Hey, you. I know you. You’re the one who saw that recent Paul Mescal photo shoot and suddenly now the Roman Empire is your actual Roman Empire. All it took was a glimpse of those short-shorts before “Gladiator II” had consumed your entire personality, and now you’re obsessively Googling flights to Rome in the hopes that you stumble upon a cheap one. Lucky for you, it’s still shoulder season, and Italy — from Florence to Rome and the Amalfi Coast — is one of the best places to travel in November.
If primal grunting and pretty Irishmen aren’t your thing, there’s no shortage of other enticing November travel destinations, whether you’re more of a romantic beach-lounger, museum-hopper, or ice cave–spelunker. In November, when the weather is still mostly mild and the holiday crowds haven’t yet picked back up, the world is your oyster — and if oysters are your thing, head to Jamaica this month, where you can probably slurp some delicious ones beachside, served up on the half shell and doused in spicy vinegar sauce.
While November travel is often characterized by long TSA lines at Thanksgiving and the hassle of holiday preparations, the first few weeks of the month are especially great for finding cheap places to travel and underrated destinations that mostly get overlooked throughout the rest of the year. We tapped some experts to pull together this list of the best places to travel in November, so you can get in some much-needed chill time before your mind is overtaken by turkey prep. (Yes, Mescal-heads, that includes the thigh meat.)
Experts Featured in This Article
Andrea Affinati is a travel expert and founder of Voyaged Magazine.
Sarah Handley is the general manager of Americas and Europe at Tourism New Zealand.
The Best Places to Travel in the US in November
- Santa Fe, NM. Catch the Día de los Muertos festival from Nov. 1-2, the city of Santa Fe’s third annual installation of the traditional Mexican celebration. “Hundreds of marigolds, colorful masks, and decorative skulls” will fill the Santa Fe Plaza, according to the city’s website, and after dark, the city will come alive with a candlelight parade to honor the year’s dead. This cozy, highland town will be great to visit throughout the rest of the month, too, full of its usual wonders like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the botanical gardens (open Wednesday-Sunday starting in November), and the best chile relleno burritos you can get your hands on.
- Napa Valley. Fall harvest season in Napa Valley is always dreamy, and with the opening of the brand new Bella Union Winery (one of the Far Niente wine estates), there’s even more to savor in this beautiful part of the country. The new spot opened in mid-September and has become a hub for wine lovers of all stripes, whether you’re looking for a lively group tasting session or a more subdued evening of wine education.
- Memphis, TN. One of the most underrated cities in the country, Memphis should not be missed this season — especially for lovers of history and the arts. Whether you’re craving some soul food from the Four Way (one of MLK’s regular spots), a smooth latte paired with an in-depth lesson on how to decolonize coffee consumption at renowned cafe Cxffeeblack, some fresh visual art at TONE Gallery, or a private listening session at the Memphis Listening Lab record library, Memphis will always deliver. From Nov. 14-17, check out the Indie Memphis Film Festival in the Overton Square Performing Arts District for a roster of local, national, and international films.
The Best Places to Travel in Europe in November
- Florence, Italy. For the foodies, travel expert Andrea Affinati recommends a November trip to Tuscany, right at the start of truffle season. “Local restaurants highlight this delicious delicacy in every dish imaginable,” she tells PS, and the seasonal delight is truly not to be missed. When you tire of strolling the Ponte Vecchio or admiring the walls of the Uffizi, rent yourself a zippy little Italian car for the three-hour drive south to Rome, where luxury tour operator Unforgettable Travel Company will be debuting the “Gladiator’s Italy tour” this month in honor of the Nov. 22 release of “Gladiator II.” The itinerary winds through Rome and Amalfi and “takes ‘Gladiator’ fans on a multi-day trip to follow in the footsteps of the heroes of Ancient Rome alongside an expert guide,” according to a press release.
- Iceland. Affinati says November, with its long, dark nights, is one of the best times to see the northern lights in Iceland. It’s also an ideal season for glacier hiking and exploring ice caves, “as it’s finally cold enough to wander through these mesmerizing, natural ice formations,” she says. “Plus, you’ll have fewer tourists competing for spots at popular natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon or Gullfoss.”
- Amsterdam. This Dutch city is pretty charming year-round, but Affinati says November is an especially good time to visit. Not only is November peak cozy mode in the city, it also ushers in cultural festivals like Museum Night, “where dozens of museums stay open late with special exhibits and events, making it an ideal time to visit for both art and atmosphere.”
The Best Global Destinations to Visit in November
- New Zealand. Travel and tourism expert Sarah Handley recommends booking your bucket list trip to New Zealand for the month of November, when the stunning country is basking in its peak springtime. “As the country transitions into summer, there’s plenty to experience,” she says, from a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, kayaking through a canyon illuminated by glowworms in Tauranga, or enjoying “world-class wineries” in Hawke’s Bay. Outdoor adventurers will also jump at the chance to experience New Zealand’s newest Great Walk, The Hump Ridge Track, which opens on Oct. 25. It offers “breathtaking views of the South Coast as it winds through the heart of native forest.”
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Affinati calls November a “hidden gem of a month” to visit the capital of Brazil, when tourists are sparse but the weather is still comfortable enough for a sprawl on Ipanema or a hike to the Christ the Redeemer Statue.
- Jamaica. November really is for the foodies! Just an easy non-stop flight from most US hubs, Jamaica is celebrating its 10th annual national food and drink festival from Nov. 7-10 in Kingston. Also, two new all-inclusive resorts are opening in November with discounted rates: adults-only Princess Senses the Mangrove and the family-friendly Princess Grand Jamaica.
The Cheapest Places to Travel in November
- Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Before the holiday crowds (and prices) hit, Affinati recommends a quick jaunt to the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can “explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal or relax on the pristine beaches of Tulum at a fraction of the cost,” she says. “The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for visiting cenotes or enjoying Mérida’s lively street markets.”
- Nicaragua. Similarly, Affinati recommends Nicaragua as a budget-friendly vacation that’s still full of adventure and thrill. November is the “tail end of rainy season,” she says, meaning the landscape is at its lushest while the the temperatures will likely be mild. After you’ve strolled the colonial cities of Granada and León, take a hike up one of the country’s active volcanoes or relax on the beaches of San Juan del Sur, all at a much cheaper rate compared to other popular Central American destinations.
- Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania. Woodsy western Pennsylvania is the ideal region for folks who love art history as much as they love the outdoors. Affinati recommends a visit to the Laurel Highlands this November, known for “its stunning views of autumn foliage and hiking trails along the Youghiogheny River.” Fallingwater, one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s most beloved houses, is nearby and worth a visit for anyone, but especially those who drool over delicious interior design.
Emma Glassman-Hughes is the associate editor at PS Balance. Before joining PS, her freelance and staff reporting roles spanned the lifestyle spectrum; she covered arts and culture for The Boston Globe, sex and relationships for Cosmopolitan, travel for Here Magazine, and food, climate, and agriculture for Ambrook Research.
