Where to Go During Thanksgiving Break?
Discover the Dominican Republic
Thanksgiving weekend — that long-awaited pause between the rush of autumn and the festive season — is the perfect time to trade the cold winds for warm tropical air.
If you’re wondering where to go during Thanksgiving break, the answer might be closer than you think: the Dominican Republic.
Just a few hours from most major U.S. cities, this Caribbean gem offers short, direct flights, white-sand beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and a mix of adventure and relaxation that makes it ideal for a quick family escape.
From Thursday, November 27 to Sunday, November 30, you can experience an entirely different world — one of sun, culture, and nature — without jet lag or long travel times.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Dominican Republic is one of the best short Thanksgiving getaways for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. We’ll look at how easy it is to reach, what to see and do in four days, and why Los Haitises National Park and the eco-retreat of Caño Hondo might just be the peaceful change of scenery you’ve been craving.
Short flights, big change of scenery
One of the main reasons the Dominican Republic is perfect for Thanksgiving weekend is its proximity to the United States. Unlike destinations that require trans-Atlantic flights or long transfers, the Dominican Republic is just a three- to four-hour journey from most East Coast cities.
From Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando, you can reach Punta Cana International Airport in under two and a half hours. From Atlanta, New York City, Boston, or Charlotte, it’s only about four hours.
Even travellers from Chicago, Dallas, or Washington D.C. can arrive in the Caribbean sunshine in less than five hours of flight time.
That means you can leave home on Thursday morning, land before lunchtime, and be swimming in turquoise water by the afternoon.
Punta Cana’s airport — one of the most efficient and tourist-friendly in the Caribbean — offers daily direct flights from over 25 major U.S. airports.
The moment you step off the plane, you’re greeted by tropical warmth, smiling faces, and ocean air.
The short distance and multiple flight options make the Dominican Republic one of the most accessible short-stay destinations for Americans wanting a quick but meaningful break during Thanksgiving weekend.
No jet lag, no exhausting travel schedule — just sunshine, sea, and serenity.
Why the Dominican Republic is perfect for a Thanksgiving getaway
When the temperatures drop at home, the Dominican Republic remains pleasantly warm — around 85°F (29°C) in late November. The sea is calm and perfect for swimming, the skies are blue, and the evenings are cooled by gentle ocean breezes.
But beyond the weather, what makes the country so appealing is its balance between rest and exploration. It’s the kind of destination where families can spend mornings snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, afternoons wandering through local villages, and evenings enjoying fresh seafood by the sea.
The Dominican lifestyle is naturally welcoming and easygoing. It’s a place where you can slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and still feel that sense of adventure that makes a trip memorable.
Thanksgiving in the Dominican Republic doesn’t mean missing out on comfort — many resorts and local restaurants even offer special dinners for the occasion, blending Caribbean flavours with traditional holiday dishes.
And for those who prefer to spend their break away from crowds, the country offers eco-lodges, national parks, waterfalls, and cultural heritage sites that show the true spirit of the island.
In short, it’s not just a beach holiday — it’s a complete change of rhythm. A Thanksgiving break in the Dominican Republic is the perfect mix of sunshine, family bonding, and cultural discovery — all within a four-day escape.
Los Haitises & Caño Hondo — nature at its purest
If you want your Thanksgiving getaway to include a touch of adventure, head toward the northeast coast, where nature still reigns.
The Los Haitises National Park is a spectacular world of mangroves, caves, and limestone formations covered in lush greenery. It’s home to tropical birds, calm bays, and ancient Taíno rock art carved centuries ago.
Nearby lies Caño Hondo, a peaceful eco-area surrounded by rivers and natural pools fed by mountain springs — an ideal place to unwind and experience authentic Dominican wilderness.
Spending a couple of days here offers the perfect contrast to the beach resorts: quiet, green, and genuinely rejuvenating.
For travellers seeking a short yet meaningful nature escape, Los Haitises and Caño Hondo are the perfect reminder of how rich and diverse the Dominican Republic truly is.
A destination made for connection
So, where to go during Thanksgiving break?
For travellers dreaming of sunshine, short flights, and a real sense of escape, the Dominican Republic offers it all.
From its effortless accessibility to its mix of beaches, culture, and nature, this island is the ultimate short-stay Thanksgiving getaway.
And whether you spend your weekend basking on the sands of Punta Cana or exploring the wild landscapes of Los Haitises, you’ll find the same simple truth:
gratitude feels even better under the Caribbean sun.
Who are we?
Tropical Evasion is a local agency specialized in Tailor-made private tours across the Dominican Republic.
We offer authenticity, comfort, and safety, with tailor-made itineraries and personalized support.
📞 WHATSAPP CONTACT:
+1 (829) 424-1391
Embark on a Custom Adventure !
Experience unforgettable excursions!
Explore the Dominican Republic with Tropical Évasion
Whether you’re passionate about nature, cultural discoveries, or sea adventures, the Dominican Republic is full of treasures waiting to be explored. From the paradise beaches of Saona to the breathtaking peaks of Montaña Redonda, every excursion is an invitation to escape.
With Tropical Évasion, enjoy an exclusive and immersive experience in small groups, aboard luxury boats or off-road vehicles, for unforgettable moments far from traditional tourist routes.
Book your excursion now and let yourself be amazed by the authenticity of the Dominican Republic!
Follow us on social media…
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Saurez-vous trouver la sortie ? 👀🔍
On vous présente notre nouvelle excursion au départ de La Romana ou Bayahíbe, disponible tous les mardis en petit groupe de maximum 10 personnes pour une expérience vraiment privilégiée.
En demi-journée, explorez les Cuevas Maravillas, un site naturel impressionnant, puis amusez-vous dans un labyrinthe mystérieux qui plaira autant aux adultes qu’aux enfants.
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Prêts à relever le défi et trouver la sortie ?
Will YOU find the way out? 👀🔍
Here’s our brand-new excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe, available every Tuesday in a small group of up to 10 people for a more exclusive experience.
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Personne ne t’emmène ici…
Et c’est bien pour ça que c’est magique ✨
Une expérience unique depuis Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Petite équipe, max 14 personnes, pour une journée hors du commun.
☀️ Cano Hondo : petit-déj, cascades, baignade, déjeuner local.
🚤 Puis cap sur Los Haitises : grottes, nature brute & plage sauvage.
📅 Chaque mercredi — guide 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up dès 6h30 / retour vers 19h
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Réserve ici : https://tropicalevasion.com/cascade-cano-hondo-et-parc-national-los-haitises/
An exclusive experience from Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Small group — max 14 people — for a day off the beaten path.
☀️ Cano Hondo: local breakfast, waterfalls, swim & Dominican lunch.
🚤 Then off to Los Haitises: caves, wild beach & pure nature.
📅 Every Wednesday — guides in 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up from 6:30 AM / back around 7 PM.
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