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Trying to decide where to go in the month of November? It’s a perfect time to travel, and there are plenty of luxurious options from which to choose. Here’s our curated list of the best luxury travel destinations in November if you’re wondering where to go for an unforgettable vacation this month.

where to go in the month of November

What do you have planned for your November escape? You could visit a cosmopolitan city (we’re thinking Seoul, Cape Town, Hong Kong or Abu Dhabi). Or make a cultural pilgrimage to Mexico or Cambodia.

Want something more remote and off the grid? Go north to see the Northern Lights. Or soak up some late-autumn sun in Southern Europe. Feeling the need for adrenaline-fueled adventures? Head for Iguazu Falls in Argentina. More in the mood for the beach? Ditch your shoes and set up shop in the Caribbean. It’s all waiting for you. Let’s go!

best luxury travel destinations in the world in the month of November

Here are our top 12 ideas for luxury travel this month:

1. Day of the Dead celebrations in Puebla, Mexico.

Each year, from October 31 to November 2, villagers throughout Mexico journey to local cemeteries to welcome the souls of their dearly departed. There are bouquets of marigolds and candles as far as the eye can see.

The best luxury travel destinations in November

The best luxury travel destinations in November. Day of the Dead, Mexico.

Many people head for Oaxaca, but Puebla is a great alternative. The UNESCO World Heritage site is two hours from Mexico City, and is home to a 5-star Rosewood hotel. And a stunning art museum designed by conceptual Japanese architect Toyo Ito.

2. Abu Dhabi.

If you’re keen to see the F1 Grand Prix from November 18-20, 2022, stay at the iconic 5-star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, which straddles the circuit. Before or after the races, there’s nearby shopping at Yas Mall. Or you could hang out on Yas Beach.

The best luxury travel destinations in November. The F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi.

You can also book eco-tours of the mangroves, or rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. If you’re feeling playful, hit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first and only Ferrari-branded theme park. When you’re ready to slow down to walking speed, head to Saadiyat Island (it’s just 25 minutes from the hotel) to see the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The best places for a luxury vacation in November.

The best places for a luxury vacation in November. Abu Dhabi.

3. Cape Town, South Africa.

It’s spring in South Africa in November, so the temperatures are comfortably balmy. The Zeitz MOCAA on the waterfront, a dedicated home for contemporary African art, is a must-see (the sleek Silo Hotel is in the same building).

The best places for a luxury vacation in November

The best places for a luxury vacation in November. Cape Town, South Africa.

A trip to the top of Table Mountain, a visit to Robben Island, and a walk through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens should all be on your list. November is also the tail-end of whale watching season. You can head along the False Bay coastline to spy southern right, humpback, and Bryde’s whales. If you have an extra day or two, the uber-luxurious farm hotel Babylonstoren is a definite mustafter your time in town, head for the country for a truly special experience.

4. Cambodia.

In just a week, you can journey from the capital Phnom Penh to the temples of Siem Reap. Take a guided tour of the Angkor temple complex, including Angkor Thom and sunrise at Angkor Wat. Visit Battambang, a former trading post for Thai, Khmer and French traders, with an interesting architectural legacy of French colonial mansions and elaborate Buddhist temples.

Our curated list of the best luxury travel destinations in November if you're wondering where to go for a 5-star vacation this month.

Our curated list of the best luxury travel destinations in November if you’re wondering where to go for a 5-star vacation this month. Ankor Wat, Cambodia.

Luxury travel planner Remote Lands can tailor an itinerary to suit your needs and interests, including recommending 5-star luxury hotels in each location.

5. The Northern Lights.

The Aurora Borealis can be seen across the Arctic Circle from early autumn to early spring, and luxury travel agency Scott Dunn can customize an itinerary for you to see it for yourself.

Our curated list of the best luxury travel destinations in November if you’re wondering where to go for a 5-star vacation this month. The Northern Lights.

Travel to northern Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden or Finland. Stay at a luxury tented camp, in a glass igloo, a log cabin, a tree house, an ice hotel or a traditional 5-star. Your call. Just be sure to take a reindeer-sleigh ride while you’re up there. And tell Santa we said hey if you see him.

6. Iguazu Falls, Argentina.

Meliá Iguazu is the only hotel located in the heart of Iguazu National Park. The location is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the hotel an ideal place as home base for your adventures.

The best places for a luxury vacation in November.

The best places for a luxury vacation in November. Iguazu Falls, Argentina.

 

7. The Caribbean. 

Whether its Antigua, St. Bart’s, the Bahamas or Puerto Rico, November is a great time for a Caribbean escape. The high season hasn’t started yet, average temperatures are in the 80’s, and the water temperature is lovely. Many luxury properties have just completed year-long renovations, so many hotels, villas and restaurants will be shiny and new.

The best places for a luxury vacation in November. The U.S. Virgin Islands.

8. Hong Kong.

November is a sweet spot in terms of the climate in Hong Kong: expect clear, sunny days and mild temperatures. Perfect conditions for a ride on the Star Ferry, a trip to The Peak, or a sunset cocktail at one of the rooftop bars overlooking Victoria Harbor. Plus shopping, art museums, and great food.

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong.

9. Seoul. 

The weather is also ideal in November in Seoul. The capital city is a hi-tech, high-design hub. But you’ll also find cobbled streets and classic architecture, eccentric flea markets and incredible street food.

Seoul, South Korea.

The parks and hiking trails will still be ablaze with autumn leaves. Explore the worlds of K-Beauty and K-Pop, visit the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, and save some energy for a night or two at a karaoke bar.

10. Southern Europe.

Lisbon, Athens, and Andalucia in southern Spain are all still sufficiently warm in November to make for lovely holiday spots. Beach clubs will still be open, and there’s hiking, swimming, museums and fine dining on offer as well. We’re particularly keen to visit Málaga to see the branch of Paris’ Pompidou Centre, a glassy cube on the dockside.

Centre Pompidou Museum Malaga, Spain.

11. Thailand.

In northern Thailand, two magical festivals fall in early November. From November 7-9, 2022, illuminated lanterns will be released into the sky for Yi Peng. And on November 8, 2022, baskets bearing candles will be set afloat in rivers for Loy Krathong.

Chiang Mai, Thailand.

12. Orlando, Florida.

If you love theme parks (and we do), November is an excellent time to visit Disney World, Universal, and some of the smaller parks in and around Orlando. The crowds won’t be so heavy in this pre-Christmas lull, and the weather is generally cool and comfortable.

Orlando, Florida.

Stay on-site at one of the parks if you’re keen to ride every roller coaster. If you want to dip in and out of the parks, we love the Four Seasons Orlando, which is close to the park and a wonderful refuge with an excellent pool when you max out on the Mouse ears.

best luxury travel destinations in the world in the month of November

Wherever you go, have fun! A great adventure in November is definitely something to be thankful for.

Pamela Thomas-Graham

Pamela Thomas-Graham is the Founder & CEO of Dandelion Chandelier. She serves on the boards of several tech companies, and was previously a senior executive in finance, media and fashion, and a partner at McKinsey & Co.