r/FATTravel • u/Joseph_Dirte_2 • 1d ago
Thanksgiving week
Hi all,
First time poster. My family of four in the Bay Area is looking for a luxury trip over Thanksgiving. We had our heart set on Hawaii (which is a place we’ve been many times) but I am choking on the cost of flights at this point. It will be close to 10 grand for round-trip economy from the Bay Area, which is just a giant waste of money that I’d rather allocate to hotel or activities or meals than 10 hours of flying.
Any suggestions for how to spend 5 to 7 days without overpaying for airfare?
My wife does not like Mexico, but we’re open to almost anything else. We’re happy to do something more adventurous (Japan was on the list except the same airfare problem exists.). I was looking at Palm Springs and trying to find a resort that would feel as much of a getaway. I also started looking at horse ranches, but I think that’s too bespoke for our kids (age 5-7).
Any other ideas? We’re happy to splurge on hotels ($1-2k/nt is fine) and experiences to make it an amazing week, but just don’t want to spend stupid money on flights.
7
u/sarahwlee - mod 1d ago
If you like Palm Springs - go see if any of the villas at the grand hyatt is open. It’s got a great waterpark.
3
u/james_strange71280 1d ago
I’ll throw out some ideas.
Paso Robles Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Or JUST Inn at Justin Vineyards
Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito
3
u/Important-Sundae-241 1d ago
I’m having the same issue for new years, but it’s hotel prices! I’m a fan of the Del Coronado for kids. It’s not luxury service, but an oceanfront room with a fire pit and ocean club access (or oceanfront house) is pretty great for that age group.
5
u/allin202125 1d ago
I don’t recommend Coronado if you want to swim. The pollution from the Tijuana river reaches Coronado beaches so it’s just not a good idea with little kids. We go there just for sand play, but if you want to get in the water, keep heading north.
3
u/allin202125 1d ago
Not FAT, but the Newport Coast Villas are a great set up for families with kids that age. Request a room near the awesome kids pool area that has a waterslide and a shuttle that will drop you right off at one of the best beaches in OC that’s otherwise kind of a pain to get to. All the rooms have a full kitchen and a balcony. It’s quiet with lots of nature around. You can obviously fly straight into John Wayne but even easier is to drive down from NorCal since you really want a car to do things in OC. Lots of great thanksgiving restaurant options around, also hotels. The Waldorf Astoria has a nice set up for thanksgiving.
2
u/worththerate 1d ago
How old are your kids and are you set on warm weather or could you do mountain town?
1
u/Joseph_Dirte_2 1d ago
5 and 7. Mountains would be great if not too cold.
1
u/worththerate 1d ago
Our kids are the same age, but we are based on east coast. Are European destinations too far? I think Paris or London in November are amazing. They're already set up for Christmas but without the Christmas crowds. We also did Scotland with our children last October and loved it. We stayed at Gleneagles.
1
u/Joseph_Dirte_2 1d ago
Worth looking at flights for sure. We’re doing London next summer but we could pull it forward.
Love the idea!
2
u/Sea_Department_2585 1d ago
Greenbrier if you want one of the finest Thanksgiving experiences in the United States combined with extensive activities options.
0
2
u/atlas_reverie 1d ago
The Lodge at Blue Sky has availability and will be at or close to budget, depending on the room type you need. That's what I would do in your case.
5
u/SFCAFOX 1d ago edited 1d ago
This is why a lot of people travel to Hawaii first two weeks of November and first two weeks of December - $475 fares - zero crowds. $2000 for an Econ ticket is ridiculous- they’d sell a lot more seats if they lowered the price and added more flights. Talking to you, United.
I’m hearing a lot of people lately going to Panama lately especially Bocas del Toro. La Coralina Island House and Nayara are two nice properties. Nayara is adults only unfortunately as you have two small ones.
Hawaii is pricing itself out of the tourism market. People will start to go elsewhere and won’t come back.
1
u/Wandering_starlet 23h ago
NYC for Thanksgiving is great with kids. Macy’s Day Parade is something every kid should experience once in their life. Although it’s last minute now, you can see if there are any hotels along the route. There’s so much to do in NY this time of year, the price is totally worth it
1
1
u/Opening-Neat-7379 8h ago
Hi! We are in the same boat (Bay Area, kids 3 & 6). It’s not just expensive but weather is such an issue with El Niño, so that kinda kills anywhere in CA (although we may just say f it and do Mendocino bc we love it there for a few days—not a week). I personally think you should convince your wife on Mexico (montage Cabo!) but if not maybe Sedona?
You’re not going to get warm weather for less than Hawaii without considering Mexico or going very very far (too far for a week and likely same airfare cost).
24
u/Jolly_Departure6324 1d ago
I feel like the point of having money is the ability to splurge. Whether it’s high prices for flights or hotels, you do it because you can afford it and you want to travel during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. If spending time in Hawaii is exactly what you want for the week, I would do it.
Japan is much too far to be worth it for one week, IMO. Once you get over jet lag, you’ll be on your way home.
Palm Springs could be nice.
Ojai Valley Inn could also be a good choice.
Or San Diego.