Top Destinations: Where to Travel in November for Adventure & Warmth

Are you wondering where to travel in November? While it’s not the most typical vacation month, it’s actually an ideal time to get away! Cooler weather in the Northern Hemisphere makes it perfect for escaping to warmer climates, and in the southern hemisphere spring is in full swing, but isn't too hot just yet.

Beyond the weather, November is full of exciting holidays and festivals around the globe, giving you even more reason to plan your next adventure. Whether you're after sunny beaches or cultural experiences, there’s something for every traveler.

Check out our top picks for the best places to visit in November and start planning your next adventure!

Where to Travel in November: Destination #1- New York, USA

If there's one place we love to be in November, it's New York. Even though it's one of the places I call home, I can't help but mention it in our list of where to travel in November.

The third Thursday in November is Thanksgiving, and it is a truly a special time to be in the US. The holiday bring families and friends together for large feasts where people express their gratitude and think about their blessings.

Football also plays a large part in Thanksgiving, as the sport has a big game played on Thanksgiving Day (which lasts a few hours).

Finally, let's not forget the parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is held each year in Manhattan, and features large floats, marching bands, and dancers through the streets.

If you are visiting as a tourist there are plenty of restaurants that will serve a Thanksgiving style dinner. If you are visiting New York and want to see the parade, get there EARY! (like a few hours before). Dress very warm as the temperatures in NYC will have most likely dropped to winter temperatures at this point. 

The day after Thanksgiving is also Black Friday. So if you want to experience the biggest shopping day of the year, then this is it! Stores open as early as midnight and bring crazy deal chasers anxiously waiting outside storefronts. If you're not interested in the shopping, it is still quite the experience.

Not only are Thanksgiving and Black Friday a great reason to visit New York at this time. But the month is also great for enjoying football games each weekend, bonfires, and the tail end of the colorful autumn leaves.

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Where to Travel in November: Destination #2: Florida, USA

While New York is an ideal destination for traveling for Thanksgiving, now we're going to head down south a bit for a nice sunny getaway.

After months of hurricane season, Florida finally gets the break it needs. The storms are over by November, and temperatures are simply perfect to enjoy hot days and pleasantly cool nights.

Not only is the weather great in November, but it's the start of manatee season! Head to some of the incredible springs in Central Florida (near Orlando) and you'll be able to kayak with the manatees and explore the great nature that Florida has to offer.

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Where to Travel in November: Destination #3- The Maldives

If you're looking for where to travel in November for an epic tropical getaway, then this stunning island chain is calling your name.

The Maldives is one of the most dreamy places on the planet. Known for its crystal clear waters and unbelievable beach resorts, people can't wait to flee to this paradise. However, what most don't know is that the Maldives receives a severe amount of storms during its rainy season.

Come November, the sun is shining and much more inviting. Because let's be honest- who wants to spend all that money to make it to the Maldives to sit in the rain?

The Maldives are definitely one of the best places for travel in November if you want an island escape.

Where Travel in November: Destination #4: Leon, Mexico

Another of our favorite places for where to travel in November is Mexico. We've chosen Leon though, as they have a unique event every year. Head to this city just just a few hours of Mexico City to enjoy one of our favorite experiences in Mexico, the hot air balloon festival.

Each year thousands of people flood Leon to see over 100 balloons soaring over the city. They come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Even some of them are cartoon characters!

You can participate in riding in one of the balloons if you volunteer (with a party of 4) and a pick up truck. If you don't fly in a balloon, you can just admire all of the balloons soaring above you.

Aside from the hot air balloon festival, we love Mexico at this time as the first day of the month celebrates El Dia de los Muertos. The weather is also tropical in the South, and still enjoyably warm in the North. 

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Where to Travel in November: Destination #5- India

Looking for one of the best places to visit in November for holidays around the world? Well, November (and sometimes October depending on the year) is when the biggest festival in India happens.

Diwali is the Festival of Lights and is celebrated to honor the seventh avatar, Rama-chandra. It's a major Hindu religious festival that lasts for five days during the lunar months of Ashvina and Karttika.

Diwali is the biggest in India, but can also be found being celebrated by millions of others in various countries throughout the world. Some secondary places you can enjoy this holiday  include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. Malaysia, Myanmar, and Fiji.

Where to Travel in November: Destination #6- Thailand

Thailand is one of the most desirable places in the world to visit. With delicious food, incredible temples, and stunning beaches, millions travel to this diverse country every year.

We particularly think it's one of the best places to visit in November, because the weather overall is at its best. Head to the Northern regions and you will see dry and sunny days, with chillier nights. Go island hopping in the South and you will find the weather getting less rainy than the previous months.

We suggest doing the north of Thailand in the beginning of the month, and saving the South for the end of the month.

Not only is the weather great in November, but the famous lantern festivals take place in the middle of the month. Go to Chiang Mai, Thailand and you can experience thousands of floating baskets with candles released into the sky. We definitely think this is one for the bucket list.

Where to Travel in November: Destination #7- Japan

While the fall colors in the US are fading away come November, Japan's fall colors are in full force! 

We originally had Japan on our bucket list for places to visit in March due to the cherry blossoms, but after seeing a ton of pictures from November in Japan, we honestly can't decide which to do first!

Stay tuned, because Japan is on our radar, and will hopefully we'll have a lot of fun guides to come with all of the cool things to do and see in this bustling country.

Where to Travel in November: Destination #8- Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Wondering where to travel in November for perfect weather. the best sunsets, and surreal landscapes? Look no further than Guatemala's iconic lake destination - Lake Atitlan.

Dotted with charming villages and surrounded by breathtaking volcanoes, Lake Atitlan is one of our favorite Central American destinations there is. November is the best time to visit for perfect weather, and it's known for having insanely gorgeous sunsets during this month.

So have you decided where to travel in November this year? It's a great month to travel for those that want to experience special holidays around the world. As temperatures cool down in the Northern hemisphere it is also the perfect time for a tropical getaway. 

Want to travel in another month? We have plenty of other monthly destination guides so you can plan out other times of the year!

Now that you know where to travel in November, it's time to plan your trip! With Scratch Your Mapa Travel Planning Services you can now explore more, and worry less. Save money and time by getting a free consultation. Take a look at our travel planning packages to get started!

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