest markets and lighted parades in late November.”
Michele Cota, director, Discover New England
“Thanksgiving in NYC is a bucket-list event. The iconic Macy’s Parade has the whole city abuzz with festive friendliness and excitement. Top tip one: pre-book your restaurant for dinner. Most put on special Thanksgiving menus, but they are busy. Top tip two: stay in an apartment like The Kimberly or Placemakr so you have a base with space for pre- or post-dinner drinks.”
Tom Dale, head of commercial, North American Vacation Homes
“Celebrating Thanksgiving in a log cabin overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains offers a unique and memorable experience. By late November the area still has lingering fall colours, golden leaves, misty ridges and crisp mountain air. Ideal for photography, hikes or just enjoying the spectacular views and scenery. We find clients who are typically keen to spend Thanksgiving in the US will normally be there a few days before and a few days after so that Thanksgiving itself falls in the middle of their trip.”
Julie Devine, reservations manager, Vacations to America
“Thanksgiving weekend is a special time of year for winemakers and wine enthusiasts in Oregon as more than 100 wineries in the Willamette Valley will throw open their doors to visitors. Wine Country Thanksgiving is held every year, and visitors can enjoy special tastings, new releases, food pairings, live music, holiday discounts and more.”
Lisa Chamberlain, director UK, Travel Oregon
Apolloni in Tualatin Valley, one of more than 150 wineries taking part in Oregon's Wine Country Thanksgiving © Visit Oregon
“Houston is home to one of the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving parades, the annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade, plus family fun from Zoo Lights to ice skating at Discovery Green. Visitors can enjoy turkey trots, neighbourhood dining, and the Uptown Holiday Lighting, celebrating authentically with locals while savouring Houston’s diverse food culture.”
Daniel Taylor, senior manager, product development, Visit Houston
“San Antonio is the destination to embrace Thanksgiving – like home away from home, filled with festive lights, joyful parades and shared meals. Savour the flavours, enjoy the Ford Holiday River Parade the day after Thanksgiving and explore Black Friday shopping at our vibrant outdoor malls.”
Mario Bass, president and CEO, Visit San Antonio
“Thanksgiving in Park City is a cosy celebration. Enjoy crisp mountain air, a morning hike or turkey trot and a delicious meal, dine-in or take-out from local restaurants. With Park City Mountain opening on 21 November, guests might even kick off the season on the Greatest Snow on Earth.”
Sachi Sado, director of global markets, Visit Park City
“For a traditional experience spend Thanksgiving at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The cobbled streets are adorned with festive decorations, costumed interpreters greet you, quaint restaurants serve special Thanksgiving meals and you can enjoy activities such as ghost tours, theme parks and wineries.”
Andrew Bird, director, Purely America
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