Huffington Post Canada
The Huffington Post Canada
So much to do, so many places to see, but so little time to do it all. That’s where Destination Unknown comes into play. At the beginning of each month, HuffPost Canada Travel will be putting together a list that offers something for everyone — those on a budget, those looking for something unique or those simply looking to get away. Curious? Good. A sense of wanderlust is always healthy. So, without further ado, here’s November’s Destination Unknownroundup.
Watch out December: November may look dull on paper but it’s actually a fairly festive month … just not in many places in North America. That being said, the next 30 days are prime time to pack the bags and check out celebrations around the world before that woeful winter weather sets in. Speaking of all things cold and icy, those already looking for warmth won’t be disappointed with November’s offerings with fiery festivals and droves of sunny beaches. Finally, factor in the number of cancelled travel plans and flights left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and there’s next to no reason to not travel this month.
Did we miss a destination that’s an absolute must this time of the year? Let us know in the comments or via Twitter at either @HPCaTravel or @HuffPostTravel.
The Best Places To Go In November. Slideshow text follows below for mobile readers.
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Sussex, England
Sussex, England
Those looking for a history lesson coupled with a pyrotechnic show will not be disappointed with Bonfire Night in the United Kingdom. More commonly know as Guy Fawkes Night, the festival celebrates a close call when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was caught guarding kegs of explosives underneath London’s House of Lords back in the 17th century. Nowadays, bonfires are lit across the U.K on November the 5th — the most popular one taking place in the town of Lewes in Sussex — to commemorate the avoidance of what would have been a catastrophic case of regicide. Adults drink in cheer, while kids get a kick out of fireworks, reciting nursery rhymes as effigies of Guy Fawkes, terrorists and even modern day figures are burned.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
There’s lots to like about the Canary Islands, particularly during November. Tenerife in particular is nice any time of the year, but November is outside the peak travel season, which means quieter bars and resorts with cheaper flights and accommodations costs, according to wheretoholiday.com. An added bonus is that average temperatures hover around the 21°C – 25°C mark, with the south being a source of continuous sunshine and a sea that’s still warm. Abama Golf & Spa Resort, as well as the esort hotel in Funchal or the lovely countryside-hotel in Quintas, come highly recommended by 101 Holidays.
Agadir, Morocco
Only the bold brave Morocco’s intense summer heat. Everyone else who doesn’t want heat stroke can take in the Northern African city of Agadir instead, where temperatures average out to a balmy23°C with at least 7 hours of sunshine every day. Foodies can take advantage of the city’s two main daily markets and bevy of restos serving up traditional Moroccan fare. An alternative to Agadir is the town of Mirleft, a place said to bask in 360 days of sunshine a year, reports the Guardian.
Muscat, Oman
For the jet setters wanting more of the Middle East but tired of Dubai’s posh offerings, Oman may be right up your alley. The capital Muscat is rising in the ranks in sophistication thanks to its collection of forts and museums, as well as sporting some exquisite hotels like the Al Bustan Palace, one of Condé Nast Traveller magazine’s top hotels in the world. Expect temperatures to be in the 30s (this is their cool season) and days with 10 hours of sunshine during November.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Low prices and hot sandy beaches, free of the Southeast Asia’s rainy days, are what travellers can expect from parts of Vietnam in November. In the Northern regions of the country, the unbearably muggy days taken a backseat to cool, dry weather. The change in temperature makes activities like trekking the Sapa and Ha Giang mountains not only bearable, but enjoyable. In the South, the beaches of Phu Quoc and Phan Thiet & Mui Ne are strong contenders with clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties. Travellers should be wary of Central Vietnam, an area subject to days of this month.
Los Angeles, California
For those who like like their trips filled with roller coasters and attractions, Los Angeles has you covered with its share of theme parks. Universal Studios, Six Flags and Disneyland are just some of the parks the city has to offer during November, minus the hassle of long lines and waits, since this month is considered off-season. Add to the mix temperatures that fall between 21°C to 24°C and families with kids have an easy go-to vacation destination in the fall.
Rajasthan, India
For many Hindus around the globe, November marks the start of Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights.” With that in mind, there’s no better place than India — where a huge majority of Hindus live — to catch the rows upon rows of lighted lamps. The five-day festival, which lasts from Nov 13th to Nov 17th, features feasts and fireworks to celebrate the triumph of good over evil across the world. While Diwali, or “Deepavali” as it’s sometimes known, is celebrated across India, the state of Rajasthan is something of a two-for-one deal for visitors with its Pushkar Camel Fair. The fair/ festival is the place to be for all things camel related and draws in roughly 50,000 camels and 200,000 people over seven days. Those wanting to stay for the full festivities should book well in advance as the prices for local accommodation tend to sky-rocket due to popularity.
Goa, India
November is prime time for the resort city of Goa. Located in the western coastal region of India, the state features fantastic beaches free of monsoons now that the season’s over. Also worth noting is that November is just before the time when all the tourists flood the beaches in mid-December, meaning more time for relaxing and less time searching for a spot to throw down a towel.Cheap stays are plentiful in Goa’s beach towns where locals typically enjoy temperatures in the 20s to low 30s. Cultural festivals and savoury culinary options will keep travellers busy during the day, while wild beach parties are not to be missed during the night.
Washington, DC
If you’ve been living a life of exile, free of the Internet, television or human contact in the last six months, then we should probably let you know there’s an U.S. election set to go down on November 6th. As the rest of world watches who will take the reins of America, political junkies will want to descend upon America’s capital for front row seats to watch the election madness unfold. Those less politically inclined can still check out the historically interesting White House, as it does feature public tours, or the many museums and exhibits of the Smithsonian. As for the rest of Washington D.C., it’s one of the best places in the U.S. to be during the Thanksgiving long weekend. Bargain hunters can also try their luck with Black Friday sales during November.
