'I've Been a Travel Expert for 25 Years—These Are the 12 Best Places To Visit in November'

Whether you draw inspiration from fall foliage, thinning tourist crowds or post-election exhaustion, this month offers endless opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation. And we've got the very best places to visit in November—in the U.S.A. and around the world.

Typically associated with change, this month’s seasonal shift often inspires us to appreciate Mother Nature’s low-key magic and take a moment to catch our collective breath as we say goodbye to summer and welcome back hot cider, PSLs and autumn’s many festivals and celebrations (we’re looking at you, Turkey Day and Friendsgiving).

Of course, November also brings the deals and steals associated with Black Friday shopping. As tempting as the deep savings may be, we’re ready for a deep dive into the Travel Tuesday trend instead, where folks take to the roads and skies in search of rest, relaxation and immersive experiences. If you’ve ever been in charge of the Thanksgiving feast, you know full well the oh-so-critical need for a little R&R once the dishes are cleared and the pies have been devoured.

The changing leaves and family feasts here in the U.S. also coincide with the timing of less crowds and weather shifts in many of the globe’s much-loved destinations. So, although you might stay home in your sweats, on-track to set a record for the longest turkey-induced nap, you could also embrace the many travel ideas for November that we’ve curated below. As it turns out, you can just as easily nap in Iceland’s most poetic hotel or after shopping at an indigenous makers’ market in New Mexico.

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12 Best Places To Visit in November, According to a Travel Expert

1. Platinum Heritage Desert Safari, Dubai

Dubai offers more than just breathtaking luxury. When the heat diminishes in the fall, the Arabian Desert transforms into the perfect getaway for the intrepid traveler. The overnight desert safaris with Platinum Heritage balance cozy glamping with traditional Arabic experiences. Travelers explore the desert on camelback, indulge in a four-course Arabic meal, and watch meandering gazelles while shooting stars streak across the desert sky.

2. Wequassett Resort & Golf Club, Cape Cod

Nestled along the coast of Maine, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club delivers the famous Cape Cod ambiance with the added quietude of Pleasant Bay. November in New England remains as idyllic as ever, and most tourists have fled, leaving The Cape wide open for carefree road trips. Join Wequassett Resort’s Executive Chef James Hackney on November 9 or 16 for exquisite Supper Club experiences, or rent Mrs. Claus’s Cottage, starting on November 29.

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3. The Swag, North Carolina

Amidst the devastation of Hurricane Helene, The Swag remained a hopeful presence, donating 100% of its October revenue to local relief efforts. The property avoided major damage thanks to its high elevation, so its enchanted offerings await those looking for a getaway with cool experiences curated by Experts in Residence. November features include Hikes, History and Local Lore, Sketch-Journaling in the Smokies, and Walks and Talks with a Retired Ranger.

4. Kestelinn Alaçatı, Turkey

With just seven stunning rooms, Kestelinn Alaçatı embodies the spirit of boutique hotel, and never misses an opportunity to make guests swoon. November represents the backend of the tourist season, offering mild weather and less crowds. Sip coffee in the courtyard or explore the narrow streets of Alaçatı and its quaint, pastel shop fronts. Ready for a night out? Ask your hosts to coordinate an evening at Ovacık Tarla, their nearby nature haven, hemmed in by a small forest of olive trees.

5. Tenaya at Yosemite, California

National Park enthusiasts refer to November as Yosemite National Park’s secret season, when visitors have the opportunity to experience the park from unique viewpoints including early November foliage, mid month’s waterfall icicles, and, eventually, when the snow starts to flutter down. The year-round Tenaya at Yosemite, located just outside the park’s South Gate Entrance, offers traditional rooms and cabins, and a build-your-own s’mores buffet.

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6. Hotel Ranga, Iceland

Everything you’ve heard at dinner parties is true. Iceland is an epic-yet-accessible wonderland of adventure. This month, the island’s beloved Hotel Rangá launched its Poetry Hotline that allows guests to call and listen to a famous Icelandic poet, Þórarinn Eldjárn, read one of his poems at the touch of a button. Plus, the seasonal book turn down program delivers signed books from local Icelandic authors to guests’ bedside tables in honor of the traditional winter Icelandic Book Flood.

7. The Wentworth, New Hampshire

If it’s small-town hospitality you crave, look no further than Jackson, New Hampshire. You’ll find curiosity shops, a general store, a puzzle shop, and the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Nordic Ski Area. The small town boasts several inns, and The Wentworth—a hotel with a stellar fireplace nook. Together with local inns, The Wentworth offers a Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour package, starting in November—a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the area’s inns whose owners give out small handmade chocolates.

8. Havila Voyages, Norway

Although November brings some grey skies to Norway, it’s also a time when the Northern Lights are very active. Set the odds in your favor with a 12-day coastal adventure with Havila Voyages. This 34-port, round-trip cruise offers a Northern Lights Promise, from October 1 to March 31. If, during your round-trip voyage, the Northern Lights are a no-show, you’ll get a new 6 or 7-day voyage.

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9. Hyatt Centric Beale Street, Memphis

An enchanting nutcracker suite experience, Indie Film Festival, and a hometown performance by Justin Timberlake? The November calendar in Memphis is poppin’, and you can stay in the heart of it all at Hyatt Centric Beale Street, which boasts the honor of being the only hotel on the famed Beale Street. Beginning November 24, the property’s Nutcracker Suite will help usher in the holiday season. Don’t tell Santa, but, it’s stocked with oodles of candy canes and holiday cookies.

10. Bishop’s Lodge, New Mexico

Celebrate Thanksgiving New Mexico-style at Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, where guests engage in a week of traditional gatherings, storytelling and gratitude hikes. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate during a workshop led by local Kakawa Chocolate House, while Thanksgiving Day features a parade-watching party and multi-course feast. The day after, visit the Indigenous Makers Market to shop for pottery, textiles and handcrafted jewelry.

11. Evergreen Coast, Washington

Starting in November, storm clouds begin to frequent the area of Washington’s Evergreen Coast, putting it at the forefront of the eco-tourism niche, storm watching. Visitors gather to watch Mother Nature’s chaotic symphony of white-capped waves. In between storms, razor clam digging is where it’s at for an authentic outdoorsy experience. Adrift Hotel, along the Evergreen Coast, is just 2.5 hours from Portland—accessible yet secluded.

12. Sun Valley, Idaho

If you’ve got a “fresh pow” bumper sticker on your car, it’s time to book a flight to Idaho. Sun Valley’s ski season opens on Thanksgiving Day, and direct flights from six cities make it an easy travel Tuesday winner. Properties like Sun Valley Resort and Limelight Hotel are at the ready with après ski vibes and nearby Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve offers a front row seat to epic dark sky watching.

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