November can feel like the forgotten middle month of the holiday season. The Halloween sugar rush is fading and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season hasn’t even begun yet (at least not until Thanksgiving, which this year falls on November 28 in the US).
But here’s the secret: It’s the perfect time to pack your bags and travel to a new place. It’s that window of quiet when the world seems to take a collective sigh, the crowds have thinned out, and travel deals beckon from the other side of the Internet.
Whether you’re looking for the last traces of fall foliage before the holiday madness or you’re craving some sunshine before summer begins in the Southern Hemisphere, traveling in November before the holidays can be a lot of fun. Here are the 10 best places to visit in November.
Vienna
Autumn in Vienna It’s the best time to get to know the city’s art scene. November is when the city’s cultural calendar is in full swing. Vienna Art Week (November 8-15) includes more than 100 events, from gallery tours to artist talks. This year marks the festival’s 20th anniversary, and the celebration is bigger than ever. You can wander through iconic museums like the Belvedere or the Kunsthistorisches Museum during the shoulder season without the summer crowds. Combine your artistic explorations with cozy afternoons in Vienna’s famous coffee houses, where a hot cup of Melange (similar to a cappuccino) awaits you. Plus, most events are held on weekends. Vienna’s famous Christmas markets Open mid-November if you want to start your holiday as early as possible.
TPG Advice: Stay in the Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collectionwhich opened earlier this year in a former 19th-century military equestrian school. Rates start at $165 or 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this November.
Las Vegas
Watch the world’s fastest cars race down the Strip when the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas comes to Las Vegas From November 21 to 23. Wynn Las Vegas offers an F1 package starting at $9,100 for three nights of accommodation and VIP access to race week, including two grandstand tickets. Earlier this month, car enthusiasts can also enjoy Contest at Wynn (1-3 November), with an elegant caravan and an exhibition of classic and sports vehicles.
TPG Advice: To withdraw from the action, stay in the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World, where rates start at $149 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night in November.
Dublin
In the first week of November, Dublin welcomes bookworms Dublin Book Festival (6-10 November) For five days, the city comes alive with readings, workshops and panel discussions celebrating established and emerging authors. Held at various locations around the city, the festival offers an excuse to stop by a historic pub for a pint between events. The cooler weather brings a cosy charm to the city, making it an ideal month to explore Trinity College, stroll through Phoenix Park or enjoy the city’s literary history without the crowds of peak season.
TPG Council:Stay in The Shelbournewhere you can enjoy afternoon tea in The Lord Mayor’s Lounge and relax with a book or Irish coffee while taking in the view of St. Stephen’s Green. Rates start at $421 or 61,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
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Palm Springs, California metropolitan area
Palm Springs It offers sunny days with a touch of celebration in November. The Pride of Great Palm Springs (October 31 to November 3) fills the desert with rainbow-colored parades and festivities, while the Magic of lightsA light show at the Empire Polo Club beginning on November 17 adds a sparkling festive glow to the region.
With temperatures around 20°C, the weather is ideal for lounging by the pool or taking walks in nearby parks such as Joshua Tree National ParkThe combination of cool evenings and warm days creates the perfect setting for desert adventures or a quiet getaway in this relaxed and elegant oasis.
TPG Council:Book a room at the long-awaited Thompson Palm Springswhich is accepting reservations for September 30 and beyond. Rates start at $387 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night this November.
Saint Martin
November in Saint Martin is synonymous with enjoying the rich culinary culture of the Caribbean island. Gastronomy Festival (November 11-22) invites food lovers to savour French-Caribbean flavours through cooking competitions, tastings and mixology workshops. It’s a delicious warm-up to the holiday season and a great way to sample local cuisine at its finest. The weather is pleasantly warm, with pleasant temperatures hovering around 27°C. When you’re not eating, take a dip in the turquoise waters or explore the island’s charming streets before the holiday crowds arrive.
TPG Council:The season begins on November 15th. La Samanna, a Belmond hotel It has rates starting at $1,095 per night in November. It is part of Luxury Hotels & Resorts through American Express Travel. If you have an eligible card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Expressand book a stay through Amex Travel, you’ll get benefits like daily breakfast for two and $100 credit toward eligible charges, which vary by property.
Queensland, Australia
In Australia, November brings summer temperatures to Queensland without the heat of peak season. American Airlines launches its longest flight non-stop flight from Dallas to Brisbane At the end of October, it’s easier than ever to explore the region. Families will love it too Bluey’s World In Brisbane, a fully immersive experience based on the beloved children’s show premieres November 7. Plus, 80-degree beach weather along the Gold Coast and milder temperatures in the rainforest or Great Barrier Reef make Queensland one of the best places to visit in November.
TPG Advice: Book a room in Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, Vignette Collection by IHGRates start at around $156 or 29,000 IHG One Rewards points per night this November.
New York City
November in New York City begins with the New York City Marathon On November 3, the streets of all five boroughs will be alive with runners and spectators. But if you’re not putting on your running shoes, don’t worry: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade There will be just as much excitement on November 28 as there is now. Plus, the city transforms for the holiday season in late November, long before the December crowds arrive. The crisp fall air and the beginning of holiday decorations make strolling through Central Park or down Fifth Avenue even more magical.
TPG Advice: For a luxurious stay with views of the Thanksgiving parade, The Ritz-Carlton, New York, Central Park (rates start at $1,193 or 102,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in November) has a prime location on Sixth Avenue and Central Park South. To save money, opt for Dream in Midtown at 55th Street and Broadway (rates start at $244 or 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night in November).
Mendoza, Argentina
In Mendoza, November is springtime and the region’s vineyards are lush and green, providing a stunning setting for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking in the Andes, horseback riding through the vineyards, or rafting on the Mendoza River, the weather is mild, allowing for comfortable exploration. This is also the best time to visit wineries months before the busy harvest season begins in February.
TPG Council:Stay in Hotel Hualta Mendoza, Curio Collection by HiltonRates start at $170 or 51,000 Hilton Honors points per night in November.
Kenya
November in Kenya offers a quieter safari, as the crowds have thinned with the departure of the Great Migration. However, the Maasai Mara’s resident wildlife – lions, elephants and giraffes – remain, making it an excellent time to spot animals without the hustle and bustle of peak season. The short rainy season begins, but these sporadic showers only add to the lushness of the landscape, creating spectacular backdrops for photography. Samburu National Reserve is another fantastic option, where you’ll have the chance to see rare species such as Grevy’s zebra in a more intimate setting.
TPG Advice: Stay in the Fairmont Mara Safari Club at the northwestern edge of the Maasai Mara, in the Olchoro Oirowua Nature Reserve. Rates start at $405 per night in November. Join the ALL — Accor Live Limitless loyalty program to get 10% off.
Thailand
By November, Thailand Thailand has fully recovered from monsoon season, revealing lush landscapes and cooler temperatures, making it one of the best months to visit. Waterfalls are in full bloom, rivers are navigable, and skies are clear. Explore the mountains of Chiang Mai or relax on the beaches of the southern islands. No matter what your preferred activity is, Thailand is the place to do it. It’s an ideal time to visit before the holiday season begins, offering a quieter, more relaxed trip. Thailand’s festivals are gearing up, allowing travelers to take part in the rich culture and traditions in a calmer setting.
TPGIt is worth spending at least one or two nights in Bangkok before venturing to other parts of the country. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 It’s a great base in the bustling city, with rates starting at $104 or 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night in November.
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