Where to travel in November

Peru

Don't forget the marmalade sandwiches, especially if ceviche and cuy al palo (guinea pig on a stick) aren't to your taste, as our top destination this month is Peru.

We've got a couple of reasons for this, one being that it's right in the middle of their spring and comfortably in between their dry and rainy seasons. The other being the upcoming release of Paddington in Peru, the third entry in the beloved-by-literally-everyone film franchise. In it, Paddington and the Browns explore the Peruvian Amazon and Andes in search of Aunt Lucy, another Peruvian spectacled bear with an inexplicably English accent.

Lima is a good entry point for any Peruvian adventure. With its coastal location providing cooler, dryer temperatures, it also boasts historic colonial and pre-columbian architecture and plenty of places to sip pisco and take it all in. After adventure? Spend a few days in Cusco (once capital of the Inca Empire) to acclimatise to the altitude before making the climb to Machu Picchu to see the free-roaming llamas that live there. The ruins are pretty cool too.

Complete your Peruvian adventure at Lake Titicaca where the indigenous Uros people continue to live on islands made from reeds – a technique they picked up hundreds of years ago to defend themselves against attacks from the Incas.

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Phuket | Thailand

Why Phuket? 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 therefore without its detractors – many of the lights are not biodegradable and later end up littering the country's waterways. So if you plan to take part please put in the time to find an environmentally friendly celebration.

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.

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Quinta da Regaleira | Portugal

Fly all the way to Thailand for exotic temples and stunning architecture, or see some practically on your doorstep just outside Lisbon, Portugal.

Quinta da Regaleira is Portugal's answer to Neuschwanstein, King Ludwig's baroque, fairytale castle overlooking Bavaria. Built at the start of 20th century between 1904 and 1910, the site includes the Romantic castle itself, grounds, chapel, an extraordinary network of tunnels and grottos under the park and two 'wells' or inverted towers with steps spiralling down into the earth.

Quinta da Regaleira is part of the UNESCO heritage site of Sintra, just half an hour out of Lisbon by car. Historically the town and surrounding area was a royal sanctuary, and the region is dotted with notable palaces as well as sitting in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains and a stone's throw from the Atlantic coast.

Fly into Lisbon, take in the many sights of the capital, and then our tip is to hire a car and head out to Sintra to enjoy Quinta da Regaleira and the cultural highlights of this spectacular heritage site.

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New York State | USA

New York City, the capital of the 20th century, needs no introduction from us. Shop in Manhattan, watch a ball game and if only for a week or two you can live the life we all watch on TV.

NYC is right at the top of most people's bucket list for a city break, but don't just stay in the Five Boroughs. Jump in a car and in an hour or two you're out of the city and in the backwoods of New York State, and this often-overlooked patch of America is well worth a visit if you're already flying into JFK.

November is Thanksgiving, and that's reason enough to hop across the pond and join in with America's biggest annual celebration. This year Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 28th November, so if you want to enjoy a pre-Christmas turkey that's the time to get over there.

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Corvera | Spain

Corvera, Spain, is a quieter spot that captures the charm of the Murcia region without the crowds. It's perfect if you're after a slower pace and a chance to soak up the simple pleasures of Spanish life. The weather's usually warm, especially in autumn, making it ideal for enjoying the outdoors.

The nearby Sierra de Carrascoy mountains offer some great walking trails if you feel like exploring the landscape a bit. It's a peaceful place where you can spot local wildlife and take in views that stretch on for miles.

If you're up for a day trip, Murcia is just a short drive away. The city has a relaxed vibe with historic architecture, like the impressive Catedral de Murcia, and plenty of plazas where you can sit with a coffee and watch the world go by. It's a great spot to get a feel for local culture without rushing around.

Corvera might not be packed with tourist attractions, but that's part of its appeal. It's a place to unwind, take things slow, and enjoy the little moments.

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Yerevan | Armenia

Armenia is one of the countries that flagrantly straddles the border between Europe and Asia. Plonked right in the Caucasus region between Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, it also shares a tiny bit of border with Iran. Yerevan is the capital city and, according to one of our travel experts, a very cool place to go.

It's one of the oldest cities in the world and that blends uniquely with the Soviet-era architecture that you don't often find in your typical city break. You'll also find cosy cafes and parks and Republic Square, which makes a good starting point with its beautiful fountains – come back at night to see it all lit up.

On top of that, Armenia has risen in our Good Trip Index next year, with decent scores in animal welfare and quality of life.

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Ticino | Switzerland

Ticino in autumn feels like a hidden gem that reveals itself when the summer crowds have gone. The warm vibe lingers, but the changing leaves add a burst of color to the landscape, making it perfect for slow-paced exploration.

The region's mix of Italian and Swiss culture gives it a unique charm, especially in towns like Lugano and Locarno, where you can stroll along lakeside promenades under a canopy of red and gold. The mountains surrounding the area are also great for gentle hikes, with cooler temperatures and stunning views over the valleys.

If you're into architecture, the traditional stone villages in the valleys, like Valle Verzasca, feel like stepping into a postcard. Autumn also means chestnut season, so you'll find street vendors roasting them, filling the air with that unmistakable scent.

Ticino's mild weather makes it easy to enjoy a day out, whether you're exploring local vineyards or just sitting at a café, sipping an espresso as you watch the season change around you. It's a place to slow down, take in the beauty of the season, and enjoy the mix of nature and culture.