10 Great Countries to Travel in November

Great Countries to Travel in November

November is the last stretch of autumn before winter sets in, which makes it a great time to travel. The pleasantly crisp breeze, clear temperatures, and the chance to inject fresh energy into a slightly melancholy mood are all part of the appeal. Above all, November is the off-season in most countries, so airfare and lodging tend to be cheaper. There aren’t many tourists either, which means relaxed touring. So today I’d like to pick out and introduce some great countries to visit in November. Most people seem to prefer Europe over Asia or the Americas around this time, so I’ll tailor my well-reasoned recommendations to that preference. I hope it helps—let’s begin!

1. Spain — Madrid

If you know a thing or two about soccer, you’ve probably heard of Madrid at least once. But it turns out that while many have heard of it, not many have actually visited. The first great November destination I’ll introduce is Madrid, Spain—because of its cool weather, comfortable temperatures, and relaxed sightseeing. As an off-season month, it also has the advantage of cheaper hotels and airfare. Even so, every November Madrid holds an autumn festival where you can experience the local culture. Other top attractions in Madrid include the El Rastro market, Buen Retiro Park, the Prado Museum, and Plaza de Cibeles—so if you get the chance, do visit Spain to enjoy the festival and take in all the sights.

2. Iceland

Iceland is a great place to observe the aurora, from November through February or March of the following year. The aurora—one of those natural phenomena you simply must see before you die—is said to be so spectacular in person that it can bring you to tears. But the aurora isn’t the only reason Iceland is a great November destination. The Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, Gullfoss waterfall, and glacier trekking are all attractions well worth the trip. Above all, it’s fascinating that this vast wilderness can be seen only in Iceland. Around this time of year, airfare, lodging, and even car rentals all get cheaper—so how about setting off here this November?

3. Italy — Amalfi Coast

Wondering what a coast has to do with November? One look at Italy’s Amalfi Coast and that thought will vanish. Set in the Campania region of southern Italy, this coast is a beautiful, romantic stretch reminiscent of Santorini in Greece. Running some 34 miles (54 km), the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws millions of tourists every year. The sheer coastal cliffs and the Mediterranean views from atop them are nothing short of spectacular. The reason to visit the Amalfi Coast in November is that it boasts temperatures and weather perfect for strolling, with none of the crowds. It may take some effort, but if you book a room with a terrace up on the heights and sip a drink through the night, there could hardly be a more romantic, laid-back trip!

4. France — Paris

Paris, France—the most visited city in the world—is also a great November destination. That’s because you can take in the Eiffel Tower at a relaxed pace, away from the teeming peak-season crowds. Once you realize just how many tourists there are, and how much that limits what you can actually enjoy, you’ll find yourself insisting on November whenever you choose Paris. Best of all, lodging and airfare get cheaper in November. If you’re planning a trip to the serene, beautiful city of Paris, I recommend November over peak season!

5. USA — Maui, Hawaii

Maui, one of the Hawaiian islands, holds its distinctive beauty and grandeur all year round. Even so, the reason I recommend November is that it’s just before Hawaii’s peak season (December to February). The comfortably warm temperatures let you play in the water all day long, and the timing is especially ideal for surfing enthusiasts. Resort rates are also cheaper, and with fewer crowds you can sightsee at leisure. Top attractions include Haleakalā National Park, the Maui Ocean Center, and Waiʻanapanapa State Park—and if you’re lucky, you can even go whale watching. Just note that whale watching requires booking a tour in advance.

6. Belize

Belize, located in Central America and perhaps unfamiliar to many, was also chosen as a great November destination. During this period, Belize has few tourists, good weather, and affordable hotel rates. Visiting its gorgeous beaches and historic ruins alone can make for a trip that’s well worth it. Signature attractions include the Great Blue Hole and ruins such as Lamanai, Altun Ha, and the Cayo District.

7. Mexico — Riviera Maya

If there’s one thing I’ve come to feel while writing travel content, it’s that Mexico is a genuinely captivating country. Showing up once again on the list of great November destinations, Mexico—among its many regions—earns my recommendation for the Riviera Maya. The reason is that the Day of the Dead festival runs every year starting October 31. Even though it’s festival season, there aren’t as many tourists as in peak season, so you can really soak up Mexican culture. Touring the sights around Cancún or exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá can also make for a meaningful trip. If only I were good at Spanish—or at least English—Mexico is one of the countries I’d most love to visit. It’s commonly thought of as dangerous, but the tourist areas are said to be relatively safe!

8. Morocco — Marrakech

This time, let’s head over to the African continent—to the city of Marrakech in Morocco. The reason to visit this city in November is that you can enjoy pleasant weather, escaping Africa’s sweltering summer. It’s also the off-season, so there aren’t many tourists, and a variety of festivals are held locally. You can pick up souvenirs found only in Morocco at low prices and visit markets selling countless spices. Other attractions in Marrakech include the Medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley, and the Sahara Desert.

9. New Zealand — Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand—a well-known country that, oddly enough, gets relatively few travelers (…)—is also a great November destination. While November is autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand is in spring, so you can enjoy comparatively mild weather and relaxed sightseeing. You can hike and climb on Mount Eden, or take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Cornwall Park.

10. Australia — Melbourne

Like New Zealand, Australia (on the same continent of Oceania) is also in spring in November. That means you can enjoy mild weather and clear skies. And since it’s the off-season, you can cut travel costs with cheaper lodging and airfare. Unlike Sydney, Melbourne is a city where Australia’s distinctive culture is well established. Top attractions include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and Port Campbell National Park—and if you have time to spare, you can even plan day trips out to the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula.

Every time I write travel content, thoughts like “When will I get to travel again?” and “Will I ever get to see them all?” creep in. Parenting means caring for a child who’s far younger and more dependent than me, so I know positive energy and a positive mindset matter—yet my urge to travel goes unmet, and sometimes, like this, I get a little down while writing. I know that once my child is older we can travel together, and that that will be its own kind of precious experience—but lamenting the present like this leaves me with mixed feelings. Still, I had fun getting to introduce these great November destinations. I think it’s because there were so many countries I’d love to visit, and I got to learn more about them. I hope this was helpful to anyone planning a November trip. With that, I’ll wrap up. Ta-da!