Poor November. Squeezed in between the showy colors of October and the ever encroaching holiday season of December, I personally find November to be a very underrated month to travel. After months of summer adventures and a rush to pack in all the apple-picking, hay-riding and leaf-peeping fun you can into September and October there is a tendency to lay low for a few weeks in November before heading out in December to see cities decked out in their holiday best. But you know what? While November is more subdued I think it’s is the ultimate shoulder season for travel. Need some convincing?
A great time to visit the Caribbean
The hurricane season is coming to a close through November and many Caribbean destinations remain uncrowded until the holiday season. Daytime and water temps are still in the 80’s and the rainy season for most islands is winding down. This is also the time of year that you’ll find the best prices for hotels and resorts.
Cooler temps
Temperatures are cooling down across the northern hemisphere and traditionally sweltering destinations are now fairly mild. Have you been wanting to hike around Sedona or head out to Morrocco for a camel trek? November is the time to do it.
Conversely there are some destinations that are best experienced with a little chill in the air. There’s nothing like wandering around New York in your favorite boots and scarf or ducking into a grand cafe to warm up after exploring Vienna or Prague.
Fall Colors
Think October has a lock-down on autumn colors?
Think again.
By November autumnal splendor is just making its way to the southeastern United States.The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, gorgeous any time of year, are just spectacular in early November. I’ll be getting my fall fix at The Mast Farm Inn, a boutique B&B nestled in the colorful Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina.
Food
Ok, I fully admit there is no bad time during the year to travel for food but the flavors of November are really some of the year’s best. Crisp apples, tart cranberries and aromatic truffles are all at their peak this time of year. Since November is one of those months that ends with ‘R’ it is also prime oyster season. I’ll be getting to sample some of the Chesapeake Bay’s best bivalves during Virginia Wine and Brine, a month-long celebration of all things wine and oyster on Virginia’s bucolic Eastern Shore.
So now that I’ve convinced you of November’s charms I think it’s time you got out there and showed our 11th month some travel love.
Where will your November travels be taking you?
Evanne | Poplar Travels says
We are headed to Singapore and then back to Virginia for Thanksgiving! I’m so looking forward to a break from the Thailand heat. You couldn’t be more right – November is a great time to travel!
Brianna says
Sounds like some great plans! Where in VA are you headed?
Michelle says
For me November and April are my favorite months for traveling unless I am going to somewhere for a specific reason. Shoulder seasons are the best.
We (in SC) are just starting to have most of our trees change colors and it is a thing of beauty.
Brianna says
I usually try to travel in the shoulder seasons. Better prices and fewer crowds 🙂
Carmen (CarmensTravelTips) says
I think November is a great month to travel. Most places don’t have a lot of tourist roaming around during the month of November. It’s still warm in the Caribbean and Florida. Thanks for linking up to #WeekendWanderlust.
Brianna says
Yes on both accounts!
Stef says
South America is also great for November travels as it’s not yet as hot as it is in December and January. I’m currently on the Galapagos and will get to know Ecuador from mid November and except Quito where it’s “only” about 18°C, the temperatures in the rest of the country are pretty high.
And you’re right: Fall colors are great and people should travel more during November. Simply get a proper jacket, some gloves and get out and explore!
Brianna says
I didn’t even touch on the Southern hemisphere, its still spring there:)
Katie @WorldWideVegetarian.com says
I think that November is a lovely time to travel. I really love traveling on the off season anyway. I actually am headed north to a few cities in Canada in a few weeks, and was able to get really cheap plane tickets since I guess no one else wants to brave the cold with me in November. I also traveled a bit through Europe during this time, and though it is cold, I feel like it’s a great time to get out and see things with far fewer crowds, and at a cheaper cost!
Katie
http://www.worldwidevegetarian.com
Brianna says
Have a great time in Canada!
Katrina says
Love your little shout-out to Virginia in November! You’re right, the colors are only *just* starting to pop here and should be in their full glory within the next week or two.
Brianna says
This is the best time of year in VA IMO
Tim says
I couldn’t agree more. I am heading to New Zealand in November for that very reason. Prices are a little less, accommodation is available, not so many people, and the weather and scenery are great. I love November…last year I was in Mexico at this time (actually the year before) and had a brilliant time.
Brianna says
Oooh, NZ? I am so jealous!
San says
I totally agree that November is quite underrated, everyone just wanna go to the beach for holidays… how boring!^^
I prefer the colder season and be more active, Novemeber is just perfect, because it’s in between mild an cold 🙂
I like this post!
Brianna says
Thanks :). I agree, there is so much more to explore and experience than just the beach!
Fairlie says
I don’t think I’ve ever travelled far in November – because for us in Australia it’s the pointy end of the school/university year. Exams mostly fall into November. However, I’ll keep November in mind for the future…especially that fab fall colour! (came here via #WeekendWanderLust)
Vicky says
Hey Brianna 🙂 great tips for Caribbean travel – I love travelling to places in the off-season, especially when the weather’s still good! Cheaper prices, less crowds…winner! Thanks 🙂
Mindi @ 2foodtrippers says
I’ve always been partial to the month of November since my birthday is in the middle of the month. Plus, I have eaten some of my best Thanksgiving dinners in London, Reykjavik, Koh Lanta, Montreal and Bologna.
Sarah Ebner says
Before we had children – and had to travel in school breaks – we always used to holiday in November. Such a great month as you say for deals etc, and much quieter too. Some great memories from those trips (though now, naturally, we love travelling as a family!)
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey says
The fall colours are certainly one good reason to get moving – but after such a hectic summer I am usually too beat. But I do love the 11th month too.
Brittany @ Paws for Beer says
Typically I travel in September when the kids go back to school but have thought about traveling later in the year. It didn’t work out this year, but maybe next year I’ll give November a try!
Brianna says
September is a great time too!
christine says
Every month is good for travel! 😉
Stephen & Jess says
It’s always hard to travel in November as it’s so close to the holidays. But these locations are great to try and squeeze in. We loved the Caribbean when we visited and going on a cruise is such a cheap way to see a lot of islands.
Brianna says
A cruise would be perfect this time of year!
Katie says
Totally agree! I love November as a time to travel! Cheaper and some places are perfect to go to during this month!
Brianna says
True and true!
Courtney says
Agreed! I think November is a great time to travel. Next weekend I’m headed to Istanbul, and I’m hoping there will be less crowds than usual considering it’s not peak season anymore! Hopefully it’s not too freezing though 🙂
Brianna says
Istanbul? I’m definitely jealous, have a great trip!
Karen Warren says
I’m actually not travelling anywhere this November, but the autumn colours make it a good time to be at home!
Karin | la vie de Karin says
You have convinced me! Last year I was in Paris in November, it was really nice!
Brianna says
Paris in November sounds absolutely lovely!
Amy @ Amy and the Great World says
November is a great month for travel…unfortunately we are saving up for Christmas so we are only staying local this month. But I will have to remember the Caribbean for the future!
Brianna says
Are you travelling for Christmas?
Heather says
I went to Portugal in November 2010 and it was great.
Brianna says
Ooh, I really want to visit Portugal!
Emily @alongdustyroads.com says
We’re in Nicaragua at the moment and it’s a great time to travel – end of the wet season, hot days and barely any tourists! Makes getting cheap accommodation much easier 🙂
Brianna says
I have been wanting to visit Nica 🙂
Adrian of Adrian's Travel Tales says
Greece, Serbia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Paris and the US. My November is FULL. I agree though, its a great time to travel. The weather isn’t THAT bad in the Northern hemisphere and it really is beautiful with the changing of the leaves.
Brianna says
Busy girl, I can’t wait to read about your adventures!
Jenn of Who Needs Maps says
Fall colors, pumpkin flavored everything.. and uh, THANKSGIVING! Fall is awesome! I dont get much off work, so November for me is more exploring whats around me!
Brianna says
Fall is definitely my favorite season 🙂
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says
I’ve often also thought the same thing about November travel – I don’t think I’ve ever been abroad in November before but I’m about to head to South East Asia so will be my first experience of travelling during this month. I’d love to head to the Carribean one November too especially if hotels are good value at that time too!
Brianna says
Have fun in SEA!
Costa Rica Curious says
For those in the States November can be the start of a very busy 2 months – preparing for Thanksgiving, then Christmas and finally New Years.
That being said, you make a lot of great points for traveling to certain destinations. My new home of Costa Rica is perfect for November travelers as we are just coming out of rainy season and the tourists of December and January are not here yet.
So, you get nicely priced accommodations and National Parks and beaches to yourself.
Brianna says
I never need an excuse to go to Costa Rica!
Revati Victor says
I think November’s fabulous! You’ve missed the onset of fall, and the December crowds haven’t started pouring in yet. Always a great time!
Brianna says
I concur!
Anne Klien ( Meaanne) says
I will be heading to Budapest in a weeks time I cant wait to explore the beauty of Buda and Pest 🙂
Brianna says
It looks like a gorgeous city, I’ve always wanted to visit the baths!
Marissa | Little Things Travel Blog says
November is highly underrated for travel! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve always wanted to do a Thanksgiving getaway. I feel like there are so many great travel destinations around that time of year! Will have to try this out next year 🙂
On the cold side, Colorado Winter Park slopes open next week! That means weekend ski trip is all booked 🙂 November travel is where it’s at!
Brianna says
I think it would be a great time to get away as well!
Vlad says
Not that I need any reasons to travel,but a couple of weeks ago I was checking prices for a possible trip to Morocco in November. You including it here has definitely made me consider it for the future. 🙂
Brianna says
I would love to go to Morocco 🙂
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
My kids have a whole week off from school, so I am definitely getting my travel on.
Brianna says
Sounds like a plan!
Adelina // Pack Me To says
Definitely not! There are some places where November is the time to go. I’m heading to Hong Kong soon and November is the best time to go weather-wise. Plus, in some of the cooler areas traveling in the off season isn’t so bad. Prague in the summer is the worst. Prague in the fall? Not so bad. Just be prepared for cold / rain and all is fine.
Brianna says
I visited Prague last fall and I loved it!
Jessica (Barcelona Blonde) says
Wine & Brine – that sounds amazing! I’m actually not traveling in November because I just finished a huge trip, but I do think it can be a good month to travel. Winter hasn’t quite set in in a lot of places, and it tends to be less crowded.
Brianna says
I’m looking forward to it:)
zof says
Every month is good for travel, isn’t it? I’d be heading to Eastern Turkey this November. Hope it won’t rain too much. But even if….I’m sure it’s gonna be a good trip.
Brianna says
Have fun, I’ve enjoyed my time in Turkey.
Anu @ Country Hopping Couple says
We are going to lap under the nature of Scotland all the weekends of November, because it’s quite and less crowds, the autumn scenes are still vibrant, and perfect for wood walks.
Brianna says
That sounds just lovely:)
Laura says
This is so true! November really is underrated and the autumn colours are so beautiful!!! Australia’s a good place to go in November too because it’s so hot then, I’d imagine other places are the same
Brianna says
I need to make my way down under 🙂
Alejandra Gil says
I totally agree with you. I am Dominican and theres nothing that I like most than traveling to the beaches in November, less crowded and perfect weather, not scorching hot but still hot enough to enjoy it. Im now in NYC, and getting such an odd weather, some days really cold and windy and some days warm. I cannot wait to see the parks in all their splendor!
Sandra @ Tripper says
November is one of my favorite months to travel too but sometimes I’m glad a lot of people don’t choose this month to travel… Less crowded 🙂
Jon @ jonistravelling.com says
I’m in Europe at the moment and it definitely isn’t as cold as I was expecting – it’s a great time to travel!
Harvey (H-Bomb's Worldwide Karaoke) says
I’ll be going to Rome later this month! And I won’t have to deal with the scorching temperatures or sardine can-like crowds that I would encounter there in the summertime!
Sumit Surai says
For us November is definitely a great month for travel. As the festive season in India ends in October, early November, traveling now will help you find less crowded places.
Brianna says
With fewer crowds and good weather November is a great time for travel.
shilpa balakrishnan says
I have never seen a typical autumn season and variety of bright colours although I travel so much. It’s either the summers or the snow winters.:)
Brianna says
Autumn in general is a great time to travel, I love the change into cooler weather and fall foods are some of my favorites.
Elena says
Even in Europe November is not that bad this year! still 20 degrees in Spain 🙂
Renate @ Renate's Travels says
I love shoulder seasons, the weather is usually good and there are always great deals to find. Last November I was in Vilnius, Lithuania – and this year I’m heading to Finland.
Brianna says
I’ve heard great things about both areas, and from what I’ve seen of Finland it’s just beautiful!
Natasha Amar says
I think November is a great month to travel, the weather gets very pleasant in most of Asia.
Brianna says
I haven’t been to Asia yet but I keep hearing November is a wonderful time to go.
Jolanta says
November is also a great month to go to Spain, or Florida. That’s what we did last year. I can’t say, however, that the crowds were gone. The places we went to were still pretty full of tourists. I can’t imagine what they look like “in season.”
Brianna says
Spain was lovely in the spring so I’m sure its equally fantastic in the fall.