8 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Special, Even When Traveling: Fun Ideas for Families on the Go
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday that brings families together, but travel plans can sometimes disrupt traditional celebrations. We've compiled eight creative ways to make your Thanksgiving special, even when you're away from home. These ideas will help you capture the spirit of gratitude and togetherness, no matter where you find yourself this holiday season.
Whether you're visiting relatives, taking a vacation, or unable to make it back home, our tips will ensure your Thanksgiving remains meaningful and memorable. From incorporating local flavors to creating new traditions, we'll show you how to infuse your travels with the warmth and joy that make Thanksgiving so special.
1) Book a Cozy Vacation Rental with a Full Kitchen
Traveling for Thanksgiving doesn't mean we have to miss out on a homemade feast. By booking a vacation rental with a full kitchen, we can create our own cozy holiday atmosphere away from home.
We can look for rentals that offer spacious kitchens equipped with all the essentials. This way, we'll have everything we need to whip up our favorite Thanksgiving dishes.
Many vacation rentals also provide dining areas perfect for gathering around the table. We can set up a beautiful centerpiece and enjoy our meal in a warm, inviting space.
Cooking together in a new environment can be a fun adventure for the whole family. It's a great opportunity to start new traditions while keeping our cherished cooking rituals intact.
Plus, having our own kitchen means we can prepare meals throughout our stay, saving money on dining out. We can even pack some of our favorite kitchen tools to make cooking more comfortable.
2) Create a Portable Thanksgiving Feast with Local Ingredients
We love the idea of bringing a taste of Thanksgiving with us when we travel. One fun way to do this is by creating a portable feast using local ingredients from our destination.
Let's start by researching local markets or farms near our travel spot. We can pick up fresh, seasonal produce that's unique to the area. This adds a special twist to our traditional dishes.
For the main course, we might consider a smaller bird like a cornish hen or even turkey breast. These are easier to prepare in a rental kitchen or on a portable grill.
Side dishes can be simple yet delicious. We can roast local vegetables or make a salad with regional greens. Don't forget to include a local cheese or fruit for appetizers.
For dessert, we could try incorporating local fruits into a simple pie or cobbler. Or we might discover a regional sweet treat to enjoy as our new Thanksgiving tradition.
Remember to pack some essential spices and tools from home. This ensures we can recreate our favorite flavors while embracing new local tastes.
3) Pack Family-Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
We all know that familiar tastes can bring comfort when we're away from home. That's why packing our family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes is a must when traveling for the holiday.
Before leaving, we can jot down a few cherished recipes on index cards or save them to our phones. This way, we'll have them handy when we reach our destination.
If we're staying with relatives or friends, we can offer to contribute a dish or two to the meal. It's a great way to share our traditions and add a personal touch to the gathering.
For dishes that travel well, we might consider preparing them in advance. Cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, or even stuffing can often be made a day or two before and easily transported.
If cooking at our destination isn't an option, we can still bring along some key spices or ingredients. These can help recreate familiar flavors in simpler dishes or add a taste of home to the local fare.
4) Decorate Your Temporary Home with DIY Crafts
Bringing a touch of home to our temporary lodgings can make Thanksgiving feel special, even when we're away. We can create festive decorations using materials found in our travel destination or brought from home.
Paper crafts are easy to pack and versatile. We can make colorful paper chains, origami turkeys, or cut-out leaf garlands to hang around our rental space. These simple projects are fun for the whole family and add a cheerful holiday atmosphere.
Natural elements from our surroundings can be incorporated into our decor. We might gather pinecones, acorns, or pretty leaves to arrange in a centerpiece. A quick stop at a local craft store for some ribbon and glue can transform these finds into charming ornaments.
For a cozy ambiance, we can bring battery-operated fairy lights or LED candles. These pack easily and create a warm glow in any space. Pairing them with handmade decorations adds a personal touch to our temporary home.
With a bit of creativity, we can turn any space into a festive Thanksgiving haven. These DIY crafts not only decorate our surroundings but also provide a fun activity for the family to enjoy together.
5) Organize a Thanksgiving Video Call with Loved Ones
We know how important it is to connect with family and friends during the holidays. When traveling for Thanksgiving, a video call can bridge the distance and bring everyone together virtually.
Setting up a group video call is easier than ever. We can use popular platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to gather our loved ones from different locations. It's a great way to share the holiday spirit, even when we're miles apart.
To make the call special, we can plan some activities. We might coordinate a virtual toast, share what we're thankful for, or even play a quick game together. These shared moments can create lasting memories.
We can also get creative with the call setup. Setting our device on the dinner table can make it feel like our distant loved ones are right there with us. We might even consider having everyone eat at the same time for a more connected experience.
Remember to test the technology beforehand to avoid any hiccups on the big day. With a little planning, a Thanksgiving video call can become a cherished new tradition in our holiday celebrations.
6) Research and Attend Local Holiday Celebrations
When traveling during Thanksgiving, we can still embrace the holiday spirit by exploring local festivities. Many destinations offer unique Thanksgiving celebrations that can add a special touch to our trip.
We can start by researching events in the area we're visiting. Local tourism websites and community calendars are great resources for finding holiday-themed activities.
Parades are a popular Thanksgiving tradition in many cities. We might discover a charming small-town procession or a grand spectacle in a larger city.
Some communities host Thanksgiving markets or fairs. These events often feature local crafts, seasonal treats, and festive entertainment.
We can also look for special Thanksgiving meals at local restaurants. Many eateries offer traditional holiday menus with regional twists.
Attending a local celebration gives us a chance to connect with the community and create new memories. It's a wonderful way to experience the destination's unique holiday culture.
By participating in these events, we can make our Thanksgiving away from home feel just as special and memorable.
7) Take a Family Gratitude Walk in a Scenic Area
We love combining nature and thankfulness during our Thanksgiving travels. A family gratitude walk in a scenic area is a perfect way to do just that.
Before the walk, we encourage everyone to think about what they're grateful for this year. As we stroll through a beautiful park or along a scenic trail, we take turns sharing our thoughts.
It's heartwarming to hear our children express gratitude for simple things like their favorite toys or a fun day at school. We parents often find ourselves appreciating the bigger picture - health, family, and opportunities.
The natural beauty around us serves as a backdrop for our reflections. We might pause to admire colorful fall foliage or watch birds soaring overhead.
This activity helps us slow down and connect as a family. It's a chance to create lasting memories and instill a sense of gratitude in our kids.
We've found that this tradition travels well. Whether we're visiting relatives or staying at a hotel, we can usually find a nearby park or nature trail for our walk.
8) Create a Travel Scrapbook of Thanksgiving Memories
Capturing memories during our Thanksgiving travels can be a fun and meaningful activity. We can start by collecting small mementos from our journey, such as ticket stubs, postcards, or local maps.
Taking photos of our family enjoying new experiences and trying local dishes is another great way to document our trip. We can encourage everyone to jot down their favorite moments or things they're grateful for on colorful notecards.
After our travels, we can gather all these items and create a beautiful scrapbook together. This activity allows us to relive our special Thanksgiving memories and bond as a family.
We can use creative elements like stickers, washi tape, and colorful markers to decorate our scrapbook pages. Adding captions and personal notes will help us remember the details of our adventures for years to come.
Creating a travel scrapbook not only preserves our Thanksgiving memories but also gives us a tangible keepsake to look back on. It's a wonderful way to celebrate our family's unique holiday experience.
Creating a Home Away from Home
Transforming an unfamiliar space into a cozy Thanksgiving retreat can make all the difference when traveling. We'll explore ways to infuse personal touches and create a warm atmosphere that captures the essence of home.
Bringing Personal Touches
We love packing a few cherished items to make our temporary lodgings feel more familiar. A framed family photo or a beloved holiday decoration can instantly add warmth. We always bring our kids' favorite Thanksgiving storybooks to read together before bed.
Scented candles or room sprays with comforting fragrances like cinnamon or pumpkin pie can evoke memories of past celebrations. We've found that setting up a small playlist of our family's favorite holiday tunes helps create a festive atmosphere too.
Don't forget to pack a few cozy blankets or throw pillows. These soft touches can transform a stark hotel room or vacation rental into a snug retreat for the whole family.
Setting Up a Cozy Space
Creating a welcoming environment is key to feeling at home during Thanksgiving travels. We start by rearranging furniture to create a communal area where everyone can gather comfortably. If possible, we set up a small dining table for our holiday meal.
Lighting plays a crucial role in ambiance. We bring battery-operated fairy lights or flameless candles to create a warm glow. These are safe options, especially with little ones around.
We always designate a "kids' corner" with games, coloring books, and puzzles. This gives our children a sense of belonging and keeps them entertained. For the adults, we set up a beverage station with hot cocoa, cider, or wine to encourage relaxation and conversation.
Incorporating Family Traditions
Family traditions are the heart of Thanksgiving, even when we're away from home. We can still honor cherished customs and create new ones while traveling.
Virtual Family Gatherings
We've found that technology is a game-changer for staying connected during the holidays. Video calls allow us to share the Thanksgiving spirit with loved ones, no matter where we are. We can set up a laptop or tablet at the dinner table, creating a virtual place setting for far-away family members.
Some fun ideas we've tried:
- Coordinating meal times to "eat together" virtually
- Playing traditional family games over video chat
- Sharing recipes and cooking together remotely
These virtual gatherings help us maintain our sense of togetherness, even when miles apart.
Maintaining Rituals and Customs
We believe that many of our cherished Thanksgiving traditions can travel with us. Packing a few meaningful items can help recreate the holiday atmosphere wherever we are.
Portable Tradition Ideas:
- Bringing Grandma's gravy boat or Mom's pie dish
- Packing our family's thankfulness journal
- Carrying small decorations that remind us of home
We can also adapt our rituals to fit our travel situation. If we always watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we can stream it on our devices. Our annual family football game might become a game of catch in a local park.
Exploring Local Festivities
Embracing local traditions can make Thanksgiving away from home truly special. We've found some great ways to immerse ourselves in the community spirit and savor unique regional flavors.
Attending Community Events
We love seeking out festive gatherings in our travel destinations. Many towns host Thanksgiving parades, featuring colorful floats and marching bands. It's a great way to feel connected to the local community. We've also enjoyed charity turkey trots - a fun way to burn off some calories before the big meal!
Some areas offer outdoor festivals with live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. We've made wonderful memories at these events, sipping hot apple cider and watching our kids play games.
Local historical sites often hold special Thanksgiving programs too. We've learned so much about different regional traditions through these educational experiences.
Trying Regional Dishes
Exploring local cuisine adds a delicious twist to our Thanksgiving travels. We always ask locals for recommendations on must-try dishes specific to the area. In coastal regions, we've enjoyed seafood-infused stuffings and oyster dressings.
Southern destinations have introduced us to mouthwatering cornbread dressings and sweet potato pies. In the Southwest, we've savored spicy turkey rubs and green chile sides.
We love visiting farmers' markets to pick up local produce for our meal. It's a great way to support the community and add fresh, regional flavors to our plates.
Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus featuring local specialties. We've had amazing experiences dining out, tasting creative takes on traditional dishes.