Faster and smarter in the app... Open app

Silhouetted lampposts line Shanghai’s waterfront at sunset, with the city skyline across the river.
Wanderlust · 7 min read · October 22, 2026

The best places to travel in November – from winter sun to city breaks

Whether you're after winter sun, dramatic landscapes or the first sparkle of festive lights, November is one of the most rewarding months to travel – if you know where to go.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

November is packed with travel options, from the warm beaches of Cyprus and Phuket's Loy Krathong lantern festival to the autumn foliage of New York State and the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on 26th November. Further afield, Chilean Patagonia bursts into spring with wildflowers, long daylight hours and uncrowded trails on the W Trek and O Circuit. Closer to home, Guernsey swaps summer crowds for windswept cliffs, cosy pubs and quiet harbours in St Peter Port. Whether you're after a beach, a city or a mountain trail, there's no shortage of reasons to book a November break.

A great November holiday could happen anywhere. You could explore a city under autumn leaves, spend a week on a sunny beach with a good book, or set off on a long mountain hike. These destinations give you a reason to get out there, even when the British weather is doing its best to keep you indoors.

Shanghai

China ranks 132nd Shanghai’s illuminated Pudong skyline rises above the Huangpu River at dusk.

Shanghai is on the rise with British travellers, and November is a great time to visit. The summer heat and humidity have eased, making it more pleasant to explore the Bund, the city’s famous waterfront, or its Art Deco buildings. Don’t forget your camera.

Cross the Huangpu River to see the skyline from Pudong, or head up Shanghai Tower for a view of the city that makes even the tallest buildings look like they’re queuing for the lift. For a slower afternoon, visit Yu Garden and the nearby old streets, where teahouses and food stalls offer a change of pace from the city’s modern towers.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong ranks 83rd Hong Kong’s illuminated skyline reflects across Victoria Harbour at night.

With an average temperature of around 24°C and much less rainfall than in summer, November is a good time to explore Hong Kong. You can spend more time outdoors without worrying that the weather has other plans.

Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, ride the Peak Tram for city views or swap skyscrapers for a hike on one of the island’s trails. Then reward your tired legs with dim sum, roast goose or a bowl of wonton noodles. Hong Kong’s best food plan is often to follow your nose and arrive with an empty stomach.

And if you’re in the Christmas mood, Hong Kong WinterFest starts in November and runs into January. You’ll see a 20m tall Christmas tree, along with festive lights, gifts and (of course) food. What better way to get into the Christmas spirit?

Shkoder | Albania

Albania ranks 56th A riverside neighbourhood and bridge in Shkoder, Albania, seen from above.

Sitting close to Lake Shkoder and the rivers that cross Albania, Shkoder is a perfect base for scenic castle and lake views. Start at Rozafa Castle, perched on a rocky hill above the city. Its walls look out across the lake and the meeting point of the Drin, Kir and Buna rivers. The castle is also tied to the legend of Rozafa, a story of sacrifice and loyalty that has been passed down for generations.

Back in town, the Marubi National Museum of Photography has a remarkable collection of historic Albanian images. It’s an atmospheric way to get a feel for the country’s past, and a welcome stop when November’s weather turns wet. This is a month for keeping your plans flexible and your waterproof jacket close.

New York State

USA ranks 27th Yellow taxis and pedestrians cross a busy Manhattan street lined with tall buildings.

New York State is a big place, so November can look very different depending on where you go. And if you’re after some autumn colour, some areas peak faster than others – check the live foliage report before you set off to avoid disappointment.

The month’s big event is in New York City. Celebrating Thanksgiving, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 100th edition on 26th November. Giant balloons, marching bands and floats make their way through Manhattan. Expect a big crowd, a very early start and plenty of people who have planned their viewing spot like a CIA operation.

For a day trip, head to Queens and Flushing Meadows Corona Park. You might recognise the Unisphere, one of New York’s most recognisable landmarks. After that, check out some of entertainment’s most famous locations on a guided tour, or just follow your nose – it’s one of the most-filmed locations in the world, so you’re bound to recognise something (and you might accidentally discover the best burger in NYC).

Guernsey | Channel Islands

United Kingdom ranks 19th A stone lighthouse stands at the end of a pier beneath a cloudy blue sky.

Guernsey was the top rising destination for British travellers last summer, and November promises a different kind of holiday. Swap the summer crowds for windswept cliffs and quiet harbours – expect cool, crisp days perfect for wrapping up and wandering along the coast or ducking into a café in St Peter Port. Complete that with a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for an extra cosy experience.

The island’s charm really comes through off-season. You’ll get more space at the heritage sites, the walking trails are just as stunning (if not more so with that moody autumn light), and there’s still plenty going on – think local food events, cosy pubs, and a slower pace that suits the season.

It’s outside the EU and Schengen, so EES does not apply to a direct UK trip. Sure, the weather’s a bit hit and miss (pack a raincoat), but if you’re after a quieter break with a bit of character, Guernsey’s worth the ferry. Just don’t come expecting beach days and ice cream. This one’s for walkers, foodies, and off-season explorers.

Phuket | Thailand

Thailand ranks 59th A long-tail boat crosses turquoise water between steep, forested limestone cliffs.

Why Phuket? It’s a top rising destination for British travellers with new direct flights. But mostly because it's the Loy Krathong lantern festival in November – Thailand's nationwide light festival to celebrate the full moon and thank the river goddess for nourishing our lives.

The festival is a spectacularly beautiful light show on Thailand's rivers, and is not without its detractors. Many of the lights aren’t biodegradable, and later end up littering the country's waterways. So if you plan to take part, make sure to release biodegradable lanterns – or don’t release any, and simply admire the twinkling lights without further straining the environment.

Outside the festival, Phuket is an island paradise. Thailand's largest island, Phuket has everything – white sand beaches and upscale resorts to the north, jungle to the south and Patong on the west coast for dive bars and debauchery. Any one of the diving, food, temples, towns or beaches would all make for a great holiday on their own – combine the lot on one island and no wonder Phuket is one of the fastest-growing long-haul beach destinations.

Chilean Patagonia

Chile ranks 35th A blue glacier sits beneath snow-covered mountains in Patagonia.

While November ushers in winter in the UK, it’s spring in Chilean Patagonia. Think wildflowers popping in the valleys, rivers rushing with snowmelt, and mountain peaks still dusted with snow. And with up to 16 hours of daylight, you’ve got time on your side to see the best of the region.

Hiking season is back on, especially in places like Torres del Paine. The W Trek and O Circuit are open, refugios are up and running, and the weather’s stable enough to spend full days on the trails. It’s still chilly (get it?), temperatures hover between 5°C and 15°C, but it’s ideal for moving without overheating or battling the summer gusts.

For a quieter trip, kayak across glacial lakes, ride horses through the open steppe, and keep your eyes peeled for guanacos, flamingos, and even pumas. Birdwatchers are in for a treat too, as migratory birds return for spring.

Best of all, the crowds haven’t arrived yet – so the parks feel peaceful and accommodation is easier to lock in.

Sharm El-Sheikh | Egypt

Egypt ranks 178th A mosque with tall minarets stands among the buildings of Sharm El-Sheikh, backed by the rugged Sinai Mountains.

November is a lovely time to trade grey skies for the Red Sea. Sharm El-Sheikh averages highs of around 27°C, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming and snorkelling. Evenings are cooler, so pack a light layer for after sunset.

The reefs are the real stars here. Take a boat trip to Ras Muhammad National Park, not far from the city, and look out for colourful fish and coral. For a change of pace, browse the Old Market for spices and souvenirs, or head into the Sinai desert for a guided trip beneath the stars.

There’s a new reason to go in 2026 too. Virgin Atlantic’s direct flights from Heathrow began in October, and British passport holders can get a free entry stamp for stays under 15 days at Sharm resorts. What are you waiting for?


Most-popular articles