Our guide to November vacations

The weather in many of the hundred or so countries in which Scott Dunn operates is absolutely perfect, and not only that, many of your first choice hotels will be available, with many destinations seeing far fewer travelers, so you can explore without the hoards. You can also take advantage of a breath-taking array of offers available, whether you want a winter sun escape before Christmas, a cultural adventure to somewhere exotic, or just a short break to pick up some early Christmas shopping. As it is outside of half terms and school vacations, it is an ideal time to travel as a couple or on honeymoon. Return refreshed for the Christmas vacations when the family arrives en masse. Here is our little guide to November vacations to help formulate your plans.

Beach & ocean vacations

Many of the world’s best islands and beaches come into their best time of year to visit. Let’s begin with the Caribbean which moves out of their hurricane season at the end of October and Scott Dunn has a multitude of options throughout the region. Our favorite options would have to be in a stay at Carlisle Bay in Antigua or perhaps Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. The Yucatan Peninsula is also great in November, and Esencia is a Scott Dunn favorite. Moving across to North Africa, the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh is only a 5 hour flight away, and the many options in Dubai and Oman are just 7 hours away. We adore Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman with their private pools and isolated location. Moving into the Indian Ocean and the Maldives is certainly an option, and there are some exceptional offers during November. We feature over 30 resorts here, and will help you narrow it down to your perfect desert island escape. Mauritius and the Seychelles are both at their very best in terms of climate and we have a multitude of options for you to choose from. Moving to Asia and the western side of Thailand comes into the best season that includes some of our favorite beach escapes such as the Sarojin, Six Senses Yao Noi and the Pimalai. Moving down to Malaysia and Langkawi is also moving into their best time of year, so consider a stay at the Datai, Andaman or Four Seasons. If you want something a little different, then the Philippines is great in November. Jumping back to Africa and the east of Africa is superb, so Tanzania and Kenya offer some wonderful barefoot beach options such as Azura.

Cultural vacations

November is a classic time of year to be a little cultural, a time when you can dust off your walking shoes and scramble around destinations where stories of ancient civilisations and cultures bring the place to life. Let’s start with Egypt, where it is possibly the best time of year to jump on a Nile Cruise and see a destination that never fails to stir the historical taste buds. Moving to Jordan, visit the Roman ruins of Jerash and the Nabatean city of Petra. India is at its absolute prime, as it emerges from its summer monsoon all green and vibrant with cooler temperatures in which to explore a land packed with history and jaw-dropping architecture. Move to Cambodia, and the temples of Angkor Wat await, as too Burma and Vietnam. China is great in November or a cultural journey to the fastest changing country on earth. Hop over the Central America and uncover the Mayan remains in Mexico, or explore Guatemala, Costa Rica and Belize. For those who have an adventurous spirit then do consider Ethiopia.

Short breaks & vacations in Europe

We think Morocco is a perfect destination to consider in November, being only a 3 hour flight away, yet offering lovely temperatures. Whether you want to stay in a traditional riad, a luxury resort just outside of Marrakech, or time in the Atlas Mountains, we will create an itinerary just is just right – see our guide to Morocco here. Tunisia is also just a hop, skip and a jump from the UK, and a break in the Residence in Tunis offers a perfect bolt-hole for a dash of winter-sun with options to explore the medina in Tunis, or the remains of Carthage.

Adventure & active vacations

To you want to stretch your legs and get off the beaten track, then we have a few little gems up our sleeves. If you are looking for the best month to have the best views in the Himalayas then November is the time to go. Whether you want to explore remote villages in Northern India, a trek in Nepal, or a journey through Bhutan – we have an extensive selection of options for you to choose from. Another excellent choice is Oman, and the new Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel in the Omani mountains offers a base from which to trek or mountain bike through stunning mountain scenery. Maybe consider an adventure to Iceland or Scandinavia and November is a great time to see the Northern Lights.

Longer journeys

Many of our guests like to travel on longer journeys in November. It is an ideal time to explore Latin America and we can arrange a variety of personalized itineraries taking in the highlights. Maybe combine Argentina and Brazil, or tag on Chile. It is also a wonderful time of year to explore Australasia, possibly combining Australia and New Zealand before adding on a beach stay in the Pacific Islands, or even building this around a once-in-a-lifetime round the world vacation.

Honeymoons

There are so many options for you to choose from, and many some of our honeymooners defer their honeymoon after a summer wedding and travel later in the year when the weather around the world is a little better and you tend to get better value for money. A few of our highlights include honeymoons to Argentina, Brazil, Bhutan & Thailand, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka & the Maldives, Mexico & Belize, Tanzania & the Seychelles, Nepal & Oman and South Africa & Mozambique.

Something a little out of the ordinary

So you want something a little different? At Scott Dunn we always like to think outside the box, so if you have a wild idea about traveling to some remote corner of the earth and are not sure it will all work, then do contact us and we will turn it into a seamless reality. Whether it is traveling through the salt pans of Bolivia, a private helicopter safari in New Zealand or a journey into the Australian outback we will put on our thinking caps and come up with something absolutely unforgettable.

African wildlife

November is often dismissed for being too hot in the south, and too wet in the east. Wrong wrong wrong! The bush is lush green and wildlife is abundant, with fewer safari visitors and great value accommodation. Find our more about Africa's secret season - November safaris.

Festivals & events

Let’s begin in Mexico – the Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead takes place in Ooxaca in Mexico – see papier mache skeletons and candy skulls come alive in a colorful dislay. Move to India and the Pushkar Fesitival takes place – see up to 50,000 camels being traded and camp out in a luxury tented camp. Up in the Punjab, experience the Guru Nanak Janyanti where Sikhs celebrate the birthday of their founder. Move to Japan and head to Toyko’s Asakusa district to experience The Day of the Rooster. Hop across to Indonesia and to Lombok where the Hindu and Muslim residences get together to celebrate Perang Topat – essentially a rice cake war where they throw boiled rice at each other. We of course can’t forget Thanksgiving in the USA – a day of eating Turkey and watching the big ball game.