The best places to go in November: Our top travel picks for a solo holiday
Let’s be honest: November in the Northern Hemisphere can be a bit of a “yikes” month. We’ve thought about it long and hard – and, unfortunately, come to the conclusion that it has almost no redeeming features. The beauty and gentle warmth of autumn has been replaced by a damp chill and sludgy trails. Christmas is still weeks away and most countries haven’t even opened their ski resorts yet.
But don’t despair. Southeast Asia is just entering dry season, while the Caribbean is safely hurricane free by November. Whether you fancy scuba diving in the Philippines or gliding along the Mekong in Cambodia, there’s still a raft of solo travel destinations to sway you. Below, we’ve hand-selected the finest spots for a November adventure.
Vietnam
Average temperature: 23°C / 74°F
Why you should visit now:
It’s easy to see why Vietnam is tempting in November with its beachy southern coastline just entering the dry season. Cooler temperatures mean perfect conditions for hiking through the forested limestone peaks of the Cat Ba National Park. At the other end of the country, Ho Chi Minh is just heating up. Weave through the buzzing streets on a vintage Vespa tour, stopping to sample lemongrass-flavoured street food, for a true taste of the city.
Expert tip:
It’s a great time to see Unesco listed Ha Long Bay in the north, but you can also swerve the crowds by sailing to lesser explored Lan Ha Bay on a group solo travel adventure in Vietnam with Flash Pack.
Philippines
Average temperature: 27°C / 80°F
Why you should visit now:
With over 7,000 islands, it’s no surprise that the Philippines is best explored by boat, especially in the dry season of November. Set sail on a private yacht to the island resort of El Nido, surrounded by idyllic white sand atolls to rival the Maldives (without the mega-resorts). Dive in and you’re likely to spot hundred kilo grouper fish, manta rays and green turtles. If time, pop over to Angono for the annual Higantes Festival, where giant papier-mâché puppets are paraded down the street.
Expert tip:
Surf addicts should head to Siargao Island where enormous barreling waves break over a razor-sharp reef. If you don’t fancy it yourself, sit and watch the pros at work.
Iceland
Average temperature: 3°C / 37°F
Why you should visit now:
In Iceland, the biggest music event of the year arrives in the form of Iceland Airwaves. Local DJs play alongside international superstars across downtown Reykjavik. Former headliners include Florence and the Machine, Fat Boy Slim and Kaiser Chiefs. Beyond the capital’s reveller-filled streets, get a taste of adventure by hiking across the blue-stained Sólheimajökull Glacier or bouncing through the Icelandic highlands on a snowmobile.
Expert tip:
Forget trying hákarl (fermented shark). Instead, bite into a slice of geothermal-baked rye bread, slathered with butter and topped with smoked trout. Try Sandholt Bakery in Reykjavik.
Morocco
Average temperature: 17°C / 62°F
Why you should visit now:
Sweltering summer temperatures are a distant memory in Morocco by November. Venture off the tourist-trodden path to the Middle Atlas mountains. This jagged landscape promises cool temperatures for hiking in the lunar-like Ziz Gorges, as well as wandering around the spice-laden souks of Moulay Idriss – a lofty town spread over two hills. Weave your way back to Marrakech, but not without stopping for a night under the stars at a luxury Sahara desert camp.
Expert tip:
November is the best time to eat Morocco’s abundant, juicy dates, just after the October harvest.
Cuba
Average temperature: 24°C / 75°F
Why you should visit now:
Wave adiós to hurricane season; November in Cuba is all bright blue skies and T-shirt warm temperatures. Colourful Havana is bursting with life, from grand old palaces to salsa clubs and art galleries. Cruise around the city in a 1950s convertible or work up a sweat on a cycle tour. While it’s tempting to spend your whole trip in the capital, the rest of the island awaits. Zip over to Trinidad to uncover grande mansions and a live-music scene after dark. Next, out to the trio of valleys that make up Valle de los Ingenios to see where wealthy sugar barons made their fortune in the late 18th century.
Expert tip:
Journey west to San Juan y Martínez, a must-visit for puros (cigar purists) to find only the best Cuban tobacco.
Cambodia
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F
Why you should visit now:
Gone are the heavy rains of September and October, leaving refreshingly cool days in their wake. Dry season has arrived in Cambodia. Explore the fallen grandeur of Angkor Wat – the world’s largest temple complex – before the real crowds of December and January crush in. Next, kick back amid Phnom Penh’s cool cafe culture and food scene, which flips between French fine dining to street food.
Expert tip:
Planning on a Mekong cruise? Get a flavour for Southeast Asia’s mighty waterway first by visiting Cambodia’s only gin distillery to discover how craft Mekong Dry Gin is made from 13 botanicals.
Mexico
Average temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Why you should visit now:
We’ll let you in on a secret… November is probably the best month to visit Mexico. Hurricane season and heavy rains have trotted off like an exuberant chaos-causing mariachi band, leaving behind calm days and cooler nights. Acclimatise in the high-altitude capital Mexico City, lace through food-obsessed Oaxaca, then slump on the Pacific Coast, where the dry season is starting and beaches beckon.
Expert tip:
It’s hot in the Oaxacan beach town of Puerto Escondido come November, so you’ll want to enjoy the nights by swimming in the coastal bioluminescent lagoon of Laguna de Manialtepec, 18km north of town.
Ready to take off on your next adventure? Join Flash Pack today to discover group solo holidays with like-minded people in their 30s & 40s.
To find out where to go in December, read our expert travel tips, ideas and inspiration.
Images: Flash Pack
