November is one of those wonderfully underrated months for long haul travel. The peak season crowds haven’t quite arrived, the weather in many parts of the world is just hitting its stride, and flight prices can still be pretty reasonable before the Christmas rush. Whether you’re craving sunshine, wildlife, epic landscapes or something a little more adventurous, November offers some genuinely brilliant options.
| Summary: Our travel experts select their top seven destinations for a holiday in November. Discover why these destinations are recommended for a holiday this November, and learn some travel tips to help you enjoy your November holiday. |
Below are seven destinations that shine at this time of year, from island escapes in the South Pacific to wild coastlines in Africa and two of the world’s most iconic river journeys.
| Tasmania | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 10,500 Miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours (including 2 stops) |
| Local Time | GMT + 11 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates |
| What hotels to stay in? | Grand Chancellor Hobart, The Sebel Launceston, Cradle Mountain Lodge |
| Visit Tasmania |
If you’ve always fancied a holiday that blends dramatic scenery with great food, wildlife and a relaxed pace, Tasmania is spot on in November. The island is coming into late spring, which means mild temperatures, long days and the countryside turning a vivid shade of green.
Walkers will love the trails around Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park, where you can hike through ancient rainforest and along alpine ridges with views that stretch for miles. For those more into coastal scenery, Freycinet National Park is the place to head. The walk to Wineglass Bay lookout is fairly short but rewards you with one of Australia’s most photographed views. A perfect crescent of white sand framed by granite peaks and impossibly blue water.
It is also a brilliant time for wildlife. Wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian devils are more active in the warmer weather, and if you visit a wildlife sanctuary like Bonorong near Hobart, you can get up close with these unique creatures. Birdwatchers will also be in their element, with spring bringing plenty of activity amongst the native species.
Add in superb local produce, cool climate wines and the buzzing food markets of Hobart, and Tasmania becomes one of the southern hemisphere’s most appealing destinations for a November escape. Salamanca Market on a Saturday morning is a must, with stalls selling everything from fresh oysters to handmade crafts, all set against the backdrop of historic sandstone warehouses.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit both Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, allow at least a week to really do Tasmania justice. The driving distances aren’t huge, but the winding roads and frequent photo opportunities mean you’ll want to take your time.
| Mississippi River | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4400 Miles |
| Journey Time | 10 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT -6 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, British Airways |
| What hotels to stay in? | Monteleone New Orleans, Hyatt Centric French Quarter, Hilton Baton Rouge Centre, Monmouth Historic Inn Natchez |
| Cruise the Mississippi |
A Mississippi River cruise is a wonderfully nostalgic way to experience America’s Deep South, and November brings comfortable temperatures and a gentle hint of autumn colour to the riverbanks.
Sailing between cities such as New Orleans, Memphis and St Louis, you’ll discover a side of the USA defined by jazz, blues, rich cuisine and centuries of history. Think stately homes, civil rights landmarks, live music spilling into the streets and the unmistakable charm of traditional paddlewheel riverboats. These aren’t the massive ocean cruisers you might be used to. Mississippi riverboats are smaller, more intimate vessels, that often feature a large paddlewheel at the stern, with genuine wooden decking and a pace of travel that encourages you to simply sit back and watch America glide past.
Most cruises begin or end in New Orleans, giving you the perfect excuse to spend a few days in this incredible city. Wander through the French Quarter with its wrought iron balconies and jazz clubs, sample beignets at Café du Monde, and soak up the unique atmosphere that makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else in America.
As you travel upriver, you’ll stop at historic towns and cities that played pivotal roles in American history. In Vicksburg, you can visit Civil War battlefields and learn about the siege that changed the course of the war. Memphis offers the chance to visit Graceland, home of Elvis Presley, and to explore the National Civil Rights Museum. In Natchez, historic mansions open their doors to visitors, offering a glimpse into the complex history of the South.
It’s an easy, slow paced holiday, ideal if you’re looking for something cultural and atmospheric rather than beach based.
Travel Tip: Most Mississippi River cruises are all inclusive, covering meals, drinks and excursions. There are often transfers from your downtown hotel to the river included as well.
| Mozambique | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5800 Miles |
| Journey Time | 11 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +2 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Qatar Airways, Kenya AIrways, Ethiopian AIrlines |
| What hotels to stay in? | Machangulo Beach Lodge, asDunas |
| Visit Mozambique |
If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches and warm tropical seas, but somewhere a bit different from the typical Indian Ocean choices, Mozambique is a fantastic option. November marks the start of summer, bringing hot, sunny days and excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving.
Many visitors begin their Mozambique adventure in Maputo, the vibrant capital city. With its wide avenues lined with jacaranda trees, colonial era architecture and lively markets, Maputo has a distinct character that sets it apart from other African capitals. The city shows off its Portuguese heritage through its cuisine, with seafood restaurants serving up fresh prawns, grilled fish and peri peri chicken. Don’t miss the Mercado Central, a bustling market where you can browse local crafts and fresh produce, or the striking railway station designed by Gustave Eiffel. The waterfront area has been revitalised in recent years, with restaurants and bars offering views across the bay.
From Maputo, it’s about a five-hour drive north to Vilanculos, the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Vilanculos itself is a relaxed coastal town with a lovely beachfront promenade, local restaurants and a genuine African atmosphere. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, with plenty of accommodation options from backpacker lodges to upmarket hotels.
The real draw of Vilanculos is its access to the Bazaruto Archipelago. These five gorgeous islands, just offshore, offer powder soft beaches, shifting turquoise sandbanks and some of the best marine life in the region. Day trips from Vilanculos take you out to the islands by dhow, the traditional wooden sailing boats that have plied these waters for centuries. You can expect colourful reefs teeming with fish, turtles gliding gracefully through the water, dolphins playing in the surf and, with luck, the elusive dugong.
For those wanting a more immersive island experience, several lodges on Bazaruto and Benguerra islands offer the chance to stay overnight. Here you can snorkel straight off the beach, take sunset dhow cruises, try your hand at deep sea fishing, or simply relax with a book under the shade of a palm tree.
It’s also a great time for a twin centre trip combining the beaches with a safari in nearby South Africa. Fly into Johannesburg, spend a few days in Kruger National Park spotting the Big Five, then continue to Maputo and on to Vilanculos for a week of sun, sea and sand. The perfect mix of wildlife and relaxation.
Travel Tip: Mozambique uses the metical as its currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. If you’re driving from Maputo to Vilanculos, the road is in good condition but allow plenty of time for the journey and consider breaking it up with an overnight stop in Inhambane, a charming coastal town about an hour south of Vilanculos.
| Milford Sound | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 11400 Miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +12 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific |
| What hotels to stay in? | The Rees Queenstown, Kingsgate Te Anau |
| Visit New Zealand |
Milford Sound is spectacular at any time of year, but November might just be the sweet spot. Spring is in full swing across New Zealand’s South Island, waterfalls are at their most powerful thanks to melting snow, and the peaks of Fiordland National Park remain dusted white.
The drive to Milford Sound from Queenstown or Te Anau is one of New Zealand’s great road trips. You’ll pass calm lakes, mountain passes and valleys that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fantasy film. Expect crisp mornings, clear views and fewer visitors than you’ll find in the height of summer. The road takes about four hours from Te Anau, and it’s worth stopping at key spots along the way, such as Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, where the Cleddau River has carved fascinating rock formations.
A cruise through the fiord is an absolute must. As you glide beneath sheer rock faces that rise 1,200 metres out of the water, keep an eye out for fur seals lounging on the rocks and dolphins racing along the bow. The waterfalls are particularly impressive in November. Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls cascade down in torrents, and your boat captain will often steer right up to the base so you can feel the spray on your face.
For those planning a longer South Island holiday, November also works well for road trips to Queenstown, Wanaka and Mount Cook, with a good mix of pleasant temperatures and spectacular scenery.
Travel Tip: Book your Milford Sound cruise well in advance, as even in the shoulder season, tours can fill up quickly. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider kayaking the sound instead. It’s a completely different experience being at water level amongst the towering cliffs.
| The Bahamas | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4300 Miles |
| Journey Time | 9 Hours (Direct) |
| Local Time | GMT -5 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines |
| What hotels to stay in? | Sandals Royal Bahamian, The Royal, Atlantis Paradise Island, Riu Palace Paradise Island |
| Visit The Bahamas |
With the wet and windy weather in the past and peak season yet to kick-in, November is a brilliant month to visit the Bahamas. The weather settles into that classic Caribbean pattern of warm, sunny days, a gentle breeze, and seas that look like something out of a magazine.
You’ll find a huge choice of islands and experiences. Nassau and Paradise Island offer the bright colours, casinos and nightlife that many visitors come for. The Atlantis resort dominates Paradise Island with its vast water parks, marine exhibits and lively atmosphere. But venture beyond Nassau and you’ll discover a very different side to the Bahamas.
The Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, are where you’ll find the quiet, postcard perfect beaches and laid-back island life that the Bahamas is famous for. The Exumas are particularly special. This chain of 365 islands and cays offers some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, incredible snorkelling and the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Yes, you really can swim with pigs. These friendly porkers have become one of the Bahamas’ most unusual attractions, paddling out to greet visiting boats in hope of a snack.
Eleuthera is another gem, known for its pink sand beaches and the dramatic Glass Window Bridge, where you can stand with the deep blue Atlantic on one side and the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean on the other. Harbour Island, just off Eleuthera’s coast, is home to the stunning sands of Pink Sands Beach and the charming village of Dunmore Town with its colonial era houses painted in cheerful pastels.
For divers, the Bahamas offers world class opportunities. The blue holes scattered throughout the islands are natural underwater sinkholes that attract divers from around the world. Dean’s Blue Hole on Long Island is the world’s second deepest, dropping 202 metres into the ocean floor.
If your idea of a long haul holiday is pure relaxation topped with a bit of adventure, the Bahamas ticks every box.
Travel Tip: Island hopping is easy in the Bahamas thanks to regular flights and ferry services between the main islands. If you have the time, visit at least two islands to experience both the lively atmosphere of Nassau and the tranquil beauty of the Out Islands.
Hand-picked Holidays by Freedom Destinations
| Mekong River | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6300 Miles |
| Journey Time | 12 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +7 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| What river boats to stay on? | Mekong Navigator, Mekong Jahan, Mekong Jayavarman |
| Cruise the Mekong River |
November is one of the very best months to cruise the Mekong. The rainy season has eased off, the landscapes are lush and green, and temperatures in both Vietnam and Cambodia are pleasantly warm without being overpowering.
A Mekong River cruise takes you through floating markets, small rural villages, pagodas and rice growing countryside, with daily excursions that give a genuine insight into local life. You might find yourself cycling through villages where children wave enthusiastically as you pass, visiting family run workshops where traditional crafts are still made by hand, or exploring hidden temples that see few Western visitors.
The floating markets are a particular highlight. Cai Rang near Can Tho is one of the largest, and arriving early in the morning when the market is in full swing is an experience you won’t forget. Boats laden with fruit, vegetables and other goods jostle for position, with vendors using long poles to display their wares and attract customers.
Most itineraries link Ho Chi Minh City with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, making it easy to add on time at Angkor Wat or the beaches of southern Vietnam. Some cruises focus on the Vietnamese section of the river in the Mekong Delta, while others continue into Cambodia, offering a more comprehensive journey.
Onboard life on a Mekong cruise tends to be relaxed and informal. Ships are smaller than ocean going vessels, typically carrying 40 to 60 passengers, which creates a friendly atmosphere. Meals often feature local dishes alongside Western options, and there’s usually a small pool and sundeck where you can watch daily life unfold along the riverbanks.
For culture lovers, photographers and foodies, the Mekong is a superb choice for a November holiday.
Travel Tip: Pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. The excursions often involve uneven paths and temple visits where you’ll need to remove your shoes. A hat and sunscreen are essential, even in November.
| The Cook Islands | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 10000 Miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours (including 2 stops) |
| Local Time | GMT -10 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Air New Zealand, Qantas |
| What hotels to stay in? | Little Polynesian Resort, Lagoon Breeze, Sunset Resort |
| Visit The Cook Islands |
Few places feel as effortlessly laid back as the Cook Islands, and November is a superb time to visit. It’s warm, sunny and wonderfully calm in the lead up to the Christmas season, perfect for snorkelling, lagoon cruises and lazy afternoons on the beach.
The Cook Islands are made up of 15 small islands scattered across a vast expanse of the South Pacific, but most visitors focus on the two main islands.
Rarotonga, the largest island, offers a great mix of mountains, beaches and local culture. The island is small enough to drive around in 45 minutes, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. Hike the cross island track through lush rainforest to reach the island’s interior, snorkel in the crystal clear lagoon that encircles the island. Visit the lively Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings for fresh fruit, local crafts and live music.
Aitutaki is all about its lagoon, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The water here is an almost unbelievable shade of blue, and a lagoon cruise is the best way to experience it. You’ll stop at tiny uninhabited islands, wade through knee deep water on sandbanks that appear and disappear with the tides, and snorkel amongst giant clams and tropical fish.
What sets the Cook Islands apart from other Pacific destinations is the genuine warmth of the locals and the lack of mass tourism. There are no high rise hotels, no international chain restaurants and no crowds. Instead, you’ll find family run guesthouses, locally owned cafes serving fresh fish and tropical fruit, and beaches where you might be the only person for miles.
The Cook Islands are self governed but in free association with New Zealand, which means they use the New Zealand dollar and benefit from strong infrastructure while maintaining their own unique Polynesian culture. The locals speak both English and Cook Islands Maori, and you’ll often hear traditional music and see dance performances that have been passed down through generations.
Pairing the Cook Islands with New Zealand is also popular, especially for travellers looking to combine beaches with dramatic landscapes on the same trip. Fly into Auckland, explore the North and South Islands, then continue to Rarotonga for a week of island relaxation.
Travel Tip: Accommodation on Aitutaki is limited and can book up well in advance, especially in November. If you’re planning to visit both islands, book your internal flights and hotels as early as possible.
Whether it’s cruising down the Mekong, road tripping through Tasmania or relaxing under palm trees in the Bahamas, November is a fantastic month for long haul holidays. Sunshine, comfortable temperatures and great value travel all come together to create some really memorable adventures.
If you’d like help planning your own November escape, just let us know. Our team will be happy to help with ideas or tailor-made itineraries.
Richard has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in Europe, the USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, South East Asia, as well as Southern Africa. He enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
