The Best Places to Travel in November
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If you’re scrambling to use up your vacation days before the end of the year, look to the best places to travel in November for inspiration. Tucked between fall getaways and winter holidays, this shoulder season month offers plenty of opportunities for vacations both low-key and luxurious—in fact, you can bypass the crowded airports and dinner-table drama of Thanksgiving entirely if you so desire.
For those hoping to soak up the final glorious weeks of autumn’s aesthetic, the Berkshires have you covered. Places like Vienna and Oaxaca, meanwhile, have lively line-ups of cultural activities and festivals. And then there are the reliable, evergreen favorites that happen to shine a little brighter in November, from St. Barts to the Seychelles. Whether you want to shop, sunbathe, or eat Italian food for an entire week, these are the 10 best places to travel in November this year.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Mark Ellwood.
- Hak Liang Goh/Getty
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Every year, on the full moon of the twelfth month of the Thai lunar calendar (November 15–16 this year), the skies of Chiang Mai become a true sight to behold. This is courtesy of the annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival, in which people release thousands of glowing orange paper lanterns into the air, to symbolize the release of any negativity from the past year and the invitation of positivity moving forward.
There are tons of other reasons to visit Thailand’s northern cultural capital, of course, from the thriving arts and design scene to steaming bowls of khao soi. When it comes to accommodations, you can’t do much better than Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. Although it’s just a short tuk-tuk ride away from Old Town, the property feels more like a country retreat, thanks to a bamboo wall encircling the entire resort, rooms with super-sized terraces, an infinity pool surrounded by lily ponds, and a decadent afternoon tea service.
- Courtesy Almanac Palais Vienna
Vienna, Austria
As one of the world’s cultural capitals, Vienna offers a constant string of concerts, operas, art fairs, and festivals. This November, visit the Austrian capital for the 20th anniversary of Vienna Art Week (November 8–15), where you can enjoy more than 100 events ranging from studio visits to live performances. The best part? All admission is free.
Keep the artistic vibes going by booking a stay at Almanac Palais Vienna, a boutique property that leans big into sensory experiences, including a revolving collection of works by up-and-coming talents. This season, the hotel will house two sculptures by the Viennese contemporary artist Erwin Wurm, leading up to his first solo exhibition at Galerie bei der Albertina in Vienna’s historic center. After the exhibition wraps, the Almanac will continue to host pieces from the gallery and unveil a dedicated Gustav Klimt suite.
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Oaxaca, Mexico
Mexico City isn’t necessarily the best place in the country to dive deep into the Day of the Dead celebrations, one of Mexico’s most ancient festivals. Instead, head down to Oaxaca: Mesoamerican cultures once held sway here, so when the Spanish arrived they co-opted the ancestor-honoring event and folded it into All Saints’ Day. Today, families build ofrendas, or altars, at home and decorate the graves of lost loved ones—expect to see marigolds everywhere and be offered a snack of pan de muerto, the sweet, round bread that’s intended as sustenance for the returning souls.
Remember that it’s as much somber as celebratory—much of what defines Dia de Los Muertos emerges in quiet, late-night contemplation. And don’t forget that Oaxaca is the spiritual home of tequila’s earthier counterpart, mezcal. Most of the best is made here—take a tour of the Montelobos distillery to sample it in situ, or try one of the local bars in town.
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Panama
November is shoulder season in Panama, as the wet weather of the winter disperses but the prices remain lower than in summer. It’s also when celebrations take place to mark the founding of the country—not once, but twice. On November 28, locals mark Independence Day, when this chunk of central America broke away from colonial Spain in 1821; November 3 is Separation Day, when Panama emerged as a self-governing country separate from Gran Colombia 82 years later. Traditionally, it’s an excuse for the entire month to feel like a party, with parades and fireworks held on a regular basis, all accompanied by thumping drum music.
Book a stay at the Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama City, a 159-room grande dame in the colonial old town of the capital. Staying true to its history with French flair and uplifting design, this is a dazzling way to stay on the waterfront.
- Felix Brüggemann/Chateau Royal Berlin
Berlin, Germany
It was 35 years ago—on November 9, to be precise—that Mr. Gorbachev tore down that wall. The fall of the Berlin Wall earned its place in the annals of global history, but you need to go straight to the source to truly appreciate and commemorate the momentous event. The German capital will be hosting a series of events and ceremonial acts on and around the 9th, including museum exhibitions and special guided walking and cycling tours.
For somewhere to rest up between tours, look no further than Château Royal. Steps away from the Brandenburg Gate, this Hot List 2023 winner boasts an address and style that are equally fabulous. Unwind in one of the hotel’s 93 guestrooms—adorned with vintage lamps and works by a local artist (each room is completely unique in that respect)—before venturing back out to explore more of Berlin.
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The Berkshires, Massachusetts
A trip to the Berkshires is like jumping into the pages of an Edith Wharton novel, with Gilded Age mansions and throes of New York City weekenders. (You can even visit Wharton’s own house and gardens.) You could easily spend a few days casually exploring the region’s antique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and luxury spas, but the main seasonal draw is, of course, the fall foliage—the trees are still colorful in mid-November here. Get the best views from the top of Mount Greylock, where you can see up to 90 miles away when the air is clear.
One of the best places to set up camp is Miraval Berkshires in the charming town of Lenox, where horse stables and cottage-style rooms will make you feel like you’re at an upscale sleepaway camp.
- Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty
Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Though often overlooked for Tuscany’s bucolic hills and the Amalfi Coast’s glittering villages, Emilia-Romagna is well-deserving of the spotlight. The region especially shines in the autumn months, with temperatures hovering in the low 60s and festivals popping up to celebrate the area’s food and wine. Starting in October and stretching through the first weekend of November, the annual Tartufesta (White Truffle Festival) returns this year to the small village of Sasso Marconi surrounding Bologna, complete with markets, tasting menus, and truffle-hunting tours.
Another notable event is Baccanale in the town of Imola (October 19 to November 10), a multi-week festival focusing on a specific aspect of local gastronomy. This year’s theme is “Un filo d’olio” (which translates to “a thread of oil”), focusing on the prolific role oil—specifically olive oil—has played in Italian cuisine and culture.
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St. Barts
Come hungry to St. Barts this November, when the island hosts its 11th annual Gourmet Festival from November 5–10. A collection of eight French chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants will cook and host a series of exclusive dinners, as well as wine tastings and amateur cooking competitions.
Another huge reason to visit the Caribbean island is the eternally chic Eden Rock, which continues to be a favorite hotel among our readers and editors. The property boasts suites with private plunge pools, views of the impossibly blue ocean, and some of the most spacious bathrooms you’ve ever seen. Just one night here will make you feel like the most glam, sun-kissed version of yourself.
- Jack Hardy/Courtesy Dromoland Castle
Ireland
Want to make Thanksgiving extra memorable this year? Head to Ireland, where your family can enjoy a holiday feast in an actual Irish castle. The 450-acre Dromoland Castle in County Clare is offering a special Thanksgiving package to guests from November 27–30, complete with the aforementioned feast, roaring fires, fine whiskeys, woodland walks, and a round of golf or two.
The castle dates back to the 16th century but recently underwent a $23 million renovation, meaning you can enjoy traditional decor and architectural details (arched windows, spiral staircases, and more) with modern touches like flatscreen TVs and outdoor hot tubs. The castle is also an easy drive away from the Cliffs of Moher, letting you experience one of the world’s most beautiful sites with ease.
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The Seychelles
Off the coast of Kenya, the 115 coral and granite islands of the Seychelles are home to lush jungles, spectacular waterfalls, pristine beaches, and some of the most beautiful resorts on the planet. The country also just so happens to be one of the best places to travel in November, representing a break between the humid northwest trade winds and the cooler southeast trade winds. In other words? The weather is absolutely perfect. You’ll also dodge the December high season, allowing you to really enjoy your sunbathing and scuba diving uninterrupted.
For what may end up being the most luxurious experience of your life, stay in one of the 11 fantasy villas at North Island. Bookended by a lush forest and coral-rich water, the resort offers every paradisiacal amenity, from marble tubs and outdoor showers to chefs who prepare meals right in your suite. Good luck returning to your snowy hometown after that.