Travel Experts Point to Valencia, Cairo, and Moab as Thanksgiving Escape Hubs
Five destinations are being promoted for late November trips to avoid peak summer heat, offering lower costs and thinner crowds.
By Sakura Ellis ·
The traditional American Thanksgiving gathering is being challenged by a growing number of travelers who prefer to leave the country during the holiday week. With summer travel increasingly disrupted by high temperatures, November is emerging as a preferred window for international and domestic trips. The month offers cooler weather and reduced visitor numbers in popular destinations.
Valencia, Spain, is cited for its average November temperatures of 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Andres Serra, head of operations for Optimize Travel, recommends a six-night stay to accommodate jet lag from overnight flights from the United States. He advises travelers to base themselves in the historic center to access the city’s Central Market and the Turia Garden. A boat ride to El Palmar, located 10 kilometers south of the city, provides access to the rice fields where paella originated.
In Egypt, late November brings temperatures between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Dawn Younts, co-founder of Explore Egyptian Nile Adventures, suggests starting in Cairo at the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum. She recommends a day trip to the Fayoum oasis to view Wadi El Rayan, followed by a visit to the White Desert for its chalk formations. Younts notes that the weeklong break allows visitors to see three distinct geographic regions in a short period.
Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture offers late November foliage around Mount Fuji. The Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival runs from November 7 to November 29 at Lake Kawaguchi. The event includes local vendors and nighttime illuminations. The HOSHINOYA Fuji resort, described as Japan’s first glamping property, offers an Autumn Forest Glamping Stay through December 2, 2026. Guest rooms at the resort feature outdoor terraces with views of the mountain.
Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, is a car-free town on the Guanacaste Coast. It offers pedestrian streets, kayaking, and hiking. Accommodations include the Casa Chameleon and Santarena Hotel, as well as rental homes managed by Las Catalinas Doorway. The destination is promoted for its slower pace and eco-tourism infrastructure.
Moab, Utah, sees a sharp drop in visitors during the fall months. Hotel rates in the area can decrease by 40% to 50%, while visitation to nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks falls by as much as 96%. November weather typically features sunny days in the mid-50s Fahrenheit. Local guiding services in 2026 have extended their operating hours, offering tours through the end of winter rather than closing after Halloween.
