Is turkey and pumpkin pie really necessary every year? Or are you willing to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner a little earlier or later this fall? If so, there are lots of fantastic international destinations you can travel to that are cheaper this time of year. While domestic airfare skyrockets around the Thanksgiving holiday, international airfare, especially when it comes to Europe, tends to dip. And, in many destinations, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds as well.
Bran, Romania
Why not celebrate Thanksgiving around Halloween and Halloween at Thanksgiving? By visiting Romania, an affordable Eastern European destination, you’ll be able to take in the gorgeous scenery in the Carpathian Mountains as well as rather spooky sites like Dracula’s Castle, officially known as Bran Castle. The connection to the fictional vampire is slim, but this is where myths like vampires and werewolves first took hold. Transylvania has long been a place steeped in legend, with stunning imagery of medieval castles and misty moonlit nights. Take the 56-mile drive through the Fagaras Mountains, the highest mountains of the Southern Carpathians with over 20 peaks rising more than 8,000 feet, famous for its hairpin curves and especially jaw-dropping views.
Bruges, Belgium
The medieval city of Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, with its canals creating an especially romantic scene for picture-perfect photo ops. Be sure to experience some of the city’s open-air markets, as they’re typically open through November. If there is a chill in the air, or even if there isn’t, any time is a good time to sip some of its famous chocolate in beverage form. Try a cup at De Proeverie, known for the best hot cocoa in the entire city.
Bavaria, Germany
Some of the most stunning scenery in Europe can be found in Southern Germany, with endless Alpine forests popping with color against mountains dusted with snow. This is the season for plenty of wine festivals, and provided there isn’t an early snowfall (unlikely), all sorts of outdoor adventures like hiking in the Alps, horse-drawn carriage rides and opportunities for sampling the local wines at a Bavarian winery. There are also around two dozen historic castles and palaces to discover here every season, including such greats as Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Palace, Nuremberg Castle and the Burghausen Castle.
Ireland
While good weather isn’t guaranteed, oftentimes November brings wonderfully crisp fresh air with bright blue skies, and the Wicklow Mountains, in particular, are stunning in every season. This time of year, you’ll probably see more waterfalls than tourists. There are miles and miles of trails to hike, and fascinating historic sites like Glendalough to explore, one of the most important monastic sites in the country, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. If a storm happens to roll in, just duck into one of the many cozy pubs and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire with a pint of Guinness.
Italy
November is one of the best times to go to Italy, as it’s sandwiched between the peak seasons of summer and the winter holidays. You’ll probably find that lines are shorter, and those famous attractions can be enjoyed without bumping elbows with countless others. Late autumn is also truffle season, and you’ll be able to taste it in all sorts of local dishes, from pasta to risotto. Truffle festivals are hosted throughout the Piedmont region, making it a really fun time to go. The area boasts incredible fall scenery, hemmed in by the Alps, with hundreds of roads and trails to explore. Over in Rome, this is when the Rome Jazz Festival and Rome Film Festival take place, providing even more opportunities to delve into the culture.
Australia
By heading “Down Under” over Thanksgiving, you’ll be enjoying what feels like late spring at home, thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. Look forward to plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures – and you may even be able to enjoy that turkey dinner here, too, as it’s become a popular trend as of late. Explore the Outback and legendary places like Ayers Rock and exciting cities like Sydney and Melbourne, or check off a bucket list experience like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list.
Iceland
Iceland may be a bit chilly in November, but bundle up and enjoy, as this is the ideal time to experience one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, the northern lights. While the dazzling light show isn’t guaranteed, if luck is on your side, it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. Even if they don’t appear, you’ll have plenty of other things to do, like soaking in the warm, soothing waters of the world-famous Blue Lagoon, going underground into a snowy ice cave, walking black sand beaches, and marveling at countless spectacular waterfalls.
Bahamas
If you’re thinking tropical, the Bahamas can be easily accessed from Miami and many other destinations on or near the east coast at very affordable airfare. What better way to spend Thanksgiving week than with a trip to the islands and their wonderfully warm, crystal clear blue surrounding waters where you can indulge in all sorts of fun activities like swimming, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing and a myriad of other water sports? Or, just kick back and relax, taking in that jaw-dropping view from an all-inclusive resort.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
With mild weather in the autumn months and far fewer tourists, Vancouver is an ideal place to experience America’s Thanksgiving. While Canada has its own version, it’s celebrated in October, so rates for accommodation, and typically airfare, are quite a bit lower this time of year. This exciting city is home to all sorts of attractions, including world-class dining, shopping and museums, but it also offers a wide range of outdoor adventures, with November bringing plenty of days that are still comfortable for enjoying them. The city is surrounded by mountains and water, which means great hiking and biking, as well as kayaking, boating excursions and thrilling zip-line rides.
