Thanksgiving does not have to mean a crowded kitchen and the perfect table setting surrounded by four walls. Gratitude is a state of mind and can go anywhere you do. For a growing number of people enjoying RV or van life, living life on the road might mean finding ways to adapt holiday traditions, or even create new ones. You can still have the turkey and pie, just with a dash of wanderlust.
Recent statistics show an estimated two-plus million Americans currently enjoy full-time life on the road. But demographics have shifted. Not just a lifestyle for retirees, the largest group of “van-lifers” are between the ages of 25-44. This trend is due in part to a desire for simplicity, adventure, affordability, flexibility, and for some, a strong desire to connect to nature and the vast beauty of our country. Add to these motivations the ability to work remotely with solar panels and satellite internet, and you have the perfect scenario for modern-day nomads to hit the road and join the van-life community… which is a strong and supportive one no matter where the road leads.
But, even for those not living this unique nomadic lifestyle year round, there are still a great number who will hit the road this holiday season to visit friends and family, or possibly with the goal of simply enjoying a new experience. No matter the motivation for travel, celebrating the holidays on the road means adapting traditions or creating new ones. For many, these new traditions might just become cherished memories that make each journey unique and meaningful.
Portable Feasts
When it comes to planning your Thanksgiving feast, you don’t need to give up your favorite dishes. Finding local sources for holiday favorites wherever you find yourself can make it possible to enjoy a traditional feast. Planning ahead is paramount, and so much easier these days with Wi-Fi so widely available. A bit of research ahead of time regarding your destination and what you will find there can help you plan the perfect holiday experience.
- Local food trucks or caterers often offer Thanksgiving-style meals to go. Many require orders or reservations ahead of time.
- Bakeries, grocery stores, breweries and markets offer grab-and-go pies, breads, ciders, growlers or even fully prepared Thanksgiving meal kits for a mobile feast. Shop a few days ahead as they often sell out early.
- Don’t forget about charcuterie boards with a Thanksgiving feast twist.
- If you have the means to cook a few of your favorites, think small: Turkey breasts, Cornish hens or hand pies are easy to prep, store and transport.
- Find some recipes for “packable Thanksgiving” dishes (see three on page xx.)
- Be sure to pack a few special treats for your four-legged friends who are joining your holiday celebration.
- Don’t forget—leave no trace. Be sure to pack garbage bags, wipes, and a clean up kit to respect nature and leave things as you found them.
- When it comes to a Thanksgiving celebration on the go, the great outdoors can set the scene and offer the best décor you will ever find. But, if you prefer to spruce up your outdoor “tablescape,” think mini pumpkins, festive plaid blankets, battery operated string lights and a portable Bluetooth speaker to play that special Thanksgiving playlist!
- Remember to check local community boards or van-life groups online for holiday gatherings at your destination—the road community is welcoming and often shares meals together.
Comfort on the Road
Make comfort a priority. When it comes to enjoying your holiday on the road, a bit of research and preparation goes a long way. Check the forecast and plan for a variety of conditions.
- Layers, Layers, Layers – Layer clothing and don’t forget to pack a waterproof shell to handle rain or snow.
- Warm Accessories – Hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks make outdoor meals comfy and cozy.
- Blankets and Throws – A plaid picnic blanket or fleece wrap adds warmth and doubles as décor.
- Waterproof Ground Cover – Keep seats and blankets dry if the ground is damp.
- Portable Heat – Hand warmers, propane heaters, or a crackling campfire if allowed.
- Lighting – Days are short; pack lanterns, headlamps, or battery-powered string lights.
- Favorite Dish – Pack your favorite mug or dish from home for a dash of comfort.
- Pack Water and More – Prioritize safety by always packing extra water, a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, no matter where you are headed.
Gratitude on the Go
Planning a Thanksgiving celebration on the road is the perfect time to add a new twist to some long-held holiday traditions, or even introduce a few new ones that go along with your holiday on the go. Here are a few ideas:
- Gratitude Stones – Invite everyone in your group to find a stone from the trails, campsite or beach. Gather together after the meal and, while holding the stone, each person can share something they are thankful for… and keep the stone as a Thanksgiving momento.
- Tablecloth Notes (without the table) – Bring along a small notebook and pass it around so each person can write or draw something they are thankful for.
- Voice Memo of Thanksgiving – Record a short gratitude message from each person on your phone. Later, compile them into an audio message that can be shared with each person, and even those who could not join your celebration.
- Gratitude Photo Hunt – Challenge your group to snap a quick photo of something they are thankful for during the day. Share all the photos later over dessert.
- Gratitude Jar – Pack blank slips of paper in a mason jar. Invite everyone to write what they are thankful for during the day and read them aloud after your meal.
Thanksgiving – More than Just a Meal
At the heart of it, Thanksgiving isn’t just about where you are or how elaborate the spread looks—it’s about pausing to take note of what you already have. Whether you are parked by a high desert trailhead, gathered at a campground or around a picnic table, or cozy in a camper van, the act of sharing gratitude makes any place feel like home. With a bit of planning and creativity, Thanksgiving on the go can be just as rich, memorable and comforting as any meal around a traditional table. Just remember, you carry the best part of Thanksgiving with you wherever you go.
Tips For Keeping Your Feast Warm (or Cold)
Warm Foods:
- Thermos Trick – soups, ciders and even mashed potatoes stay hot in insulated bottles.
- Cooler Insulator – line a cooler with towels and tuck in warm dishes to trap heat.
- Cast Iron Holder – a Dutch oven holds heat for hours; wrap in a towel for extra insulation.
- Hot Bricks or Heat Packs – wrap in foil, heat in the oven or campfire ahead of time, then tuck into your food carrier for gentle, extended heat source.
- Campfire or Portable Stove Reheat – great for reheating rolls, stuffing or drinks.
Cold Foods:
- Ice Packs – use reusable gel packs or small frozen water bottles in a cooler.
- Layers – keep cold items at the bottom of a cooler with towels or foil on top for insulation.
- Separate Coolers – keep drinks in one cooler, perishables in another to keep things colder longer.
Packable Recipes for Thanksgiving on the Go
Turkey and Cranberry Hand Pies
Ingredients:
1 pkg. refrigerator pie dough (or puff pastry)
1 cup cooked turkey, shredded
½ cup stuffing (any style)
¼ cup cranberry sauce
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough and cut into 5-6 inch circles.
2. Place a spoonful of turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing in the center of each circle.
3. Fold over into half-moon shapes and crimp edges with a fork.
4. Brush tops with egg wash.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
6. Cool slightly, then pack in parchment paper for travel.
Tip: These taste great warm or at room temperature—no fork required!
Roasted Veggie & Goat Cheese Wraps
Ingredients (make four wraps):
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 small sweet potato, diced
1 red onion, sliced
2 tbsp. olive oil
Salt, pepper and thyme to taste
4 large tortillas or flatbreads
4 oz. goat cheese (or cream cheese as a swap)
Handful of spinach or arugula
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
2. Spread goat cheese onto each tortilla.
3. Top with roasted veggies and a few spinach leaves.
4. Roll up tightly and cut in half. Wrap in foil for easy packing.
Tip: These taste great warm, but hold up well cold, too.
Mason Jar Pumpkin Cheesecake
Ingredients (makes 6 pint-size jars):
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup pumpkin puree
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup whipped cream
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press a spoonful into the bottom of each mason jar.
2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, pumpkin, brown sugar, spice and vanilla until smooth.
3. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon mixture over the crusts in each jar.
4. Chill at least two hours before serving.
5. Pack with lids on for easy travel.
Tip: Before serving, top with extra whipped cream and candied pecans, with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Thanksgiving on the go can be just as rich, memorable and comforting as any meal around a traditional table.