Want to Avoid the Black Friday Crowds? Here Are Some Alternatives CheapOair Staff November 15, 2010 Black Friday, Interests, Shopping, Travel Deals This post was last updated on October 12, 2023. Not everyone wants to go out shopping for Black Friday. Although lots of people look forward to waking up at 4 a.m. to battle the crowds for a discounted flat-screen TV, engaging in retail battle maneuvers is not everyone’s cup of tea. Maybe you’re one of these pacifistic souls and you want to spend Black Friday far from the maddening crowds. Here are five alternative activities to consider for Black Friday. Get some exercise Let’s be honest, who sticks to their diet on Thanksgiving? After your day of indulgence, why not get out and do something more active than stand in lines. For many places around the U.S., it’s still pleasant outdoors around Thanksgiving time, so why not take advantage of your last chance to enjoy the outdoors before winter hits. After all, depending on which winter holidays you observe, there’s likely still a lot more indulgence to come. Go to the movies Hollywood studios always plan some big releases for the Thanksgiving weekend. And thanks to advanced ticketing, you no longer need to wait in line forever just to make sure your groups can get seats together. While everyone else is fighting for the last Susie Scrumptious doll at the local big box store, you can kick back and relax in a soft reclining seat and let the movie transport you to a galaxy far far away. Or nap. It’s up to you. Shop online Even if you do want to take advantage of the Black Friday sales, that doesn’t mean you need to leave the comfort of your home. These days, the online sales are not just relegated to Cyber Monday. And the best thing about shopping online is there aren’t any lines. Put some sports ball on the TV and visit all your favorite stores from the comfort of your sofa. Decorate for the holidays While many people put off their holiday decorations until later in the season, others like to throw up the tree and deck the halls as soon as they’ve eaten their last bite of sweet potato pie. You can get a head start on the holiday by putting your decorations up on the day after Thanksgiving. This will keep you from having to experience any traffic and let you enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving weekend while getting yourself in the holiday mood. Visit parks, museums, or zoos Take advantage of the day to immerse yourself in nature or culture. Many local parks and nature reserves offer a peaceful retreat from the Black Friday hustle, presenting a chance to enjoy the outdoors during the last vestiges of fall. For a touch of culture, museums and zoos might be less crowded and some even offer special Black Friday promotions. Whether you’re soaking in art, history, or observing wildlife, these venues offer a serene and enriching experience away from the shopping frenzy. Engage in arts, crafts, or hobbies Black Friday can be the perfect day to tap into your creative side or embark on a new hobby. Gather your craft supplies and dive into DIY arts and crafts projects, like creating homemade holiday cards or ornaments. If you’ve been curious about exploring a new hobby, like knitting or playing a musical instrument, this could be your chance to start. Embracing creativity and learning can be a rewarding way to spend the day, yielding tangible memories or skills by its end. Have a spa day at home Turning your home into a rejuvenating retreat can be the ideal antidote to the hectic energy of Black Friday. A spa day at home isn’t just about pampering—it’s a holistic approach to self-care. Begin by setting the ambiance: soft lighting, aromatic candles, and tranquil music can transform any space. Draw a warm bath infused with essential oils or Epsom salts to relax the muscles and calm the mind. While the tub fills, apply a face mask tailored to your skin’s needs, perhaps a nourishing honey or clarifying clay mask. Exfoliate with a body scrub to renew your skin, and post-bath, hydrate with a rich moisturizer. To elevate the experience, practice mindfulness or meditation, focusing on deep breathing and the sensations of the moment. Wrapping up the spa day with a herbal tea can further enhance relaxation, making you feel refreshed and revitalized without ever stepping outside your door. c You Might Also Enjoy: Family Traveling Ideas: 5 Trips to Take With Your Kids Find travel deals While everyone else is going into the city or out to the mall, why not fire up the old laptop and grab some Black Friday travel deals. Much like the retail sector, travel companies and airlines are taking advantage of the Black Friday phenomenon to bring out what often are the best deals for flights that you’re going to find all year long. There’s even an official day for travel deals called Travel Tuesday, which in the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. But similar to how online retailers have expanded beyond Cyber Monday, travel companies have expanded the availability of their best deals to make them last all Thanksgiving weekend, and beyond. All these savings, and you don’t even need to leave your couch to take advantage! c FAQs: Q: What time do online sales typically start on Black Friday? A: Online sales often start at midnight on Black Friday, but some retailers may begin their deals earlier or extend them throughout the weekend. Q: Are movie theaters more crowded on Black Friday? A: While shopping centers are busy, movie theaters are usually less crowded on Black Friday as most people are out shopping. Q: How can I ensure online shopping safety on Black Friday? A: Shop on reputable websites, look for secure checkout symbols, and avoid clicking on suspicious email links. Q: Do all airlines offer Black Friday deals? A: Not all airlines participate, but many major carriers will have special promotions or discounts for Black Friday. Q: Can I expect delays with online delivery due to Black Friday sales? A: Yes, due to the high volume of orders, there might be shipping delays. Always check the estimated delivery date. Q: When do most people start putting up holiday decorations? A: While it varies, many people begin decorating right after Thanksgiving, but others wait until December. Q: Are there any other days I should look out for travel deals besides Black Friday and Travel Tuesday? A: Yes, Cyber Monday often has travel deals, and some companies may extend offers throughout the week. Do you have any favorite ways to spend Black Friday with your friends and family? Let us know in the comments below!
