It’s hard to believe that the year is almost over. With Thanksgiving 2019 just around the corner, that only means our pockets are soon to be hit with the many expenses associated with the holiday season — travel, gifts, entertaining guests and more. Not to mention, the Thanksgiving holiday itself has become the highly commercialized holiday, due to Black Friday, which is one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
In fact, 34 million people planned to shop on Thanksgiving day in 2018 — and that doesn’t even capture the costs associated with hosting dinner or guests for the holiday — which is the reason for the season.
But most of all, because so many people traveling at the same time, it’s important to make sure you’re getting great travel deals and heading out to the cheapest destinations, if you’re going to be breaking the bank with all of your holiday spending.
If you’re one of those people who have waited until the last minute to begin planning, you’re in luck. There are still check out the cheapest travel destinations for Thanksgiving 2019 based on data from WalletHub. They created the study to help Americans find the best places to go for Thanksgiving based on factors such as the cost of Thanksgiving dinner and share of delayed flights to volunteer opportunities per capita and forecasted precipitation.
These are the top 5 places you’ll find more bang for your buck.
St. Paul, Minnesota
The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is extremely diverse, which comes as no surprise as to why it would be number one. From quaint small town celebrations to one of the largest state fairs in the nation, there’s an event to attend every weekend during the holiday season — and most of them are free! Spend time with family trying out local craft beers or enjoying a savory dish from a local food truck — which is sure to be less money than fancy restaurants for the whole family.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Who would think that this ritzy suburb (just outside of Phoenix), that is often frequented by some of our favorite celebs would be the best option during the holiday? But jut as it is known for some of the best spas and restaurants in the world, it’s equally raved for it’s small time, friendly residents — who will welcome any guests happily to the city. Just a short plane ride away from most parts of California, and a direct flight from the East Coast, your vacation will start in 5 hours or less.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
It’s always better in the South — and the numbers prove it. The East Coast city by the sea, Virginia Beach, has been a road trip staple for decades (and only getting more popular with the opening of new hotels such as the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront which is set to open in 2020, and for good reason! During the Thanksgiving holiday, Virginia Beach hosts an endless array of activities, tons of affordable great food options, and a friendly vibe that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Orlando, Florida
Yes, Orlando is much more than Disney World. From budget friendly hotels, to low cost entertainment options, this destination is fun for the whole family. Not to mention, you’ll be able to escape the cold that most Northeasterners will be experiencing during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, affectionately known as the Mile-High City, is located in a breathtaking valley on Colorado’s High Plains, just east of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Because it is regarded as one of the most affordable cities to live, it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most affordable cities to visit.
