Where To Head In November
November is one of the best times of the year to travel if you like your destination peaceful. It’s sandwiched between autumnal getaways in October and winter destinations of December, but also in November, some destinations hit their sweet spot.
It’s when you can take advantage of the quiet winter sun in Europe, discover bustling cities in relative solitude – or travel further afield and find spring in the air in the southern hemisphere. If you can’t wait for that wintery feeling, you can seek out the snow in the north. To help you decide where to go, here’s where to head in November.
Oaxaca, Mexico
When November rolls around, the rainy season in Mexico will be over and temperatures will be around 33C. Despite the warm and dry weather, it’s the perfect time to dive deep into Halloween vibes. Mexico’s Día de Muertos festival is legendary, and there’s nowhere better to celebrate this than Oaxaca. Oaxaca is traditional Mexico, so when they put on a Day of the Dead festival here, it’s beautiful, it’s authentic, and it’s one of the best street parties you’ll ever experience. Make sure you’re there on 1st and 2nd November to catch these macabre yet bright and colourful celebrations.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
There’s no doubt the main reason visitors choose Tenerife in November is the weather. The most popular of the Canary Islands, the climate in Tenerife stays roughly the same all year round, so you know you’re in for a sunny treat. In November it’s around 23C – so it’s a big step up from chilly Britain. November is also when the town of Icod de los Vinos has something special instore. The 29th is the eve of St Andrew’s Day, and when the island’s new wines are celebrated. Roads are closed for an evening street party and there’s a festival atmosphere as children take to wooden sledges and career down the cobbled streets on them. Definitely one to experience in person.
Athens, Greece
In November, most of Greece is either at the very end of its season, or it’s already closed for the winter. But not in Athens. At a pleasant 18C and with clear blue skies, it’s an ideal time to make the most of the city. It’s much more peaceful, and you can wander around the Acropolis freely without the usual level of crowds. The price of flights and accommodation in November is one of the most appealing things about travelling this month – prices can be slashed by as much as 50 per cent as the season begins to wind down. Better still, Christmas lights are switched on in mid-November, so you can get that festive feeling before you head back to the UK.
Muscat, Oman
Sadly, Oman is much too hot for most people to visit in the summer months. But by November it’s cooled down to a still-hot 30C, and it can be considered a great place to jet off to for some winter sun. Muscat is the capital city of this desert Arabian land, and it’s surrounded by the majestic Hajar mountains, making it a unique city to visit. As November is a popular time for tourists, you’re likely to find the city is busy. This only adds to the bustling atmosphere when Omanis celebrate their national day of independence on November 18th. The colours green, red, and white will be seen everywhere as they show their pride in their country. Or fancy something a little out of the ordinary? Well it gets cool at night, but that doesn’t stop anyone from camping out on the beach Bedouin style…
Verbier, Switzerland
For travellers who love the snow and can’t wait to get out on the slopes, there’s no better place in November than Switzerland. Verbier is one of the more upmarket areas to go skiing, and if your budget stretches, you might as well do it in style. Verbier is where you can do some celebrity spotting, and you won’t be staying in any basic chalets here – this is where the luxury hotels are. The best thing about visiting Verbier in November is you beat the ski rush of winter: as the snow coverage begins to thicken in early November, the ski lifts begin to open, and you can get out on the slopes before the crowds arrive in full force.
Wherever you’re planning on heading to in the coming months make sure to pack a Switched On Travel Insurance policy for total peace of mind. Find out more here.