The holiday season kicks off in late November, with the long Thanksgiving weekend being a popular time to get away. Some travelers seek out sunny destinations like Jamaica, Los Cabos, and Florida, while others get into the holiday spirit with festive getaways to places like New York City. Vibrant festivals, lush beach resorts, and national parks draw travelers from near and far. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer international getaway, we’re here to help. Here are the best places to travel in November in the U.S. and around the world.
North Queensland, Australia
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It’s spring in the Southern Hemisphere, and November marks the transition between the sunny dry season and the humid season, with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, and is only an hour or two from Cairns (some people choose to explore the Great Barrier Reef by land, leaving from Cairns). Another Queensland attraction, the Kuranda Train and Skyrail, offers a scenic and exciting 90-minute rail journey through rainforest, past waterfalls and into Barron Gorge. The coral spawning spectacle, a vibrant sign of color and life on the Great Barrier Reef, can be seen around the full moon in November. Stay at the nearby Shangri-La The Marina Cairns, for a convenient base to explore the surrounding area.
New York City, New York
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Whether you’re visiting New York for shopping, Broadway shows, museums or restaurants, New York City never disappoints. November marks the start of the Big Apple’s festive season, as New York’s famous window displays and holiday markets draw crowds, a crisp chill in the air and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 23) and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting (November 29) celebrate the season. Hotels across the five boroughs offer a variety of accommodations. Hotels in Manhattan such as Pendry Manhattan West, The Ritz-Carlton New York Nomad and The Wall Street Hotel are ranked among the best hotels in New York City.
Jamaica
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With temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, attractive accommodation prices, and an end to hurricane season, November is a great time to travel to Jamaica. The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is home to three airports and four major cruise ports, as well as six resort areas: Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Port Antonio, and the South Coast. There are many reasons to visit the island, including beautiful beaches, great music, delicious food, and local culture. There are a variety of accommodation options, although many travelers choose to stay at an all-inclusive resort for a worry-free vacation. If you don’t want to stay at an all-inclusive property, it’s worth checking out the Half Moon and Tryall Clubs in Montego Bay and the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. The annual Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am golf event will be held in Montego Bay from November 15 to 19.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Scottsdale and Phoenix both offer luxury hotels, starry skies, stunning views, and November weather perfect for the outdoors. Fall getaways allow you to hit the golf course, lounge by the pool, and hike scenic trails. In Scottsdale, Canal Convergence (November 3-12) is an exciting light, water, and arts event along the waterfront, featuring live music, food, and more. Golf is a big draw in the Phoenix area, with courses at the renowned Arizona Biltmore, The Wigwam, and JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort. Castle Hot Springs, a luxury wellness retreat just outside the Phoenix metropolitan area, features mineral springs, a spa, guided hikes, yoga, an on-site farm, and a via ferrata adventure course.
Los Cabos, Mexico
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In Los Cabos, the month kicks off with the celebration of the Day of the Dead (November 1-2), a day marked by colorful parades, altars and events in memory of deceased loved ones. Later in the month, the annual Los Cabos International Film Festival takes place from November 29-December 3. No matter when you visit, sunbathing on beautiful beaches, golfing, fishing and surfing are just some of the popular activities. Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels, including all-inclusive resorts like the luxurious Grand Velas Los Cabos. Or, be one of the first to stay at the new Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, an all-inclusive, adults-only luxury hotel that opens in time for Thanksgiving. The five-star Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal will host Michelin-starred chef Enrique Casarrubias from November 9-12.
Florida Keys, FL
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This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of this 125-mile long island chain at the southern tip of Florida. Sunny skies, blue waters and plenty of activities draw visitors to the islands year-round. Dive and snorkel at the coral reefs and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the first underwater park in the United States. On land, there are plenty of activities, and film buffs should visit during the Key West Film Festival (November 15-19). Accommodations range from guesthouses to luxury resorts. There are several resorts to choose from, including the all-inclusive and adults-only Bungalows Key Largo and the sprawling Islamorada Resort Collection. In Key West, options include Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort and the Cuban-style Havana Cabana. Visitors can fly directly to Key West or drive from South Florida along the scenic Overseas Highway.
Tel Aviv, Israel
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November is an ideal time to visit Tel Aviv, as the Mediterranean city offers a range of activities with pleasant temperatures hovering around 70 degrees Celsius. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, Tel Aviv is less than an hour away from Jerusalem, making it convenient for travelers who also want to experience the ancient holy sites. Carmel and Levinsky markets, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant nightlife are popular activities in Tel Aviv. Great accommodations include The Norman, R48 Hotel & Gardens, The David Kempinski, and The Vera. Due to open in October, The George is a members-only club, hotel, and co-working space that offers culinary and wellness experiences.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Las Vegas is a year-round destination with shows, casinos, amusement rides, museums, shopping and attractions for the whole family. Must-see attractions include the Fountains of Bellagio, the High Roller Ferris Wheel, the Fremont Street Experience and the gondolas at the Venetian Resort. With over 150,000 hotel rooms in the Las Vegas area, you’re spoilt for choice. Popular hotels include Caesars Palace, The Wynn, Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas, Bellagio, MGM Grand and Resorts World. As if this glittering city needed more excitement, the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix (November 16-18) will see drivers racing at speeds up to 212 miles per hour through the hotels and casinos along the Strip.
Yosemite National Park, California
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A great benefit of visiting Yosemite in November is that you can enjoy the park’s views and tranquility in the crisp days of autumn without the summer crowds. The Ahwahnee Hotel is open year-round and is scheduled to complete renovations in October. This historic building is a sight to behold even if you don’t stay the night. Tenaya at Yosemite, deep in the sequoia forest, is also open in November and offers a variety of accommodations, including suites, cabins, and cottages. From November 4 to 6, Chateau du Chereau, a Relais & Chateaux resort, will partner with Ansel Adams Gallery for Yosemite Photography Weekend. This charming resort has 10 guest rooms, two-bedroom villas, and the Elderberry House restaurant.
New Orleans, Louisiana
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Although rain is possible, mild fall weather makes November a pleasant time in New Orleans. Beyond beignets, po’boys, and gumbo, there are plenty of reasons to visit. The Bayou Bacchanal (November 3-4) celebrates the city’s Caribbean cultural traditions with dance, music, and cuisine. The New Orleans Film Festival takes place November 2-7, featuring parties, events, and panel discussions at various venues around the city. Get to know chefs, bartenders, and mixologists in New Orleans during Cocktail Week, November 6-12. The acclaimed National World War II Museum will hold a grand opening on November 3 of a new wing called the Liberation Pavilion, which explores the end of the war, the Holocaust, and the years after the war. Stay at one of the city’s many hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, and the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
