5 Cheapest Places to Travel for Thanksgiving 2026
5 Cheapest Places to Travel for Thanksgiving 2026
Thanksgiving is a great excuse to take a break, explore somewhere new, and make memories outside your usual routine. But with flights and hotel prices often changing around the holiday, choosing the right destination can make a big difference to your travel budget.
So, where should you go if you want a Thanksgiving getaway without spending more than necessary?
KAYAK published a list of affordable destinations using travel-search data. Its analysis compared average round-trip economy airfare and nightly hotel rates for standard double rooms, based on searches conducted between March 1 and August 31, 2025, for travel between November 21 and 30, 2025.
For this Sevenly Travel guide, we've narrowed the list to five destinations from the original article. The costs below are the historical combined average flight-and-hotel figures reported in that analysis, not confirmed prices for Thanksgiving 2026. Your actual expenses will depend on your departure city, travel dates, and accommodation choices.
1. Minneapolis, Minnesota — $432 Average Combined Cost
Minneapolis offers a mix of seasonal attractions, shopping, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities for travelers looking for a city getaway. Around Thanksgiving, the city begins to embrace the holiday season, making it a good option for those who enjoy festive displays and winter activities.
You can explore the Mall of America, visit local museums, or look for seasonal markets and holiday events taking place during your visit. If the weather is cold, indoor attractions provide an easy way to spend the day without having to stay outside for too long.
For food, Minneapolis has plenty of options, from casual neighborhood restaurants to more upscale dining. Planning a few special meals alongside affordable everyday options can help keep your overall budget manageable.
Budget tip: Check seasonal event schedules and admission prices before your trip. Pack appropriate cold-weather clothing so you can enjoy outdoor activities without buying extra layers once you arrive.
2. Seattle, Washington — $519 Average Combined Cost
Seattle is a strong choice for travelers who enjoy coffee culture, waterfront views, local markets, and exploring different neighborhoods. Thanksgiving weekend can be an opportunity to experience the city's food scene and seasonal atmosphere without needing to plan an expensive activity for every day.
Start with Pike Place Market, where you can browse local vendors and sample regional food. You can also explore independent coffee shops, visit the Seattle Art Museum, or spend time near the waterfront. Depending on the dates, seasonal celebrations and holiday displays may also be available.
Seattle's dining scene offers a range of choices, from casual cafés to seafood restaurants. Deciding which meals are worth a splurge before you arrive can help you balance the experience with your budget.
Budget tip: Compare hotels based on their access to public transportation and the neighborhoods you want to visit. A convenient location can help reduce transportation expenses throughout your stay.
3. Denver, Colorado — $543 Average Combined Cost
Denver combines city attractions with access to Colorado's outdoor scenery. It's worth considering if your ideal Thanksgiving trip includes a little sightseeing, seasonal activities, and the option to explore nature.
Depending on the event calendar, visitors may find holiday light displays, seasonal attractions, and activities around the city's parks and cultural districts. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore nearby trails, although November weather may bring snow, ice, or cold temperatures. Check conditions before planning a hike or scenic drive using Colorado's official trail and outdoor recreation resources.
You can build a flexible itinerary around the experiences that interest you most, rather than booking several paid tours. This makes it easier to adjust your spending while still enjoying a full weekend away.
Budget tip: Compare accommodation prices in downtown Denver and nearby neighborhoods. If you plan to explore outside the city, factor in rental-car costs, fuel, parking, and possible weather-related travel considerations.
4. Atlanta, Georgia — $570 Average Combined Cost
Atlanta offers a variety of experiences for a Thanksgiving getaway, including cultural attractions, local restaurants, shopping, and seasonal events. It can suit travelers who want a city break with enough activities to fill a long weekend.
Depending on the 2026 schedule, you may find holiday light displays, seasonal celebrations, and special events at local attractions. The Georgia Aquarium and other major attractions can be worthwhile stops, especially for families, but be sure to check ticket prices before adding them to your itinerary.
Food is another reason to explore Atlanta. The city has a broad dining scene, so you can choose between casual local spots and restaurants offering a more special holiday meal. For more ideas, browse Atlanta's official visitor guide.
Budget tip: Choose your must-see attractions in advance and compare ticket prices online. Build the rest of your itinerary around free or lower-cost activities so you can enjoy the city without overspending.
5. San Francisco, California — $571 Average Combined Cost
San Francisco offers a mix of coastal scenery, distinctive neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and iconic landmarks. It can be a memorable Thanksgiving destination for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, food, and time outdoors.
You can admire the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Golden Gate Park, and discover the city's different neighborhoods. Museums and gardens offer additional options, although admission fees and opening hours vary. If you plan to visit popular attractions, check whether advance reservations are needed.
San Francisco's food scene also makes it easy to tailor your trip to your budget. You can enjoy casual neighborhood cafés and affordable meals, then choose one or two restaurants for a more special dining experience. For more inspiration, explore the official San Francisco travel guide.
Budget tip: Consider transportation when choosing accommodation. Staying near public transit and the areas you plan to explore can help reduce rideshare expenses and make getting around easier.
How to Save Money on a Thanksgiving Getaway
Choosing an affordable destination is only the first step. Your departure city, accommodation, transportation, and activities all affect how much your trip will ultimately cost.
Here are a few ways to make your Thanksgiving getaway more budget-friendly:
- Compare the same travel dates. Check flight and hotel prices for the same number of nights across all five destinations.
- Look beyond the advertised hotel rate. Include taxes, mandatory fees, parking, and other charges when comparing accommodation.
- Consider flexible dates. If your schedule allows, compare different departure and return dates to see whether the total cost changes.
- Mix free and paid activities. Public parks, neighborhood walks, local markets, and waterfront areas can help you experience a destination without buying tickets for every attraction.
- Plan your transportation. A cheaper hotel may not be the better deal if getting to major attractions requires expensive rideshares or a rental car.
- Set aside a little extra. Leave room in your budget for meals, baggage fees, unexpected transportation costs, and last-minute changes.
For your own comparison, check Google Flights and KAYAK, then review accommodation prices and cancellation policies before booking.
Which Destination Should You Choose for Thanksgiving 2026?
Minneapolis is worth considering if you enjoy seasonal city activities, while Seattle offers markets, coffee shops, and waterfront experiences. Denver combines city sightseeing with outdoor opportunities, Atlanta provides a varied mix of food and attractions, and San Francisco brings together coastal views, cultural experiences, and neighborhood exploration.
The most affordable choice depends on where you're traveling from and what you want to do once you arrive. Use the figures in this guide as historical reference points, then compare current prices for your own dates before making a decision.
Ready to plan your next getaway? Explore Sevenly Travel's current deals to find accommodation options for your trip. You can also visit Sevenly Travel to learn more about the platform's mission to make travel a force for good, with 7% of every booking allocated to supported causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest places to travel for Thanksgiving?
Based on KAYAK search data, included Minneapolis, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, and San Francisco among the destinations with relatively low combined average flight and hotel costs. The most affordable destination for you will depend on your departure airport, travel dates, and accommodation needs.
When is Thanksgiving in 2026?
Thanksgiving in the United States falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Many travelers plan a short getaway around the November 26–29 weekend. You can compare flight options on Google Flights before choosing your dates.
Are these prices accurate for Thanksgiving 2026?
No. The figures in this article come from a historical 2025 analysis. They should not be treated as live quotes or guaranteed prices for Thanksgiving 2026. For updated comparisons, check KAYAK and compare accommodation prices for your exact travel dates.
How can I save money on Thanksgiving travel?
Compare flight and accommodation costs together, consider flexible dates, check hotel fees, and balance paid attractions with free activities. Reviewing transportation expenses before booking can also help you avoid unexpected costs.
Is it better to book Thanksgiving travel early?
Booking early may give you more choices, but it doesn't guarantee the lowest price. Compare current options, review cancellation policies, and explore Sevenly Travel's deals when planning your accommodation.