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November is the ideal time to take a break from your everyday life before the busy festive season gets into full swing. From sunny beaches to stunning desert landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals, this is our pick of ten remarkable destinations around the world to visit in November:
While the rest of Europe has taken on a distinctly chilly atmosphere, the Canary Islands are still enjoying warm temperatures and sunny skies that provide supreme conditions for sunbathing, surfing and windsurfing. Favourite spots for beach lovers include Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife and Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. There are plenty of other delights to discover if you venture away from the coast, from the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park to the hiking trails of La Gomera. At the end of the month, you can immerse yourself in local culture at the Festival of San Andres, which celebrates the new season’s wine with a variety of unique customs.
Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand
November marks the end of Thailand’s rainy season so it’s an ideal time of year to visit. A wide variety of experiences are on offer, from exploring the bustling markets of Bangkok to island hopping around the Andaman Sea. Experience the magic of Loy Krathong, the Festival of Lights, during which it is customary to release thousands of small, lotus-shaped baskets with candles and flowers into rivers and lakes throughout Thailand. The equally enchanting Yi Peng Lantern Festival is unique to northern Thailand: thousands of lanterns can be seen lighting up the night skies above the historic city of Chiang Mai in late November each year.
From the dramatic cliffs and canyons of Jebel Shams to the sweeping expanse of Wahiba Sands; from the stunning palaces and mosques of Muscat to the underwater wonderland of Yiti Beach, Oman offers a delightful mix of epic adventure and blissed-out relaxation. Venture into the Rub’ al Khali, a vast expanse of desert commonly known as the ‘Empty Quarter’, where you can experience the wonder of camping out under the desert sky, accompanied by a local Bedouin guide who will unlock the secrets of this unique part of the world. Beach lovers can choose from a variety of stunning beaches, with Al Bustan and Tiwi featuring among our favourite choices. Oman’s National Day celebrations usually occur around 18th November, featuring parades, fireworks, and thrilling cultural performances.
Namibia, Africa
As November is late spring in Namibia, it’s a great time to visit before the scorching heat of the summer months arrives. It’s the prime season for wildlife safaris, as at this time of year, the animal population tends to be active and can be easily spotted as you explore the national parks and reserves. Namibia is known for its incredibly clear night skies, and in November, the warmer evenings provide ideal conditions for desert stargazing. Our favourite November activities in November: discovering the surreal beauty and otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, going on a wildlife safari in Etosha National Park, and witnessing the unique cultural traditions of the indigenous Himba people.
Snorkelling at Great Barrier Reef, Australia
November is also late springtime in Australia, and it’s an excellent time to explore our vast and diverse backyard. The waters of the Great Barrier Reef are warm, clear and teeming with life, providing picture-perfect conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. You may also be lucky enough to spot migrating humpback whales along Australia’s East Coast, especially in Hervey Bay or along the Great Ocean Road. November’s mild temperatures are just right for bushwalking, camping and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of Australia’s many incredible wilderness areas, including the Blue Mountains in New South Wales and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. In Melbourne, November is all about the carnival atmosphere that surrounds the iconic Melbourne Cup, while in Sydney, the Bondi Beach Festival is renowned as a vibrant celebration of live music, art, and food.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most significant and vibrant festivals, and although the exact dates vary from year to year, it will be celebrated during November in 2023 and 2024. The cities of Jaipur, Varanasi, and Amritsar are all known for their grand Diwali celebrations, where you can experience the illuminated streets, colourful rangoli artwork and fireworks displays for which they are famous. November is also a wonderful month for trekking in India’s corner of the Himalayas: the monsoon rains have washed the sky until it shines a vibrant shade of blue, the air is crisp and clear, and the views of distant peaks are truly incredible.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
As spring continues to unfold across the Southern Hemisphere, there’s another great mountain range that’s just waiting for your arrival. November marks the start of the hiking season in Chile’s Patagonia region, especially the world-famous W and O routes that lead into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. Take a boat tour from Punta Arenas at the southern tip of Patagonia to Isla Magdalena to see vast numbers of nesting Magellanic penguins. Further North, Chile’s stunning Lake District comes alive with spring blooms in November and offers a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking amidst a landscape of serene lakes and lush forests.
Hong Kong
Whether you’re interested in culture, cuisine, outdoor activities, or shopping, Hong Kong is an exciting destination to visit at any time of year. During November, cultural festivals such as the Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair and the Cheung Chau Bun Festival add an extra level of vibrancy to the city with parades, traditional performances and delicious street food. Long considered a shopper’s paradise, November in Hong Kong is all about the pre-Christmas sales – from the luxury malls of Central to the Temple Street Night Market, there are plenty of bargains to be found including unique souvenirs and fashion finds. Escape the city bustle by hitting one of the city’s many scenic hiking trails such as Dragon’s Back or the MacLehose Trail, which provide stunning views of the coastline and lush landscapes.
Each of these destinations offers a diverse range of experiences and landscapes, ensuring that your November travels are unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, there’s a perfect destination on this list to suit your preferences – ask your personal travel manager for more information.
We at Travel Managers Australia recognise the traditional owners of the country where we live and work. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of New South Wales.
