Wanderlust · 8 min read · October 31, 2025

The top holiday spots Brits will LOVE this November

From Patagonia's wild trails to Cyprus's winter sun, these destinations offer great weather, fewer crowds and no EES delays for UK travellers this November.

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

This guide highlights the best holiday spots for Brits in November, offering sunshine, fewer crowds, and no hassle from the EU's new EES border checks. Top picks include Tivat in Montenegro and Cyprus for easy travel, Patagonia for adventurous hikes in blooming landscapes, and Guernsey for a cosy, off-season island break. Other standout destinations include New York State during Thanksgiving, the tranquil Greek island of Karpathos, and Phuket, Thailand, during the Loy Krathong lantern festival. Whether you're after luxury, culture, or winter sun, there's something here to suit all travel styles.

This month's beach read: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer & Anna Barrows

Guernsey was THE top rising destination with British travellers this summer, and it makes our list of holiday spots to tick off your travel bucket list this November. This heartwarming novel that's all about life on our new favourite Channel Island is just begging to be read in a cosy St Peter Port café. Set just after World War II, a struggling writer's life changes forever after exchanging letters with the extraordinary Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and sailing to the island.

Guernsey | Channel Islands

Guernsey was one of the top rising destinations for British travellers this 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.

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.

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.

Tivat | Montenegro

Tivat has only grown in popularity thanks to its pristine beaches, upscale seafront dining and gorgeous views over the Bay of Kotor. And now there's yet another reason to make this Balkan beach break your next holiday – Montenegro isn't an EU member, so EES won't impact travelling here from the UK at all.

What's EES? It's the EU's new digital border system that's replacing manual passport stamping, which they finally rolled out in October. While it's supposed to speed up passport control in the long run, you'll need to scan your fingerprint and face the first time you use it – which has caused delays at some of the airports where it's been introduced.

But as neither Montenegro or the UK are in the EU, there's no need to worry about EES-related delays. You might have to queue longer than you'd like at many European airports while they get used to the system, but Tivat should be a relative breeze – making it the perfect time to discover what it has to offer.

Eastern Europe is more popular than ever thanks to its affordable prices compared to Western Europe, but that's not really Tivat's bag. Head here for the high-end hotels, shops and restaurants that line the Porto Montenegro development and enjoy a luxury holiday somewhere new.

What's happening with EES?

Travelling to the EU? Find out the latest on how Europe's new Entry/Exit System will impact your travels.

In Tips & Advice October 23, 2025

Chilean Patagonia

November is when Patagonia starts to wake up after winter – and it's one of the best times to catch it in that in-between moment. 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. You'll still need layers – temperatures hover between 5°C and 15°C – but it's ideal for moving without overheating or battling the summer gusts.

Beyond the hikes? 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.

New York State

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 27th November, so if you want to enjoy a pre-Christmas turkey that's the time to get over there.

Cyprus

While Cyprus is in the EU, it's not in the Schengen zone – so much like Montenegro, EES doesn't impact travelling here from the UK. And while there's a good chance of warm November days in Tivat, decent weather is a much surer bet here, making Cyprus your go-to European destination for winter sun.

Ayia Napa is probably the rowdiest resort in the Med, so if that's your vibe you won't be disappointed. But far from the thrumming bass of Ayia Napa's clubs, the beach resorts of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos tempt with endless strips of soft sand, eye-catching rocky coves and fascinating architecture dating from the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Speaking of – why not pay a visit to the Rock of Aphrodite? This famous stack of ancient rock towers out of the sea and is the mythological birthplace of the Greek goddess of love. According to one legend, she emerged from the sea foam that was created when her father's *ahem* ancient rocks were sliced off and thrown into the water.

Karpathos | Greece

We Brits love a holiday to Greece. But with overcrowding in top spots like Santorini and Mykonos, and extreme weather in the height of summer, it's probably worth finding a new time and place to visit.

Karpathos in November hits a sweet spot. This under-the-radar Greek island still gets around 20°C in the day and the sea hovers at a swimmable 21°C – perfect for mellow beach time, especially when the wind's light.

November is when Karpathos shifts down a gear. The crowds thin, prices ease, and hiking trails open up without the uncomfortable summer heat. You'll find dramatic cliff paths, quiet coastal walks, and mountain villages like Olympos that feel more authentic with fewer tourists around. The island's still got enough going on in main towns like Pigadia, but beach resorts tend to wind down – so it's worth booking ahead and checking what's open.

Ferries run year-round from Crete to Karpathos, or you can fly direct from Athens. Just don't come chasing nightlife or windsurfing – by November, it's all about walks, views, peace and quiet.

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 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.