Where To Go In November
Never mind summer or December – November is a fine month to jet off on holiday. Kids are back at school, so it’s a clear month for off-peak prices. And in the hotter areas of the world, the summer rains die off, marking the transition into many destinations peak time. The combo means that it’s a month of great weather and great prices – and you won’t have the crowds of more hectic times.
There’s an abundance of choice closer to home too, whether that’s culture-filled weekend or an active holiday that makes the most of the cooler temperatures. Want a bit of inspo? Here are our top places for a holiday in November.
Madeira, Portugal
It’s telling that airplane capacity for the flora-filled island of Madeira has risen by 5% for this winter season – it’s become a retreat for those wanting a break from the norm during the colder months.
Starting from the end of October, Madeira sees more services from Luton and new flights from Bournemouth. This is in addition to direct flights from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle, making it one of the UK’s most accessible but lower-visited destinations.
For little effort, the reward is great: it’s a tiny island packed with an abundance of natural wonders like hike able mountains, laurel forests and gushing waterfalls, as well as manmade delights like its namesake fortified wine, which gained popularity when it proved to be resilient to the long journeys that passing ships made across the Atlantic.
Luang Prabang, Laos
Larger, sprawling South East Asian countries often get the limelight because of their choice of destinations within, but Laos sure packs a punch. It’s twice the size of England, though much of its land is given over to isolated mountain ranges. For visitors, the beating heart of the country is found in the capital of Luang Prabang, and there’s no better time to go than November.
This is when the country’s rains dissipate, and the great weather rolls in, with sunny days and temperatures of 20-30C, making it ideal for travellers. It also marks one of the most important days in the Laos calendar, with Boun That Luang Festival taking place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, this year on November 3rd. Laos is already famous for its almsgiving ceremonies, but on this day, its Buddhist traditions take over the area around the famous Pha That Luang temple. Join in for processions, fireworks, fairs and great vibes.
The Gambia
If warm, relaxed days of bare arms and open-toed shoes feel like a distant memory, it might be time for a blast of heat in sunnier climes. To get beach weather, we’ll have to travel further than usual, but almost due south, The Gambia is a great option for maximum temp gains. Flights are reasonably priced (£300 for a connecting flight at the time of writing). And as a former British colony, you’ll find nods to the familiar alongside the rich Gambian culture, comprised largely of the Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and Jola tribes.
Most tourist hotels line the Atlantic coast beaches (which means they can be a target for opportunists, so exercise caution). If your perfect holiday involves a few excursions, take a boat trip down the mangrove-lined River Gambia, or get into nature at the Bijilo Forest Park, sometimes known as Monkey Park because its many Green Monkeys.
Paris, France
November is a special time to visit Paris – it’s when cosy café culture sprinkles extra magic to the romance of the city. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit, Lady Gaga is in town from the 17th to the 22nd, playing the Accor Arena as part of the Mayhem Ball tour. As a city close to the fashion icon’s heart, it will be a special place to see her deliver an energetic performance of her much-loved tunes – we’re especially looking forward to Telephone, Born this Way and Alejandro.
Need a clincher? It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Day on the 20th, which celebrates the year’s new releases of the red wine with special events in bars and cafes across Paris.
Jamaica
November is the time when the Caribbean’s hurricane season ends, making it ready for us to return and enjoy the tropical weather it offers. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to which island to visit, Jamaica has our heart.
At 28-30C in the day and sunny skies for most of the day, you’ll find text book holiday weather. It’s rich in Rasta culture, it’s famed for its cuisine – whether that’s vegan Ital, jerk chicken or indulgent patties – and it has vast stretches of beach and crystal clear waters in which to snorkel, dive, or lounge by.
If you’re planning to head away this November make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy to give you the peace of mind that you’re covered should an unexpected mishap, issue or illness occur. Find out more here.