The 15 Most Incredible Places to Travel This November
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
November is smack-dab in the middle of Q4—or, if you have kids, toward the end of the first semester. Plus, the weather is starting to cool down in a major way as autumn is in full swing. Because of these considerations, many people assume that it’s not the most travel-friendly month. However, if you can get the time off, we’re here to tell you just how wonderful a November vacation can be. In many places throughout the world, November is what’s considered to be shoulder season (a moment between peak and off-season); in others, it’s the calm before the holiday storm.
Suffice to say, if you’ve been feeling—and repressing—the travel bug lately, there’s no time like the present to embrace a sense of adventure. Whether you crave a cool autumn climate or are yearning for sunshine and sand, ahead, you’ll uncover the best places to travel in November, plus where to stay and what to do while you're there.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If Las Vegas conjures images of all-you-can-eat buffets, smoke-filled casinos, and cheesy magic shows, it's high time you revisit Sin City. Vegas is actually full of beautiful architecture and design, world-class dining, incredible spas, and entertainment—and it deserves to be on your travel bucket list. November is a great time to go; with highs around 70°F and cool desert nights, it's the perfect time for walking the strip, exploring to the The Neon Museum, or taking a day trip to Red Rock Canyon or the Grand Canyon.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca has a special place in our hearts for its sizzling arts, crafts, and design scene, but the city also comes to life with its Día de Muertos celebrations that run from October 31 to November 2. From brightly colored marigold wreaths and ornate altars to all-night parties and specialty foods, the Day of the Dead is a cultural experience everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Williamsburg, Virginia
With crisp weather, vibrant leaves, and beautiful Colonial architecture, late fall in Williamsburg feels like a Hallmark movie come to life. Enjoy taking horse-drawn carriage rides, skating at the outdoor ice rink at Liberty Pavilion, exploring art galleries and museums, and even getting spooky with nightly ghost tours.
Palm Springs, California
There's never a bad time to visit Palm Springs, but its November weather (with lows in the 60s and highs in the 70s) is pretty hard to beat. Whether you take a tour of the area's iconic mid-century architecture or head to the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival with celebrity chefs and wine tastings, you really can't go wrong.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
November marks the start of the "cool" season in Chiang Mai, with highs in the 80s and lows in the high 60s and much less rain, making it the ideal time to explore this beautiful destination. If you time your trip right, you could also attend festivals like Yi Peng and Loy Krathong. These celebrations help usher in the new season and honor Buddha, while allowing participants to release bad luck and make wishes with illuminated floating lanterns. It's truly a magical sight to behold.
Amelia Island, Florida
Want to escape to warmer weather without heading to a bustling city like Miami or San Diego? Amelia Island is a tranquil beach town and a naturalist's paradise—whether you take walks on the sand, explore nearby Cumberland Island, kayak, take a sunset cruise, ride bikes, fish, or bird watch, there's truly something for everyone. And with temps in the high 60s and low 70s, November is the perfect time to head outdoors.
St. Barts
If it's starting to get chilly where you live, trade that crisp fall weather for some beautiful sunshine in St. Barts. November is a great time to escape to the Caribbean, as it's the end of hurricane season, but the weather still hovers in the high 70s and low 80s, making it perfect for beach-going and all the outdoor activities the island has to offer.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina is a southern town beloved for its creative, quirky spirit, as well as its classic holiday allure—and come November, it’s a crisp delight with highs in the high 50s and lows in the high 30s. While perhaps best known for the iconic Biltmore Estate—the luxurious 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s renowned for its Christmas displays—Asheville is also home to a thriving arts district, known as The River Arts District, not to mention plenty of scenic roads and trails to take in nature in all its glory.
If you travel to Asheville in early November, you’ll be able to catch the region’s last glimpse of fall foliage, particularly if you mosey over to the North Carolina Arboretum. Meanwhile, if you’re hoping for a kid-friendly getaway, there are plenty of fun fall activities for the whole family in Asheville. From apple-picking and pony rides at Hickory Nut Gap Farm to retro entertainment at the Asheville Pinball Museum, this gem of a town caters to adults and kids alike, all year long.
Stockholm, Sweden
You know what they say: Nothing compares to a European winter market. While November is still technically autumn, it’s when the winter markets in Stockholm, Sweden, come to life—and to be clear, there are many. (Stortorget—located in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town—is the city’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to the 1350s.)
Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii might seem like the ultimate summer vacation, but it’s also a popular destination during the coldest months of the year thanks to its ever-inviting climate. Because of this, though, the islands—Maui, in particular—are highly sought out from mid-December to early September. While that might make you think you’ve missed your window, know this: October and November are not only lovely, less crowded months to visit the islands, they’re the cheapest, too, thanks to it being shoulder season. Plus, November is prime whale-watching season.
No matter which resort you choose, you can expect to be met with delicious cuisine, top-notch amenities, and plenty of opportunities for sun and sand. In that way, heading to Hawaii this November can actually be one of the easiest trips to plan, as your lodging can dictate much of what you do.
The Cotswolds, England
Where some people like to travel in November to escape their cooling climate, others enjoy going across the country or abroad to fully lean into it. If you resonate with the latter, consider taking a hop, skip, and a jump across the pond to the Cotswolds in England.
The picturesque village is nestled among a string of rolling hills situated along the upper River Thames. In November, The Cotswolds can be quite chilly, with highs in the high 40s and lows in the high 30s, so just be sure to dress for the occasion—especially if you plan to adventure on foot while there.
In addition to strolling through the idyllic town, it’s worthwhile to meander over to Blenheim Palace and Gloucester Cathedral, both of which feature awe-inspiring architecture and are less than a 20-minute drive away. After exploring, consider wrapping up your day with dinner at The Potting Shed, a country pub offering a seasonal menu that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike.
New York, New York
New York, New York—an iconic destination all year round, but especially in November. Like many other cities across the world, New York leans into the holiday spirit a touch early with both the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade occurring in late November. While visiting the city during this time of year is bound to be expensive, there’s no doubt that the sights, sounds, and smells are well worth the splurge.
To make the most of it, make sure to stroll down Fifth Avenue at night to take in the sparkling window displays, including the show-stopping Saks Fifth Avenue light show. Then, bundle up and prepare to wait in line for a table or barstool at the one and only Rolf’s (order the toasted almond cocktail, you won’t regret it). We also recommend making a dinner reservation at Rosemary’s in the West Village. The cult-favorite Italian restaurant lights up for the holidays, giving the already quaint space an even more inviting air.
Then, during the day, grab a coffee at Ralph’s and head to Central Park or Union Square to enjoy the city’s cozy winter markets, featuring high-end goods, handmade hats and scarves, unique pieces of art, and quirky crafts aplenty.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans may conjure images of wild Mardi Gras parties in the early spring, but we’re here to let you in on a little secret: The Big Easy is a great city to get away to in November. If you’re traveling during the first weekend in November, you’ll be able to enjoy Bayou Bacchanal, the colorful and charismatic Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans.
Even if you don’t make it in time for Bayou Bacchanal, New Orleans has so much to offer in November. For starters, it’s one of the most pleasant times to visit, as temps hover between the low 50s to low 70s. Additionally, if you’re a sports fan, a November rendezvous in New Orleans means the chance to catch a Saints game or even to attend the Bayou Classic, which is set to take place on November 25.
The food scene in Nola is also superb. For an unforgettable brunch, head to Commander’s Palace dressed in your Sunday best; for a perfectly mixed cocktail and equally as satisfying bar decor, make your way over to Bar Marilou. While you’re at it, book a room at Maison de la Luz, a boutique hotel characterized by luxurious southern charm. One more thing: Don’t waste your time on Bourbon Street. Instead, check out Frenchmen Street for incredible live music and late-night bites.
Where to Stay: Maison de la Luz
The Maldives
Fun fact: The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, meaning now’s the perfect time to book a trip to the otherworldly tropic paradise. Much like Hawaii, where you stay in the Maldives will largely determine what you do while on vacation, as the islands are rather remote.
As such, we recommend checking out one of the area's wellness-oriented resorts, such as Jumeirah Maldives or The Standard, Maldives. Where Jumeirah takes on a modern, minimalist approach to vacation, The Standard pumps up the color to give your beachside retreat a bit more flair. Looks aside, both resorts offer a variety of yoga and fitness classes, facials, massages, mindfulness exercises, and more.
Napa Valley, California
While Napa is a popular destination all year round, the world-famous wine-growing region’s peak tourist season goes hand-in-hand with harvest, lasting from August to October. As stunning as harvest is in Napa—complete with color-changing foliage often believed to only be a staple of Northeastern autumns—November can be a lovely month to visit, too.
With harvest season just concluding, November in Napa is often less crowded than in summer and early fall, which can make it easier to nab reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants, like SingleThread and Kenzo. It can also make vacationing in Napa slightly less expensive, as shoulder season is often accompanied by a dip in room rates, including at beautiful properties like North Block in Yountville and Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa proper.
Where to Stay: The Meritage Resort & Spa
You Might Also Like
