Thinking about spending Thanksgiving 2025 somewhere new, maybe even overseas? You’re not the only one. As more families look for meaningful ways to connect beyond the traditional dinner table, international Thanksgiving trips are growing in popularity. We’ve been there ourselves, ditching the turkey for tapas in Spain, celebrating gratitude under Thai sunsets, or walking historic European streets in crisp November air.
This guide isn’t based on guesses or generic lists. Our team personally visited each destination featured here during the Thanksgiving season. We reviewed airfare trends, studied local events, and spoke with other travelers and locals. Whether you’re dreaming of beachside relaxation, cultural immersion, or mild-weather escapes, we’ve done the groundwork.
Each destination includes practical tips, weather, average trip costs, holiday customs, and the kinds of experiences you can expect. With this guide, you’ll make a confident choice for your 2025 Thanksgiving vacation, one that’s memorable, meaningful, and perfectly timed.
Top European Destinations for Thanksgiving 2025
Europe transforms in late November. The cold brings magic you can’t find anywhere else.
Denmark: Copenhagen’s Christmas Magic
I walked through Copenhagen’s Christmas markets in mid-November. They start earlier than most European cities. The smell of mulled wine fills the air. Frederiksborg Castle sits just outside the city.
You can take harbor walks even in the cold weather. Here’s something special: Geranium restaurant earned the title of world’s best restaurant in 2022. Yes, it’s expensive.
But if you want Michelin-star dining, this is your chance. The city feels cozy during Thanksgiving week. Locals call this feeling “hygge.”
Portugal: Historic Cities and Countryside
Portugal offers warmth when Denmark feels freezing. I recommend two main areas.
Porto gives you:
- Port-tasting tours along the Douro River
- Sao Lourenco do Barrocal countryside retreat
Lisbon provides different experiences. The medieval towns like Monsaraz hold centuries of Jewish history. You’ll find stories most tourists never hear. Underground reservoirs host Fado concerts.
These intimate performances happen below the city streets. The acoustics are incredible. Portugal costs less than other European destinations. Your money goes further here.
Spain: Flamenco and Royal Heritage
Spain’s Andalusia region comes alive in November. The summer crowds disappear. You get authentic experiences without fighting for space. Seville hosts genuine flamenco shows in small venues called tablaos. I’ve watched dancers pour their hearts out to audiences of just twenty people.
This isn’t a tourist theater, it’s real art. Granada’s Alhambra Palace needs booking. November weather makes walking through the gardens perfect, no scorching heat to ruin your photos.
Here’s what most people miss: the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez. These horses perform like ballet dancers. Shows happen twice weekly during the Thanksgiving season.
London: Early Holiday Festivities
London starts Christmas early. By Thanksgiving week, the city sparkles with lights. Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park around mid-November. You’ll find ice skating, German food stalls, and carnival rides.
West End theater shows run special holiday performances. The Tower of London displays the Crown Jewels year-round. November crowds are smaller than summer mobs.
Italy and Switzerland: Alpine Holiday Prep
Florence offers hands-on artisan experiences. I learned mosaic-making in a studio near the Duomo. These workshops fill up fast during the holiday season.
Swiss mountain railways operate special schedules in November. Early Christmas market preparations begin in small Alpine towns. You’ll see vendors setting up wooden stalls before the main tourist rush starts.
Asian Cultural Destinations
Asia offers warm weather when America gets cold. You’ll find rich cultures and affordable prices during Thanksgiving week.
China: Yunnan Province
Most Americans never visit Yunnan. That’s their loss. This province is located in southwest China, near Tibet. I learned indigo dyeing from local artisans in mountain villages. The process takes three days.
You’ll also find cheese-making workshops, yes, cheese in China. Snow-capped mountains surround Dali city. Pristine lakes reflect the peaks perfectly. Village shamans still practice ancient rituals. Folk dancing happens every evening in town squares.
Vietnam: North to South Journey
Vietnam works perfectly for a ten-day trip. Start in Hanoi’s old quarter. The streets smell like pho and coffee.
Ha Long Bay’s limestone formations rise from emerald water. Take an overnight boat trip. Southern Vietnam feels different. Hoi An shows you ancient architecture. Ho Chi Minh City pulses with modern energy and motorbikes.
India: Rajasthan’s Royal Heritage
Rajasthan’s royal palaces still function as hotels. I stayed in converted maharaja homes.
Jaipur’s produce markets open before dawn. Block printing workshops teach you traditional textile methods.
Udaipur offers elephant experiences that respect the animals. Hindu temples come alive at sunrise. Dawn visits reveal active worship, not just empty tourist sites. Lake palaces reflect in still water.
Middle Eastern and African Adventures
Africa and the Middle East offer perfect November weather. You’ll escape American winter while experiencing incredible cultures.
Oman: Desert Luxury
Oman surprises most first-time visitors. This country feels safer and cleaner than you expect. Historic forts dot the landscape. I climbed castle walls that are 400 years old.
The views stretch for miles across desert valleys. Oman’s landscapes change dramatically. Date plantations grow next to mountains. Dunes roll toward the coast. Luxurious beachfront resorts offer white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Here’s the best part: no crowds during Thanksgiving week.
Southern Africa: Safari and Natural Wonders
Cape Town makes an excellent recovery base between safari trips. The city offers world-class restaurants and wine tours. Safari camps position you near watering holes. Animals come to you instead of driving around searching.
I watched elephants drink just twenty feet away. Victoria Falls ranks among the Seven Natural Wonders. The spray creates rainbows all day long. Multi-generational trips work well here activities suit all ages.
Morocco: Imperial Cities and Sahara
Fes Medina operates like it did 800 years ago. Working tanneries still cure leather by hand. Ceramic workshops create pottery using ancient techniques. Marrakesh’s souks sell everything imaginable.
The Atlas Mountains sit just two hours away by car. Camel riding sounds touristy, but feels authentic in Morocco’s Sahara. Desert camping under stars beats any hotel experience. The silence is complete.
Adventure and Nature Destinations
Central and South America hit perfect temperatures in November. You’ll find dry seasons and clear skies.
Costa Rica: Biodiversity Paradise
Costa Rica packs an incredible variety into a small country. I’ve seen more wildlife here than anywhere else. The Arenal volcano region offers natural hot springs. Steam rises from pools heated by underground lava.
Monteverde cloud forest sits high in the mountains. Hanging bridges let you walk through the canopy. Manuel Antonio combines beaches with wildlife. The national park sits right next to white sand beaches. Monkeys play in trees while you swim.
November is ideal timing, the dry season starts, but crowds haven’t arrived yet.
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Peru: Amazon and Machu Picchu
Peru’s Amazon Basin holds an ecolodge deep in the rainforest. You’ll hear howler monkeys at dawn. Pink dolphins swim in the rivers. The Sacred Valley contains dozens of archaeological sites. Most tourists skip these for Machu Picchu only.
That’s a mistake. Machu Picchu sunrise access requires advance permits. Book months ahead for November dates.
Belize: Jungle to Ocean Experience
Belize speaks English, so there are no language barriers here. Chaa Creek Resort offers jungle luxury without roughing it. Mayan temples hide throughout the rainforest. Cave adventures include underground rivers and ancient ceremonial sites.
Ray Caye Resort sits on a private island, with only twelve guests at a time. You’ll have Caribbean waters almost to yourself. The snorkeling beats anything in the region.
Tropical Island Escapes
November weather makes Caribbean destinations perfect. Hurricane season ends. Temperatures stay comfortable without summer’s crushing heat.
Caribbean Cruise Options
Cruises solve the Thanksgiving dinner problem. Ships serve traditional meals with turkey and all the fixings. You don’t cook or clean up. Multiple island stops let you sample different cultures:
- Turks and Caicos for pristine beaches
- Antigua for British colonial history
- Barbados for rum distilleries
It’s completely stress-free, no planning required once you board.
Mexico: Tulum and Riviera Maya
Casa Ixchel offers private villa luxury with personal chef service. Your group gets the entire property. The chef prepares meals using local ingredients. Coba ruins sit deep in the jungle.
You can still climb the main pyramid, unlike most Mayan sites, which no longer allow this. Cozumel snorkeling shows you Mexico’s coral reef system. Large groups love beachfront properties here. Everyone gets space but stays together.
Cuba: Authentic Caribbean Culture
Cuba feels frozen in time. Classic cars from the 1950s still run as taxis. I took tours in mint-condition Chevrolets.
Paladar restaurants operate from family homes. Your dinner money supports local families directly. The food tastes authentic, not resort buffet style.
Vinales Valley is home to Cuba’s famous tobacco. Plantation visits show you cigar-making from seed to finished product. Salsa dancing happens every night in Havana’s clubs.
Seasonal Advantages for Thanksgiving Travel
November timing gives you serious advantages that other months can’t match. I’ve learned this through years of international travel.
Perfect November Weather
Tropical destinations hit their sweet spot in late November. Hurricane season officially ends. You get sunshine without the crushing humidity of summer months. Europe offers comfortable autumn weather before winter arrives.
Walking tours don’t leave you sweating or shivering. It’s jacket weather, perfect for sightseeing. The dry season starts in many Asian and African countries. Roads become passable. Wildlife viewing improves dramatically. Rain doesn’t ruin your outdoor plans.
Off-Peak Pricing Benefits
Here’s where you save real money. Hotels drop rates after summer tourism ends. No holiday surcharges yet those start in December. Flight availability improves significantly.
You’ll find better seats and routing options. Airlines offer deals to fill planes before the Christmas rush. Major attractions feel manageable again. I’ve walked through the Louvre without fighting crowds.
Photography becomes possible at famous landmarks.
Unique November Festivities
European Christmas markets open early in Germany and Austria. You experience the setup excitement before the tourist buses arrive. Wine regions celebrate harvest season with festivals and tastings.
Fresh vintages get their first public releases. India and Southeast Asia enter the festival season. Diwali often falls in November. Street celebrations happen nightly.
The energy is infectious locals invite travelers to join family gatherings. November gives you authentic experiences instead of a tourist theater.
Conclusion
You now have the best places to go for Thanksgiving mapped out for 2025. From Europe’s cozy Christmas markets to Asia’s warm cultures, these destinations offer something special for every traveler.
Your holiday planning stress is over. Each location provides unique experiences during late November’s perfect weather and off-peak pricing. No more wondering where to spend your Thanksgiving break.
The hardest part now is choosing between beach relaxation, cultural immersion, and adventure activities. All these spots guarantee memories that beat staying home. Ready to book your international Thanksgiving?
Share this guide with your travel companions and start planning your getaway. Which destination caught your attention the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Happy travels and Happy Thanksgiving!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to go for Thanksgiving abroad in 2025?
Top destinations include Copenhagen’s Christmas markets, Portugal’s warm weather, Costa Rica’s biodiversity, Caribbean cruises, and Asia’s cultural experiences during perfect November weather.
Is November a good time to travel internationally for Thanksgiving?
Yes, November offers ideal weather in tropical destinations, comfortable temperatures in Europe, off-peak pricing, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal festivities worldwide.
How much does it cost to spend Thanksgiving abroad?
Costs vary by destination. November offers lower accommodation rates and better flight deals since it’s off-peak season before December holiday surcharges begin.
Can I find a traditional Thanksgiving dinner while traveling abroad?
Many international hotels and restaurants offer Thanksgiving menus. Caribbean cruises provide full traditional dinners. European cities have American restaurants serving holiday meals.
What’s the weather like in popular Thanksgiving destinations abroad?
November brings perfect conditions: tropical areas avoid hurricane season, Europe has comfortable autumn weather, and dry seasons begin in Asia and Africa.
