US travelers look to Mexico for Thanksgiving Getaways

Thanksgiving travel volumes may look different this season as Americans navigate a changing landscape of travel restrictions amid COVID-19. While the numbers are down from last year, travelers are still planning trips during the traditionally busy holiday season, according to Allianz Partners’ Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index.

Allianz reviewed travel plans around Thanksgiving for outbound flights scheduled between Saturday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. In line with industry predictions of a 75 percent dip in bookings for November, the travel insurance and assistance company noted a similar decrease in flight itineraries for the holiday compared with 2019 during the typical six-week booking window.

For the sixth consecutive year, Mexico (pictured above) will attract more Americans for Thanksgiving than any other international destination, with Cancun, San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta taking the top three spots. In comparison with 2019, Cancun moved up one spot while San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta each jumped up by four places.

Allianz reported that Mexico has been a leader in tourism recovery since COVID-19 began. The country’s accessibility and safety protocols like restricted capacity at resorts to enable proper social distancing may be helping to drive demand, along with the promise of a warm-weather escape. Travelers should be aware that local restrictions may change frequently, including in Puerto Vallarta, which recently announced temporary activity restrictions.