The Top Destinations US Travelers Will Visit Between Thanksgiving and New Years

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Tue November 5, 2024

While Thanksgiving is largely about gathering with family, sharing a meal, reflecting on the past year and all that you are thankful for, it also serves another purpose.

Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of the busy holiday travel season. And more than 50 percent of Americans are planning to travel for the holidays this year.

In advance of the kick-off of this travel extravaganza, the experts at trivago have released some insightful data about where people plan to travel this year, along with their travel motivations.

For instance, the booking platform found that more than a few travelers are looking to soak up warmer weather and escape the city to relax in tropical destinations like Cancun, Orlando and Miami.

Additionally, solo travel has surged with a fair share of travelers seeking out independent adventures and opting for urban destinations like New York City or London, over nature-based destinations.

Meanwhile, for those procrastinators out there who are still considering a holiday getaway, here’s an important takeaway (as shocking as it may seem): It’s not too late to book your trip.

“Sometimes booking closer to your travel date can result in uncovering a good deal, especially when you have flexibility,” say the trivago experts.

Here’s a closer look at where everyone is going during the busy holiday season ahead.

Top Thanksgiving Destinations

According to trivago searches conducted during the last 90 days ending October 15, these are the top 10 Thanksgiving travel destinations for Americans for November 27 through December 1. (And thanks to trivago, the list also includes how much you can save traveling to each destination.) 

Las Vegas – Save up to 75%
New York – Save up to 45%
London – Save up to 40%
Cancun – Save up to 50%
New Orleans – Save up to 30%
Orlando – Save up to 44%
Miami – Save up to 35%
Panama City Beach – Save up to 35%
Lake Buena Vista – Save up to 40%
Chicago – Save up to 40%

Non-Traditional Affordable Thanksgiving Destinations

Want to head off the well-beaten path and avoid crowds (while also saving a little money)? Trivago has you covered there as well. The booking platform suggests the following locations (based on searches conducted over the last 90 days ending October 15, for US travelers and for travel dates of November 27 through December 1).

Niagara Falls, Save up to 35%: Iconic tourist destination with historic waterfalls and a region full of stunning natural landscapes, variety of outdoor activities, vineyards and more.  

Santa Fe, New Mexico, Save up to 30%: New Mexico’s capital city offers a mix of outdoor activities, unique architecture and historic sites like the Santa Fe Plaza and the Palace of the Governors. 

Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Save up to 25%: Relaxing spot with activities for everyone ranging from local eateries alongside a historic pier, water activities (kayaking, fishing, lobster tours, etc.) as well as Palace Playland amusement park. 

Leavenworth, Washington, Save up to 25%: Quaint village with Alpine style buildings and festive activities including a Bavarian-style Christmas market that begins on Thanksgiving weekend, Nutcracker Museum nestled in the mountains and a range of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc.).