I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Thanksgiving Getaways Perfect for a $2K Budget

Thanksgiving travel has a reputation for being expensive, crowded and a little chaotic, but a good trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the best turkey-day escapes are a short drive or a cheap flight away, and they won’t have you eating ramen until New Year’s.

We asked travel expert Robert Sekscinski of Rosotravel to break down the real costs of a handful of U.S. getaways, ranked by what you’ll pay for lodging, transportation, food and attractions. Each one can be done on about $2,000, with enough left over for a few souvenirs.

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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains

Winding mountain roads, fall foliage and Great Smoky Mountains National Park make these two cities a strong pick for a young couple or small family.

According to Sekscinski, you should expect to pay about $450 to $600 for a modest hotel room or cabin for three nights over the holiday. If you’re driving within a few hours, budget $300 to $400 for gas and local transportation.

He said, “Eating out during your stay costs about $350-$450. Attractions and guided excursions run about $100 to $400 for four days. Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t charge an entrance fee; however, it costs $5 a day or $15 per week for a parking permit.”

All told, Sekscinski estimates the trip will run $1,300 to $1,750, leaving about $100 for miscellaneous items.

New Orleans

If you want a getaway with plenty to do and no need to buy a ticket for every single thing, New Orleans is at the top of Sekscinski’s shortlist. Architecture, live music and food are all part of the city’s appeal.

“I would anticipate the cost for a couple taking a three-night trip to New Orleans will be approximately $500 to $650 for accommodations, $300 to $450 for travel to, from and around the city, [and] $400 to $500 for meals while in New Orleans.”

Tourist-related activities, such as a cemetery tour, a museum visit and a ride through bayous, would cost approximately $150 to $250.

The easiest way to save is to skip the pricey French Quarter hotels. Sekscinski suggested staying a short distance away and getting around on streetcars or on foot instead of taxis or ride-shares. Even so, the total comes to roughly $1,500 to $1,900.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg suits families who want a history-heavy holiday with a slower pace and fall scenery, Sekscinski said. And three nights in modest accommodations, rather than an upscale resort, run around $400 to $500.

“If you come by car from somewhere relatively nearby, plan to spend about $250 to $400 on transportation and $350 to $450 for food,” he added.

Sightseeing tours and activities run about $150 to $250. “Currently, the popular Colonial Williamsburg charges $37.50 for adult admission and $10 for children ages six to 12," Sekscinski said.

Sekscinski put the total at $1,300 to $1,650 for a couple and $1,700 to $2,000 for a small family.

San Antonio

From the historic Alamo to the Japanese Tea Garden and botanical sites, San Antonio offers plenty of experiences for families on a Thanksgiving vacation.

Sekscinski recommended strolling through the River Walk and historic downtown area for “many free and low-cost things to see.”

Flights cost $300 to $450 depending on where you are coming from. Sekscinski estimated the cost for a three-night stay at a mid-range hotel during the Thanksgiving holiday to fall in the range of $450 to $550.

If you drive, gas will likely cost $250 to $350, and you’ll spend an average of $450 for dining out over the course of the trip. Add entry fees for attractions, museums and historic sites, and Sekscinski estimated the total cost for two would fall between $1,500 to $1,900

Savannah, Georgia

Classic Southern charm, beautiful architecture and a vibrant culture draw couples and families to this city nestled on the banks of the Savannah River.

To save on lodging costs, Sekscinski suggested staying at a hotel outside the expensive historic sections. He noted this will also give you an opportunity to explore the city on foot.

In his experience, you should plan on spending “in the neighborhood of $500 to $650 for accommodations, $350 to $450 for travel and [an average] of $450 for meals."

Attractions and tours typically cost $100 to $200 for the four days during this time of year, bringing the estimated total Thanksgiving vacation spend to $1,400 to $1,800.

The Bottom Line

Every destination here comes in under $2,000, but the real savings come from the same few habits: staying just outside the most expensive neighborhoods, driving when it’s practical and picking free or cheap activities for at least some of your days.

Prices for lodging and flights climb fast during the holiday week, so booking early is the easiest way to protect your budget. Check current rates before you commit, because the numbers above are estimates, not guarantees.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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