Want to make the most of your Thanksgiving feast this year? Why not pursue a solo travel adventure and explore new places, cultures, and experiences? With so much uncertainty in the world, it’s important to find ways to keep our spirits up. A solo trip could be just the thing to get away from it all, recharge your batteries and come back inspired.
From escaping to the beach to retreating to the mountains, there are plenty of exciting destinations for those who want to make the most of their Thanksgiving vacation. Here are 50 great ideas for a solo Thanksgiving adventure to help you escape reality and take some time off!
1) Outdoor Activities
Visit a destination known for its outdoor activities, such as a ski resort or hiking area. Thanksgiving is a great time in many parts of the country to enjoy the fall color and cooler weather.
2) Visit Your Loved Ones
Visit a friend or family member who lives far away – or better yet, meet them halfway!
3) Reconnect With Nature
Take a long walk through nature – in a new place that is beautiful this time of year – and enjoy some quiet time alone with yourself and the beauty of nature around you!
4) Consider Taking a Cruise for Thanksgiving
Many cruise lines offer special Thanksgiving itineraries, calling at various destinations. This can be an excellent option for solo travelers who want to visit multiple places without having to worry about planning and logistics
5) Go Shopping in New York City
Get everything on your wish list at discounted prices because it’s Black Friday week, after all! Plus, there’s nothing better than finding the perfect gift for a special someone in person instead of online! New York City is also a fantastic place for Jazz and a romantic getaway.
6) Rent a Cabin or Cottage
If you’re looking for a more low-key vacation, you could rent a cabin or cottage in a quiet, rural area. This is a great way to relax and unwind over the holidays.
7) Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a great place to celebrate Thanksgiving Day if you can’t get enough of the city that never sleeps. There are many casinos to visit here and some fun shows to see. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, take a trip to Red Rock Canyon or Hoover Dam.
8) Disney World
Disney World is always a good choice if you’re looking for something more family-friendly than Las Vegas but still want an exciting vacation spot during Thanksgiving week! There are plenty of activities for kids and adults – or if you want to relax by the pool or store in the Downtown Disney Marketplace & Dining District, that’s fine too! Magic Kingdom is also the most iconic Disney park, a great place to spend Thanksgiving Day.
9) Take a Luxury Vacation to Palm Beach
Just because you’re going on vacation alone doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun! Palm Beach is a beautiful area with plenty to do and see. You don’t have to spend all day at the beach either – visit downtown West Palm Beach stores or take a stroll down Worth Avenue.
10) Los Angeles/Santa Monica
You can’t go wrong with Los Angeles or Santa Monica on Thanksgiving. Both cities are known for their beaches and offer plenty of activities if you’re looking for something more active than lounging by the water.
11) San Diego
San Diego is one of our favorite cities for Thanksgiving week because it’s easy to escape the crowds at home into your little world!
12) Santa Fe
The city is always beautiful in November, but when everything is covered in snow and/or pine needles, it’s even more beautiful! Santa Fe comes alive on Thanksgiving weekend when numerous parades pass through town (including the annual balloon parade).
13) New Hampshire
New Hampshire isn’t exactly known as a tourist destination, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax after spending time with your family. The state has plenty of mountains and hiking trails that offer solitude over Thanksgiving weekend – especially if you go just after the holidays when the crowds have died down a bit.
14) Park City
Park City is one of America’s best ski resorts, but it’s also an excellent choice if you’re looking for peace on Thanksgiving weekend.
15) Lake Tahoe
This is the perfect destination to escape the cold weather and enjoy the snow. You can rent a ski lodge or condo and spend your days enjoying the snow while relaxing in front of the fireplace in the evenings.
16) Key West
Key West is always a good choice for a fun vacation stay if you like to party. If you want to take it a little easier, check out Key West Bistro & Bar, which features live music from local musicians every night and fantastic food!
17) Take a Road Trip and Visit Your Favorite City or State
Whether you’re local or traveling from afar, there’s no better time to see America than Thanksgiving weekend. For example, you could take a trip to a major city known for its Thanksgiving celebrations, such as Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco. These cities often host various events and activities during Thanksgiving week, including parades, food festivals, and Christmas markets.
18) Take a Wine and Food-Tasting Tour
Napa Valley offers beautiful scenery, delicious food, and excellent wine tasting for those who love wine (or want to try something new). You can also explore nearby Sonoma County to see more vineyards.
19) New Orleans
The Big Easy is a popular place in America to celebrate Thanksgiving. Here you can dine with the locals and watch soccer all day long. If you like jazz music, check out Preservation Hall or Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro, where live music is played.
20) Rhode Island
This tiny state contains historical sites, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Also, visit the famous mansions and mansions of Newport.
21) North Carolina
The mountains are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. There’s also plenty of history here, including Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War sites.
22) South Carolina
In this state, be sure to spend time on the coast and in Myrtle Beach. There are also plenty of nature trails to explore if you want something other than the beach scene.
Travel Abroad
Traveling abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and experience new cultures, sights, and sounds. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or a mountain retreat, many destinations worldwide offer something special on Thanksgiving.
For those looking to make the most of their holidays this year, solo travel is a beautiful way to escape reality and take some time off. From exploring vibrant cities to discovering hidden gems in nature, there’s no shortage of unique experiences waiting for you on your travels!
23) South America
If you’re looking for something more exotic than Rhode Island or North Carolina, South America is for you! There are so many countries with their own cultures that it would be impossible to list them all here!
24) Middle East
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’ve ever wanted to visit Jerusalem or Mecca, now’s your chance! These religious cities are of great historical importance and will probably differ from anything you have seen!
25) Puerto Vallarta
If you want to take a beach vacation over Thanksgiving weekend, Puerto Vallarta has everything from water sports to shopping to restaurants.
26) Costa Rica
You can also head south to Costa Rica, where it’s still warm enough to swim and surf. There are many beautiful beaches along the coast where you can relax with a cocktail or two!
27) Australia
One of the best ways to explore Australia is to travel by car or RV. This way, you can stop and explore wherever you want without being tied to a guidebook. If you’re looking for something adventurous, consider a sailing trip around Australia!
28) New Zealand
New Zealand is another great country for solo travelers, as it’s relatively safe, and you can easily find your way around even without fluency in English. There are plenty of things to do here, too – hiking, biking, kayaking, and sightseeing are just a few popular pastimes tourists enjoy when visiting New Zealand.
29) Pacific Islands
Whether you prefer small or larger islands, there are many ways to celebrate Thanksgiving Day while island hopping in the Pacific Ocean. In Fiji, for example, some beautiful resorts offer special packages this time of year (like this one). You can book an all-inclusive stay at one of these resorts and enjoy your Thanksgiving Getaway amidst warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of activities like snorkeling and diving! This is one of the best places to spend Thanksgiving in Paradise.
30) Canada
If you want to spend Thanksgiving in the snow instead of the sand, Canada is the place to be! There is much to experience in the country’s north during the holidays.
31) Montreal
Canada’s second most populous city is located in the heart of the province of Quebec. It has something for everyone – whether you’re interested in history or culture or want to see what happens behind the scenes at one of the many festivals.
32) Paris, France
The City of Lights offers countless activities and sights for those who want to explore on their own or with friends. Walk along the Seine River, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, dine at one of Paris’ many restaurants, and store at one of the many department stores in the city. It doesn’t get much better than this!
33) London, United Kingdom
London is one of the most popular places in the United Kingdom, and there are many things you can do in London during Thanksgiving. You can explore museums like the British Museum or the National Gallery, visit historic landmarks like Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, or stop by your favorite pub or restaurant.
If you prefer to spend time outdoors, you can walk through Hyde Park or Regent’s Park or explore one of London’s many famous neighborhoods, such as Notting Hill or Camden Town, where stores and restaurants abound.
34) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of many people’s favorite cities in Europe! There is so much history here, and it’s also just a cool place to visit. The city has a great art scene, many museums, and a variety of stores, cafes, and restaurants. Amsterdam also has great nightlife, if that’s what you’re interested in!
35) Italy
The food is great; the scenery is beautiful, and so many great things to do. It’s a great place to travel alone and experience new things. The great thing about Italy is that you can immerse yourself in the culture if you want to! You can relax on the beach too!
Italy has something for everyone. You can spend your days exploring cities like Rome or Venice, or hiking through the Tuscan countryside. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore more remote areas of Italy.
36) Portugal
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – full of cobblestone streets and graffiti art, historic architecture, and delicious Portuguese cuisine. If you want to get away from it all on Thanksgiving, Portugal is the perfect place to do it!
37) Spain
There’s plenty to do in Barcelona this time of year, such as shopping at the Christmas markets, eating paella, and drinking sangria. Madrid is also a good choice if you want to ensure you have plenty of activities to do during your stay.
38) Finland
If you want to escape the cold weather and relax in the sun, Finland is the place for you. The country’s capital, Helsinki, is a great destination for a solo traveler because it offers many museums, restaurants, and nightlife options.
The city is also known for its beautiful parks and lakes – perfect places to enjoy the outdoors over Thanksgiving weekend. And if you have time, take the Santa Claus Express to Norway, where you can visit Santa’s Village or enjoy a reindeer ride.
39) Norway
Norway is known for its fjords-long, narrow bays that stretch into the mountains and its abundant wildlife (including reindeer). The country’s capital, Oslo, is also home to many historical sites, such as Vigeland Park, which features more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in a city park that dates back to 1869!
40) Iceland
Iceland is another beautiful destination perfect for solo travelers looking to escape the cold weather. The Nordic country is known for its geothermal activities, which include hot springs and volcanoes – a perfect place to relax on Thanksgiving weekend! There are also many museums and monuments to explore in Reykjavik and the Blue Lagoon.
41) Hungary
The Danube River meanders through Hungary, making it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation. Budapest is a lively city with many thermal baths, bars and restaurants, while the surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking, biking and exploring nature. Budapest is also known as a party city. So if you want to drink a few shots and dance until dawn, this is the place to be! In Szimpla Kert, you’ll find some great bars with fun decor and music groups playing live music all night long.
42) Croatia
If you’ve never been there: Croatia is one of the most beautiful European countries. It’s also very affordable and offers a variety of activities that will keep you busy for days. The local cuisine is excellent, and there is plenty to see and do without spending too much money.
43) Greece Santorini
The picturesque whitewashed houses of Santorini are incomparable to any other place in the world. The island is one of the most popular destinations in Greece and can be visited all year round.
44) Turkey
Istanbul is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. You’ll be surrounded by incredible architecture, delicious food, and friendly locals who love to share their stories.
45) Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the most famous cities in the world, but few people know it as well as they think they do. Hong Kong isn’t all skyscrapers and shopping malls – there’s also plenty of culture and natural beauty if you know where to look. Public transportation is easy to get around, and you only need a hotel room and enough money for food and souvenirs.
46) Thailand
The weather will be warm enough to swim in the sea but not so hot that you can’t enjoy the beaches or see the sights in Bangkok or Chiang Mai.
47) Laos
Laos has a lot of advantages to offer. It’s cheap, it’s beautiful, and it’s not overrun with tourists. But one of the best arguments for traveling to Laos is that it’s easy to travel alone. There are many accommodations in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, which are all pretty low-key.
48) Vietnam
It may surprise you to learn that Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers. There are plenty of accommodations throughout Vietnam – from luxury hotels in Hanoi to hostels in Saigon – so it’s easy for solo travelers to find a place that fits their budget and style.
49) Indonesia
The capital city of Jakarta is teeming with people at this time of year – many come from Bali to store or celebrate religious festivals. However, if you’re looking for something quieter, head to Bali instead, where there are volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches where you can relax alone or with friends from home.
50) India
Delhi is one of the most popular tourist destinations at this time of year, as you can experience traditional Indian culture while enjoying a vibrant nightlife with plenty of shopping!
Traveling alone for Thanksgiving
Traveling alone can be a wonderful and enriching experience, especially rewarding during the Christmas season. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, reflection, and celebration, and it can be an excellent opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and do something different. Here are some of the benefits of going it alone for Thanksgiving:
- Flexibility and Freedom: When you travel alone for Thanksgiving, you have the flexibility and freedom to do whatever you want. No one will judge you if you change your mind at the last minute or decide against something because it doesn’t suit you. Besides, you can travel wherever you want without worrying about where others want to go.
- Personal growth: you have time to reflect on your life, challenges, and goals. When surrounded by family, friends, or work colleagues, it can be easy to get caught up in their conversations and activities. When you travel alone, you have time to reflect and think about where you’ve been – and where you want to go next in life.
- Traveling alone forces you to be more independent: When you’re on vacation alone, there’s no one to help you if something goes wrong – so you have to learn to problem solve and take matters into your own hands. This can be a good thing because it teaches you how to take care of yourself, but it also means that sometimes there is no one there to help you when things go wrong.
- Meet new people: when you travel alone, you can do what you want. You don’t have to worry about anyone else’s schedule or preferences; you can focus on having fun. If there is something you want to see or do, do it! You don’t have to consult with others first or check what others think – do it!
- New Traditions: Thanksgiving is a vacation steeped in tradition, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same old routine. If you’re on your own, you can develop your own Thanksgiving traditions and make the vacation your own.
Maybe you celebrate with a group of other solo travelers or spend the day exploring a new city or country. However you choose to spend the vacation, you have the freedom to do it your way and create memories that are uniquely yours.
- Recharge and reflect: You can do what you want when you want. If you want to sit on your hotel bed and watch Netflix for three days, that’s no problem! You’re not going anywhere anyway, so there’s no pressure to “go out” or “see the sights.”
You can take more time in the morning to get ready. No one is waiting for you, so it doesn’t matter if it takes you 20 minutes longer than usual to get ready. You can also go out whenever you want and wherever you want.
It’s an excellent opportunity to rest and re-energize throughout the day without feeling guilty because someone else wants to do something else that day – or night.