8 Gorgeous Places to Travel This November
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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. 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.
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.)
The beauty of this is that travelers can enjoy the festive holiday experience without having to commit to December holiday rates when booking lodging. While on the topic, no property is as iconic (or as stunning) as Hotel Kung Carl, Stockholm’s oldest family-run hotel. The unbelievably chic boutique hotel resides within a centrally located historic building and features classic style married with modern design. It showcases stunning rooms and suites, complete with beautiful balconies, which are magically aglow in November and December.
When you’re not taking in your gorgeous digs or ambling around a Christmas market, consider heading down to the hotel’s bar, Bar La Cour, or the underground jazz club, where cocktails and music are ever-flowing.
Where to Stay: Hotel Kung Carl
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.
When looking to book your Hawaiian November getaway, think about the type of vacation you’re looking to enjoy. For a secluded paradise retreat, check out Four Seasons Resort Lanai, a stunning escape known for its natural beauty and extensive wellness offerings. For a more central, family-friendly vacation, Auberge Resorts Collection Mauna Lani is a wonderful option for adults and kids alike—it even has a kids-only club where little ones can learn about the islands and the creatures that inhabit them.
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. (As a reminder, Hawaiian officials are urging tourists to return to the islands in an effort to boost the economy following the devastating effects of the Maui wildfires.)
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
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, 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.
Where to Stay: Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York
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.
Where to Stay: Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
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.
Speaking of, the Meritage Resort & Spa hosts Merry Meritage beginning each November, which features a winter village complete with an ice rink, a pop-up cocktail bar, Veuve Clicquot igloos, fire pits, and even a tree lighting on November 18. Suffice to say, if you’re looking for a memorable way to welcome the holiday season, Napa has much to offer.
Where to Stay: The Meritage Resort & Spa
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