The Top Domestic and International Destinations Americans Are Traveling To This Week for Thanksgiving

Where Americans Are Traveling for 2020 Thanksgiving Holiday

1/21
With the COVID-19 pandemic is still projected to create a 75% dip in November bookings, many people are still planning on traveling for the holidays.

Allianz Partners' Thanksgiving Index shows that more Americans are planning to stick closer to home this year, even internationally, with destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean beating out traditionally popular European holiday destinations like Paris. Travel restrictions to Europe and the desire for a slower, more relaxing beach getaway are the biggest reasons for this shift.

Domestically, cities with less COVID-19 restrictions and warmer weather are some of the most popular destinations, while others, like New York, has been at the top of the list for years.

We put together a slideshow of the twenty most popular domestic and international destinations for the Thanksgiving season.

Domestic - 10: Las Vegas

2/21
This city is known for its hot weather and even hotter nightlife. A Thanksgiving holiday spent here will offer fewer crowds and the same glittering lights and entertainment that make Las Vegas famous.

9: Atlanta

3/21
Atlanta features milder weather and a vibrant downtown scene. Its arts, history and food scenes are big attractions, as are its many local sports teams.

8: Fort Lauderdale

4/21
This Florida city is known for being the port of entry for many cruise lines. While cruising is currently unavailable, it isn't the only attraction to Fort Lauderdale. Its beaches, beautiful hotels and warm weather are all sure to draw visitors.

7: Phoenix

5/21
Phoenix, Arizona is a popular holiday vacation destination because of its warm desert weather. The city and its surrounding areas are also popular with transplants, which means many people will probably travel here to visit family and enjoy a Thanksgiving in one of the nation's sunniest states.

6: Orlando

6/21
Most famous for Walt Disney World Parks and Universal Orlando Studios, Orlando, Florida offers many fun family attractions as well as warm weather and beautiful beaches. Visitors to the many theme parks can enjoy fewer crowds and less time waiting to go on popular rides.

5: Boston

7/21
Boston is a city full of American history and charm. A Thanksgiving here will offer beautiful fall scenery as well as stunning modern and historic architecture.

4: Dallas

8/21
Known for great food and nice weather, Dallas offers visitors a great metropolitan area to explore and perhaps even get some holiday shopping done.

3: Los Angeles

9/21
Hollywood has always been a big tourist destination, known for its great shopping, nightlife and star-watching experiences. Los Angeles is also a warmer beach destination, which is a big draw this year.

2: New York

10/21
This holiday season, the Big Apple has been bumped from its number 1 spot on the list, which it has held for four years straight. Visiting family, shopping and enjoying local tourist attractions without as many crowds are the main reasons why this city is the second-highest on the list.

1: Seattle

11/21
Seattle is beautiful during the holidays, complete with colorful trees and snow. The epicenter of the American coffee industry and home to an incredible food scene, this city in the Pacific Northwest is the most popular Thanksgiving holiday destination for 2020.

International - 10: Havana

12/21
This city, practically trapped in time and isolated for decades, offers a culturally immersive Caribbean getaway.

9: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

13/21
Home to many luxurious all-inclusive resorts, this Caribbean city is known for its relaxing, warm beaches, and is sure to offer a wonderful Thanksgiving getaway from all the stress of holiday preparations.

8: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

14/21
Turks and Caicos has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Picture sipping a margarita and digging into roast turkey while overlooking stunning white sand beaches and the cerulean sea beyond. Now that's something to be grateful for.

7: Montego Bay, Jamaica

15/21
Home to beautiful beaches, incredible sunsets and friendly locals, Montego Bay is a wonderful destination to spend Thanksgiving away from the cold.

6: Santiago, Dominican Republic

16/21
This second important Dominican city is the first stop for many travelers going to all-inclusive resorts on the northern coast of the island.

5: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

17/21
This third Dominican city is another popular starting place for travelers looking for a great resort to relax and enjoy the beaches, the sunset and the absence of any cold weather.

4: Oranjestad, Aruba

18/21
This Dutch-influenced city in the Caribbean is truly unlike any other, and offers beautiful resorts with beaches and incredible ocean activities.

3: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

19/21
This Mexican city is a popular American tourist destination, known for its incredible resorts and beautiful beaches.

2: San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

20/21
Offering beautiful beaches and resorts, San Jose del Cabo thrives on American tourism, and is a relaxing, exotic Thanksgiving getaway.

1: Cancun, Mexico

21/21
Another one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations, Cancun boasts world-class resorts, incredible beaches and ancient ruins worth exploring, making this both a relaxing and adventurous Thanksgiving holiday destination.

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Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Associate Editor

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me