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10 of the Cheapest Places to Travel for Thanksgiving This Year

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, October 27th 2025 at 16:18 GMT by Travel + Leisure

Affordable Thanksgiving Get‑aways: Where to Travel Without Breaking the Bank

When the holiday season rolls around, the temptation to splurge on flights and luxury hotels can quickly turn into a budgeting nightmare. Yet, a recent feature in Travel + Leisure shows that it’s possible to enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving escape without draining your wallet. The article, “Affordable Places to Travel for Thanksgiving,” compiles a list of destinations that combine lower airfare, budget-friendly accommodations, and plenty of festive attractions. Below is a concise roundup of the recommended spots, along with additional insights from the linked travel guides that appear in the original piece.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Asheville’s regional flights from the Southeast are typically the cheapest, and the city’s boutique hotels and inns often offer competitive rates. According to the Travel + Leisure link to Asheville’s “Things to Do” guide, visitors can enjoy free or low‑cost outdoor activities such as hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or strolling through the historic Biltmore Village. The city’s culinary scene—known for farm‑to‑table restaurants—also features many affordable spots for Thanksgiving dinners.

Additional context: The linked Asheville guide highlights the “Asheville Food Tour,” a self‑guided walk that includes a mix of cafés and craft breweries, perfect for travelers on a budget who want to sample local flavors without spending a fortune.

2. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Santa Fe’s centrally located airports—Folk Park Airport (SFO) and Albuquerque International (ABQ)—offer reasonably priced flights, and the city’s diverse lodging options range from historic inns to modern budget hotels. The guide linked to Santa Fe’s “Holiday Traditions” article reveals that many restaurants offer Thanksgiving specials that are both hearty and economical.

Additional context: A side note in the Santa Fe link points readers to the “Santa Fe Plaza Festivities,” which include a free holiday market and live mariachi music, adding cultural flair to a wallet‑friendly stay.

3. Portland, Oregon

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Portland’s high volume of flight options keeps airfare relatively low, while the city’s emphasis on craft beer and food trucks means diners can enjoy high‑quality meals without spending much. The “Portland Food Scene” link in the article notes that many food carts have Thanksgiving‑theme specials, and the city’s parks—such as Washington Park—host free holiday light displays.

Additional context: The Portland guide also offers a “Backpacking Budget” section, detailing how to stay in hostels or budget hotels and still experience the city’s vibrant culture.

4. Austin, Texas

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Austin’s major hub (DFW or DAL) often provides competitive flight prices, and the city’s hotel landscape includes a variety of mid‑range options. The linked Austin article discusses the “South Congress Shopping District” where holiday pop‑up shops offer inexpensive souvenirs. Local barbecue joints frequently add a Thanksgiving menu that’s both affordable and filling.

Additional context: The Austin link further mentions a “Music & Food Festival” that takes place during the Thanksgiving weekend, offering free live performances and discounted food stalls.

5. San Diego, California

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Although California can be pricey, San Diego’s off‑peak flight windows (early November) help lower airfare. The “San Diego Beaches” link shows that many beachfront hotels offer holiday discounts. Moreover, the city’s famed “Gaslamp Quarter” hosts a modest holiday market and inexpensive food stalls.

Additional context: The beach guide also recommends “Balboa Park’s free holiday lighting” event, allowing travelers to enjoy festive décor without spending a dime.

6. Savannah, Georgia

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Savannah’s proximity to the Southeast makes it a relatively inexpensive destination. The linked Savannah guide highlights the “Historic District Walking Tours” that are free, and the city’s renowned “Chatham Market” offers affordable holiday treats. Many B&Bs in the district provide Thanksgiving packages at budget rates.

Additional context: An additional link to “Savannah’s Culinary Scene” points to the “Olde Pink House” which offers a Thanksgiving brunch that’s surprisingly reasonable for a historic venue.

7. Nashville, Tennessee

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Nashville’s frequent flight deals from the East Coast keep airfare low, and the city’s wide array of budget hotels and hostels cater to thrifty travelers. The linked “Music City Dining” guide indicates that numerous honky‑tonk bars serve holiday specials for under $20. Visitors can also enjoy the “Parthenon” free admission, adding cultural depth to an economical trip.

Additional context: A side article in the guide details the “Nashville Food Truck Fest” during Thanksgiving weekend, showcasing inexpensive eats from local vendors.

8. Chicago, Illinois

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Chicago’s major hub (ORD) often has competitive flight prices, and the city offers a mix of affordable hotels, including well‑rated chain options. The “Chicago Architecture” link explains how the city’s free “Architecture River Cruise” offers a scenic, budget‑friendly way to explore. The city’s iconic “Magnificent Mile” hosts a modest holiday market, and many restaurants feature Thanksgiving specials that won’t break the bank.

Additional context: The Chicago guide includes a “Neighborhood Tour” suggestion, highlighting the “Hyde Park” area’s free holiday events and local eateries offering Thanksgiving dinners under $30.

9. Boise, Idaho

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Boise’s flights from the West Coast are surprisingly affordable, and the city’s lodging options include a range of economical inns. The linked Boise article discusses the “Basalt Hills” trail, which offers free access and scenic views, and the “Boise Riverwalk” hosts a modest holiday festival. Dining options include local diners that provide hearty Thanksgiving meals at reasonable prices.

Additional context: The Boise guide also features a “Brewery Crawl” list, indicating that many craft breweries offer Thanksgiving-themed beers at low costs.

10. Orlando, Florida

Why it’s budget‑friendly: Orlando’s popularity means frequent flight promotions, and the city’s wide variety of hotels—including value‑chain options—make it a cheap option. The linked Orlando guide outlines the “Theme Park Deals” available for Thanksgiving week, where entrance fees can be reduced. The “Disney Springs” area hosts a holiday market, and many restaurants in the area offer Thanksgiving buffets for modest rates.

Additional context: A linked “Orlando Nightlife” article notes that several rooftop bars offer discounted holiday drinks during Thanksgiving, providing a festive experience without excessive expense.

Practical Tips for a Budget‑Friendly Thanksgiving

• Book Early: Flights and accommodations typically become cheaper the earlier you lock in reservations, especially for holiday travel.
• Use Price‑Comparison Tools: Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights can help you spot the lowest fares across multiple airlines.
• Check Hotel Deals: Many hotels bundle Thanksgiving dinner into the room rate—often a savings compared to ordering an external restaurant meal.
• Explore Free Events: Each city listed offers at least one free holiday event or attraction. Visiting these will add a sense of festivity without impacting your budget.
• Plan Your Meals: Look for restaurants that offer Thanksgiving specials or buffets. Many places price these packages well below the average cost of a sit‑down dinner.

In short, the Travel + Leisure feature showcases that a thoughtful selection of destinations can deliver a delightful Thanksgiving experience without heavy financial strain. Whether you’re seeking mountain vistas, historic charm, or city lights, there’s a budget‑friendly holiday spot on this list ready to welcome you. Happy travels—and happy holidays!