WHERE TO GO IN NOVEMBER | THE BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL THIS MONTH
November is a sweet spot: shoulder-season prices before the holidays, fall color in Japan and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanksgiving week books up early, so plan ahead if that's your window.
Here are my top picks for November, plus a splurge and a save hotel for each one so you can choose what fits your budget.
1. South Africa
It's spring heading into summer, which means sunny days in Cape Town, the Winelands in bloom and great game viewing on safari. Drive the Cape Peninsula to see the penguins, ride the wine tram through Franschhoek and finish with a few days on safari.
Splurge: Singita Lebombo — An iconic safari lodge in Kruger with glass-walled suites overlooking the river and incredible game drives.
Save: Gorgeous George — A design hotel in the heart of Cape Town with a rooftop pool, walkable to restaurants and shops.
Read more: What it's really like to go on safari
2. Japan
Fall color usually peaks in Kyoto around mid to late November, with temples framed in red and gold maple leaves. The weather is cool and comfortable for walking, and the food is at its seasonal best. Tokyo is also beautiful this time of year.
Splurge: Aman Tokyo — Serene luxury high above the city, with a stunning spa and views over the gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Save: The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu — A historic building near Kiyomizu-dera temple with a rooftop terrace, great for exploring Kyoto's temples on foot.
3. Aruba
A reliable warm-weather escape as winter starts creeping in, without the holiday prices of late December. Lounge on Eagle Beach, snorkel the reefs and plan a sunset dinner at Faro Blanco by the California Lighthouse. It's an easy, relaxing trip.
Splurge: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort — Adults-only, romantic and right on Eagle Beach, with an excellent restaurant.
Save: Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa — A laid-back boutique resort on the same beach, at a much friendlier price.
Read more: My favorite Aruba restaurants
4. New York City
The holiday season kicks off with the lights, window displays and ice skating starting toward the end of the month. See a Broadway show, walk through Central Park in the fall and eat your way through the city. Go before the December crowds.
Splurge: The Carlyle — An Upper East Side icon with Bemelmans Bar, classic New York at its finest.
Save: citizenM New York Times Square — Smart, compact rooms in the middle of it all, a great value base for shows and sightseeing.
5. Dubai
The scorching summer heat has passed, so November is a great time for beaches, desert adventures and over-the-top dining. Watch the sunset from the Burj Khalifa, take a desert safari and spend a day at a beach club. It's also a great stopover on the way to Asia or Africa.
Splurge: Burj Al Arab — The world-famous sail-shaped icon, with duplex suites and over-the-top service.
Save: Rove Downtown — A fun, affordable hotel near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, great for a short stopover.
6. New Zealand
Late spring brings long days, wildflowers and great hiking and wine-tasting weather. Queenstown is the perfect base for adventure, from bungee jumping to boat cruises on Milford Sound. Add Central Otago wine country for a slower pace.
Splurge: Huka Lodge — A legendary riverside lodge in Taupō on the North Island, known for its privacy and service.
Save: Hotel St Moritz Queenstown — Lake views and an easy walk to town, a great base for Queenstown's adventures.
Not sure where to go?
Take my Trip Finder quiz. Answer a few quick questions about when you're traveling, your travel style and your budget, and I'll match you with a destination plus three places to stay.
Or skip the research entirely. I plan trips for readers, from long weekends to honeymoons, and I'll build an itinerary around your dates, budget and style. Here's how planning a trip with me works.
Every trip is different, and weather, events and hotel availability can change from year to year, so double-check dates before you book.
More months: Where to go in October · Where to go in December
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