Whether home or away, there’s little difference in the Thanksgiving traditions of two of our US-born Tripbods, Martha, a Chef now living in London, and Tyler, TV exec in Tinseltown, LA.
No gimmicks, no gifts, and no religion. It’s all about celebrating the day your way, spending time together with close friends and family in the style you enjoy most.
Wherever you are in the world on Thanksgiving, quality-time with loved ones in something we all cherish, so let’s take our lead from Martha and Tyler, and celebrate!
Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the States – not being religious means pretty much everyone celebrates it! It may have started as a remembrance of the Native Americans and the pilgrims but has evolved to be a day to come together with family and friends.
Food is a major part of the day, and there is always a lot of it. The women are often in the kitchen getting everything together, while the men and kids sit and watch American football on TV. The usual spread consists of turkey (the star) and a large selection of side dishes.
These can vary depending on whose house you go to, each family has their own traditions. There is usually mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, candied yams and probably a green bean casserole. My favourite parts are the stuffing and mashed potatoes and of course the pumpkin pie for dessert!
Since I’ve moved over to London it’s been important for me to celebrate Thanksgiving – I’ve always gotten together with other American and English friends and had meals at home. Since the holiday falls on a Thursday it can be difficult to celebrate as it’s not a holiday in England, but it doesn’t feel right to do it on a weekend day. I’ve found it’s fun to celebrate it here with friends because I can introduce them to my traditions, and they can do the same with theirs. Seeing everyone get so excited about the holiday that I love so much is great!
When I first moved here I worried that I wouldn’t get to celebrate it, but now I know that it’s the type of holiday that everyone can get behind, no matter what country they’re from, because it’s about food, family and friends. I guess everyone can relate to a holiday that’s about those things!
Thanksgiving is so family oriented that many people go to their family’s homes in LA. This means that the LA city streets are pretty dead over the holiday.  Most locals go out of town altogether, especially myself and friends, where we have gone to Puerto Vallarta EVERY year for the last 6 years. It is so fun. People from all over the world, including Canada, United Kingdom, Mexico (Puerto Vallarta is the Mexican’s ‘beach destination’), USA and South America head there.
I recommend staying in the “Romantic Zoneâ€. It is cobblestone streets, café’s with sidewalk seating – a romantic and peaceful area. Full of people on holiday, everyone is in a great mood and looking to have fun. The locals are also very friendly, and accommodating.
During the say, park yourself at a beach “cabana†where you’re served, drinks, food and fun! Local vendors walk amongst the chairs on the beach, selling whatever they think will be the next big seller. You can buy everything from any tchotchke you want to good gifts for friends back home. You also feel very safe at night walking down the streets after the clubs close –  a great traditional Thanksgiving getaway!
Travelling alone in LA or London this Thanksgiving but want to experience the US tradition? Whichever side of the pond you’re on, family and friends may be far away, but you can still share in the spirit of Thanksgiving by dining out for a traditional Turkey dinner with all the trimmings:
Best Thanksgiving meals in London from TimeOut
Best Thanksgiving meals in LA from About
