7 Best Places to Travel in November

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, November emerges as an ideal month for travel enthusiasts. With peak tourist season behind us and the holiday rush yet to begin, this often-overlooked month offers unique opportunities for memorable journeys. Whether you're seeking fall foliage, cultural festivals, or a sunny escape, here are some of the best destinations to explore in November, complete with detailed insights and practical information.

1. Kyoto, Japan: A Symphony of Autumn Colors

Kyoto in November is a visual feast. The ancient capital of Japan transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold as its numerous temples and gardens showcase stunning fall foliage. Don't miss the illuminated nighttime viewing at Kiyomizu-dera Temple or the golden ginkgo tunnel at Nijo Castle.

Activities

• Visit iconic temples like Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji draped in fall colors

• Participate in traditional tea ceremonies

• Explore the bamboo forests of Arashiyama

• Attend the Kyoto Autumn Color Week events

Pros

• Breathtaking autumn foliage

• Pleasant weather for outdoor exploration

• Fewer tourists compared to cherry blossom season

Cons

• Can still be crowded at popular sites

• Accommodation prices may be higher due to autumn popularity

Cost

• Mid to high range: $150-$300 per day

• Budget travelers can manage on $70-$100 per day with careful planning

Fun Facts

• Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1000 years.

• The city has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.

• Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• The famous geisha district, Gion, has been active since the Middle Ages.

Check out some of the popular activities and hotel accommodations in Kyoto, Japan

2. Marrakech, Morocco: Pleasant Weather and Rich Culture

November brings comfortable temperatures to Marrakech, making it the perfect time to explore this vibrant city. Wander through the labyrinthine souks, visit the stunning Bahia Palace, and take a day trip to the nearby Atlas Mountains. The Marrakech International Film Festival, usually held in November, adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Activities

• Explore the vibrant souks in the Medina

• Visit the Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum

• Take a cooking class to learn Moroccan cuisine

• Enjoy a sunset camel ride in the nearby Agafay Desert

Pros

• Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing

• Rich cultural experiences

• Great shopping opportunities

Cons

• Can be overwhelming for first-time visitors

• Persistent vendors in tourist areas

Cost

• Mid-range: $60-$150 per day

• Luxury riads and experiences can increase costs significantly

Fun Facts

• Marrakech is known as the "Red City" due to its buildings and walls of beaten clay.

• The medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, transforms into a huge open-air restaurant every evening.

• Marrakech is home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco.

3. Bali, Indonesia: Tropical Bliss Before Peak Season

While Bali is beautiful year-round, November offers a sweet spot between the dry and wet seasons. You'll find fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and great deals on accommodations. Explore the rice terraces of Ubud, relax on the beaches of Seminyak, or immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Uluwatu Temple.

Activities

• Practice yoga in Ubud

• Surf in Canggu or Uluwatu

• Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

• Explore the sacred monkey forest sanctuary

Pros

• Fewer crowds and lower prices

• Lush landscapes after the dry season

• Great weather for beach and outdoor activities

Cons

• Occasional rain showers

• Some areas might be preparing for high season

Cost

• Budget: $30-$50 per day

• Mid-range to Luxury: $100-$300+ per day

Fun Facts

• Bali has a unique calendar system with only 210 days in a year.

• The island is home to over 20,000 temples.

• Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a day of complete silence. Even the airport closes!

• Bali is one of the few places in Indonesia where Hinduism is the predominant religion.

4. New York City, USA: Pre-Holiday Magic

Experience the Big Apple as it gears up for the holiday season. November in NYC brings crisp autumn weather, perfect for strolling through Central Park or along the High Line. Catch the spectacular Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center, or indulge in world-class shopping and dining.

Activities

• Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

• Ice skate in Central Park or Rockefeller Center

• Enjoy fall foliage in Central Park

• Visit world-class museums like the MET or MoMA

Pros

• Festive pre-holiday atmosphere

• Mild weather perfect for walking

• Fewer tourists than December

Cons

• Can be expensive, especially around Thanksgiving

• Weather can be unpredictable

Cost

• High: $200-$400+ per day

• Budget travelers might manage on $100-$150 per day with careful planning

Fun Facts

• Over 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

• The New York Public Library has over 50 million items in its collection.

• Times Square is named after the New York Times, which moved its headquarters there in 1904.

• The first pizzeria in the United States opened in New York City in 1905.

5. Cape Town, South Africa: Spring Blooms and Whale Watching

In the Southern Hemisphere, November marks the beginning of spring. Cape Town comes alive with blooming flowers and increasingly warm weather. It's an excellent time for hiking Table Mountain, visiting the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, or taking a whale-watching tour in nearby Hermanus.

Activities

• Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain

• Go whale watching in Hermanus

• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach

• Tour the beautiful Winelands

Pros

• Pleasant spring weather

• Diverse activities from city to nature

• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Can be windy

• Southern Right Whales start leaving by late November

Cost

• Mid-range: $80-$150 per day

• Luxury experiences can increase costs significantly

Fun Facts

• Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be around 600 million years old.

• Cape Town is home to the world's smallest floral kingdom, the Cape Floral Kingdom.

• The city has some of the world's best land-based whale watching spots.

• Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is visible from Cape Town on a clear day.

6. Venice, Italy: Serene Canals and Local Charm

Venice in November offers a rare glimpse into the city's authentic charm without the usual tourist crowds. While you might encounter some high water (acqua alta), it's all part of the Venetian experience. Enjoy peaceful gondola rides, visit world-class museums like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and savor hearty Venetian cuisine.

Activities

• Take a romantic gondola ride

• Visit St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace

• Explore the less touristy Cannaregio district

• Enjoy an opera at Teatro La Fenice

Pros

• Fewer crowds than summer months

• More authentic local experiences

• Unique "acqua alta" high tide phenomenon

Cons

• Possibility of flooding (acqua alta)

• Some restaurants and hotels may be closed for the off-season

Cost

• Mid to high range: $150-$300 per day

• Budget travelers can manage on $80-$120 per day with careful planning

Fun Facts

• Venice is built on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges.

• The city has no roads, just canals – even ambulances and police boats are boats!

• Venetian blinds were invented in Venice.

• The Venice Carnival masks traditionally allowed citizens to interact freely regardless of class.

7. Siem Reap, Cambodia: Ideal Weather for Temple Exploration

November marks the start of the dry season in Cambodia, offering perfect conditions to explore the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park. With comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, you can spend hours marveling at ancient temples like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon without the discomfort of intense heat or rain.

Activities

• Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park

• Take a sunset boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake

• Visit the Old Market and Night Market

• Attend an Apsara dance performance

Pros

• Perfect weather for temple exploration

• Fewer crowds than peak season

• Lower accommodation prices

Cons

• Some areas might still be recovering from the rainy season

• Can still be hot during midday

Cost

• Budget: $30-$50 per day

• Mid-range: $80-$150 per day

Fun Facts

• Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world.

• The temples of Angkor appear in the movie Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie.

• Siem Reap means "Defeat of Siam" in Khmer, referring to the centuries-old conflict with Thailand.

• The faces on the Bayon temple are believed to be portraits of King Jayavarman VII.

Frequently Asked Questions About November Travel

To help you plan your November adventure, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

1. Why is November a good month for travel?

November is an excellent month for travel for several reasons:

• It's typically a shoulder season in many destinations, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices.

• Fall foliage is at its peak in many Northern Hemisphere locations.

• Southern Hemisphere destinations are entering spring, offering mild weather and beautiful blooms.

• It's before the holiday rush, so airports and popular attractions are less crowded.

2. What should I pack for a November trip?

Packing for November depends on your destination, but in general:

• Layer clothing for varying temperatures, especially in temperate climates.

• Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as many places experience some rainfall.

• Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

• Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses, especially for tropical or Southern Hemisphere destinations.

3. Are there any major events or festivals in November?

Yes, November hosts several notable events worldwide:

• Diwali (Festival of Lights) in India and other Hindu countries (date varies)

• Day of the Dead in Mexico (November 1-2)

• Thanksgiving in the United States (fourth Thursday of November)

• Bonfire Night in the UK (November 5)

• Melbourne Cup in Australia (first Tuesday of November)

4. Is November hurricane season in the Caribbean?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, but November typically sees fewer hurricanes than September and October. However, it's always wise to check weather forecasts and consider travel insurance when visiting the Caribbean during this time.

5. Which destinations offer the best value for money in November?

Several destinations offer great value in November:

• Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam enter their dry season, offering good weather and pre-peak season rates.

• European cities like Prague, Budapest, and Lisbon have lower prices and fewer crowds than in summer.

• African safari destinations like Tanzania and Kenya offer good wildlife viewing opportunities at lower rates than peak season.

6. Is it too cold to visit Northern Europe in November?

While Northern Europe can be chilly in November, it's not necessarily too cold to visit. Cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki offer cozy indoor attractions, Christmas markets (starting late November), and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Just pack warm clothing and be prepared for short daylight hours.

7. What are some good solo travel destinations for November?

November can be an excellent time for solo travel. Consider:

• Japan: Autumn colors and cultural experiences

• Portugal: Mild weather and fewer crowds in Lisbon and Porto

• New Zealand: Spring weather and outdoor adventures

• Mexico: Day of the Dead celebrations and pleasant weather in places like Oaxaca

Whether you're drawn to fall foliage, cultural experiences, or warm-weather getaways, these diverse destinations offer something for every traveler in November. Consider your budget, desired activities, and personal travel style to choose the perfect November getaway. With these fun facts in mind, you'll have some interesting tidbits to share with your fellow travelers. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable autumn adventure!