For many, Thanksgiving travel has always meant overpriced rates, delays and long lines to get anywhere, *(I do consider this a valid point of view), although I like to think of any 4 day long holiday as the opportunity to travel. Whether it’s going back to my hometown to have the big dinner with family and catch up with friends, or to use this break as the perfect excuse to head off to someplace new. More often than not, I find myself packing my bags in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, so if you’re not one of the millions heading home this holiday, let me suggest a few locales to explore, away from the Thanksgiving travel masses.

1.  Head South of the Border for Sun, Sand & Culture in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Residents of the Western half of the US can opt for Puerto Vallarta as a great getaway destination as you can easily have sun, sand and great Mexican culture in under a 3 hour flight from many states.

Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa is my choice hands down if you want that luxury boutique hotel experience and the ability to be walking distance to the downtown art galleries, shops, restaurants and excitement. It’s one of the few downtown hotels with a truly great beach that happens to be private, and apart from the fabulous gourmet cuisine, which is an experience on it’s own, the thermal pools and sauna areas of the spa are included for all guests to enjoy.

Although PV is quite the cultural center on Mexico’s Pacific coast, and you can easily fill your days with relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa and exploring the unique establishments in town, your getaway would not be complete without escaping to the pure nature of the Marieta Islands on a chartered boat.  Mikes Fishing has great, private charters and they have the local insight to take you out early enough so you can enjoy snorkeling around in your own private island paradise.  Around noon, head out to sea and away from the crowds then return around sunset after a complete day of bliss.

If you’re looking to dine off property for a truly remarkable Thanksgiving dinner, Puerto Vallarta is “the foodie destination” of Mexico, with a huge variety from local and inventive hole in the wall establishments that blow your mind to award winning gastronomic experiences. Café des Artistes, Chef Thierry Blouet’s flagship in town is the place to go for a multi course celebration of the senses, set amidst the most intimate and gorgeous backyard garden, your culinary experience is sure to be one Thanksgiving to remember. If a spectacular Pacific sunset and fabulous food is what you’re after, head up the hill, and keep driving up, up, up, until you’ve reached Vista Grill. Here you’ll feel like you’ve arrived to your own private rooftop terrace dinner party, so arrive early to enjoy one of their mixologist prepared cocktails then linger over dinner, the sunset and the show of the amber roofed city below turning into a sea of sparkling lights.

2. Explore the Eastern Caribbean Via Cruising on the Celebrity Silhouette

Southeast and East Coast travelers wanting to venture out beyond the typical Thanksgiving mold and find luxury and relaxation at their fingertips, can take a short flight to Ft. Lauderdale or even drive to catch the Celebrity Silhouette, departing on November 23^rd for a full week in the Eastern Caribbean. This is the perfect getaway for families and large groups wanting to do something together for the Thanksgiving holiday, yet desiring a change of scenery at the same time.   Due to the low demand of cruises during this week of the year, the prices are a fraction of their normal rates, so the value really adds up for the family.

Active groups and families will love the multi port itinerary, including Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and St. Maarten, as well as the gourmet culinary experience, entertainment and relaxation while at sea. Just think, Thanksgiving dinner, in an open air, lawn setting in the middle of the sea, now that’s a first.

3.  A Little Taste of Europe Directly North – Montreal, Canada

*Photo via Redoxreaction for Visit Montreal

Many Northeasterners are merely a road trip away, and for the rest of us located within the Eastern half of the US, we can experience a little French flair easily within an hour our two via flight in Montreal. This is the perfect city to practice my favorite European tourism past time of being a short term local.

When heading to Montreal, pick one of the hip neighborhoods like Mile End, that’s overflowing with local flavor and establish your residency right away. This can be easily done via choosing an AirBnB apartment to call your own for the duration of your stay, like this elegant and spacious flat, full of character and currently available this Thanksgiving for an affordable rate of $118 / night.

Since you’re now a temporary local of Mile End, you’ll have to start your day with a cup of coffee at the eclectic and buzzing Le Cagibi Café, then take a morning stroll like your neighbors in Parc Jeanne Mance. Mid day, lose yourself for hours in the vintage havens of Lost & Found Shop, Amacord, L’Arterie and Les Etoffs, or discover a new favorite of your own, as there are many others in the area.

Early evening hours can best be spent by checking out the live music at one of the many nearby locales featuring open mics almost everyday, like Casa del Popolo or even return to Le Cagibi (it’s worth repeating), and enjoying a few drinks while chatting up the new neighbors. Later, head to the quirky chic Sparrow for a more upscale hipster vibe and enjoy some great eats for dinner as well.

By now, you’re officially an established short term resident of Montreal. You’ve got your intro to town, made local friends to invite for Thanksgiving dinner and you’re ready to venture out and explore the next layer, Marche Jean-Talon, Montreal’s top public market. Get there early in the day to purchase all of your Thanksgiving ingredients and stay for a few hours to enjoy a lunch and take in your surroundings.  Welcome to the neighborhood!

A little pumpkin and spice is always nice as the weather starts cooling off in the fall, but these Thanksgiving themed cocktails really take the holiday theme up a notch.

I’m thinking this year I may skip the pie altogether and choose to drink my desert with these four delectable goodies!

Herradura Calabatini

 Ingredients:

• 1 ½ ounces Herradura Reposado Tequila
• ½ ounce Monin Pumpkin Spice Syrup
• 3 ounces half-and-half
• Cinnamon for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Yields 1 glass.

*Via Cocktails.about.com

Sparkling Pumpkin Cider Beertail 

*Via Pinterest.com/britandco/

 Ingredients

• 3 Bottles of Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale
• ½ Bottle of Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
• 4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 4 Lemmon Wedges
• Cinnamon for garnish

Place one cinnamon stick in each glass. Pour Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale until the glass is about three quarters full, then fill to the top with cider making a nice foam. Squeeze lemon on top and sprinkle cinnamon.

Yields 4 glasses

Apple Pumpkintini

 Ingredients:

• 2 ½ tbs. Pumpkin Puree
• 3 ounces Apple Cider
• 2 ounces Vanilla Vodka
• 1 ounce Ginger Ale
• Cinnamon and Sugar

* Via Eat-Drink-Love.com

Mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow dish. Rub apple cider along the rim of each martini glass. Dip the rim of each glass into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.

In a cocktail shaker, add ice, pumpkin puree, apple cider, vodka and ginger ale. Shake well and pour into martini glasses.

Yields 2 glasses

Pumpkin Pie Martini

*Via NoblePigWinery.com

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Vanilla Vodka
• ¼ cup Crème de Cacao
• ½ cup Heavy Crème
• 1 ½ teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice

Add all ingredients into drink shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glasses. Enjoy!

Yields 4 glasses

With the holidays right around the corner and the ever stressful Thanksgiving travel waiting at the end of the month, a little travel horoscope prediction by KGlyphics is always good to keep in your back pocket.  Safe journeys and enjoy a little turkey for me!

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

Aquarians travel focus will be surrounded by a deep caring male figure in their life. It could be a husband, boyfriend, father or close friend. They deeply care about you but may not always express it. If you do get a chance to go out, Aquarians, it will be near water. Possibly in a party city, but socially drinking may be a focus of your traveling, Aquarians. Maybe you’ll see your favorite band in concert? Or to a bachelor party? Somewhere where you can express your hearts’ desire.

Pisces February 19 – March 20

Delays and setbacks are the theme for Pisces this coming November. If you plan to travel for the holidays be warned that your trip will most definitely be delayed.

Aries March 21 – April 19

This sign may get an invitation from a love interest or a friend to go do some traveling. Somewhere near water, that is romantic and may be a place they have been dreaming of for awhile.

Taurus April 20 -May 20

Travel for your Taurus will be out of passion, maybe visiting a friend, or significant other? You’ll be traveling alone though. But some sort of passion of yours will be the focus or reason of your travels, Taurus, for November.

Gemini May 21 – June 20

If travel happens for you Gemini it will be hard on your wallet! I know for the USA Americans will be celebrating Thanksgiving in November, and see family you haven’t seen in awhile is important, but also taking care of yourself is important as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help financially, and/or make sacrifices. Sometimes skipping on a family reunion maybe better for your wallet and financial situation later on!

Cancer June 21 – July 22

Cancer, you’ll be traveling with someone else whose a close friend this coming month. Maybe it is to a group of friends celebrating something, or creating a new foundation or meeting a new group of friends.

Leo July 23 – August 22

Leo, you’ll be having a really good time emotionally wherever you go! Travel maybe near water, or with a friend you really care about. You might travel alone, or meetup with a friend at a favorite destination. I don’t see you traveling very far, Leo, definitely close to home.

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Virgo, you’ll be visiting with family for the month of November, and growing closer bonds as a result. Pre-established relationships and friendships, are definitely the focus for your travel this coming month Virgo, take advantage of these trips to get to know someone you don’t know very well in your family and/or group of friends!

Libra September 23 – October 22

Libra, if you do have travel plans you might be feeling a bit under the weather and may decide to stay home. Sometimes its OK to take sometime to rest and recover from life. Don’t forget to communicate this to your parties though if you do decide to stay home, sometimes when we’re feeling under the weather, we forget these things.

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

For November, Scorpio, there could be a falling out in regards to your travel plans. Or travel anxiety might get the best of you. Don’t worry though, this too shall pass and know it is just a phase. If you have made plans in October, it might fall through as it was probably made during Mercury Retrograde. Don’t let this incident hurt you though, the good thing is you’ll be able to pick up the pieces and move on.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

In November, Sagittarius you’ll be visiting family! If you celebrate American Thanksgiving you’ll have a great time and it’ll provide some stability in your life. Sometimes we need to get away in order to disconnect to reconnect. It’s OK to let yourself do this and if you do, you’ll be glad you did in the end! Sometimes families put aside struggles for the holidays and focus on what really matters during the holidays – family.

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

For November, Capricorn, you may be the host of someone. Someone may be coming to your house and be visiting you! Don’t be afraid to unleash your knowledge of your hometown or city. Sometimes guests don’t do adequate research before arriving. You’ll feel like running around and putting things together last minute. Travel may be for you in November, but I think you’ll be returning the favor by hosting someone!

Although most people around the world view Halloween as an American created and marketed holiday, having experienced this occasion in more countries than I can count on two hands, I now realize that it has become an internationally adopted holiday for kids and kids at heart to embrace and have fun. For those adventurous celebrants of Halloween, why not travel to one of these unique locales or at least let their festivities inspire your ghoulishly good time at home.

Ireland

The birthplace of this glorious celebration of all things wicked and the originator of Trick or Treating has changed the world forever in the eyes of eager costumed children looking forward to receiving sweet treats on October 31^st.

To experience Halloween to it’s fullest, Westport House, one of Ireland’s grandest historical homes opens it’s gates on their multi day Halloween Fest, Oct. 25^th – 31^st, where the whole family can partake in ghost tours of the 18^th century manor house’s transformation into a Haunted House, Jack O Lantern carving, and a Spooky Train Tour.  Costumes welcome for all.

Miami

On Halloween in Miami, Lincoln Road is where the magic happens. My first year experiencing this hedonistic, tropical version of the fall costume festival really stuck in my mind for years to come. Maybe it was my being a child of the 80’s or perhaps just the pure shock factor, but the group of semi-nude men dressed as Monchichi’s, the popular furry monkey dolls, complete with exposed chests and butts was just too fabulous.

Although that Halloween sighting was years ago, you can still experience some of the best adult costumes the world over (my 2013 pick…the Miley Cyrus VMA’s “Twerking” outfit) at the Lincoln Road parade on Oct. 31^st after sunset. Be sure to make your reservations days in advance for a table at one of the outdoor cafes towards the center of the Mall (pedestrian street)…. my favorites, Books & Books Café for an international variety, Spris for great pizza, pasta and Italian salads or if you’re just drinking…Segafredo is the place to chill. The premium for the table is well worth the price.

Dubai

Heavily influenced by the US and UK celebrations of Halloween, the expat community, locals and tourists gather for a spin on the traditional western Halloween celebration…Spooktacular Brunches. Since Friday brunches are all the rage at Dubai’s top resorts, and this year’s Halloween falls on a Friday, everything will be Halloween themed.

My brunch of choice for this occasion is the Friday Spooktacular Brunch at Madinat Jumeirah’s Al Qasr. Truly the grandest Dubai brunch of all, it’s a full day feast of the town’s top rated Spanish, Thai, French and International culinary experiences, mixed in with the traditional brunch fare and of course including a free flowing bar of bubbly, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as the mojito and pina colada stations.   Topping off the Spooktacular event are the costume contests for all age ranges, with prizing of generous proportions of brunch and other resort credits for the adults and Wild Wadi water park entries for the children… the only question is to bring the kids or not.

After the all day affair of brunch, if you’re looking to keep the party going, one of my favorite Dubai nightspots, 360, is right next door, at the end of the pier Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Their Halloween Exclusive night event is the place to catch the most spectacular sunset in town and celebrate a little longer with festive cocktails and a chic crowd.

Mexico

El Dia De Los Muertos “the day of the dead” has been a celebration for Mexican families since ancient times, honoring both the children and their dead ancestors, in a lesson of the continuity of life. From Oct. 31^st – Nov. 2^nd, the families place altars in their homes that they adorn with candles, flowers, images of the deceased and candies and the family members typically gather to enjoy meals, sweets and drinks together while sharing stories of those passed relatives. The ever present decorated skull can be seen in the homes and everywhere around town during this period.

Xcaret Park in Riviera Maya honors The Day of the Dead in their Festival of Life and Death Traditions, Oct. 30^th – Nov. 2^nd, with a celebration including Halal Pixan (food for the souls), local cuisine and theater and dance performances, in a Mayan interpretation of this UNESCO Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity event. This unique cultural heritage event is included with your entry to Xcaret on any of these days.