Fun and Cheap Thanksgiving Trips for Americans in 2024: Save Big, Laugh More!
Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and... escaping awkward dinner table conversations. For 2024, many Americans are swapping fancy vacations for budget-friendly trips. If you're itching to travel without breaking the bank, here are some fun and affordable destinations and tips to keep costs low while maximizing the joy.
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| The week of Thanksgiving is a notoriously hectic and expensive time to travel. |
Where to Go on a Budget
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The Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
Affordable, scenic, and perfect for those who want to "gobble" up nature. Hiking trails are free, and cozy cabins are cheaper than hotel chains. Pro tip: bring your turkey sandwiches on a hike to avoid overpriced tourist restaurants.
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Austin, Texas
Thanksgiving BBQ, anyone? Austin offers live music, quirky attractions, and food trucks serving meals that make leftovers look sad. Stay at budget motels or book in advance on home-sharing platforms to save cash.
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Washington, D.C.
History buffs can enjoy free attractions like the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and Lincoln Memorial. Thanksgiving Day is also less crowded, and if you can’t afford a fancy turkey dinner, why not have a picnic by the reflecting pool?
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Warm weather and off-season deals make Myrtle Beach a steal in November. Forget turkey; enjoy shrimp platters instead! Plus, you might snag deals on beachside rentals.
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Give thanks where it all started! Philly is an affordable city where you can admire historical landmarks like Independence Hall. And don’t skip the post-Thanksgiving cheesesteak feast—it’s like turkey, but better.
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New Orleans, Louisiana
A lively destination with budget-friendly accommodations and jazz-filled streets. Thanksgiving dinner here could be gumbo or jambalaya, proving turkey isn't the only way to celebrate.
Learn more: Top 5 Reasons Why Americans Can't Stop Shopping
Budget Travel Tips
- Travel Early or Late: Avoid flying on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the Sunday after. Mid-week flights are cheaper and less stressful. Plus, early birds get better seat choices!
- Use Budget Airlines: Sure, your knees might touch your chin, but who cares? It’s cheap!
- Road Trips Are Your Best Friend: Gas is usually more affordable than plane tickets. Pack snacks and drive with friends to split costs.
- Embrace Home Rentals: Renting a house with friends or family can be cheaper than booking individual hotel rooms. Bonus: you'll have a kitchen to reheat leftovers.
- Pack Light: Avoid baggage fees by wearing your bulkiest clothes on the plane. Who doesn’t love extra layers at Thanksgiving?
- Cook Instead of Dining Out: Many affordable Airbnbs have kitchens. You can whip up a turkey or something simpler, like a pizza, to save on dining expenses.
Hilariously Thrifty Ways to Save
- Crash a Friend’s Thanksgiving: Know someone who hosts big gatherings? Show up with a pie and charm your way into a free meal.
- Volunteer at Soup Kitchens: Many places feed volunteers after the event. It’s a win-win—you give back and get a meal!
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Blanket): For destinations with chilly weather, bringing your own blanket saves on heating costs in budget accommodations. Plus, it’s cozy!
- Eat Airport Samples: Thanksgiving travel days are long, but airport snack vendors love giving samples. Just keep circling back to that pretzel stand.
How to Feel Rich Without Spending Big
- Host a Potluck Road Trip: Coordinate with friends or family to bring different Thanksgiving dishes to a campsite or cabin. Sharing food (and costs) is festive and practical.
- Opt for Small-Town Charm: Tiny towns in your state often host cute Thanksgiving parades or festivals with free or cheap entry.
- Ditch Turkey Altogether: Ham, chicken, or even tacos are delicious substitutes that won’t gobble up your wallet.
- Use Travel Reward Points: Thanksgiving is a great time to cash in those miles or hotel points you’ve been hoarding.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. Whether you’re enjoying budget-friendly BBQ in Austin, hiking the Smokies, or simply pretending you're a museum curator in D.C., the key is making fun memories with people you love (or like enough to travel with). And remember, the best part of Thanksgiving travel is coming home with stories—and maybe a few extra bucks still in your pocket!
