November is often not considered an ideal month for travel.
On the one hand, the holiday vacations ended long ago, and on the other hand, the winter holidays that include skiing have not yet begun.
The weather is also less convenient for traveling, with cold days and sometimes heavy rain, mainly in Europe and the northeastern United States, but still without the romantic snow.
And yet, November is an excellent time for travel, you just need to know where to go.
Here are several recommendations for wonderful places that are especially beautiful to visit in November.
New York: Parades, Shows, and Autumn Colors
New York is exciting throughout the year, but November is without a doubt one of the best months to visit this amazing city.
Thanksgiving, which takes place in November, and the approaching Christmas season give the city a festive atmosphere with many exciting events.
Every year on Thanksgiving, the traditional Macy’s parade takes place, featuring giant inflatable balloons of famous animated characters, orchestras, clowns, dancers, and more.
Another event held in November that has already become a tradition is the spectacular Christmas show that opens this month at Radio City Music Hall and has been running for more than eighty years.
All of New York’s famous ice skating rinks, including the two rinks in Central Park and the rink at Rockefeller Center, are already open in November, providing another great reason to visit during this month.
Those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed experience can take a short trip outside the city.
In early November, it is still possible to enjoy the last autumn colors in the Hudson Valley.
The weather in New York is also usually still pleasant in November, before temperatures drop below freezing in December.
Cambodia: The Dry Season and the Water Festival
In November, Cambodia enters the dry season, making it an excellent time to travel.
There are no monsoons, the weather is not yet too hot, and humidity levels drop.
This is a great time to visit the Angkor Wat temples, which are less crowded during this season, and also to relax on the beautiful tropical beaches of Sihanoukville in the south of the country.
The clear and sunny weather is also well suited for cycling trips in rural areas.
In addition to the good weather, there is another strong reason to visit Cambodia at this time of year.
The Water Festival, Bon Om Tuk, takes place every November and is the largest festival in the country.
During the festival, Cambodians celebrate the end of the rainy season, the beginning of the fishing season.
Celebrations are held throughout the country, but the best place to experience them is Phnom Penh, at the meeting point of the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake.
There, hundreds of decorated boats participate in rowing competitions.
The celebrations take place not only on the water but also in the surrounding streets, with performances and food stalls, and at night the skies are filled with impressive fireworks.
Portugal: Beaches and Festivals
Portugal is a particularly successful destination for a vacation in November. In autumn, the number of tourists decreases, but it is still possible to enjoy pleasant sunshine, especially in the Algarve region in the south of the country.
Although it is already too cold to swim at the beautiful beaches, it is certainly possible to go for walks along the coast.
In Porto and Lisbon, there is also a good chance of enjoying excellent weather, and overall, the atmosphere in Portugal in autumn is more romantic than ever.
During this period of the year, many wonderful events take place across the country.
In Golegã, the national horse fair is held in November, featuring competitions, displays, and shows. In Santarém, a gastronomy festival takes place.
In Lisbon and Estoril, a film festival is held, and in Guimarães, a jazz festival takes place.
Hong Kong: Eat, Explore, Dance
November is one of the most suitable months to travel to Hong Kong. Typhoon season has ended, the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and most importantly, humidity levels drop significantly.
This is an excellent time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the surrounding nature, rather than focusing only on the urban landscapes so closely associated with the island.
For example, it is possible to spend time on the beautiful beaches of Lamma Island or go hiking in the New Territories.
The events that take place in Hong Kong in November provide another strong reason to visit the area during this time.
At the beginning of November, the Wine and Dine Festival takes place, offering the opportunity to enjoy Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene at reasonable prices, with more than one hundred stalls from leading restaurants.
At the end of November, the Lan Kwai Fong Festival is held over two days, featuring colorful parades, music, dancing, and plenty of beer.
Melbourne, Australia: Horses, Hats, and Fairs
November is a wonderful month to visit Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia.
The weather is usually warm and pleasant, although, as in all seasons, it can be unstable and unpredictable.
The city is especially lively during this month, with many events taking place.
The central event in November is the Melbourne Cup, one of the largest and most important horse races in the world.
It is a public holiday for the city’s residents, who take the day off work.
Even those who are not interested in horse racing enjoy the festive atmosphere and watching the colorful outfits of the crowd, including extravagant hats that are an exaggerated version of those worn by aristocratic women at horse races in England.
Even without tickets to the race, it is broadcast in all pubs, restaurants, and cafes across the city.
Additional events held in Melbourne in November include a large food and restaurant fair, Taste of Melbourne, which takes place in Albert Park, and Melbourne Music Week, eight days of performances and a diverse musical program.
The pleasant weather makes it possible to take part in many activities in and around the city and to go on nature trips in the surrounding area.
One of the most beautiful nearby sites is Grampians National Park, with forests, lakes, impressive geological formations, and scenic viewpoints.
Prince Edward Island, Canada: Autumn Colors and Rural Tranquility
North America is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, especially in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
One of the best places to enjoy autumn colors quietly and peacefully, without the crowds that arrive in New England, is Prince Edward Island in Canada.
The island is known for having the longest autumn foliage season in North America.
The hills are covered with forests of maple, poplar, birch, and beech trees, whose leaves turn red, gold, and brown in autumn, blending with the green of spruce and pine forests.
The island is famous not only for its beautiful foliage but also thanks to the Anne of Green Gables book series, which takes place on the island and attracts generations of readers who grew up with these stories.
On this charming island, you will not find the dramatic landscapes that characterize other regions of Canada, but rather peaceful and pastoral scenery of green hills, forests, farmhouses surrounded by fields, and small bays with romantic lighthouses.
