Tag Archives: november

The guide taking a photo of Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park, New Zealand.

November Trip Ideas: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You

November is a sweet spot for international travel: It’s between the busy summer and winter seasons in many places, so you avoid crowds and peak pricing; and if you’re not obligated to spend Thanksgiving with extended family, you can take advantage of time off work and school by exploring a place where the fourth Thursday of the month is just another day.

To help you figure out the smartest places to go, we’ve compiled the following reviews of November trips to Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond. These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of November by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts, using their on-site expertise and insider connections.  You’ll can find even more ideas in the November installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews in these other compilations.

Unsure where to go in November? Click the black button below for our help.

GET A PERSONALIZED TRIP RECOMMENDATION

Spain for a window into daily life and cultural touchstones…

Río Guadalquivir, Seville.

Río Guadalquivir, Seville. Photo: GIna Melton

Pablo and his team planned a wonderful 11-day itinerary for our family’s Thanksgiving trip to Southern Spain. We spent a significant amount of time in Madrid and then headed to Seville and Granada. Without a doubt, the success of this trip was largely attributable to the wonderful guides who showed us a little of their world. Not only were they incredibly flexible with our sons, aged 10 and 8, they found ways to bring the Spanish culture to life for them.

In Madrid, that meant trying the city’s best tortilla in one of the city’s vibrant markets, stopping for churros, going to rooftops to teach the boys about the landmarks in a fun and interesting way and finding tapas restaurants that were authentic and family-friendly. Alfonso, our Madrid guide, was so kind and generous with his time, he really made us feel welcomed. In Seville, I was pleasantly surprised to see the boys connecting with the Flamenco show Pablo arranged for us; it was an authentic experience that the adults enjoyed too! We loved our day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the dancing white horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. And, our tour of Alhambra Palace and Generalife was perfectly timed for the family—we were able to see the entire complex without rushing, but also held the kids’ interest. The details were seamless throughout the entire trip and I appreciated Pablo’s office working on a last-minute change to our itinerary when we decided to call an audible on the final days of our trip. Spain is a wonderful place for children and this was one of our very best family vacations to date.” —Gina Melton

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SPAIN
MORE SPAIN REVIEWS

Denmark for Christmas markets and a cheery kickoff to the holiday season…

Jeannie Mullen at Frederiksborg Castle, outside Copenhagen, Denmark.

Jeannie Mullen at Frederiksborg Castle, outside Copenhagen.

“When I was looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving this year, Jan listened and delivered exactly what I asked for. What I did not appreciate ahead of my arrival was just how much of a kick-start to the Christmas season this trip would be. Copenhagen was already decorated for the ‘Jul’ season, and a number of Christmas markets had already opened on November 16th, the day of my arrival. The hotel that Jan chose was perfectly located on Kongens Nytorv (the King’s New Square) for the market on the square, harbor walks, and great shopping in general.

Britt, the guide that Jan arranged in Copenhagen, did a great job of introducing me to the art and architecture, urban development and repurposing of buildings and land, food and spirits, culture and moods of Copenhagen’s various neighborhoods. When I inquired about more local, neighborhood markets, she took me to a ‘pop-up’ Christmas market, off the beaten path, that was there for only two days. As we made our way out of the city on other days to Frederiksborg, Charlottenlund, Elsinore and Kronborg, she introduced me to locally made products, local artisans, craftspeople and leaders in design.

Jan alerted me early on that Copenhagen is a city known for its food and, in particular, its Michelin-star restaurants. When I expressed my interest, he used his ‘fixer’ to secure a table at Geranium (ranked the best restaurant in the world in 2022), one of the two 3-star Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen. It was an experience more than a meal, which included a private tour of the wine cellar and the kitchen. From beginning to end, a visual as well as gastronomic experience.

A word about the temperatures and the crowds: I’m always looking to get away from crowds, lines, and traffic, and I don’t mind traveling in the off-season to do so (as Wendy so often suggests). The weather in Copenhagen at this time of year alternates between cool and crisp with gorgeous, blue skies to heavy and overcast, with occasional rain. No worries if one packs with that in mind.

I cannot say enough about the lengths to which Jan went to make this trip seamless. Not one detail was missed. It was a terrific and different Thanksgiving getaway that has me prepped for Christmas earlier than usual.” —Jeannie Mullen

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO DENMARK
MORE DENMARK REVIEWS

Belize for keeping kids and seniors happy at the beach and in the jungle…

A treetop villa with outdoor plunge pool at Chaa Creek Lodge in Belize.

A treetop villa at the Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize. Photo: Chaa Creek

“To plan for our 50th anniversary family celebration adventure in Belize, Wendy introduced us to Patricia, a native Belizean with a passion for introducing her country to the world. A year of planning with Patricia and Juliannie culminated in a 10-day trip, five days in the jungle and five days on an island. With us were four grandchildren, ages 9-12, so a lot of thought went into making sure we had lots of kid-oriented things to do. We truly wanted to hear lots of ‘WOWs’ from them, and we weren’t disappointed.

Imagine four kids flying into Belize City airport and being escorted across the tarmac and realizing they were about to jump into two helicopters and fly to their jungle resort, or their excitement of being whisked from the jungle, via private plane, over to Placencia, then jumping on a boat and arriving on an island? Their reactions when they walked into their luxurious accommodations, complete with plunge pools, were priceless.

Chaa Creek Resort in the jungle didn’t disappoint, upping the ‘WOWs’ to new levels each day. Our butler, Candi, and her trainee Ryan spoiled us with private dinners for 10, breakfast deliveries early in the morning, fresh fruit drinks when we returned from a day of touring, even babysitting so the adults could dine together. Our granddaughter with celiac even got special gluten-free desserts every day!

We had a dedicated driver and guide, Darryl, throughout our 5 days of touring the jungle and, when rising water closed the ATM cave tour, Darryl seamlessly changed plans. Darryl introduced us to the Mayan world, helped us explore their temples, took us to a local coffee plantation and to a women’s local co-op where the grandchildren were able to hand grind coffee beans, fresh corn for our tortillas, and try their hands at ancient pottery making. A trip deep into the jungle delivered us to zip-lining at the end of our cultural immersion day!

Ray Caye Resort beach days were spent in total relaxation mode so snorkeling, jumping off the two-story diving platform, kayaking, canoeing, sailing the Hobie cat, and even scuba diving kept us engaged. But enjoying gourmet meals, sipping drinks around the pool in the near perfect weather, and playing family volleyball and puzzle games brought us together after far too many years of separation. The island was magical, the staff always ready to help us, anticipating our every need, and on our last night there, they surprised us with a 50th anniversary family meal on the beach.” —Judith Rodwell

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BELIZE
MORE BELIZE REVIEWS

Portugal for a quieter experience of the country’s most popular sights…

Pastel de Nata from traveler's baking class.

These Pastel de Nata, or Portuguese custard tarts, were the delicious outcome of Susan Sullivan’s baking class.

Goncalo and his team planned a fabulous 7-day trip to Portugal. The trip was arranged at the last minute during a busy season of travel to Portugal, but Goncalo and team pulled together a comprehensive trip. I stayed overnight in Lisbon and Porto — both hotels were excellent choices for location, comfort and service. I did two walking tours of Lisbon and both guides were knowledgeable and personable. It was a great way to discover the city. Next was an enjoyable full-day trip to the beautiful palaces of Sintra and the coast. The following day we headed to Porto and stopped for a tour of one of the oldest universities — Coimbra University and walked the town. In Porto we had an excellent guide for a walking tour of this historic town. I did have a fun, unexpected WOW Moment — a Pastel de Nata baking class! The final day was a trip to the scenic Douro Valley which included a boat trip, winery tour and an exquisite lunch with wine pairings.

Each tour guide and driver was prompt and professional. The trip ran smoothly. There was some rain but then sunshine — I was glad I went anyway even though it was November. I am always happy to use someone on The WOW list to plan my trips. These travel experts have the latest information on hotels, access to guides, advice on places to visit or avoid, restaurants, etc. It would take me hours to plan a trip that would not be up to the trip planned by a specialist. Plus — less stress!” —Susan Sullivan

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO PORTUGAL
MORE PORTUGAL REVIEWS

Australia for Sydney Harbour cruising and Great Barrier Reef snorkeling…

A selfie of the Schildmeyer family toasting at Niramaya Resort & Spa in the bungalow in Port Douglas.

The Schildmeyer family toasts the finale of their trip outside their bungalow in Port Douglas.

“We cannot imagine our trip to Australia going any better than it did, simply because we learned about Wendy Perrin’s company from a dear friend, and their connection to Stuart and Jacki. We spent two weeks visiting our daughter, who was studying abroad in Sydney. Our trip began in Sydney, where we spent the first five days learning about the city, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hugely enjoying a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and our e-bike tour of Manly Beach. Then we ventured outside Brisbane to Lockyer Valley and the quiet, peaceful Spicers Hidden Vale. How fun to chat with the kangaroos outside our cabins! This retreat was perfectly quaint, with incredible views, meals and service.

After three days in the Valley, we flew to Cairns to spend three days at the Niramaya Spa & Resort. This leg of our trip was the most tropical, as we experienced an amazing day on the water snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and an afternoon at Four Mile Beach. Port Douglas was an incredible seaside town with fantastic restaurants and a must-see sunset at the Marina.

We flew back to Sydney for a private sunset cruise of the Harbour (one of our favorite moments!) and headed stateside after our two-week adventures in beautiful, friendly Australia.” —Karri Schildmeyer

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA
MORE AUSTRALIA REVIEWS

India for food, culture, and fun for three generations…

Two travelers in a temple in India.

Amy Evers and her son at a Jain temple in India.

“This trip was with my husband, two kids (ages 12 and 13), my mother-in-law and I. Victoria and Diggi did a wonderful job planning a trip that would cater to all of our interests and abilities. I don’t think there were any activities that we didn’t like, but the things that received special mentions by the group are:

  • Food tour in Delhi. Everyone pushed themselves out of their comfort zones just a bit.
  • Jaipur-by-dawn tour, including a very authentic experience at an active Hindu temple.
  • Impromptu walking tour in Udaipur, resulting in feeding a random elephant walking down the road.
  • Block printing workshop, a fascinating village visit and a hands-on creative experience.
  • Elephant experience. Who doesn’t love spending close time with elephants?
  • Jain temple visit and lunch with the pilgrims.
  • Astrologer reading. My kids thought this was spectacular.
  • Street food Indian breakfast.

Ultimately this was just the cultural and fun trip I was hoping my kids would have. We learned so much about various religions, culture, and history. My kids truly are catching the travel bug, and this trip has definitely contributed!” —Amy Evers

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO INDIA
MORE INDIA REVIEWS

Norway for a scenic train ride and northern lights…

A landscape of the Lofoten Islands with snowy mountains and the Norwegian Sea.

Norway’s Lofoten Islands often have a dusting of snow in November. Photo: Ryan Damm

“Norway was truly magical! Torunn, Mari and the team gave me a great itinerary as a solo traveler with only a week available. I rode the magical Flam Railway and was mesmerized by Hafslo. The pictures I took did not fully capture the beauty I had the privilege of witnessing. BesteBekken was the best place to stay. Lindis cooked all the meals (accommodating all dietary restrictions) and was the tour guide to boot. We bonded in just the few short days. Her alpacas were adorable as well!

Next it was travel up north to the Lofoten Islands. Despite needing to change planes a few times, the process went off so smoothly. I was a bit anxious about renting a car but Torunn’s team was absolutely correct that this was the way to go. The apartment I stayed at in Henningsvær was on the water and a perfect location for the places I needed to get to. I had a blast making cheese with organic cheesemakers and making glass beads with a seasoned glassmaker. We were unlucky with our Northern Lights excursion but learned a lot about the physics behind their occurrence. Luck visited me the next night when I saw the lights while walking to dinner.” —Rekha Mankad

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NORWAY
MORE NORWAY REVIEWS

New Zealand for connecting with people and places you wouldn’t find on your own…

The guide taking a photo of Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park, New Zealand.

Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park.

Jean-Michel’s colleague Clare organized five days of interesting, off-the-beaten path experiences in New Zealand. One of the highlights was a private guided tour of Maungatautari, a Sanctuary Mountain. It’s an incredible conservation area where they constructed one of the world’s largest pest-proof fences and succeeded in rejuvenating tree and bird species, especially New Zealand’s endangered kiwis.

She also arranged for my husband and me to accompany a Maori leader on a spiritual ceremony greeting the dawn, followed by a visit and discussion about Orakei Marae, his tribal community in the hills near Auckland. The next day, we spent a fascinating few hours with Mamakan, a botanical artist who led us through her forest restoration project in Parau and then served us an elegant foraged lunch. A highlight of our trip was the Wendy WOW Moment, a studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo who produces giant columns and edifices for buildings and public spaces worldwide.

Those experiences were so unusual and specialized that we wouldn’t have known to seek them, and I doubt we could have connected with them on our own.” —Barbara Schoenfeld

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND
MORE NEW ZEALAND REVIEWS

Argentina & Uruguay for combining wine country and beach time…

Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza’s vineyards are green in the southern-hemisphere spring. Photo: Cavas Wine Lodge

“The trip was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. I started in Mendoza, Argentina, at Cavas Wine Lodge, which is located in a gorgeous vineyard and has gorgeous views from all angles. Maita and Santiago arranged for me to go to several wineries, and each was excellent and so much fun! There are hundreds of wineries to choose from, so I was delighted that Santiago found ones that were perfect for me.

Then I flew to Montevideo, Uruguay, and was driven to the absolutely delightful and gorgeous town of José Ignacio. Maita and Santiago had recommended this over Punta del Este, and they were spot-on. I never would have found this little town and am now considering buying property there! Santiago arranged very interesting tours to Garzon winery, lunch at Garzon restaurant, where I met Francis Mallman(!), and Pablo Atchugarry’s amazing and beautiful art, as well as the must-see Casapueblo.” —Susan Cunneen

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO ARGENTINA & URUGUAY
MORE ARGENTINA & URUGUAY REVIEWS

Switzerland for its greatest hits: watches, chocolate, cheese…

Streets with shopping area and Zytglogge astronomical clock tower in the historic old medieval city centre of Bern.

Imagine getting to wind the medieval clock in this tower in Bern, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock

Nina and Ana planned an amazing trip for us centered around my husband’s passion for watches. They picked outstanding hotels for us and even arranged for the general manager to give us a private tour of our historic accommodation. We traveled through the Alps to have a cheese tasting in a 50-foot renovated cistern, learning about the difference between winter cheese and summer cheese. We stopped for an hour at Max Chocolatier to experience a chocolate tasting and learn why their approach to chocolate making is so unique and extraordinary.

But the heart of the trip exceeded our expectations by getting us access to a watchmaking factory where we not only toured but also had a master class on how to be a watchmaker! In Bern, our tour guide gave us a walking tour of the city, where we had our WOW Moment: We got access to the clock tower where we got to see the 500-year-old working clock while it was exhibiting its complications during its hour chime!! We also got to wind the clock, which is a rare treat. Our guide then took us up to look out over the city and then spread out a fabulous lunch including homemade pumpkin soup with cheese, charcuterie and crusty bread while we drank champagne together and enjoyed time standing still!” —Tracy Goble

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SWITZERLAND
MORE SWITZERLAND REVIEWS

Mexico for a delicious taste of modern and colonial city life…

Mole Poblano on a plate with sesame seeds on top.

A traditional Mexican mole poblano with chicken. Photo: Shutterstock

“We had a spectacular trip to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. After an initial call with Zach and Jose, they proposed an itinerary that was interesting and thoughtful. We started in Mexico City with a food tour exploring Centro Historico. We had a very interesting culinary experience at Milpa Alta, where we harvested edible Nopal cactus and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. We then went to a traditional mole factory. After that chef Jorge Correa and Laurencia Melo taught us how to make tortillas and other Mexican dishes. Chef Jorge prepared a delicious four-course lunch that was memorable.

We enjoyed a private visit at the National Museum of Anthropology and visited the Park, the Chapultepec Castle, Modern Museum, and explored many charming neighborhoods and art galleries. It was a rich and rewarding experience.

On our way to San Miguel we had a private tour of the Teotihuacán pyramids, including our first hot-air balloon ride, which was fabulous! San Miguel was as charming as we had hoped. We stayed at the Rosewood, which is a beautiful property. We loved exploring San Miguel and walking around the cobblestone streets and ducking in and out of art galleries, museums, numerous shops, and cafés. We went to the intriguing city of Guanajuato, where there are underground roads and streets. The colorful panoramic vistas of the city are simply gorgeous. We spent a day visiting San Miguel’s art and artisan scene with studio visits—another highlight of the trip. We were celebrating birthdays, and there were so many birthday cakes and touches I lost count.” —Marian Robinson

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO MEXICO
MORE MEXICO REVIEWS

Egypt for pyramids, tombs, and Nile sailing…

Travelers at the pyramids of Giza all by themselves.

Sandy and Art Collins had this view of the pyramids of Giza all to themselves.

“We just returned from a 15-day trip to Egypt that Jim and Arlene expertly planned. We felt perfectly safe in Egypt and well cared for. The VIP process once we stepped off the plane in Cairo was flawless. At the jetway our first rep had a sign with our name and whisked us through the airport to a lovely private lounge with food and refreshments. We gave him our passports and luggage claim checks and he told us he would deal with immigration and fetch our luggage.

Thirty minutes later we were driven by private car to the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, which is a beautiful hotel. We already had a Nile-view room but somehow Arlene got us upgraded to a suite overlooking the Nile!! She also alerted every hotel and our cruise ship that it was our 35th anniversary, and we had a small cake with our anniversary inscribed everywhere we visited—very thoughtful!

The Abu Simbel tour was outstanding. Our Nubian guide was a fountain of information on the Great Temple of Ramses II and his favorite wife, Nefertari. The site was incredible, with both temples being moved/saved by the monumental efforts of UNESCO. We then moved to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan. Arlene booked a beautiful suite with a Nile view, and we sat on the balcony looking at all the feluccas sailing by, which was so relaxing. The hotel is beautiful and has so much history where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

We took a felucca (traditional Egyptian sailboat) from the Old Cataract for a 30-minute camel excursion to St. Simeon’s Monastery. What a great preserved Coptic monastery, founded in the 7th century. We were the only tourists in the site and had it all to ourselves.

The next morning we boarded a felucca on a sailing excursion around Elephantine and Kitchener Islands. We thought we were heading back to the Old Cataract when our guide announced we were having lunch on the boat. We then pulled up in our felucca to a yacht with a crew which included a chef, and we were gobsmacked that this was our WOW Moment! We enjoyed a beautifully prepared lunch and relaxed on our private yacht for the afternoon sailing down the Nile. Thank you so much, Wendy, for this special treat!!!

Our last stop on our trip was a sneak peak of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which we were so excited about. We were thrilled at this point to see the floating Obelisk and 30-foot statue of Ramses II, along with some other Pharaonic items in the main hallway. Our guide, Rania, surprised us as we entered the GEM and told us that the grand staircase up to the top of the GEM just opened several weeks ago and it was just fantastic!” —Sandy Collins

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO EGYPT
MORE EGYPT REVIEWS

France for cultural immersion in Provence…

the hilltop village of Gordes, Provence, France

Provence and its pretty villages, like Gordes, are far less crowded in November. Photo: Pixabay

“Mid-November found us in Provence and Thanksgiving in Paris. Philip, Laurie and Sarah put together an enlightening, expanding and enjoyable trip to France.

Of particular mention was one stop on our itinerary Laurie arranged that was the highlight of our trip and exemplified our eye-opening and surprising introduction to France. We visited Patrick and Estelle on their manade in the Camargue, saw their massive black ornery bulls and majestic horses, gazed across the wide-open flat expanse of the land swept by the wind from the sea, and spoke to them about a lifestyle that we did not expect to see in France and that reminded us of Montana, where we spend much of our time. They were both such warm, open and engaging people, with quick honest smiles that easily bridged any language barriers. The rancher, Patrick, and I had a good laugh, because he and I wore the same Filson and Carhartt clothing — a nice touchpoint of lifestyles. Thanks to him and William we were able to make an unscheduled stop at a session of young men training in Camargue-style bullfighting. What a thrill!” —Doug Hatchimonji

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO FRANCE
MORE FRANCE REVIEWS

Costa Rica for an “adventure-packed” trip combining jungle and beach…

Thanksgiving Break, Costa Rica

These teens’ two families spent Thanksgiving break in Costa Rica. Photo: Traveler Shelby Willets

Priscilla planned a weeklong, adventure-packed vacation for two families traveling with 4 teenage boys! She was exceptional in working with both families to ensure each family’s preferences were met. Our private guide, William, was priceless and a perfect match! He made the trip amazing—I can’t imagine visiting Costa Rica without him! By visiting two distinctly different areas of Costa Rica as well as our quick stop in San Jose, we feel like Priscilla planned and William guided a comprehensive tour of their country.” —Shelby Willets

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO COSTA RICA
MORE COSTA RICA REVIEWS

Southeast Asia with an expert’s perspective on what to see and do…

small rowboats in Halong Bay Vietnam

A misty day on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Photo: Shutterstock

“We hired Sandy and Ethan to plan our three-week trip to South East Asia and were so glad we did. Both of them have lived for long periods of time in Asia and it really gives them incredible insight and great contacts in all the countries we went to.

All our guides were amazing, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Sandy and Ethan also gave us great advice on things to do that we might have not done on our own. For example, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to Laos; it just didn’t seem like there was a lot there that would interest me, but Sandy really encouraged us to include Laos and I’m so glad he did; it turned out to be one of our favorite places we visited. Another highlight of the trip was a three-day cruise in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Sandy and Ethan picked out the best boat in the harbor and we had one of the nicest rooms on the boat; it was such a treat and we enjoyed that so much. Another highlight of the trip was a day we spent in Vietnam doing local things in the countryside; we rode water buffalo, went fishing in a small boat with nets, met local rice farmers and learned how they grow their crops. It was such a special day meeting real people and learning about their lifestyle, and it would be something that we would’ve never been able to do on our own.” —Tara Murphy

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO SOUTHEAST ASIA
MORE SOUTHEAST ASIA REVIEWS

Oman for beautiful beaches, a rich history, luxurious hotels…

Daytime view of the Omani Coast on a sunny day.

The coast is one of many varied landscapes in Oman. Photo: Shutterstock

“Oman is a fascinating country. Huge variety of scenery, from lush date and coconut plantations on the coast to quite high mountains to deserts with lots of sand dunes. The history is interesting: The country has made huge strides in the past 60 years, from an underdeveloped country in 1970 to a modern, prosperous environment. Travelling is easy: Roads are great, there are lots of hiking trails and camping facilities, Oman Air was on time, etc.

The government has spent a lot of effort preserving old forts and castles (there are many of both). Our touring included many of these historical structures, hikes through old towns, visits to several mosques, two stays in the desert, a visit to a Bedouin household, and stays in three of the most luxurious hotels we have ever seen (and some not so great but quite acceptable).

This is a beautiful country, with long white sand beaches, that is just being discovered, mostly by travelers from Europe. I highly recommend it for people who have an interest in the history and culture, or just want to enjoy the warm weather and beaches. Daniel did a great job of the arrangements—everything unfolded exactly as planned.” —Robin Louis

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO OMAN
MORE OMAN REVIEWS

Panama for warm weather, history, and culture close to home…

Coffee cherries lying to dry on bamboo raised beds.

Coffee cherries laid out to dry in Boquete, Panama. Photo: Shutterstock

Pierre planned a delightful 8-day trip to Panama for my husband and me. We are both retired and in our mid-70’s. Every transportation contact and guide were top notch—always on time, knowledgeable and helpful. The American Hotel in Panama’s Casco Viejo was lovely. Our spacious room with a balcony overlooked a charming square with a view beyond of the Gulf of Panama, where ships anchored awaiting entry into the Panama Canal. We enjoyed many walks through the beautifully maintained Casco Viejo, with its colonial architecture, historic sites, restaurants and shops. Pierre arranged a wonderful bicycle tour of the city for our first day, followed by two days of excursions. The first was by car and then boat to a small Embera village, where we learned about the history and crafts of this indigenous group who were so welcoming. The next day we travelled by boat through Gatun Lake, viewing at close distance large ships passing through the canal. We then traversed some lush waterways where we stopped to view up-close three different species of monkeys. This was followed by a car ride to a Sloth Preserve and Butterfly Garden. The Gatun boat trip was our favorite excursion for the natural beauty, as well as the cool air after the heat of Panama City.

We then flew to David and were transported to Boquete, where we stayed in a beautiful resort Valle Escondido surrounded by the mountains and lush vegetation of Boquete. We had two days of excursions, the first on the Pipe Line Trail up into the Cloud Forest, where we ended at a 1,000-year-old Ash Tree. The hike was long but easy and it was magnificent to be hiking in the clouds. The second day we hiked to three of the Hanging Bridges, but rain kept us from going to the remaining three. Breathtaking views but a more rigorous climb. Our hike ended at a lodge with a restaurant, where we enjoyed lunch and a beautiful view of the Baru Volcano. We were then met by our coffee plantation guide, who did an excellent job of explaining the unique coffee varieties of the area, including the famed Geisha, showing us each stage of the growing and roasting process and then sampling by smell and taste the varieties of coffees made by the Ketowa Coffee Plantation. We have since ordered many pounds of this coffee as Christmas gifts.” —Mary McDonald

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO PANAMA
MORE PANAMA REVIEWS

Brazil for Rio’s energy, Paraty’s chill-out vibe, Iguazu Falls’ magnificence…

Rio de Janeiro on sunset.

Sunset in Rio de Janeiro. Photo Shutterstock

“Our thanks to Paul for his careful and complete planning of our amazing southern Brazil excursion! When we docked in Rio at the conclusion of a two-week cruise, Patricia met us at the terminal, and we immediately began two intensive days getting acquainted with the city and its surroundings. She adapted the tour to our interests and covered the must-see features of Rio along with delightful morsels that most visitors probably don’t experience—hidden vistas overlooking the city, a walk through one of the favelas, and much more.

We moved on to Paraty for a complete change of pace, beginning with a private tour of Paraty Bay on a converted fishing boat. We relaxed on the boat as we visited many of the beautiful small bays and islands. We made a stop to swim in the warm Atlantic water and another to enjoy lunch at a great restaurant where all the patrons arrived by boat. Also near Paraty, we enjoyed a forest hike with Rodrigo and Felipe, with a restful stop at a waterfall. After the hike we enjoyed an excellent lunch at Fazenda Bananal prepared from ingredients grown on the farm where it is located. A highlight was a demonstration of produce grown on the farm including the various uses and how some of the exotic fruits and vegetables are opened and eaten.

We finished with our bucket-list item—a visit to Iguazu Falls! What an incredible place! Unfortunately, the only sun we saw there was as we were leaving our hotel for the airport at the conclusion of our visit. But our guide showed us both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Falls, and we thoroughly enjoyed hiking the walkways that brought us to amazing views, despite the need for umbrellas. On our last morning, because our stay at the Belmond Hotel offered us early-morning access to the Brazil-side walkways before the influx of visitors, our guide took us on a hike when almost no one else was on the walkways, all the way down until we stood only a few feet above the crest of one of the nearly 300 individual waterfalls that make up this complex, followed by an elevator ride up to where our driver waited for us.” —Darrell Anderson

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO BRAZIL
MORE BRAZIL REVIEWS

Thailand for a foodie-focused exploration…

Over the top view of traditional Northern Thai food on a wooden table.

An array of traditional Northern Thai specialties. Photo: Shutterstock

“With a short lead time of about two weeks due to my last-minute China business travel, we decided to use Wendy Perrin’s travel service. We were matched up with Dan and Obb. We wanted to focus on food, culture and markets. We had a great time experiencing the street food of Bangkok. Thailand street food is amazing. We also loved our longboat tour to see the sights in Bangkok from the river. From the water, we saw the Wat Paknam giant buddha that was incredible.

From there, we were off to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. We loved our guide, Yawan, for this portion of the trip. We loved our hike through the tea and coffee fields in Chiang Rai. Yawan knew all the different types of plants along the way, and it was very interesting to see all the different herbs, fruits, and vegetables growing along the roads. We had a great stop at the Elephant Nature Conservation Sanctuary Park outside of Chiang Mai. The stories behind some of the elephants were heartbreaking, but it was good to know that they could live out the rest of their lives being well taken care of by the staff at the camp.

We were then on to the final leg of our trip in Phuket—and Dan and Obb saved the best activities for last! Our guide, Pong, gave us a great overview of Old Town Phuket and took us out for some delicious food at some local favorite restaurants. The next day was our favorite excursion of the whole trip: The John Gray sea kayak tour. Everywhere we looked was incredibly beautiful, and we will forever remember the night kayaking where we made an offering to the water goddess and got to see the luminescent phytoplankton, which was an amazing sight!

It was tough to follow up the sea kayaking, but we also had a great time at our cooking class the next day. Chef Pui at the Brass Wok was so much fun to talk with about food and restaurants, and she showed us how to make several delicious Thai dishes. I’d always been intimidated by Thai cooking. However, when I arrived back home the following week, I headed to the Asian grocery store for supplies and was able to reproduce the same delicious dishes that Chef Pui taught us to make.” —Amy and Bruce Tylock

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO THAILAND
MORE THAILAND REVIEWS

Chile for Atacama Desert adventures and spring wildflowers in Patagonia…

Atacama desert, Andes, Chile

Chile’s Atacama Desert has a beautiful—and otherworldly—landscape. Photo: Shutterstock

“My friend Jerry and I spent two weeks in Chile…half of it in the Atacama desert and the other half in Torres del Paine. Maita and Florencia planned a perfect holiday for us using two Explora hotels. The excursions we enjoyed each day were shared with other guests and we liked that. There are other hotels, such as the Awasi, that provide a guide and vehicle with each room, but that comes at a much greater expense.

The Explora hotels are modern and very comfortable. The cuisine was excellent, as were the Chilean wines. Each day, usually over cocktails, you meet with a guide to discuss what you would like to do the following day. There are many, many options based on your interests and skill level. You can choose half-day or full day excursions. We enjoyed horseback riding, bike riding, swimming, and hiking. It was a very active holiday and we went to bed exhausted and happy every night.

After our time in the desert, Maita and Florencia arranged for us to stay at the Singular hotel in Santiago. It was a fun bonus to explore this beautiful, cosmopolitan city.

Every aspect of our trip was beautifully planned. When 3 out of 4 of our flights changed departure times, new arrangements were made, and pick-up times were changed seamlessly.

November is a fantastic time to visit Torres del Paine, because this is springtime and wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Chilean fire trees in bright orange cover the hillside. There are also wild pansies, ladies’ slippers, ranunculus, and even orchids. If you love flowers, this is the time to go!” —Jeff Lonsinger

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

START A TRIP TO CHILE
MORE CHILE REVIEWS

 

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.

Where to Go in November: The Best Places to Travel

While November can be a dreary time of year in the U.S., the weather in many other parts of the world is positively delightful. It’s also a smart time to travel—between the summer and holiday high seasons—and fall light and often-clear skies make it a great month for photography too.

To understand what makes a trip WOW, read these recent reviews from our travelers and these FAQs. And don’t miss the rest of our “Where to Go When” series on the best destinations for every month of the year.

Northern Italy

view of Canelli, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy with greernery, old buildings and blue skies

November is truffle season in Piedmont.

In November head to Piedmont for truffle season (the White Truffle Fair in Alba runs the entire month). Try truffle hunting, taste the local Barolo wines, watch artisanal cheese makers, cycle among the vineyards (electric bikes are available!), hike the rolling hills beneath the crisp blue skies…or do it all with your family in a villa for Thanksgiving. This is also harvest time for olives and wine. Learn to cook al fresco in an olive grove, on a goat-cheese farm, or in a vineyard. November is when our editor Billie Cohen took her dream Italian cooking vacation.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Northern Italy. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Northern Italy

Provence, France

the hilltop village of Gordes, Provence, France

Provence and its pretty villages, like Gordes, are incredibly popular, so try to visit in shoulder season. Photo: Pixabay

The light in Provence in winter is why so many famous artists moved there, and the sunshine makes al fresco lunches possible well into November. Provencal markets bustle in the fall, and truffle hunting starts in November. Hike amid the glorious autumn landscapes and hilltop villages of the Luberon, and cycle through the wine country around Gigondas and Vacqueyras, where there are few cars and great eateries.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Provence. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Provence

Andalusia, Spain

Skyline in the Old Quarter of Seville, Spain

In November, Seville is a city of locals, not tourists. Photo: Shutterstock

One highlight of this magical part of Spain is the culture—an aspect that can be very hard to experience during the summer high season, when the numbers of tourists and residents are imbalanced. In November, by contrast, most of the visitors are gone, making it much easier to interact with locals (and to enjoy some breathing room in the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites). The weather is still quite pleasant, with temperatures near 70 degrees during the day.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Spain. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Spain

Portugal

Beautiful nature view on Azores with small villages, tows, green nature fields. Amazing Azores. View of typical Azores village in Sao Miguel island, Azores, Portugal.

The Azores combine European-inflected villages (like this one on São Miguel Island) with outstanding hiking and biking opportunities. Photo: Shutterstock

Temperatures remain in the 60s well into November, when it’s still warm enough for dinner outdoors at the many restaurants that now have significant sidewalk seating; heat lamps aren’t needed till late in the month. Private river boats—which are much better for sightseeing than your typical river cruises—sail the Douro through the end of the month too. And the weather is even more mild on the subtropical islands of Madeira—known for outstanding hiking opportunities—and the Azores, where you can also hike, bike, and off-road around the postcard-perfect lagoons.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Portugal. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below.

Start a trip to Portugal

Greece: Crete, Corfu, or Rhodes

Corfu is one of a few Greek islands that stays open and lively through the winter months.

Many Greek islands shut down in late October or early November, but Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes operate year-round, offering traditional cultural and culinary experiences and festivities in the winter months. November is a great time for sheep farms, olive orchards, and the wine harvest.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Greece. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Greece

Sicily

Aquamarine blue waters of sea near Taormina resorts and Etna volcano mount. Giardini-Naxos bay, Ionian sea coast, Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

Hike Sicily’s Mt. Etna in the fall. Photo: Shutterstock

If your goal is to combine culture and outdoor beauty, fall is this island’s best season. Autumn brings the olive, almond, and wine harvests, and sunny, mild weather. Outdoor activities include exploring Sicily’s Greek and Roman ruins, hiking Mt. Etna, and cycling though nature reserves and wine country.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Sicily. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Sicily

St. Barts

Le Guanahani, St. Barts

St. Barts’ hotels and resorts feel fresh and new in November, post-hurricane season. Photo: Le Guanahani

Come November, many resorts, boutiques, and restaurants that closed during the height of hurricane season have reopened, and everything feels fresh and new. The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival also takes place this month, attracting star chefs from France and elsewhere. Plus, hotel and villa rates don’t jump up until mid-December.
To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to St. Barts

Morocco

Earlier this year Wendy and her family traveled through the #2 country on our list: Morocco. Here they are at the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco.

The weather is perfect at this time of year: sunny days and crisp, clear evenings that make for great star-gazing in the desert. It’s also ideal for hiking in the Atlas Mountains, as it’s starting to cool down and the peaks are often photogenically snowcapped. Plus, it’s harvest time: You can see saffron being picked, and olives turned to oil, right in front of your eyes.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Morocco. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Morocco

Patagonia: Argentina and Chile

Torres del Paine National Park view of mountains and water

Torres del Paine National Park, Patagonia, Chile. Photo: Luis Felipa, Southwind Adventures

Most of Argentina and Chile are great at this time of year (think Buenos Aires, the Atacama Desert, even Easter Island), but Patagonia is an especially smart move in November because the lodges have a quieter, more relaxed ambiance and there is less traffic on the roads than during the busiest weeks of December and January. November is also the best time to spot Patagonia’s elusive wildlife, such as nandu, guanaco, puma, huemul, and condor, as all of the animals are more active during their breeding time. The region has a reputation for changeable windy weather, but November feels like spring, with snows melting off the high peaks and flowers beginning to bloom. Rates are sometimes also a bit lower this early in the season.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Patagonia, and elsewhere in Chile and Argentina. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Patagonia

The Brazilian Amazon

Aerial view of Anavilhanas National Park Islands, Rio Negro, Brazilian Amazon

White beaches form on the Rio Negro, in the Brazilian Amazon, in November. Photo: Shutterstock

River levels are lowest in November, so all of the beaches are out in their full splendor. (People are often shocked by the beauty of the white-sand beaches that form here, making a trip to Brazil’s region of the Amazon unique from the experiences one can have in Ecuador or Peru’s swaths of the same river system.) An ideal trip extends over five days, so it’s easy to fit into a Thanksgiving break. And the area around the Negro River, which is acidic, is not good for mosquito reproduction, so there is little chance of malaria or zika.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Brazil. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to the Amazon

Belize

aerial shot of Belize ocean with sailboat

Explore Belize on the water or in the jungle. Photo: Belize Sailing Vacations

Before Thanksgiving, hotel rates are at their lowest. The days are hot, but the humidity is dropping, and the evenings are cool and breezy. November 19 is Garifuna Settlement Day and is best spent in either Dangriga or Hopkins, where the Garifuna people celebrate—with drumming, dancing, and parades—the arrival of their Afro-indigenous ancestors more than 200 years ago.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Belize. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Belize

Mexico

Candles lighten up for Día de Muertos in Michoacan.

Día de Muertos in Michoacan. Photo: Journey Mexico

Day of the Dead (celebrated on November 1 and 2), is a significant cultural holiday deeply ingrained in tradition, and a time when Mexican families and communities unite to pay tribute to and commemorate their departed loved ones. Celebrations vary across the country, ranging from grand public festivities to more intimate private gatherings. Our WOW Listers can arrange culturally sensitive experiences in Mexico City, Chiapas, Oaxaca, and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Mexico. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Mexico

London (for Thanksgiving break)

 

Christmas in London

Christmas decorations appear in London by mid-November. Photo: visitlondon.com

November is a great month for museum lovers, as many of the blockbuster exhibitions open in the fall; there’s also the London Jazz Festival, where world-class stars and hot emerging artists share the bill. And the Christmas spirit is already in the air starting in mid-November, with holiday lights on all the shopping streets, a plethora of Christmas markets, high tea at gorgeous hotels, and holiday cheer everywhere. If you can’t wait until then, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks on November 5.
Read reviews of WOW trips to London. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to London

The Galapagos Islands

underwater photo of a sea lion in the Galapagos islands

Predator-free Galapagos sea lions may come this close to you when you’re snorkeling.

The Galapagos is a magnet for families with kids during summer and other school vacations; if you’re looking for a quieter time, think November (except Thanksgiving week). Blue whales, humpback whales, and whale sharks—the largest fish in the sea, growing up to 40 feet in length and weighing as much as 40,000 pounds—are most likely to be spotted in the Galapagos from June through November.
Read reviews of WOW trips to the Galapagos. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to the Galapagos

Guatemala

A handmade kite at Santiago Sacatepéquez's Festival de Barriletes Gigantes in Guatemala.

A handmade kite at Santiago Sacatepéquez’s Festival de Barriletes Gigantes. Photo: Shutterstock

Every November 1 in Sumpago (about 30 minutes north of Antigua), the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes—Festival of Giant Kites—merges a Catholic celebration with a 3,000-year-old Mayan tradition of communing with spirits of the deceased (one that is less morbid than most Mexican Day of the Dead customs). Today, the handmade kites address social themes and the festival features lots of special dishes sold in restaurants and around the square. There is a sister festival in Santiago Sacatepéquez on the same day, which is a bit harder to get to but draws smaller crowds. November is the finish of the wet season, so plan to visit the festival early in your trip and take advantage of drier weather in the following weeks.
To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Guatemala

Nepal

Durbar Square in Patan village Nepal

Patan’s Durbar Square, Nepal. Photo: Shutterstock

November is the perfect time in Nepal, whether you’re a trekker or just want to explore a fascinating culture. And there’s more to tempt the latter crowd than ever before, with roads leading to villages once accessible only on foot. In November, the air is crisp and clear, without the pre-monsoon dust, so the mountain views are best. And festivals abound: Near Everest, Manu Rimdu is an exorcism festival designed to purge evil from the area, ensure a bountiful harvest, and confer blessings on the villagers and all sentient beings with dancing, prayers, and comic relief. Then there is the very important Festival of Lights, or Tihar, honoring the gods, humans, and animals, which falls each year in either November or late October.
To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Nepal

Thailand

The view from Anantara Golden Triangle Resort in Chiang Rai, Thailand

From north (here, near Chiang Rai) to south, Thailand is at its best in November. Photo: Anantara

Much of Thailand is at its very best in November, when the mountains are lush and green from the recently receded monsoon, the mornings are diffused with a subtle mist suspended in the valleys, and the sun is gentler as the seasons ease into cooler weather. The rivers are deep and navigable, and the waterfalls are at optimum volume. All in all, it’s an ideal window to travel, before the crowds and costs rise in December.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Thailand. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Thailand

India

Drummers at the Kalapthy Festival in Kerala, India

Drummers at the Kalpathi Festival in Kerala, India. Photo: Sanjay Saxena

November is an ideal time to visit almost all of India—except the Himalayas—thanks to the temperate weather. The just-passed monsoon season has given way to relatively clear skies in Delhi and Mumbai, and there are festivals throughout the country, from the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan to the grand Kalpathi Chariot Festival in Kerala.
Read reviews of WOW trips to India. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to India

Norway

Northern Lights, Norway

You have a good chance of spotting the northern lights in November. Photo: Gaute Bruvik – visitnorway.com

If you’re prepared for some unsettled weather, the benefits of visiting Norway in November include seeing the aurora borealis; trying out glass-blowing, ceramics, or knitting with local artists; and discovering the Norwegian art of “kos,” roughly translated as the practice of gratitude and of consciously appreciating one’s surroundings. During this quieter period locals have more time to share with visitors, now that the busy summer months have passed. There’s also plenty of hiking, kayaking, and even arctic surfing when the weather allows, and whales to be spotted along the country’s coast at this time of year. Here’s why Brook found Norway delightful in November.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Norway here and here. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Norway

Australia and/or New Zealand

aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef from an airplane

November sees calm water around the Great Barrier Reef. Photo: Tourism Whitsundays

November is one of the best months for a wide-ranging trip to several different parts of these countries: The water around the Great Barrier Reef is calm, making for good visibility; and the weather is spring-time pleasant in Auckland, Sydney, Kangaroo Island, and the outback; and the peaks on New Zealand’s South Island are still picturesquely snow-capped.
Read reviews of WOW trips to Australia and New Zealand. To get your own WOW trip and VIP treatment, use the black button below. 

Start a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand

 

Other Smart Options This Month

Click on any of the destinations below to find out why November is a good time to go.

North America

Arizona: Grand Canyon

Florida: Disney World, Orlando

Hawaii: Maui and Oahu (for whale-watching)

 

South America

Argentina: Mendoza

Colombia: Cartagena and Bogota

 

Europe

England: The Cotswolds

Greece: Athens

Iceland (for Northern Lights)

Italy: Rome and Sicily

Scotland

Malta

 

Asia

Cambodia: Angkor Wat

China: Beijing

Indonesia: Bali

Myanmar

Thailand: Bangkok

Vietnam (southern)

 

Africa

Madagascar: whale sharks

 

Australia and Pacific

Fiji (for November deals)

 

Cruises

Africa Cruises

Antarctica Cruises

 

 

Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.