The holidays are rapidly approaching. You don’t want to be stuck at home with that TV dinner again, and cleaning the house at the very last minute to please the in-laws isn’t your idea of a relaxing holiday. You want a celebration with the trimmings of a vacation, so we sought out the best places for a truly happy holiday away from home.

Try a delicious family meal without all the cooking – head to an all-inclusive resort!

Thanksgiving

Revered as one of the busiest travel times of the year, Thanksgiving and its notorious day before are generally reserved for a special type of weekend warrior who will tear through the airports with their trusty carry-on luggage and formidable tolerance to people, delays, and airport security. The benefits of becoming one of these seasoned travelers are optimum comfort, fantastic entertainment, and culinary masterworks without the fuss of cooking and the mess of dishes.

Want to watch football with drinks already included? Head to Secrets Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean!

Secrets Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean welcome travelers with a day full of food, fun, and football. At most Secrets Resorts, guests can enjoy a group viewing of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® before ingesting a fabulous buffet with all the fixings, and since it’s an all-inclusive resort, there’s no additional charge. You’ll also be able to watch the professional football match-ups at the resorts’ bars and later in the day, enjoy a classic BBQ with burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings. Some resorts even host international dance competitions and other entertainment.

In the Caribbean, Sandals and Beaches Resorts host feasts in buffet or a la carte style with the traditional turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, but they also offer such delicacies as Smoked Atlantic Salmon and Blue Marlin Cornets with Red Onion Capers Compote and Oven Roast Prime Rib Horseradish with Pineapple Demi-Glace. Sandals also offers some local tastes like turkey with a jerk rub and stuffing with tropical citrus, thyme, and scotch bonnet flavors.

Hanukkah

Nothing beats the draw of New York for Hanukkah with the World’s Largest Hanukkah Menorah which stands more than 32 feet tall and weighs more than 4,000 pounds. Located on Fifth Avenue at 59^th Street, it’s a free attraction that you can visit every night to see the lightning of a new candle. On Dec. 24, The Annual Official Matzo Ball Party welcomes single Jewish men and women to Capitale, a national historic site that is known for its Corinthian columns and art glass skylight, to mix and mingle and find love.

Have Kosher meals in your villa or at one of the resort’s fine restaurants at Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Kosher hotels are difficult to come by in New York, but most places are within walking distance of kosher restaurants. If you’re looking to get away, then head to Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya. This luxurious, five-star property works closely with Cancun Chabad Jewish Center and receives products from around the world to ensure their Kosher food meets the orthodox requirements. With a registered Kosher caterer, the resort will make sure you experience exceptional, gourmet meals, which can be served in any of the restaurants (reservations required).

Christmas

Some families are hesitant to travel on Christmas. Do you ship the toys early? Do you leave them at home? How about tree? That’s why Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico and Puerto Vallarta are known as Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare™ because they set the standard for all other luxury hotels. They especially do not disappoint when it comes to Christmas decorations. At Grand Velas, families can order Christmas trees in the summer and fall that will be in their rooms when they arrive in December. These trees are customizable with your choice of ornament color and tree topper, and they can come fully decorated or with the ornaments on the side for a family bonding treat.

Gather around the tree at Grand Velas in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit!

Also available at Grand Velas are toys that can be ordered for the little ones and will be delivered to your suite on Christmas Eve. These include such offerings as a Barbie™ beach doll, a remote control minion mobile, an Angry Birds™ plush toy, Lego® figurines and playsets, and much more. These must be ordered in advance—by Oct. 30^th in Riviera Maya and by Nov. 30^th in Puerto Vallarta.

Don’t wait! Make your travel plans now and actually enjoy the holidays. Contact your local travel agent and ask for GOGO Vacations’ package today!