Thanksgiving Weekend Road Trip Travel Tips

As millions of Americans are out and about during the holidays, driving long distances during the weekends surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas can seem like a bad idea. Getting out of town during the holidays, though, can be a great new way to celebrate and take advantage of those extra days off from work.

If you’re ready to give your Thanksgiving family traditions (and the subsequent drama) the boot and relax for a change, pick a destination within close driving distance. Four or five hours by car — it’s close enough to warrant driving over flying due to cost and far enough away to be considered a real getaway.

If you don’t want to go it alone, take along one of your favorite people, a best friend or significant other. They can help drive, split the cost of a hotel room and end up being your new favorite person to celebrate the holidays with. Don’t pick someone just because they happen to be your relative or because they don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with. If you don’t like them, don’t bring them.

Find some great holiday events going on in your destination and check them out. Parades, festivals, parties and more can give you insight into the local cultures and holiday traditions. Be sure to pick up a few souvenirs or try something completely new to make the event more special and memorable.

Incorporate the new with the old. Try to add a little bit of what you actually do love about spending Thanksgiving at home into your road-trip itinerary. Love the turkey? Many great restaurants offer Thanksgiving menus the entire weekend. Can’t wait to fight the Black Friday crowds? Make sure to pick a destination with great shopping options. Always watch the Thanksgiving weekend football games? Go see one in person!

Taking a brief road trip for your Thanksgiving holiday can be just what you need to get away from your daily life, experience something new and recharge for the onslaught of Christmas hustle and bustle.