If you’re thinking about where to travel this November, consider relocating the turkey-powered get-together. Countless destinations offer a delicious counterpoint to that perennial meal, whether you prefer Michelin-starred magic at the Caribbean’s most exclusive food fest or slurping a traditional stew cooked in Venice during a moving, centuries-old celebration of survival.
Then again, you could work off those calories with a jog through one of Africa’s most appealing wine regions or a Scandi-style ice bath as winter-bathing season begins.
Here are the 10 best places to travel in November.
In Prague, drink and feast from the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:11 a.m. until… well, Christmas.
Courtesy of Pramod Kumar Sharma/Unsplash
1. Prague, Czech Republic
November is great for: kicking off the Christmas season as early as you dare.
The Czech locals know how to make the most of the festive season—with almost two full months of holiday celebrations kicking off on St. Martin’s Day on November 11. There are open-air markets, concerts, children’s lantern processions, and a Thanksgiving-level emphasis on great food. Expect roast goose along with sweet walnut- and poppy-seed-studded St. Martin’s rolls and Svatomartinské wine, or St. Martin’s wine.
Svatomartinské wine refers to the young, fresh wines from the recent harvest, and you’ll be able to sample them starting around lunchtime; they’re symbolically and ceremoniously opened at exactly 11:11 a.m. The toasts start in the Troja district, where both the Prague Botanical Gardens and St. Claire’s Vineyard are located, so that’s a great starting point for exploring.
You’ll need to linger longer to browse the city’s famous Christmas markets, which begin at the end of November and run until Epiphany, on January 6. The largest is in Old Town Square, but there are countless holiday markets around the city.
Where to stay: Fairmont Golden Prague
Book now: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/prague/fairmont-golden-prague.html
Located inside a brutalist landmark built in 1974 right in the UNESCO-endorsed Old Town, this hotel reopened in April 2025 after a much-needed gut renovation. It now has 320 rooms and suites, with decor that emphasizes Czech expertise in everything from glassblowing to wood carving.
Insider tip
Don’t assume Prague’s artistic flair is only historic, says Jana Komínková, the concierge at Fairmont Golden Prague. She recommends checking out the new Signal Space, a gallery dedicated to the digital arts. Glassware is a typical souvenir, and the best spot to get some, says Komínková, is Lasvit from Nový Bor, outside of Prague. But why not pick up a more modern keepsake, too? “I really like Robot watches for unique Czech designs,” Komínková adds.
Find art, wine, racing, and kite surfing in Cape Town.
Courtesy of Ellerman House
2. Cape Town, South Africa
November is great for: adrenaline-powered sports, as a spectator or participant.
Thanks to its location where the Southern and Indian oceans meet, Cape Town receives swells from both directions. It has ideal year-round surfing conditions, with beginner-friendly sites like Muizenberg and places that have pro-level challenges, such as Dungeons and the Dunes. Come see some of the world’s best kite surfers display their skills against that backdrop at Kite Beach, 20 minutes north of Cape Town, during the Red Bull King of the Air contest, which kicks off November 21 and runs through December 6. Keep an eye on British athlete Francesca Maini, who became the first-ever women’s division champion last year and plans to return to defend her title.
Fancy a little adrenaline-pumping of your own? The wine country nearby hosts several races this month. There is a marathon and a half-marathon in Stellenbosch on November 29 and a Run the Vines series on November 1 and 22, with family-friendly farm races that start with distances of five kilometers.
Where to stay: Ellerman House
Book now: https://www.ellerman.co.za/
The erstwhile home of shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman, his namesake house sits on the slopes of Bantry Bay, the quieter, residential side of Cape Town. Now owned by banker Paul Harris, Ellerman House is decorated with more than 1,000 works of South African art, part of Harris’s astonishing private collection.
Insider tip
Jonty Medcalf is Timbuktu Travel’s Africa guru, and he says there’s a killer new spot for dinner that no one should leave without trying: Ongetem, run by kitchen superstar Bertus Basson. Try the Karoo cassoulet, says Jonty, which features locally raised lamb, with braised herebone (beans), lamb shin, sausage, kidney, and gremolata.
Palm Springs doesn’t need summer months to host a warm-weather Pride.
Photo by Kamil Zelezik/Shutterstock
3. Palm Springs, California
November is great for: embracing diversity in an ideal-weather destination.
Palm Springs is one of the LGBTQ+ community’s spiritual, and literal, homes; most surveys say that at least half, if not more, of those living here identify as LGBTQ+. So where better to come to celebrate Pride, which takes place this month, from November 6 to 9?
It’s a good time of year to visit the desert hub, as the weather in November is welcoming: Most days are in the high 70s and have minimal chance of rain. Thursday night’s party is a DJ-driven, dance-in-the-streets bash, with food trucks and pop-up bars. Friday brings the Arenas District Official Block Party, allowing bars and other businesses to spill out onto the sidewalks. The Pride Parade, which caps the event, takes place on Sunday; in 2024, more than 200 organizations and businesses participated, including a set of queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Check the Palm Springs Pride website for the lineup and the soon-to-be-named Grand Marshall.
Where to stay: Thompson Palm Springs
Book now: https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/pspaz-thompson-palm-springs
The 168-room Hyatt-run hotel opened two years ago on Palm Canyon Drive, a Goldilocks location between strollable downtown and the design-focused uptown. Book dinner at its buzzy Lola Rose restaurant, where chef Quentin Garcia turns out impressive Middle Eastern food—be warned that you’ll need to order two servings of the tangy red pepper dip muhamarra.
Insider tip
Save your energy for Sunday of Pride weekend, notes Willie Rhine, who runs Eight4Nine restaurant. “The energy is infectious, with floats, music, and thousands of spectators celebrating together,” Rhine says. “Get there early for the best view, then stick around as the parade flows into the main festival downtown.”
Venice’s Violino d’Oro hotel is centrally located, so you can be in the midsts of the November festival.
Courtesy of Violino d’Oro
4. Venice, Italy
November is great for: joining a centuries-old celebration.
November’s Festa della Madonna della Salute (also known as the Virgin Mary of Health Festival) was one of the most important celebrations in the Venetian Republic. The holiday was instituted in 1630 as a way to offer thanks for the end of a particularly bad bout of bubonic plague, a regular occurrence in this trading hub (that epidemic killed about one-third of those then living in Venice.)
More than two centuries after the republic collapsed, the holiday remains an annual highlight. On November 21, a temporary bridge is built to straddle the Grand Canal and connect to the huge Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Thousands march across the bridge to light candles and pray. Order castradina, the mutton and cabbage stew that’s the day’s default dinner.
Where to stay: Violino d’Oro
Book now: https://violinodoro.com/
Florentine hotelier Sara Maestrelli opened this passion project, her first outside Tuscany, only a two-minute walk from the central San Marco neighborhood. The jewel box–like property was created by combining a series of smaller hotels into this 32-room hideaway. Book Room 13, and you’ll have a private terrace overlooking a courtyard, away from the crowds.
Insider tip
Take a vaporetto out into the lagoon to visit one of the lesser-known islands that dot the area’s waters, says Violino d’Oro concierge Matteo Flumian. Start with San Lazzaro degli Armeni. “Since 1717, the island has been home to the General Abbey of the Armenian Mekhitarist Congregation,” he explains. The complex comprises beautiful Renaissance buildings, and Flumian says, “It’s one of the most important Armenian religious and cultural centers in the world.”
The long, cool growing season of the Willamette Valley encourages slower ripening of Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in greater complexity and structure.
Courtesy of Dan Meyers/Unsplash
5. Willamette Valley, Oregon
November is great for: sampling complex, top-flight vintages and Indigenous-cooked food.
Come to the Willamette Valley for Wine Country Thanksgiving and you can sample some of the region’s best earthy, high acidity pinot noir. During the Thanksgiving break, 140 or more wineries (many of them not usually public-facing) throw open their tasting rooms for visitors: Newberg-based Styring, for example, which is usually appointment only, or Dundee’s Holloran Vineyard Wines, which only accepts visitors during this fest.
The area is also celebrating Native American Heritage this month with a First Foods dinner on November 22, led by executive chef Jack Strong, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and showcasing the talent of Indigenous chefs across the region. The Willamete Falls Trust also plans to host exhibits, artisan markets, and other events highlighting the local Kalapuya people and other Indigenous peoples.
Where to stay: Allison Inn & Spa
Book now: https://theallison.com/
The 85-room resort sits on its own 35-acre parcel of lush grounds, with a spectacular view across the mountain ranges and working vineyards of the region. Rooms feature gas fireplaces for chilly evenings and private terraces if the weather’s still warm. Guests will find all that plus a 15,000-square-foot spa on site.
Insider tip
Book your flight to Portland on one airline, if you can, says Allison Inn & Spa concierge Andy Burke. “Definitely leave with a bottle or case or wine,” he recommends. “When you fly Alaska Airlines, you can check a case of wine for free.”
Galungan in Bali is festival of ghostly visitors in November.
Courtesy of Romeo A/Unsplash
6. Bali, Indonesia
November is great for: immersing yourself in one of the island’s most arresting festivals.
Galungan runs from November 19–29 this year, and it’s one of the most sacred—and visually arresting—festivals on this Hindu island. It’s held every 210 days and marks the triumph of good over evil, dharma over adharma. The Balinese believe this is a time when ancestors visit the Earth, roaming the streets until they return to the afterlife during Kuningan, the ceremony that marks the conclusion of this 10-day event. Bali is renowned for its devotion to rituals and offerings, and it’s no exception during this festival.
Expect to see streets lined with tall, elaborately decorated bamboo poles, known as penjor—these are symbols of prosperity and an expression of thankfulness. During this time of year, visitors can see traditional dances and performances and try some of the delicious dishes that are served as part of celebrations like this, including lawar (a combo of coconut, spices, and meat), suckling pig called Babi Guling, and the sweet rice cakes known as jaja.
Where to stay: Nag Shampa Private Estate
Book now: https://www.nagshampa-bali.com/
This private estate just outside of Ubud is the brainchild of Isabella and Sam Branson, children of hospitality wizard Sir Richard, who bought it seven years ago. Groups of up to 16 can stay on the 2.5-acre site, which has its own organic orchards, vegetable gardens, and yoga shala (pavilion).
Insider tip
Make time for a walk through the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, says Luxe Nomad’s Brenden Peace, who specializes in high-end vacation rentals in the region. “Jatiluwih is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and has various trails through the rice paddies to enjoy at your leisure,” he says. “It’s a little off the beaten track, but not so crowded and stunningly beautiful.”
Cape May’s lighthouses and Victorian mansions will be lit by only moonlight and candlelight this month.
Photo by Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
7. Cape May, New Jersey
November is great for: full-moon hikes, bird-watching, and jazz hands.
Think the Jersey Shore is only worth a pit stop during the summer months? Think again, especially if you’re fond of tiny, tony Cape May, the manicured Victorian settlement at the southernmost tip of the sandbar. Starting November 15, visitors can go on horse-drawn carriage tours to see the historic homes decked out with holiday garlands and candles. Washington Street Mall then transforms into a festive artisan market selling ornaments, crafts, hot cider, and roasted nuts beginning November 24.
Nature also shines this month, with a full-moon hike up 199 steps to Cape May Lighthouse on November 5, as well as a spectacular birding season. A plethora of birds funnel down the peninsula en route to their warmer winter homes. Their flight starts in October, but continues into November, with raptors like red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons, as well as songbirds like sparrows and finches. The ideal perch for any avid birders: Cape May Point State Park, or the platform at Montreal Beach, which is staffed by naturalists.
Combine this with a chance for some lively music over the three-day weekend starting November 7, when Cape May’s Convention Hall hosts the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. The lineup this year includes headliners Cassandra Wilson as well as the Stanley Clarke Band.
Where to stay: Congress Hall
Book now: https://www.caperesorts.com/congress-hall
This spot claims to be America’s oldest seaside resort, first welcoming guests for the season in 1816. The 107-room hotel remains a celebration of Victoriana, complete with original moldings and a grand lobby.
Insider tip
Take note of Congress Hall general manager Billy Scott’s rundown of the best off-season dining spots in Cape May. He advises getting brunch at the Mad Batter, where you can “try the corned beef hash, along with their famous manmosa.” Bring a bottle to dinner at the upscale BYOB spot Grana. On your way, Scott suggests you “stop at Sunset Liquors and see Eddie for a great wine recommendation.” He then recommends finishing the evening with a “blue-cheese olive martini made by Leo or Fletcher at the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel.”
The Refshaleøen neighborhood has plenty of places to plunge into the sea.
Photo by Julia Sellman
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
November is great for: taking the plunge.
Dive into the waters off the Danish capital as the city celebrates winter bathing season starting this month. It isn’t for the faint-hearted or thin-skinned: You can’t call it “winter bathing” until the water dips below 16 degrees Celsius (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit), and experts recommend just two or three minutes in the chilly sea and to make sure not to do it alone. Nonetheless, it’s an invigorating way to immerse yourself in a tradition that the Danes treasure and celebrate every winter. There are eight winter bathing clubs here and countless spots to try it. One standout is in the warehouse-district-turned-hipster-hub Refshaleøen, near the restaurant La Banchina. Pair a swim with the Scandinavian tradition known as saunagus, which includes essential oils in a sauna: You toggle between sessions in the heat and a dip in the ice-cold outdoors.
And if you’ve ever wanted to experience the Danish concept of hygge—hard to translate, but the tradition grounded in homey, twinkly coziness—then this is the time. Come in November for an authentic onslaught of candlelight (the Danes reportedly burn through the most in Europe, around 13 pounds of wax per person per year), comfort food, and Christmas markets. Højbro Plads Christmas Market opens on November 4, right on the main square in the city center.
Where to stay: Rox Resort
Book now: https://roxresort.com/
This brand-new hotel opens on November 1 in the harbor town of Køge, 30 minutes outside the capital, with 154 rooms. Its interior is best described as Scandi deco: glamorous and minimalist in equal measure, heavy on rattan, burnished brass, and mirrors.
Insider tip
Rox Resort’s manager Daniel Josef Dam says it’s a charming throwback experience to wait outside the royal residence, Amalienborg Palace, for the daily changing of the guard at noon. “It never fails to put a smile on my face to see the guards march through the streets of Copenhagen in full uniform,” he says. And don’t miss the start of the Christmas season at Tivoli Gardens, the only-in-Copenhagen attraction that acts more like a rec room for the city than an amusement park.
Feast your eyes on Caribbean water and your belly on a gourmet food festival in St. Barts.
Photo by Nancy Pauwels/Shutterstock
9. St. Bart’s, French West Indies
November is great for: indulging in a gourmet feast, cooked by someone else.
We’d recommend you eat lightly for at least a few days before hitting the Caribbean’s toniest island for the annual Saint-Barth Gourmet Festival, a week-long food fest that celebrates the best in upscale dining. The 2025 edition takes place from November 4–9 and will see the debut of chef Cyril Lignac’s Bar des Prés Saint Barth, a highly anticipated sushi-focused concept that made headlines in Paris, London, and Dubai. It will be a permanent fixture of the restaurant lineup in the capital Gustavia.
The full roster of kitchen superstars isn’t yet finalized, but last year’s lineup was world-class and included Fabien Ferré, the youngest chef (he’s 36) to currently hold three Michelin stars, of La Table du Castellet, as well as pastry chef Claire Heitzler and Martinique-born Marcel Ravin, the avant-garde maestro who’s currently cooking at Monaco’s Blue Bay.
Where to stay: Eden Rock St. Barths
Book now: https://www.oetkerhotels.com/hotels/eden-rock-st-barths/
What started out as the private home of swashbuckling French artist Rémy de Haenen, an early European advocate for the island, is now arguably St. Bart’s best hotel. The property is a quirky spot where each of its 37 rooms has a distinct design and the vibe is upscale but welcoming, with a spectacular breakfast buffet. (Try the Turmeric tonic from the juice bar, to help offset any overindulgence.)
Insider tip
The Caribbean’s luxe party island has more to it than magnums of rosé and blurry memories, promises Jerome Delamaire, the general manager at Nikki Beach. “I always recommend the hike to Colombier Beach. It’s one of the most untouched parts of the island, only accessible by foot or boat,” he says. “The trail is scenic, and the reward at the end is always worth it.”
Stars and rare birds dot the skies in Aotea.
Courtesy of Good Heavens (L); photo by Mark Russel (R)
10. Aotea Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
November is great for: exploring the farthest reaches of a far-flung country.
Before the year’s end, squeeze in a trip to the 110-square-mile island off the northeast tip of New Zealand that we recommended as a need-to-see for 2025. It’s a vast wetland and forest-crammed preserve, full of hard-to-see species like the pāteke duck, or to bathe in the naturally fed Kaitoke Hot Springs (free to access and reachable by walking) just outside Claris, the island’s main town.
Fittingly, Aotea means “white cloud,” a nod to the spectacular wide-open skyscape here—and it was designated New Zealand’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary eight years ago. Idle outside on a warm summer evening and let the inky blackness envelope you.
Where to stay: 175° East
Book now: https://www.175east.nz/
This three-home complex sits on a 14-acre hilltop with stellar views out across the water. Standout among the trio of accommodation options is undoubtedly the so-called Treehouse, with a bathroom that opens onto the canopy.
Insider tip
Christine Clemow, a trustee of the 205-acre Glenfern Sanctuary here (one of the island’s key wildlife preserves), suggests picking up one of the products made by a local skincare company, Aotea, named after the island. “They create Māori-inspired therapeutic products like kawakawa balm, mānuka honey, soaps, and body creams, all made using native plants grown and processed on their ancestral land or papakāinga,” she says. “Every product is harvested, formulated, and bottled on the island.”
