Traditionally a season to celebrate good harvest, Thanksgiving is now a time when Americans get together with family and friends to spend the holiday, preferably over a hearty dinner with traditional roast turkey as the centerpiece.
For more than 55 million Americans, this means flying back home, or fitting in a short vacation during the hectic holiday season and getting their fill of turkey someplace other than home.
If you’re one to shoot two birds with one stone – celebrate Thanksgiving and go on a vacation – here are some of the best places to travel to for Thanksgiving.
MIAMI
Miami, Florida
This international city is known for its Latin American influence, stunning coastline, colorful architecture, diverse culinary options, and vibrant culture.
With a yearly average temperature of 77°F (25°C), Miami’s peak season runs from November to March, when the nation’s snowbirds migrate south to bask in the warmth of the Sunshine State.
Celebrate the holiday in this spirited city with a personalized dinner boat cruise on Biscayne Bay with Island Queen Cruises & Tours, where you board a luxury yacht and enjoy a special dinner overlooking the scenic Miami skyline.
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Bird & Bone or StripSteak in Miami Beach. For a more eclectic spin on this classic holiday meal, check out Jaya in South Beach and International Smoke in Aventura.
A Miami Thanksgiving night tradition is to head to Brickell City Centre to catch a film at CMX Cinemas, a luxury dine-in theater where dinner and cocktails arrive at your reclining seat.
Basketball fans can catch the Miami Heat take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 29, at the AmericanAirlines Arena. Hockey enthusiasts can see the Florida Panthers play the Nashville Predators on Saturday, November 30, at the BB&T Center.
Primary airports in Miami include Miami Executive Airport [ICAO: KTMB] (13 miles to downtown Miami), Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport [ICAO: KOPF] (20 miles to downtown Miami) and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport [ICAP: KFXE] (33 miles to downtown Miami).
Jet to this warm and lively city for an unforgettable Thanksgiving experience!
NEW YORK CITY
Manhattan, New-York
An iconic atmosphere with sights like yellow cabs, subway tunnels and towering skyscrapers, New York City is a world-class destination.
Featuring exquisite history, spectacular restaurants, energetic nightlife, Broadway shows and luxurious shopping, New York really has something for everyone.
New York City does Thanksgiving like no other place in the world. A hallmark to the holiday’s tradition, the city hosts the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along the streets of Manhattan. An over-the-top, fun parade with epic balloons, floats and major stars that bring in over 3.5 million people to the city and over 50 million television viewers.
After the parade, head over to Manhatta in the Financial District or Loring Place in Greenwich Village for a fine dining, classy Thanksgiving menu. Explore Legacy Records in Hell’s Kitchen or Carmine’s in Times Square for an American-Italian twist on the classic Thanksgiving dinner meal.
Check out a Broadway musical in Midtown Manhattan or visit some of New York’s notable ice-skating venues, like The Rink at Rockefeller Center and The Rink at Bryant Park.
Main airports in the New York City area include LaGuardia Airport [ICAO: KLGA] (9 miles from Manhattan), Teterboro Airport [ICAO: KTEB] (12 miles from Manhattan) and JFK International Airport [ICAO: KJFK] (19 miles from Manhattan).
Spend Thanksgiving in the Big Apple for exciting seasonal festivities and an unbeatable meal!
ORLANDO
Orlando, Florida
Recognized as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando offers thrilling and exciting attractions for visitors of all ages. Located in central Florida, Orlando is home to popular entertainment, world-renowned resorts and desirable shopping mall outlets.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the magical Walt Disney World theme parks with a meal from Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Head over to Universal Studios for exhilarating rides and an Italian Thanksgiving menu from Trattoria del Porto at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel.
Extend your Orlando Thanksgiving experience with a luxurious wellness massage at the Four Seasons Orlando exclusive spa, or treat yourself to tee time at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando’s premier golf resort.
You can also shop the weekend Black Friday sales at Orlando’s International Premium Outlets and Orlando’s Vineland Premium Outlets, featuring over 180 stores.
Orlando’s main airport is Orlando Executive Airport [ICAO: KORL], located 14 miles to International Drive. For an action-packed Thanksgiving weekend, Orlando will not disappoint!
HONOLULU
Honolulu, Hawaii
Capital of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu offers visitors all year round sunshine, clear aqua-blue beaches and bountiful culture.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to visit Honolulu. With exquisite weather and a roster of fun seasonal events, it is sure to bring in the holiday cheer. Hawaiian locals celebrate with traditional Thanksgiving dinner and also several beach-themed activities that go hand-in-hand with the laidback island attitude.
Tour Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S. where visitors can learn about Hawaii’s history and previous monarchy. Adventure to Diamond Head State Monument for a revitalizing hike consisting of striking panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline.
Savor a very special four-course Thanksgiving Day dinner at The Royal Hawaiian Resort’s Azure, presenting an outstanding culinary experience with relaxing beachfront scenery. For an extraordinary tropical Thanksgiving dinner, indulge at the elegant Beachhouse at the Moana Surfrider Resort for a lavish and tranquil holiday evening.
Honolulu’s central airport is Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, formerly known as Honolulu International Airport [ICAO: PHNL], located 6 miles from downtown Honolulu.
For a serene, white sand island getaway this Thanksgiving, say aloha to Honolulu!
Plan an Exceptional Thanksgiving with Jetex
Let the Jetex Experience team know where you want to travel this Thanksgiving and we’ll arrange the trip of a lifetime.
From booking luxury hotels to scheduling ground transportation and highly sought-after dining reservations, Jetex can provide you with everything you need to have the best Thanksgiving yet. Contact the Jetex Experience team at experience@jetex.com or call us at +1 305 306 4000.
Jetex, always completing your journey!
