8 Unexpected Destinations for an Unforgettable Thanksgiving Escape

Thanksgiving weekend ranks as one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S., with airports and highways jammed with holiday travelers heading home. We've previously covered the top Thanksgiving hotel deals to skip the couch, expert tips for holiday travel, and the most affordable flight days.

But here's a thought: For the rest of the world, Thanksgiving is just another Thursday in November. With airfares expected to climb as the holiday nears, these last-minute deals let you swap turkey for fresh seafood in Tahiti, share Paris snapshots on Instagram while your family passes the potatoes, or sip umbrella drinks as friends brave Black Friday crowds.

Tahiti

Flights to this French Polynesian paradise start at $998 roundtrip from Los Angeles over Thanksgiving weekend. Why not trade tradition for turquoise waters?

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Brazil

TAM Airlines' fare sale offers Thanksgiving flights to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo from Miami, New York, and Orlando starting at $549 roundtrip—often more than domestic U.S. flights during peak holiday travel.

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Paris

Choose baguettes over biscuits, croissants instead of cornbread stuffing, or bœuf bourguignon rather than turkey? Air France deals start at $877 roundtrip from New York or Atlanta over Thanksgiving ($300–$400 more from Boston, L.A., Houston, or San Francisco). Barcelona, Athens, and Rome are also on sale. Bonus: New Year's fares to Paris are $783 roundtrip.

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Cruising the Mediterranean

For ultimate indulgence, book a balcony cabin on Norwegian Epic for $759 per person (third and fourth guests sail free). This Barcelona departure visits Italy and France—perfect for Thanksgiving feasting at sea.

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Peru

Skip lima beans at dinner and head to Lima, Peru. LAN Airlines flights are $529 roundtrip from Miami—comparable to peak Thanksgiving fares to L.A. Other South American spots like Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Argentina are included.

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Tuscany

Depart pre-Thanksgiving for a six-night Tuscany escape arriving the next day. Priced at just $999 per person, it's an ideal Italian holiday swap.

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Ireland

Toast Thanksgiving with Guinness pints. This $899-per-person package includes flights from New York, manual car rental, four nights in B&Bs, and a 5-star castle stay across the Emerald Isle.

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St. Vincent

Remote but rewarding, St. Vincent & the Grenadines is a hidden gem. Buccament Bay Resort offers a five-night all-inclusive stay for two at $925—60% off—at one of the island's top properties.