Traveling solo may seem dull at first, but once you experience your first trip on your own, you’ll likely discover that it’s one of the best ways to explore. The essence of travel lies in immersing yourself in new environments and embracing experiences that introduce you to diverse cultures and people. Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to connect with others and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
With Halloween behind us and the busy holiday season still ahead, November is the perfect time to plan your next getaway! This month offers a mix of snowy landscapes and sunny getaways, providing exciting adventures without the usual crowds. Plus, many destinations are more affordable at this time of year. Looking to take a family trip and make it a memorable experience for your kids?
Looking to unwind with friends on a getaway, or perhaps embark on a solo journey to discover more about yourself? Whatever your travel style or reason, these destinations are sure to make your trip unforgettable!
New York City (above image)
New York City may seem like a typical tourist hotspot, consistently ranking high on every traveler’s list. However, visiting in November offers unique advantages. With the start of the holiday season, the city sees fewer tourists compared to the summer and Christmas rush. Despite this, there are plenty of exciting events to enjoy! You can take in the stunning fall-to-winter transformation in Central Park, watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and witness the magical lighting of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. The city’s ice skating rinks and cozy cafés also provide the perfect setting for a romantic retreat.
Hong Kong
Post-monsoon Hong Kong is undeniably one of the most stunning destinations in the world. The weather becomes much more pleasant, with a refreshing cool breeze that makes it perfect for exploring the numerous hiking trails surrounding the city. Hong Kong blends the energy of a bustling metropolis with pockets of natural beauty, offering a rare combination you won’t find in many other cities, making it a fantastic addition to your November travel plans. You can indulge in shopping at the city’s sprawling malls, savor exquisite dishes at renowned restaurants, or escape to the outdoors by hiking one of Hong Kong’s scenic trails or relaxing on its pristine beaches.
St Barths
St. Barths is probably one of the poshest parts of West Indies. Usually, the island can get rather unattainable expensive. But, during off-season, St Barths becomes attainable to the masses- and that is where you should swoop in. St Barths is all about the sun, the beach, and relaxation. Book yourself a special spa session, or laze around by your pool the entire day. It has been a long year- you definitely deserve it. When on the island, check out the numerous award-winning, Michelin star restaurants. This is the ideal time for you to pamper yourself, so you might as well go all out!
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is beautiful in November. The northern part of the country will present just the right amount of warmth, especially for those trying to escape the bitter cold of winter. Whether you’re more into culture or nature, Ethiopia has something to offer to everybody. You can head to Bahir Dar, on the banks of Lake Tana, and walk among medieval monasteries and castles. You can hike up Simien Mountains National Park, and try spotting the bleeding heart monkeys. The most unique destination in Northern Ethiopia is Aksum. Aksum was the seat of an ancient civilization, but it currently claims to be home to the famed Ark of the Covenant. Fascinating, isn’t it?
Costa Rica
Lush forests, calming waves, white sandy beaches, and tropical sun. Doesn’t that sound like heaven? Well, heaven has a name, and it is Costa Rica. Celebrities flock to this paradise island in droves, with many of them owning homes here. Once you reach the beaches of Playa Hermosa, you will understand just why. In November, most of the beaches will be deserted, so you can just pretend to be in your own private beach! If you want to make your trip more special, you can book one of the beach-facing villas at an off-season price! It will add a luxurious twist to the vacation and make it more memorable.
Recommended Tours in Costa Rica:
Tuscany
While many people travel for sights and adventure, there are some people who travel for food and wine. If you’re one of those people, Tuscany in November will be your ideal destination. There are dozens of food festivals in the area in November, and you will not want to miss a single one of them. And the vineyards. Oh, those vineyards!!! In November, the wild boar hunting season starts, so you should definitely grab a plate of that as well. Or you could go to the Feast of San Martino, where you can find the world’s best Bringoli. Fans of olive oil will love the Montemurlo Olive Oil Festival. Rent a villa, stock up on the wine, and attend every food festival in town! What more could a vacation possibly need?
Myanmar
Myanmar is becoming more and more popular among travel writers, and for good reason. The country is still vastly unexplored by foreign travelers, so you will be able to explore the country without having to come across too many tourists. November is a wonderful season to visit, as it is the festive season in Myanmar. The festival you must definitely not miss is the Taunggyi Balloon Festival, where balloons and lanterns of different shapes and sizes are made and launched, in a huge competition. Since travelers have been allowed to enter Myanmar only recently, you can go through a tour operator to smoothen the process and handle all the hotel and travel details for you.
Once upon a time, Mozambique was a country ravaged by civil war. That said, this former Portuguese colony is a treat for travelers now. Mozambique is lined with palm-fringed sandy beaches, and the best coastal food you can ever enjoy. Jumbo prawns slathered in local piri piri sauce is so divine, you will never want to leave the country ever again! Mozambique is still rather new in the world of tourism, but it is rapidly catching up to the likes of Seychelles and Maldives! November is the best month to visit, as it is right before the monsoons, which you will definitely want to avoid.
Cancun
Cancun has been the go-to vacation spot for a long time, but this has made the place too crowded and expensive during the holiday season. In November, you can enjoy huge discounts in the area (as it is technically supposed to be hurricane season, even though storms rarely hit the area). Enjoy the warm weather, and some of the finest resorts at a highly discounted cost. You also get to enjoy all the fun and activities of Cancun without the college crowd trying to steal your thunder!
Recommended Tours in Cancun:
Cairo
The capital of Egypt can get incredibly crowded during the peak months, so it is highly suggested that you travel during the off-season. November will provide you relief from tourists, and also from the scorching heat. This will definitely make life easier when you have to go exploring the Valley of the Kings or the Pyramids. Make sure you book yourself on a Nile tour to get the full Egypt experience, and also to catch a glimpse of Turkey on the other side!
Recommended Tours in Cairo:
The holiday season is about to begin, and before you get swept away with Thanksgiving or Christmas preparations, treat yourself and your loved ones to a holiday. The point of the holiday season is to spread cheer, and be merry, and what better way to do so than travel the world?
There’s a sense of enchantment in the air, with laughter and music bringing pure joy! A soft, sparkling layer of snow blankets the city, creating a peaceful atmosphere that makes everyone long for a warm cup of hot chocolate. Winter is the perfect season for those looking to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy quality time with family during the Christmas holidays.
Continue reading Winter Wonderland Destinations You Must Visit This Winter
Winter has arrived, bringing with it a season of joy and festivity! There’s something special about the end of the year, with celebrations taking place all around the globe. While Christmas is widely recognized, it’s far from the only occasion to celebrate during this time. In fact, you’ll be amazed at the diverse range of cultural festivities happening in various parts of the world throughout this festive period.
Continue reading Breath-Taking Winter Festivals Around the World
UNESCO has been dedicated to identifying locations around the world that hold exceptional importance for either the natural environment or human history. These sites are designated as “World Heritage Sites” and are subject to various protection and conservation measures aimed at preserving them in their current state, ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate them.
Continue reading UNESCO World Heritage Sites You Need to See NOW!
There’s no feeling quite like the rush of adrenaline that comes from facing your fears or engaging in an activity that ignites your inner thrill-seeker.
Choosing just one country to visit can be tough. But what if we told you that you don’t have to pick—why not experience both?
Continue reading Two for the Price of One: Towns that Portray Different Countries
Some destinations around the world are widely recognized, and rightfully so—think of iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids or the Eiffel Tower. These places are celebrated for their immense beauty and cultural significance. However, for seasoned travelers or those who prefer off-the-beaten-path experiences, these popular spots can often feel overly touristy. So, what’s the best approach when you find yourself in this situation?
The answer is simple—opt for offbeat destinations! Hidden gems around the world offer unexpected adventures and unique experiences. Keep reading to discover why you should trade in the typical tourist spots for these lesser-known treasures.
Camp Out in Mongolia (above image)
Mongolia has remained largely under the radar for international travelers, which is unfortunate but has allowed the country to maintain its untouched beauty. It’s a paradise for nature lovers! The vast, flat Mongolian steppes offer breathtaking scenery. For a truly unique experience, visit Hovd, a small town by the Achit Lake. Here, you can enjoy the solitude that Mongolia is known for, while taking in stunning views of the Harhiraa-Tu’rgen mountains. You can stay in a traditional yurt and camp by the lake, offering a perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature or a loved one.
Take a Dip in Rotorua, New Zealand
New Zealand is a great inspiration behind the Lord of the Rings movies, and once you land in Rotorua, you’ll understand why the cast and crew of the movie loved this country. If you are an adventurer, this rather offbeat destination will definitely be on your to-do list. Volatile and surreal landscapes can be seen everywhere. There are more than 7 hot water geysers, and 500 small hot-water pools. Due to the sulfur concentration in the area, smells off, but once you dip into one of those cozy hot-water pools, you really won’t bother about the smell at all!
Go On a Culture Tour of Iran
Iran is a historical country that has defied all odds for centuries now. The news has painted quite the picture of this Middle Eastern country, but once you visit, you will be able to understand the socio-historical complexity of the region. Iran is one of the most significant historical sites in the world (UNESCO has declared more than 19 sites in the country to be of historical significance). Whether it is the Armenian monasteries in the northwest, the chimney caves of Kandovan, or the mind-boggling Perspeolis, the 2500 year old city, Iran will continuously surprise you at every turn.
Go Trekking in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan offers a unique perspective for even the most seasoned mountaineers. 90% of the country is mountainous, so there will definitely be no dearth of mountains for you to climb. Kyrgyzstan’s landscape is rather intimidating at first- it is harsh and rugged, and seems unforgiving. But once you start trekking, you will realize that the mountains, and the people, have accepted you as one of their own, and there is no better feeling than that. While trekking, make sure you stop at the diverse town of Karakol, or take a dip in Altyn Arashan’s natural hot springs!
Recommended Tours in Kyrgyzstan:
Hike Up a Volcano in Réunion
Réunion is a French Island in the Indian Ocean, prominently known for its beautiful beaches and music scene. On this island rests Piton de la Fournaise, an incredibly active volcano. Yes, it is possible for you to hike up to the caldera, when the time is right (depending on the local government’s assessment of the volcano’s state on that day). There are various trails and routes leading you to both the active and dormant calderas, and once you get permission from the authorities, you can determine which one you want to climb! Doesn’t that sound like the trip of a lifetime?
The world is full of magical places that have not yet been discovered. It’s quite a shame- but if you head to these off-beat destinations now, you will get to enjoy them in their pristine nature, without having to worry about a throng of tourists trying to distract you! Which one of these do you want to visit next?
Traveling is always an enjoyable experience—exciting, entertaining, and fulfilling. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can make your journey even more enjoyable. Try these travel hacks to eliminate even the smallest of hassles!
While many people choose to spend the holiday season at home, others prefer to be out exploring new places. December presents a variety of exciting opportunities for adventurers. Are you dreaming of a “White Winter” and eager to experience snowy landscapes? Or would you rather escape to warmer, sunnier destinations during the cold winter months? Here are some of our top recommendations for December travel!