Best International Destinations for Thanksgiving

If you’re ready to celebrate Thanksgiving in an international destination, read on for three perfect options.

Costa Rica, British Virgin Islands and St. Lucia, offer unique opportunities of adventure, culture and cuisine providing the perfect setting for moments of reflection and gratitude.

Please find all the details below.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has recently added Thanksgiving to its calendars, officially recognizing it as a holiday in 2022. However, this doesn’t mean that the celebration proceeds the way Canadians and Americans do. Costa Rica provides much more to experience when visiting over the holiday weekend.

• Affordable Costs and Fewer Crowds: Thanksgiving weekend usually equates to inflated flight prices nationwide. However, Costa Rica provides a hassle-free experience when traveling, as October and November aren’t the most popular months for tourists.
• An Abundance of Biodiversity: While Thanksgiving provides gorgeous fall weather, Costa Rica’s lush biodiversity provides a stunning backdrop for every visitor’s Thanksgiving plans. The country is blessed with rainforests, gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, and mineral-rich thermal hot springs that visitors can take advantage of throughout their journey. Visit Sarapiquí for feasible access to the breathtaking waters and rainforests, or experience the Turrialba Volcano National Park, which draws gorgeous mountain views.
• Extraordinary Animals and Thrilling Activities: Visitors can take a dip in the relaxing volcanic waters of the Arenal Hot Springs, with a stunning view of the volcano right beside making the perfect backdrop for any holiday photo. Thrill-seeking groups can take advantage of the vast mountains, flowing rivers, and unspoiled rainforests that become a playground for visitors. Activities that can be found in Costa Rica for these adventure travelers include ziplining in Los Santos and hiking in the rainforest cloud reserves, white water river rafting in the Savegre River, and skydiving and driving ATV’s at Quepos.
• Traditional and Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Meals: Several popular beach towns contain a plethora of Thanksgiving-style meals to enjoy with family and friends. It is becoming more and more common to see hotels offering holiday-styled buffets that include traditional Thanksgiving meal items across the country.  Others may want to enjoy the exquisite foods Costa Rica has to offer. The country provides a rich source of native, naturalized, and exotic ingredients, with over 15,000 chefs creating sustainable Costa Rican cuisine. Freshness and ancestral roots are at the core of local cuisine, with dishes such as ceviches, tamales, gallo pinto, and much more.

British Virgin Islands – Anegada Lobster Fest

Every November, The British Virgin Islands hosts its annual BVI Food Fete, a month-long celebration spotlighting the BVI’s local flavors with the ultimate combination of food, sun and sea. Among the most popular BVI Food Fete events is the annual Anegada Lobster Fest. Taking place on the drowned island of Anegada, the event is designed as an island-wide scavenger hunt where residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the island while sampling freshly-caught Anegada spiny lobster flavors and decadent dishes. Now in its 11th year, the event takes place annually the weekend following American Thanksgiving (November 24 – November 26, 2023) with each participating restaurant featuring live music, set against a backdrop of the best beaches in

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St. Lucia

Break out of tradition this Thanksgiving; celebrate the holiday on the island of St. Lucia at Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort. The resort welcomes U.S. guests to relax over this holiday break, taking a step back from cooking and planning to instead soak in the Island sun and breathtaking views of the Caribbean! Please see below for what Windjammer is offering on the holiday:

• Tropical Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving dinner is a time for friends and family to gather and express their gratitude through a shared meal. Windjammer is kicking off their Thanksgiving festivities with a cocktail competition and St. Lucian inspired feast on the 64,000 square-feet of white sandy beach. The celebration will include a special Rum Cocktail, Jerk style turkey, grilling stations, themed desserts and special fireworks at the end of the night
• Giving Gratitude Excursions – Thanksgiving is a holiday to reflect on what is important and give thanks to the people and good fortunes in one’s life. Windjammer has organized two tours that welcome the opportunity for people to connect with nature and learn about themselves and the culture they find themselves surrounded by during this holiday.
  • Connect With Nature: The indigenous people of St. Lucia relied on nature to provide nutrition, balance and adventure. This excursion offers this experience through allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature through a serene, tropical rainforest hike, followed by restorative yoga and a snapshot of the “ital” way of life. Guests will be treated to ital cuisine made entirely of local produce.
  • Rafting Retreat: A downstream rafting experience with a well stocked cooler, lush vegetation on either side of the river and a knowledgeable guide to drift guests down the river. During the excursion, the raft will make its way to a mangrove where guests will settle into a peaceful breathwork and meditation class, keeping mind and body in sync with nature’s blessings.