Where to go on holiday in November
Oman
If culture, heritage, peace and quiet and sunny weather is what you crave then Muscat and Oman will not disappoint. With a reasonably short flying time of around 5 hours, warm temperatures and a mild breeze this is a perfect destination for some winter sun. Muscat is low rise, elegant and understated. Experience the Opera House, Mosque, Gold Souk and the Old Town.
It’s a wonderful, emerging tourism offer with a true sense of the upscale and luxurious and perfect for a standalone holiday or as a stop-over on the way to South East Asia or the Indian Ocean. Here the emphasis is on relaxation, great food, chic elegance and the opportunity to blend in some adventure.
Leave the city and experience adventure and thrills in the hills as you 4x4 drive through the Wadis and the traditional villages of the Hajar Mountains.
For the most unique hotel transfer, consider staying at the Six Senses Zighy Bay, a hotel famed for seclusion and privacy. Why not spice up the start of your holiday by parascending in to the resort.
Botswana
November is considered the spring season in Botswana, with temperatures still relatively high, although not as high as October.
The end of the dry season makes for a great time to visit Botswana, with returning migrant birds and fields of new-born antelope calves.
As Africa’s most exclusive wildlife destination, the choice of safaris is varied.
The waterways give a unique opportunity to view wildlife and the lodges are some of the most luxurious you will find in Southern Africa.
Fly safaris have become really popular allowing some areas that would once have been inaccessible once the rainy season starts to be opened up.
As it’s the start of the rainy season it’s difficult to predict exactly when the rains will come, but they generally come to the south and central parts of the country first. Moremi and Chobe usually see the rain later on in the month.
The Chobe and Linyanti river banks are by now crowded with game and large numbers of elephant congregate on the waterways. If there have been early rains, this is an excellent time to visit the Central Kalahari, where enormous herds of oryx and springbok attempt to protect their new-borns from prowling cheetahs and lions.
Mauritius
Mauritius lies in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Experience luxury, refinement and no shortage of things to see and do. Take an adventure trail across the rugged mountains or relax at one of the many exceptional wellness and spa facilities to add that touch of luxury and indulgence.
Its tropical climate makes Mauritius a perfect year- round destination. However, with rainfall at its lowest and temperatures not yet as hot as December, January and February, November makes for a great time to visit Mauritius.
As a foodie paradise and no shortage of things to do Mauritius offers so much more than just beautiful scenery.
Experience the amazing Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, often considered one of the best botanical gardens in the world. Take the Casela Nature Park Zip Line for the ultimate adrenaline experience. Discover Hindu temples along the banks of the Grand Bassin and for the ultimate in romantic settings, swap your luxury beach lodge for a night under the stars in your very own Bubble Lodge.
Dominican Republic
At the end of the hurricane season, November is not the best time to visit all of the Caribbean.
However, if you are looking to get away before the more crowded peak months of December to April, it is best to stay north of the region and visit Cuba, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica to experience the better of the weather.
You will still be close enough to peak season to ensure that all the high season energy and activity is very much in evidence but the beaches and resorts just slightly less crowded.
With beaches that stretch for miles and miles as well as lush valleys and the regions highest mountain, the Pico Duarte, adventure activities such as hiking, mountain biking, jeep safaris and white-water rafting are just some of the great features of this region.
British Virgin Islands
BVI is making an inspiring comeback from the storms of 2017 and is set to tell everyone that it is back in business and better than ever before. Whilst great food is showcased on many of the Caribbean islands, the BVI Food Fete is a culinary treat with a twist – it is a festival with a truly island - hopping experience.
Centred around six of its islands including Tortola, Scrub Island, Virgin Gorda and Anegada, italso features in its line up the amazing rum Festival of Cooper Island.
Visitors are attracted to this tropical paradise by scenic ocean views, unspoiled beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and excellent sailing and water sport conditions. So, the month of November is also a great time to visit before the peak season really kicks off in December.
Cambodia
The best time of year to visit Cambodia is during the cool season from October to February after the monsoons have made their annual visit and when it is less humid but still warm with a welcome breeze or two.
Siem Reap is a short plane hop from the capital or from Ho Chi Minh City in neighbouring Vietnam. This charming and vibrant riverside town is the best location from which to visit the splendour of the Angkor Wat temple complex, enjoy some great trekking or travel to the nearby Tonle Sap lake.
The mighty temples of Angkor Wat offer a glimpse of the majesty of Cambodia’s greatest period and without doubt one of the most magnificent wonders of the world. The best times to experience the main temple are during sunrise and sunset when it is shrouded in an amber halo.
Thailand
Thailand is all about the best region to visit in November as weather can vary across the country. This month sees the end of the rainy season across much of Thailand, however the lower Gulf islands of Ko Samui, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan are best avoided as the rains haven’t yet passed through. Its shoulder season in Ko Lanta, Phuket and Phi Phi so a weather lottery.
For little rain and warm temperatures head to Eastern Thailand to Ko Chang and the neighbouring islands.
For some of the best activities in November join the Loi Krathong and the Yee Peng Lantern Festivals in Chiang Mai. They’re both so uniquely different you won’t want to miss either.
Loi Krathong is celebrated all over Thailand and the rivers and lakes flicker to life as tiny craft bearing lighted candles are set free to float upon the waters. A truly amazing sight only rivalled by the Yee Peng Lantern Festival as thousands of illuminated lanterns soar simultaneously into the night sky.
Hong Kong
The months of November to March are less humid but still warm. You can still expect a short but refreshing shower late afternoon.
Little known is that 70% of Hong Kong is officially countryside. A short bus trip can find you on the southern side of the island and a world away from the skyscrapers. Spend the day hiking the Dragon’s back, enjoying the waves at Big Wave Bay or exploring the markets of Stanley.
With Michelin Starred dining in abundance to street food and everything in between gastronomes will not be disappointed.
The warm evenings make for a perfect time to enjoy a sundowner in one of the many rooftop bars. From here you can also catch a glimpse of the impressive light show that lights up the Victoria harbour front every evening at 8pm.
Myannmar
With pleasant temperatures and the end of the monsoon season, November is a great time to visit Myannmar.
Only recently making its mark as a tourist destination, it still offers a more off the beaten track experience than some of its fellow South-East Asia countries.
With abundant temples, amazing verdant and tropical landscapes and cultural and traditional experiences such as the leg-rowing fisherman of hill-fringed Inle Lake, now is the perfect time to experience the true essence of the country before tourism takes a real hold.
From the Temple area of Bagan, to helping the Intha women train for their boat race, to the Flames of 1,000 Oil Lamps at Shwedagon Pagoda, you will find no shortage of unique experiences.
This is luxury with a difference. Not so much silver service and fine dining as an opportunity to have a truly different experience amongst an unspoilt landscape and a welcoming people and culture.