Where to Travel in November? Top Trips Before Year-End
25 Sep 2024
When it comes to November travel destinations, many are undoubtedly looking for places with cool and refreshing weather, offering a change from Thailand’s still not-quite-cool climate! Today, Gother has put together a list of perfect November international travel spots you won’t want to miss. After reading this, you’ll definitely want to book a flight and experience the cool, crisp air for yourself!
Kyoto, Japan
Where to travel in November? If you can’t decide, we recommend Japan, especially Kyoto!
Start your day early at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful sights, particularly in November when the leaves turn bright red and golden yellow, creating a painting-like scene. The temple hosts several sacred deities, offering blessings in all areas of life. Take your time to pray, stroll around the temple, and capture the stunning autumn views from the temple’s balcony, which overlooks the city in all its glory.
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After visiting the temple, enjoy breakfast at the lively Nishiki Market, where you’ll find a variety of dishes to try, like hot soba, warm ramen, sweet tamagoyaki, and fresh tofu. Everything is freshly made and provides a comforting warmth on a chilly morning.
Spend the rest of the morning on a romantic boat ride in Arashiyama, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves reflecting on the water. In the afternoon, visit Tofuku-ji Temple, home to the Tofuku-bashi wooden bridge that spans a gorge. Take photos from the bridge, offering one of Kyoto’s most picturesque autumn views.
End the day with dinner at a traditional restaurant in Gion, Kyoto’s old district. Savor a kaiseki meal or fresh sushi while soaking in the historical atmosphere at night.
Where to Stay in Kyoto
Things to Do in Kyoto
Sapa, Vietnam
For nature lovers who don’t want to travel too far, Sapa, Vietnam is a perfect international destination in November. Enjoy cool weather, soft sunlight, and a short flight from Bangkok to Hanoi in less than two hours. From there, you can choose to continue your journey by bus, coach, or overnight train—all options offering their own charm.
Start your day at Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Vietnam and all of Indochina. It’s best to visit in the early morning, around 7:00-9:00 AM, when the air is especially fresh and cool. This is also the ideal time to enjoy clear views from the summit without thick fog obscuring the scenery. Take the cable car up, offering a 360-degree view of the Sapa Valley. Spend the early morning walking around the peak and capturing panoramic photos of Sapa. The atmosphere at this time is truly unbeatable!
After descending, stop for breakfast at Saparis, a local restaurant in Sapa town. Try traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh cuon, for a fresh and authentic start to your morning.
Next, explore Cat Cat Village, not far from Sapa town. The village is known for its green terraced rice fields and unique hill tribe houses. Snap pictures of the locals’ way of life and watch traditional handweaving—an activity passed down through generations. The village also has scenic viewpoints and small waterfalls where you can capture the beauty of nature.
In the afternoon, visit Sapa Lake, located in the town center. The best time to go is from late afternoon to early evening (around 2:00-6:00 PM), especially after 4:00 PM when the weather cools down, and the atmosphere around the lake turns romantic, especially during sunset. Enjoy the mountain and town views reflected on the water while soaking in the November ambiance. Then, stop by The Mist Sapa café to sip strong Vietnamese coffee and enjoy a relaxing moment.
End the day with dinner at Chợ Tình Quán - 22 Ngũ Chỉ Sơn, Sapa, a local restaurant. Order the famous Sapa salmon hotpot—a signature dish that will warm you up in the cool weather. The fresh, spicy flavors will make your day in Sapa a memorable one.
Where to stay in Sapa
Things to Do in Sapa
South Island, New Zealand
Where to travel in November? If you’re an adventurer, New Zealand’s South Island is the ideal destination, offering hiking, mountain climbing, glaciers, and stunning blue lakes.
Start the day at the famous Lake Tekapo, known for its stunning blue waters and snow-capped Alps. Go early in the morning (around 6:00-9:00 AM) to catch the soft sunlight reflecting off the lake’s surface, creating a serene and beautiful atmosphere. It’s perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
November brings the added beauty of blooming purple and pink lupins lining the lake’s edge, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a dream. Be sure to capture the stunning landscape. After enjoying Lake Tekapo’s beauty, head to Mount John for panoramic views and a cup of coffee at the chicest café in South Island, Astro Café.
If you’re not yet satisfied with the beauty of nature, continue to Mount Cook, a destination that inspires adventure lovers. Enjoy lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, with incredible views of towering mountains as your backdrop.
Spend the rest of the afternoon hiking the Hooker Valley Track, which offers stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and suspension bridges. For a more spectacular experience, visit the Tasman Glacier. In November, the glacier, sky, and mountains create an awe-inspiring scene—ending your adventurous day in a truly memorable way.
Where to stay in South Island, New Zealand
Things to Do in South Island, New Zealand
Tbilisi, Georgia
Where to travel in November? Georgia is another rising destination. The weather is pleasantly cool this month, with occasional rain, but it’s still a fun place to explore.
Begin your day in Tbilisi with the Tbilisi International Film Festival, held annually in mid to late November. This festival draws film lovers from all over the world, showcasing local and international directors. The city comes alive with art, giving you a chance to capture the artistic atmosphere of Tbilisi’s streets.
After enjoying the morning festival, take the aerial tramway to Narikala Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city, surrounded by rivers and mountains. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos! Afterward, have a traditional Georgian breakfast at Sakhachapure, sampling khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread, and khinkali, Georgian dumplings. Spend the late morning wandering Tbilisi’s old town, exploring colorful buildings and traditional wooden balconies while capturing the city’s cultural charm.
In the afternoon, head to Mtskheta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral—one of Georgia’s most important religious structures. Take photos of its beautiful architecture against the mountain backdrop before heading back to Tbilisi for dinner. Savor Shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and Chakapuli (lamb stew) at Kakhelebi restaurant, closing your trip with a cozy Georgian meal.
Where to stay in Tbilisi
Things to Do in Tbilisi
London, England
London in November is a magical destination. Start your day at Tower Bridge, London’s iconic landmark. The cool, foggy morning adds a classic touch to the bridge’s stunning silhouette over the Thames River. Early mornings are perfect for capturing photos of this serene spot.
Then, head to Borough Market, a food market with over 1,000 years of history, offering delicious global cuisine. Try Eggs Benedict or Fish and Chips to fuel your morning. The market remains lively in November, filled with the aromas of freshly made food.
Spend your late morning strolling through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest parks. The leaves begin turning vibrant shades of yellow, gold, and red, creating a romantic and peaceful setting. It’s perfect for photography or a relaxing walk. If you visit later in the month, don’t miss Winter Wonderland, complete with ice rinks, fun rides, and beautiful Christmas lights, making it a great spot for families.
End your day with a stroll down Oxford Street, London’s famous shopping district, which sparkles with beautiful Christmas lights stretching along the entire road. It’s the perfect spot for photos and shopping for gifts, wrapping up your day in the best way possible.
Where to stay in London
Things to Do in London
La Paz, Bolivia
For those looking for a unique experience, La Paz, Bolivia is the world’s highest capital and a place of wonder. This trip may require longer planning, but it’s worth it!
Begin your La Paz adventure with a ride on the Mi Teleférico cable car to enjoy aerial views of the city, framed by the Andes and the stunning Illimani Mountain. After soaking in the views, stop for breakfast at Café del Mundo, a popular spot in La Paz. Try empanadas and local vegetable soup with hot coffee to fuel up for the rest of the day.
After breakfast, take the journey to Salar de Uyuni, about 300 km from La Paz, home to the world’s largest salt flat. Though it’s a long trip from La Paz, the endless white salt flats make for an unforgettable sight. In November, light rain may transform the salt flats into a giant natural mirror, reflecting the sky as if you’re walking on water.
After marveling at the beauty of the salt flats, stop in Uyuni for a local meal. Try salteñas or llama steak, a local specialty. End your day with an overnight stay in Uyuni, marking the close of a memorable adventure filled with stunning sights.
How do you feel about the international travel destinations we’ve recommended? If you’re planning a trip in November but haven’t decided where to go, we hope you’ve found some inspiration to make your year-end travels more exciting and memorable. Make your trip even smoother by booking flights, accommodations, and activity packages with us!
Don’t wait until the end of the year! We have great promotions available now, so book your trip and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Let Gother guide you to the perfect trip!