For the past several years, I made it a point to get out of town on Thanksgiving, with my excuse it was my birthday weekend and the perfect time to use some vacation days. Plus, why stay in one place when you can go somewhere else? I asked. If my and my husband’s families wanted to see us for the holiday, they’d have to catch us the day before, because we’d be out of there as early as Wednesday. Chicago was always my destination of choice, and my plans were always simple — great food, lots of shopping and lots of drinks.
This year, however, the tables have turned, and I am returning to my birthplace for Thanksgiving — a small town in Kentucky. It’s not exciting, the Black Friday shopping is limited to Walmart or JC Penney’s, and the WiFi is spotty at best. I will be making half of Thanksgiving dinner instead of ordering it off a menu, and my tequila will be replaced by sweet tea because I have to “behave myself” for the family.
So why go? I asked myself the same thing until I realized that, sometimes, regardless of all the places you can or want to travel, the best place to go is where you came from in the first place. Sometimes it’s better to serve up a poorly made pecan pie than to order a chef’s reinterpretation of pie off a gourmet menu. Sometimes it’s better to rack up points on Guitar Hero with my little brother than rack up points on my credit card from an overabundance of Black Friday shopping. Sometimes it’s just nice to be with the people you care about for the holidays.
Before the rush of 2016 travel starts up again, make time to travel back to where you came from. You may find you enjoy it more than you’re expecting.
— Holly Riddle, marketing & sales assistant
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMelt into Mediterranean Charm in Barcelona and Costa Brava
Usually regarded for its Modernist architecture, centuries of artistic influence and polarizing football team, Barcelona has come into its own as a growing tech hub. The capital of Catalonia hosts the annual Mobile World Congress each March, and its Poble Nou neighborhood cradles some of the world’s most recognizable startups like TravelPerk and Typeform.
Sponsored Content
The Art of Balance in Seoul: Beyond the Boardroom
The value of a destination is no longer defined solely by infrastructure, efficiency or scale. Increasingly, it is measured by a city’s ability to balance productivity with well-being — creating opportunities for focus, restoration and more meaningful connections.
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Ireland’s Dromoland Castle Announces Landmark Transformation
This November, Dromoland Castle is set to close its doors for six months for its largest redevelopment in its 63 years as a hotel. Set to reopen in June 2027, the 16th-century property in County Clare will debut a one-of-a-kind transformation with updates to accommodations, public spaces, wellness facilities, culinary features and more.
Destinations
Sep 21, 20266 Reasons to Put Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Your Travel List
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with us.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Daily
Sep 21, 2026Women’s Retreats Now Available at Six Senses Kyoto, Six Senses Kanuhura
Designed to be a supportive experience for women of all ages, The Yin Way Retreat — The Way of a Woman is a new experience available to guests this year at Six Senses Kanuhura in the Maldives. It’s available Oct. 1 to 4 in the Maldives, and at Six Senses Kyoto in Japan Dec. 11 to 14.
Seven Seas Prestige to Feature New Spaces
September 2026
Sep 19, 2026Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
ShareThis