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Thanksgiving Day is a public holiday in the United States of America which it is believed to date back to the Pilgrims when they received an abundant harvest.
The day was marked to celebrate their gratitude and still to this date it is one of the most significant holidays on the US calendar.
Many individuals often take a few days off as vacation days and hence it is the perfect time to consider a trip to the Caribbean.
There are numerous Caribbean islands that can be accessed via short non-stop flights for persons seeking to spend Thanksgiving Day in the Caribbean.
So let us dive into some awesome suggestions for a quick thanksgiving getaway.
1. Puerto Rico
The Spanish Speaking Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is an excellent place to consider to spend Thanksgiving as it is an overseas territory of mainland USA.
It is a bank holiday and meals consist of turkey, roasted pork, plantains and beans.
Black Friday is also a major tradition where many businesses offer deals on the island.
Puerto Rico has the longest Christmas season which is for approximately 45 days.
It commences right after Thanksgiving Day and finishes mid-January.
Where To Stay In Puerto Rico
The capital city of Old San Juan is a great place to stay for sightseeing, soaking up the culture, and visiting historic landmarks.
We recommend Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and CasaBlanca Hotel for your stay in San Juan.
Alternatively, if you are thinking of spending time at the beach and enjoying fine dining, we recommend that you stay in Condado.
For accommodations, we recommend El Canario Lagoon Hotel and Acacia Boutique Hotel.
For a more upscale experience, we suggest AC Hotel By Marriott San Juan Condado and Condado Palm Inn San Juan and Tapestry Collection By Hilton.
2. US Virgin Islands
Along the same lines as Puerto Rico mentioned above, Thanksgiving Day is also a holiday in the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands consists of four major islands being St Croix, St Thomas, St John and Water Island and about 50 smaller islets and cays.
For stay in the US Virgin Islands, we recommend St Thomas as it is the only island with an international airport and also the where most of the commercial activities takes place.
Thanksgiving in the US Virgin islands bear many similarities to the US mainland.
Turkey, mash potatoes and gravy forms part of the main meal served.
The US Virgin islands are excellent to visit for white sand beaches, hiking and luxury shopping.
Brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Little Switzerland, Diamonds International and Bebe have a presence on the island.
Each visitor to St Thomas including children is allowed $1600 each of duty free purchases back into the USA.
So you can begin your Christmas shopping early!
Where To Stay In St Thomas
The best place to stay on the island in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. The Pink Palm Hotel, Castle Villas and Windward Passage Hotel are our recommendations for stay in the capital.
If you are seeking a high end alternative near Havensight Mall, we recommend Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove.
This mall is a great location for shopping for high end items, jewelery and souvenirs.
3. Jamaica
Another phenomenal destination option to consider to spend Thanksgiving in the Caribbean is Jamaica.
Fondly regarded as the land of wood and water, Jamaica is an exceptional island to visit as it is diverse.
There are white sand beaches, golf courses, rivers, waterfalls and other excursions to make your stay memorable.
Additionally, one cannot say Jamaica without talking about the unique West Indian cuisine of the island.
Ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, festival and bammy are some of the dishes that are special to Jamaica.
So if you have to take a short getaway to the Caribbean, you will be delighted to know that the journey is less than two hours from Miami International Airport.
Where To Stay In Jamaica
If you are considering spending time in Negril and the iconic Seven Mile Beach, we recommend Negril Treehouse Resort, Merrils Beach Resort II and Negril Palms.
Furthermore, to enjoy the countryside of Montego Bay, Toby’s Resort and Altamont West Hotel are excellent accommodation providers.
For all inclusive options in Montego Bay, S Hotel Jamaica and Riu Reggae are two amazing choices.
Alternatively, if you are interested in staying in Ocho Rios, Ocean Palms, Hibiscus Lodge Hotel and Pineapple Court Hotel are places that we recommend.
4. Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic is one of the most visited destinations for tourists to the Caribbean.
The destination is unique in that it shares that the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. The island is green lush and mountainous in look and feel.
White sand beaches are plenteous with the most famous one being Bavaro Beach which is one of the longest in the Caribbean.
Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean region in Dominican Republic and the 16th highest point of elevation compared to other islands worldwide. It stands at an elevation of 10,125 feet.
Most notably, Dominican Republic is also home to the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean Salto de Jalda.
It is a breath taking 400 foot drop and is situated about two hours’ drive from Punta Cana.
Where To Stay In The Dominican Republic
We recommend the capital city of Santo Domingo for persons interested in sightseeing.
Catalonia Santo Domingo and Radisson Hotel Santo Domingo are two locations to consider for stay in the capital city.
Alternatively, Punta Cana is one of the most popular areas to stay in Dominican Republic for beaches and a bustling nightlife atmosphere.
Hotel Marimba, Punta Cana and Hotel and Casino Flamboyan are great places to consider for your stay on Bavaro Beach which is one of the longest in the Caribbean
For all inclusive experience, we suggest Catalonia Royal Bavaro, RIU Palace Bavaro and Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine.
5. Bahamas
Our final suggestion is the beautiful Caribbean island of the Bahamas which is also another option that is perfect for a quick getaway.
It takes less than two hours from Miami International Airport to the Bahamas.
The destination is loved for its vibrant nightlife atmosphere especially in the Nassau area.
The Bahamas is also a great destination for white sand beaches and one of the most famous activities is swimming with the pigs on Exuma Island.
Where To Stay In The Bahamas
The best place to stay in the Bahamas for easy access to a range tours and proximity to key landmarks as well as the night life hotspots is the Nassau.
For more budget friendly accommodations, we recommend Ocean West Boutique Hotel and Orange Hill Beach Inn.
For a high end premium experience in Nassau, we suggest Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS at Baha Mar.
Paradise Island is also a great location to stay. We recommend Comfort Suites Paradise Island, The Coral at Atlantis and The Royal at Atlantis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Go To The Caribbean in November?
November is an excellent time to visit the Caribbean as it is the tail end of the hurricane season and tropical activity significantly reduces in this period. Additionally, it is also the end of the low tourist season. Therefore attractions are not crowded when compared to the high season.
Does Grenada Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Grenada celebrates October 25 annually as Thanksgiving Day to remember the US led invasion of the island to restore political stability after the assassination of the then prime minister Maurice Bishop, leader of the New Jewel Movement. Locals use the day to relax as well as spend time with family.
Final Thoughts: Best Caribbean Islands To Spend Thanksgiving
We trust that you found our suggestions in this article helpful as you consider spending Thanksgiving Day in the Caribbean.
Peradventure, you have a preferred destination that was not featured in this article, feel free to continue reading using the search bar above this page.
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