Best Places to Travel in November

Where to stay – San Jose, Manuel Antonio

Although the peak season to travel to Costa Rica is December through to April, November is still a good month to visit to make the most of lower accommodation and excursion rates, before they jump up to peak rates in December. There is still plenty of sunshine and warm (slightly humid) weather in November, but the only downside is that you are likely to get caught out in a tropical thunderstorm or rain shower. In remote areas, this can be tricky as roads could become impassable, so we’d recommend sticking to the more prominent tourist destinations during November, such as San Jose and Manuel Antonio. There is a wealth of things to do in Costa Rica, and with species like the sloths,

Where to stay – Barbados

Barbados experiences tropical climates and although storms are less frequent in November, it’s always worth always having a waterproof jacket with you as there is still a fair amount of rainfall at the start of the month. We’d recommend the west coast of the island, which offers the calmest waters in November, and some of the most luxurious hotels. As well as picturesque white-sand beaches, tropical palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, Barbados has a lot of history and culture to it. With more than 8 hours of sunshine every day and temperatures at a high of around 88°F, it’s certainly an idyllic place to head for some winter sun.

Where to stay – Managua, Leon

The period between November and April is often regarded the driest, warmest, and best time to visit Nicaragua. Located in central America, bordering Costa Rica and Honduras, Nicaragua is a beautiful tropical island, home to colonial towns, white-sand beaches, palm-fringed jungles, and an abundance of native wildlife. There are also some amazing landscapes to see – including 26 volcanoes, some of which are active. These landscapes and diverse topographies allow for a wealth of activities, such as volcano boarding, river kayaking, and zip lining. Nicaragua is also exceptional value for money, so it really appeals to couples, honeymooners, and families who want an adventurous holiday without the price tag. Key destinations to include on your Nicaragua itinerary include the capital Managua, Leon, and Lake Nicaragua.

Where to stay – Helsinki

For those who want to experience the white-covered landscapes in Finland, November is a great time to visit because it’s the start of the winter months. Snow showers start early in November, but as temperatures are still relatively mild, it’s only possible to ski in some areas, like Ruka in the north. However, November is a good time to explore the capital, Helsinki, as temperatures are not at their absolute coldest yet. Although the month is relatively dark, with little sunshine, it brings a real atmospheric experience to the city. Embrace this and hop into a Finnish sauna to warm up or enjoy a local wood cabin with a log fire. At the same time, try the local food such as creamy salmon soup, or the local craft beer.

Where to stay – The Cape Grace, The Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Compass House

While most of South Africa is warming up as it heads into their summer months, Cape Town in October is a particularly nice time to visit. The peak months in Cape Town are December to February, so being just outside of this allows you to experience accommodation and excursions at lower rates, as well as saving time on queueing for attractions like Robben Island and Boulders Beach. That said, they will still be popular at this time, but far less than December which is heaving with travelers coming over for Christmas and the festivities. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan hub – full of bars, cafes, and al fresco restaurants serving some of the most delicious food and wines. For wine lovers, South Africa is the place for you., and visiting wine regions and sampling the local bottles is a must-do.