As Thanksgiving approaches, many Globe Aware volunteers are preparing to travel, and the most popular destinations for the November holiday have been unveiled!

This Year’s Most Popular Thanksgiving Destinations Revealed

By Laurie Baratti
October 18, 2024
Travel Pulse

As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans are preparing to travel, and the most popular destinations for the November holiday have been unveiled by Allianz Partners USA.

Its 2024 Thanksgiving Destination Index, based on more than 750,000 travel itineraries around Turkey Day, highlights the most popular domestic and international hotspots where travelers are headed for their fall season celebrations.

Roundtrip flights departing from US airports from November 23 to November 28, and returning from November 29 to December 3 were taken into account. Whether staying stateside or venturing abroad, this year’s trends show a mix of traditional city escapes and beach getaways.

Domestic Favorites

New York City continues to be the go-to spot for Thanksgiving travelers, reclaiming its top spot thanks to its iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and festive atmosphere. Following closely is Seattle, which has secured the second position for the fourth consecutive year, attracting visitors with its unique blend of urban and outdoor experiences.

For the first time, Dallas has made a significant leap into the top three, up from sixth place in previous years, suggesting that the Texas city’s combination will see a notable surge in Thanksgiving travelers. Phoenix, known for its desert warmth, secured fourth place, while Orlando, a favorite for families heading to theme parks, rounded out the top five, despite slipping from its previous third position.

Notably, Miami (tenth) made its first-ever debut in the top 10 list, indicating that there will be a sizable uptick in travel to Florida. Other major cities rounding out the top 10 include Atlanta (sixth), Los Angeles (seventh), Boston (eight) and Chicago (ninth).

International Escapes

While many travelers are staying within the U.S., others are opting for both nearby and far-flung international getaways, particularly places where they can trade crisp autumn weather and Thanksgiving fare for sun-soaked shores and frosty margaritas. For the fourth year in a row, a trio of Mexican beach destinations dominate the list, with Cancun, San Jose Del Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta taking the top three spots.

Rising two spots since last year, the Bahamian capital of Nassau has climbed to fifth place, highlighting the destination’s growing popularity. Montego Bay, Jamaica, which held fifth place last year, has dropped to eighth, but still attracts plenty of tropically inclined travelers. Additionally, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (seventh) and Oranjestad, Aruba (ninth) remain among the top equatorial favorites.

Meanwhile, after a five-year hiatus, Mexico City makes a return to the top 10 list, securing the tenth spot among international destinations. Across the Atlantic, major European capitals are also on the radar for holiday travelers. London (fourth) and Paris (sixth) continue to lure Americans looking for a blend of holiday celebrations and global culture.