Each year, the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most traveled times .With the fall already ushering in some super snowstorms, this year’s holiday travel season may be a bit unpredictable. So to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the festive fun, check out these tips and ideas for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Talking Turkey about Travel Deals

The national average for Thanksgiving airfares is $400, up 4% over last year. The national average for Christmas airfares is doing better at $475, up 1% over last year. The best time to travel in order to save a few dollars is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and returning the Sunday after.

If you want to escape the cold, getaways to the Sunshine State and other warm weather destinations are already proving to be quite affordable this holiday season, with airfares to Ft. Lauderdale down 21 percent from last year and hotels in Las Vegas down almost 16 percent this year.

Regardless of where you may be headed, be sure to look for the holiday sales.  Hotels.com is offering savings of 30% in top destinations for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Click here to read Travel Smart Blog’s Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel.

Tips for Clearing TSA at the Holidays

• Give yourself ample time to get through the security lines. It’s impossible to gauge the length of the line you’ll be going through or the speed of your fellow travelers, so be conservative and allow extra time. Hopefully you’ll have time to enjoy a coffee once you get near your gate.
• Avoid a pat down and do not to wear bulky clothing when flying such as big, flowing skirts or multiple layers. Remove your coat, jacket or sweater, scarf and hat before going through security.
• Easy shoes – because you have to take them on and off – kids, too. If you’re wearing boots for the winter weather, start removing them before it’s your turn to go through the security lane.
• Either check your liquids in your suitcase or remember to take out your plastic baggy. Review the 3-1-1 Rules.
• Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces (100ml) and are not required to be in the zip-lock bag.
• If your favorite necklace is big and clunky, put it in your purse or carry-on and put it on after you go through security. Also remove big buckle belts.

Hotels with all the Turkey Trimmings

Ever thought about going back in time? You can come close by celebrating in America’s hometown where the “First Thanksgiving” took place. In Plymouth, MA (where the Mayflower landed with the Pilgrims in 1620) there’s a three-day celebration the weekend before actual Thanksgiving, November 18 – 20, featuring everything from a parade to historical reenactments.

In sunny San Diego the Hotel Del Coronado will feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings and live musical entertainment from 12pm to 6pm. Cost is $89.50 for adults, $38.50 for children ages 6-10 and free for children 5 and under.

• The resort’s holiday programs will be kicked off on Thanksgiving weekend, including seaside ice-skating against the backdrop of 100,000 white lights.

Along the Freedom Trail, The Langham will have the tables set and the feast prepared for this year’s Thanksgiving celebration in Boston. For brunch or dinner reservations at The Langham, call (617) 451-1900, ext. 7125.

And, if you’ve always wanted to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, here’s your chance. Hotels.com has a number of New York City hotels on sale. The Strand Hotel is offering a two-night package starting at $364.00 per night. It includes two nights in a guaranteed upgraded deluxe room; three-course gourmet Thanksgiving meal at The Strand American Bistro; late checkout; daily continental breakfast. And the piece de resistance: reserved front view of the parade for those who book early and a complimentary thermos filled with hot chocolate.

Wherever you land this year to count your blessings, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Happy Turkey Travels!

 

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