Many Americans find themselves being summoned to the homes of friends and relatives far and wide across the country. As there is nothing more uncomfortable than coming empty-handed to any event, there is also nothing worse than showing up with the same generic bottle of wine like everyone else.

Sharing food can be considered a way of showing love and care, so why not get creative with these easy Thanksgiving recipes for when you're not at home and make something that will be remembered? From things that will last the ride to things that can be made in a flash in your host's kitchen, this collection features gourmet delicacies that everyone will enjoy.

Canapés

Canapés are elegant starters that are both simple to make and easy to eat. Since assembly can be fast and cooking is not necessary, they are perfect to bring along to any Thanksgiving gathering. Impress other guests with bright colors and interesting ingredients that will leave everyone hungry for more. Our favorite combinations are blinis covered with crème fraîche, salmon roe, and dill, as well as crackers topped with goat cheese, honey, and rosemary. Let's just hope there is enough counter space for assembly!

Roasted butternut squash soup

Is there anything more cozy and comforting than a big bowl of roasted butternut squash soup? After a long day of waiting for the feast to begin, this healthy soup can be introduced as a light, delicious, and warming appetizer. This soup actually tastes better when made ahead of time, so the flavors have time to blend, making it perfect for transporting in a Thermos during a car ride. It can be easily made vegetarian or vegan when cream is omitted and vegetable broth is used, so it's perfect for those who find it hard to find meat-free options on Thanksgiving.

Baked macaroni and cheese

A favorite Thanksgiving staple, baked macaroni and cheese is always sure to please. When preparing for a journey ahead, this recipe can be made the morning of and easily taken to the next destination, where hopefully an oven with plenty of room awaits. The traditional recipe calls for plenty of cheese and milk, but bolder chefs can add a twist by mixing in other ingredients, such as onions or broccoli, as well as traditional fall flavors, like smoked cheeses, pumpkin, and butternut squash.

Gourmet coleslaw

Thanksgiving calls for heavy, salty dishes that usually leave guests wishing they had something more fresh. This crunchy and colorful classic side has just that! Perfectly paired alongside turkey and heavier sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes, guests will be thrilled to dig into this red cabbage coleslaw. The crunchiest coleslaw is mixed right before serving to avoid wilting, so the light apple cider vinegar and vegan mayonnaise-based dressing can be mixed ahead of time, and the cabbage can be shredded at home before traveling commences.

Homemade biscuits

Homemade biscuits might sound underwhelming, but they are perfect when traveling long distance. Biscuits can even be made the evening before so they have time to cool down. With simple ingredients, like flour, butter, and baking soda, cooks can feel free to experiment with adding cheeses, herbs, seeds, or dried fruits, as well as substitute normal flour with a more healthy alternative.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Some consider dessert to be their favorite part of a Thanksgiving meal, and pumpkin cupcakes will certainly not disappoint. Simple yet delicious, those looking forward to baking these can do so ahead of time and pop them in the fridge until it's time for them to be served. As easy as using boxed vanilla cake mix and adding a can of pureed pumpkin and a half-tablespoon of cinnamon, these light cupcakes are the perfect compliment to heavy Thanksgiving fare. Top them with a whipped, cream cheese icing and orange and brown sprinkles, and watch them steal the show.

Apple Crisp

Perhaps the most complex dish on our list, apple crisp is certainly worth the effort. When bringing this dessert to another destination, feel free to assemble the ingredients ahead of time. When dinner plates are being cleared and guests are having a breather, pop the pastry in the oven for 20 minutes for the perfect crispy texture. Depending if you are trying to impress, you can opt to make a beautiful creation or a beautiful mess, as both will be equally delicious.

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You've got the food sorted, but what about an alternative accommodation or a list of things you're grateful for? Don't worry—we've got you.

The time of year is fast approaching when the smell of roasted turkey and pumpkin pie fills our homes, the guys crowd around the TV with the football on, and family time is paramount. But what if you'd prefer to escape the annual, traffic-jammed drive back home for something out of the ordinary this Thanksgiving? Forget about carving the turkey, throw down the apron, and set off on an alternative getaway at one of these incredible destinations!

1. The Big Island, Hawaii

How about swapping that football game for an unforgettable trek through rainforests and across incredible, volcanic landscapes? Due to it's proximity to the equator, the weather in Hawaii during fall remains warm and pleasant, making it an ideal escape from the hectic Thanksgiving celebrations back home. Those looking for peace and quiet, beaches and mountains, and stunning surroundings have found their perfect fall retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

"The Big Easy" provides a welcome respite from the traditional festive fall celebrations, with its eclectic mix of jazz and blues bands, French architecture, and rich history. Forget the Thanksgiving shopping list, and experience the buzzing nightlife of Bourbon Street, peruse local art at Jackson Square, and take a steamboat trip down the Mississippi River. Those still craving a festive treat can pop into one of the fabulous eateries in the French Corner for a local Cajun-inspired "turducken," which is a delicious, Thanksgiving turkey stuffed with duck and chicken!

3. Joshua Tree National Park, California

With vast desert landscapes, amazing adventure spots, and spectacular sunsets, Joshua Tree really is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Step out of your comfort zone, and swap the madness of Black Friday for peaceful days surrounded by epic views. While vacationing in this serene oasis, make sure you stop by Keys View to enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the sprawling desert!

4. Costa Rica

Looking to trade in the fall foliage for some warm weather? Costa Rica is perfect for those looking for long stretches of sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant landscapes. With the possibility to take a thrilling zip-line tour high above the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, nobody in the group will be checking their phone for the latest touchdown back home! Moreover, with fewer tourists and cheaper flights than other times of the year, Thanksgiving in Costa Rica is sure to get your blood pumping.

5. Miami, Florida

Avoid slaving away in the kitchen this year and head to "the Magic City" to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime Thanksgiving dinner while cruising around the Biscayne Bay on a luxury yacht. Attractions include the surreal Italian Renaissance-style Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the fascinating Frost Science Museum, and the lively bars and restaurants in Miami Beach—ensuring this coastal retreat will be one to remember. Those who stick around for the weekend can even attend one of Elton John's last-ever concerts at the American Airlines Arena on Saturday at 8 p.m.!

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Keep feeding your craving for all things Thanksgiving with our post on where to hold an out-of-this-world Friendsgiving and how to show your gratitude this year!

Sometimes we forget that Thanksgiving is called "Thanksgiving" for a reason; it's a time where we're meant to reflect and show gratitude. In today's world, it can be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of complaints and negativity, but expressing thankfulness is easier than you think. Here are 9 ways to show gratitude on Thanksgiving!

1. Reflect on privilege

This is a rather abstract concept, but an important one. Your ability to access the internet, go to Glamping Hub, and read this article already indicates your privilege. It is very important to realize that you have a lot to be grateful for. A simple way to do this is for every complaint that you make, state two things that you are thankful for.

2. Hug

Time for a little bit of science! Did you know that hugging releases oxytocin and endorphins? Oxytocin is a hormone that lowers blood pressure, as well as the stress hormone cortisol. Endorphins make you "feel good," and thus, happier. The bottom line is...give a lot of hugs this Thanksgiving!

3. Write cards for loved ones

Perhaps you aren't a person of many words, but it's incredible how a simple card can really make someone's day. Even if it's just a small paragraph expressing your love and appreciation for that person, a little goes a long way.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering may seem to be a cliché way to take action and show gratitude, but that doesn't mean it's any less effective. It's important, too, to make sure you're volunteering for something that is meaningful to you. For example, if you are passionate about keeping the ocean clean, you can volunteer for a beach cleanup. Start getting some inspiration!

5. Donate

Donating is similar to volunteering. Donate to causes that you are passionate about, whether it be to help foster children or save the rainforest, for example. If you donate to something that is important to you, it will have more of an impact on you.

6. Cook with the family

Perhaps this is something that you already do or maybe you are the one who does most of the cooking. If not, however, you should definitely try it out this year. Helping with cooking shows that you love and care about your family, and it's a great way to spend time together. Your family will be grateful for your help, too!

7. Do the chores

No one likes washing dishes, and that is exactly why you should. If you don't help with the cooking, you should contribute to the cleanup process. Sometimes showing gratitude means doing something as simple as helping out around the house; small actions like that are really appreciated.

8. Be present

This is such a simple item, but we often fail to realize that simply being in the presence of loved ones can mean so much. Spending time with each other and sitting around the dinner table is such a wonderful experience and creates memories that last forever. Put away your phone and any other distractions for a second, and allow yourself to really be in the moment.

9. Take time to appreciate nature

Often times, when we reflect on what we are thankful for, we generally think of people and materialistic things, such as a house or electricity. While it's important to appreciate these items, we don't generally think of nature. This is unfortunate, because nature is such an incredible gift. The best way to appreciate the great outdoors is to be in it, so why not celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by nature?

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Hungry for more Thanksgiving posts? Check out our blog on where to host an epic Friendsgiving!

Practicing gratitude is important every time of year, but the Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to reflect on what is important in your everyday life. Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday is reserved for spending time with family, whether that is driving halfway across the country to a relative's house or hosting a gathering at your own home.

Friends, however, also become your family, and those friends deserve to enjoy a time dedicated to sharing delicacies, laughing endlessly, and appreciating one another. Going glamping is the perfect way to acknowledge the importance of the simple things, while indulging in the right way. This collection of our favorite glamping spots for Friendsgiving is intended to inspire everyone to reconnect to what is meaningful during this cozy season.

Upstate New York

While you might meet up with friends every weekend in the city, there is something special about dedicating time to get away and be together in a different environment. This lovely log cabin in Upstate New York is the perfect escape for a Friendsgiving event away from home.

Located in Wilmington, this cabin is well-equipped for the perfect celebration. The gorgeous, full kitchen can accommodate a feast for all, while the lovely dining area is comfortable and warm. Nearby, the Adirondack Mountains boast beautiful landscapes that are perfect for bonding, where you can go hiking and skiing during their getaway.

Lake Michigan

Even in November, a beach trip is sometimes just what everyone needs. While a warm, summer breeze will be swapped for potential snow flurries, there are amazing lake views to be savored from the warmth of this beautiful, beach cottage.

Perfect for up to 12 guests, this open and airy cottage welcomes friends and family alike for some unforgettable memory-making. Located along Lake Michigan, an after-dinner walk can be enjoyed along the shoreline, while groups can go explore nearby Holland State Park during the daytime.

Northern Georgia

The American South is famous for its mild, year-round temperatures, so hosting a Friendsgiving gathering in an outdoor setting is more than possible in late November. These unbelievable, lakefront safari tents are perfect for large groups and epitomize glamping at its finest.

All tents can be rented out together and include real beds, heating, and private bathrooms. For group gatherings of up to 37 people, you can make use of the gorgeous boat house, which features a full kitchen and dining area, perfect for preparing and serving a delicious, Thanksgiving-inspired meal.

Austin, Texas

In Texas, why not make your Friendsgiving getaway more like an extended summer vacation? Trade cozy sweaters for a swimsuit and apple cider for a cool beer while enjoying a November afternoon at this western-style cottage, ideal for a friendly fiesta.

The property features two separate cottages, both beautifully decorated with amazing vintage furnishings for a cozy, yet elegant, ambiance. Outside, you can relax in the sun by the pool and work up an appetite before partaking in bread-breaking and thanks-giving festivities.

Idyllwild, California

By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, residents of Los Angeles could very well be still experiencing a heat wave. The best way to indulge in a festive, fall Friendsgiving in Southern California is to escape to the mountains! This grand, pet-friendly mountain cabin is perfect for everyone looking to spend some time in the cooler temperatures of Idyllwild.

With six spacious bedrooms and multiple decks, you can celebrate each other in the wide-open spaces both within the cottage as well as in the shadows of the surrounding mountains.

Washington State

As the mountains and forests around Seattle, Washington, collect snow and residents start making Thanksgiving plans, friends can plan their break from the festivities and head to this cozy ski cabin in Skykomish, Washington. It's the perfect escape from the city, which allows you to appreciate the surrounding beauty while celebrating friendship and life. After a filling meal enjoyed at the cabin, you can go skiing, hiking, and even horseback riding to burn those holiday calories. After a full day of exploring (or eating) guests can relax in the luxurious sauna, watch a film inside, or snuggle around the fire pit.

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Keep an eye on the Glamping Hub blog for more Thanksgiving inspiration, ideas, and getaways coming soon!

Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year. It's a great time to reconnect with your family and closest friends. We all can admit, however, that it can also get a bit stressful. As much as you love your nearest and dearest, you might feel like you need an escape before you return to the daily grind. Well, don't worry—we've got you covered! Below are some of our suggestions for a brilliant, post-Thanksgiving escape.

Upstate New York

New York has long been a top winter destination...and with good reason! The Adirondack region is home to some of the best winter activities in the whole state. The idyllic village of Lake Placid has the beautiful Mirror Lake, as well as an Olympic ski jump complex and bobsleigh course.

Whiteface Mountain is home to some of the best skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling and other winter sports activities in the entire eastern United States. Old Forge offers lake cruises and hiking up Bald Mountain and through the local trails.

Those who want more hiking adventures should check out the New York stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Why not relax after an action-packed day at this luxury lodge with a Jacuzzi and a hot tub?

Phoenix-Scottsdale, Arizona

Phoenix shines in the winter, as its scorching summer weather often puts off visitors. It is an excellent place to relax and unwind. While not known for its nightlife, leisure in this metropolitan area is abundant. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of shops, golf, and spa days. Phoenix is also perfectly situated for those who want to visit the Grand Canyon.

Moreover, the city is well-known for its array of museums, including the Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum, which displays a range of artworks and historical artifacts. A crowning jewel is the Desert Botanical Garden, where visitors can learn more about the desert fauna of the southwest.

How about getting a true sense of desert living in this sophisticated cabin rental?

New Orleans

New Orleans truly is a gem. Perhaps best known for Mardi Gras, the city truly is a center of festivities and good cheer, and this is only amplified over the Thanksgiving period. The city hosts a wide range of cultural sites, such as the Saint Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and Frenchmen Street.

The city is also home to the National WWII Museum, which has so many exhibits that visitors could easily spend a day there and explains the conflict in an accessible and interesting way. It's a wonderful place to relax and unwind, too, whether it be on one of the many bridges of the New Orleans City Park or walking amongst the statues and plants of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Get a real taste of the South by staying in this romantic bed and breakfast suite.

San Diego

"Navy Town, USA" is situated in the south of the beautiful Golden State of California. This stunning city is known for its dazzling white sand beaches, parks, and warm climate year-round. It has a thriving cultural scene, which includes many art galleries, artists' studios, museums, and parks.

Balboa Park hosts the San Diego Zoo, which has existed for over a century and hosts a plethora of exotic animals, including gorillas, eagles, tigers, sun bears, Asian leopards, and polar bears.

Although the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is located within the city of San Diego, it has some of the state's most beautiful landscapes, with large stretches of unspoiled beaches, magnificent Torrey Pine trees, and a large lagoon.

Where better to enjoy California's natural beauty than from this luxury camping cabin with breathtaking mountain views?

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is situated between the bright blue waters of the Great Salt Lake and the majestic peaks of the Wasatch mountain range. The city is known for its architectural grandeur, with its stunning Capitol building, the nineteenth-century Salt Lake Temple, and the neo-Gothic Assembly Hall.

Zion National Park is an excellent destination for keen hikers and naturalists. The park consists of sheer red cliffs towering over the Zion Canyon. The Virgin River that flows through the canyon leads down to the sparkling Emerald Pools, with their waterfalls and hanging garden.

In addition, there is easy access to the famous Grand Canyon National Park, as well as several ski resorts.

Rest your head amongst a relaxing alpine setting in this impressive cabin rental.

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Want more ideas for your post-Thanksgiving escape? Check out our website and blog.

Thanksgiving, from its inception, has always been a holiday centered around those closest to you. More recently, we have seen the phenomenon of "Friendsgiving," a new emphasis on bringing together people from your wider social circle, perhaps best captured in the sitcom "Friends."

Although Thanksgiving is an American holiday, we, at Glamping Hub, feel that a season of such good cheer should be shared with all of our friends around the globe. That's why we've included accommodations from several different countries. After all, Thanksgiving is a good excuse for a well-earned vacation!

Fredericksburg, Texas

The Lone Star State is perhaps the epitome of America—not afraid to do things bigger and in its own, innovative way. Nowhere is this truer than in the town of Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas Wine Country. There, they celebrate the holiday season in a big way.

Two days before Thanksgiving is the lighting of the German Christmas Pyramid. There is also an outdoor ice skating rink, a Christmas Party at the local theater, and so much more festive celebration.

It's also a great time of year to visit the local vineyards, many of which will be offering their own locally produced mulled wine. If you need perking up, there is an exhilarating hike up through the pink granite domes of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

To fully enjoy the rustic Texan charm of Fredericksburg, why not rest your head at this tranquil log cabin on a farm?

Winter Park, Colorado

The incredible Winter Park Ski Resort in Colorado is fully open by late November, and it offers something for everyone: skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and so much more. When you're not carving up the slopes, the town of Winter Park offers brewery tours, spa treatments, parks, picturesque hiking trails, off-road tours, and a buzzing nightlife.

Once you've had a long day on the slopes, why not make your way back to this stunning cabin rental?

Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a favorite for an American domestic vacation, and with good reason! The islands' Pacific location allow for the feeling that you've gone somewhere really exotic, whilst minimizing the cultural shock. Known for its brilliant weather in late November, where better to vacation? The island of Oahu has a range of attractions, including Diamond Head (a volcano that offers excellent hiking opportunities), a wide selection of spectacular white sand beaches, the historic Pearl Harbor, and Kualoa Ranch (a vast nature reserve offering ATV rides, a zip-line, and Hollywood film set tours).

After you've spent a long day exploring the mysticism and tranquility of beautiful Oahu, why not cook up a Thanksgiving feast at this secluded oceanfront vacation lodge rental?

Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Australia

With an average temperature of 69°F in November, it's no surprise that visitors flock to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales to enjoy the incredible summer weather. Blue Mountains National Park consists of dramatic valleys and soaring mountain peaks, the most famous of which is the Three Sisters.

Many hiking trails intertwine and join onto the Giant Stairway, which descends down into the Jamison Valley. There is also a strong Aboriginal influence here; visitors can tour through Red Hand Cave, which displays some of the best cave art in all of Australia.

How better to enjoy the stunning views of this natural paradise than from this unique cabin rental with an observatory?

The Blue Mountains are only an hour and a half away from Sydney, which is perhaps best known for the unique Sydney Opera House, overlooking the water. It is an excellent destination for anyone with an interest in the performing arts—be it opera, theater, music, or dance. Darling Harbor, a vast recreational area, offers shopping, restaurants, museums, an aquarium, and so much more. Bondi Beach, just across the bay, is one of Australia's most iconic beaches and offers excellent surfing and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Why not get back to nature and sleep under the stars in these cozy tent rentals?

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Inspired to check out some more Friendsgiving ideas? Check out our website and blog.

Thanksgiving has long been a holiday of excess: extravagant meals, uncontrollable spending on Black Friday, and hugely expensive activities; however, it doesn't have to be that way. The first Thanksgiving, nearly 400 years ago, was a celebration of a good corn harvest by the Pilgrims, to which the Native Americans were invited and brought deer meat to add to the three-day feast.

Modern Thanksgiving could definitely learn a thing or two from this tradition. Perhaps the best way to do this is to plan an escape modern existence and return to a simpler time. We, at Glamping Hub, feel that the best way to do this is to camp amongst idyllic natural surroundings with good friends and good food. Check out some of our suggestions for Thanksgiving camping below!

Mojave Desert, California

The Mojave Desert is a large desert that stretches across California and southern Nevada, and is the driest in North America. Visitors can enjoy the Joshua Tree National Park, named for the ubiquitous Joshua trees in the park, and consists of striking rock formations and arid desert landscapes. It includes the Barker Dam, which holds a picturesque expanse of crystal-clear water and offers a number of excellent hiking trails.

There is easy access to Indio in the Coachella Valley, the “City of Festivals.” The town has year-round temperate weather and has been described as a golfer's paradise. Slightly further afield is the Golden State's cultural capital, the city of Los Angeles.

After a long day, why not enjoy the beautiful night sky from the comfort of a luxury tipi?

Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky

The Daniel Boone National Forest is the only National Forest entirely within Kentucky, and it offers visitors a wide range of activities, including boating, hiking, fishing, and hunting. There is a Skylift aerial tram that can take visitors up to the Natural Bridge, an iconic rock formation of the park.

The Red River Gorge area offers hikes through caves, arches, and waterfalls. It is also easy to access the city of Lexington, known by some as the "Horse Capital of the World." Attractions include horse racing at the famous Keeneland racecourse, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the International Museum of the Horse.

Enjoy stunning views over the surrounding woodlands from this elevated yurt.

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Colorado

The Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests spread out west of Denver and merge with several other National Parks, including the Rocky Mountain National Park and the White River National Forest. They are excellent for a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

There are also several nearby ski resorts, including Breckenridge, Vail, and Winter Park, which offer skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Thanksgiving in the city of Denver is a medley of fun free events, performing arts, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Sleep soundly after a long day of festivities in one of these incredible glamping tents.

Tahuya State Forest, Washington

Located only around an hour outside of Seattle, Tahuya State Forest is a picturesque, working woodland in the Pacific northwest. The area allows for a wide range of recreational activities, including ATV driving, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

Seattle is an excellent place to celebrate Thanksgiving. Revelers can enjoy watching the Macy’s Parade, witness the lighting of the city's Christmas tree, and splurge on the Black Friday sales.

Glampers are highly encouraged to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass gallery for their Thanksgiving walk. This exhibition focuses on artist Dale Chihuly and boasts eight interior galleries, a verdant outdoor garden, and a central glass house.

After the hustle and bustle of Seattle life, where better to relax than this luxury tent?

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The White Mountains National Park is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of New Hampshire—and quite possibly New England! Visitors can ascend right to the top of Mount Washington, the park's highest peak, using either the auto road or the cog railway.

Franconia Notch State Park often features amongst the top state parks in America, and it offers very accessible hiking, as well as beautiful fall colors. There is also a children's theme park in Jefferson called Santa's Village.

Those looking for a more cultural experience will be able to visit Manchester, which contains the famous Currier Museum of Art and the Palace Theater.

Why not enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding woodland from this luxury tent?

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Hungry for more luxury camping ideas? Check out our website and blog.