Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, updated with new information.
November is an exciting month to travel. The beginning of the month is often considered part of the holiday season, while the end kicks off the busy holiday season. Also, temperatures can be all over the map depending on the destination. However, taking a trip before Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to score some deals while still enjoying the mild climate in many places.
In addition, many destinations have recently lifted restrictions related to COVID-19 and are more than happy to welcome tourists. That means there are new hotels to stay in, exhibits to visit, and trails to explore. This comes as US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pausing COVID-19 travel advisories for specific countries. However, there are still reports of rising cases, so it’s important to keep an eye on the latest recommendations from the CDC and consider getting a new booster vaccine to boost protection. .
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Where should you go before the holiday? Here are eight of TPG’s best places to visit in November.
Japan
For the first time in two and a half years, Japan allows visa-free entry for individual tourists; this brings the country’s border rules closer to pre-pandemic rules. It’s no surprise that there are a number of new openings around the country to experience this fall. Plus, the Japanese yen remains weak against the US dollar – it has hit its lowest level in more than two decades – allowing travelers’ money to go even further for luxury travel experiences.
In November, Okinawa is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Plus, there’s an exclusive tour of Nijo-jo Castle, the Tranquil Moon Adjustment Therapy, and the Nagakute City Studio Ghibli Park opening November 1.
TPG . Tips: According to Hotels.com, Tokyo is seeing average hotel prices 35% lower than in November 2019. Additionally, several new properties will open this month. For example, Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo opens on November 16, and KAI Unzen opens on November 25. Another good choice is the popular The Mitsui Kyoto – one of the prestigious five-star hotels. best in Kyoto – for around $600 per night. The restaurants here serve the best seasonal ingredients, and there’s a spa with natural hot spring baths. Not to mention, there are temples and castles nearby to explore. You can also stay at The Westin Tokyo for around 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $230 per night.
Amsterdam
A new study by Bounce analyzed the most popular cities in the Northern Hemisphere for weather, events, affordability, and popularity across the seasons to reveal the best cities to visit this fall. Amsterdam takes first place. With a reasonable hotel cost of $117.80 per night and 16 major events in the fall months, it’s the perfect city break. Museumnacht – a night where the city’s cultural institutions come to life with special programming – takes place on November 5. There is also the Amsterdam Storytelling Festival at the beginning of the month, Sinterklaas starting in the middle of the month. and the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival at the end of May.
TPG . Tips: Book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station from 60,000 Hilton Honors points or $257 a night. The Hyatt Regency Amsterdam is also a solid choice for just 15,000 World of Hyatt points or $286 per night.
Hawaii
November is the time to explore one of the most popular destinations ahead of the festive season. During the summer months, Hawaii’s hotspots are always packed with visitors. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s monthly travel statistics, Oahu saw a drop in visitor numbers starting in November. According to new Expedia data, the average fare to Honolulu increased by less. 10% compared to November 2019. Additionally, Hotels.com revealed that the cost of rooms per night in Oahu was 15% lower this November. The drop in visitor numbers is the perfect opportunity to explore uncrowded Waikiki and try delicious farm-to-table food like Merriman’s Honolulu, paddle or surf in the turquoise waters, or attend the monthly night market. exhibits Oahu artisans.
TPG . Tips: Stay at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, which is currently offering booking transaction. Or, the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is available for about 37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $217 per night.
Greek
Although Greece is one of the most popular summer destinations, it is well worth a visit in the fall. Sure, you won’t be able to lounge on the beach, but you can still enjoy mild weather that peaked in the mid-60s. To make things even better, you can score some goodies. Incredible hotel and flight deals, and you won’t have to battle the crowds. Barozzi, a popular 12-seat restaurant in Naxos that opened in July, will remain open until the end of November. You can also explore the ruins of Athens or Delphi without having to jostle for photos. Or, hike parts of the Corfu trail without breaking a sweat. A few festivals like Michaelmas and Saint Andreas Day make November a vibrant time to visit.
TPG . Tips: Ducato di Oia will remain open year-round, inviting visitors to experience a quieter, more peaceful Santorini than you would see under the August sun. Mr & Mrs Smith Kapari Natural Resort is also available at Santorini from 40,000 IHG One points or $269 per night.
Bhutan
Bhutan – located in the Himalayas and one of the top destinations in the world – has just opened its doors to visitors after closing in early 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. The reopening of Bhutan will bring about a change in the way the kingdom receives its guests. Personal travel is now allowed, so visitors do not need to be accompanied by a certified tour operator. Along with the country’s reopening, the historic 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail reopened on September 28 for the first time in 60 years, after extensive restoration. The trail will now allow visitors to adventure through this incredible country on foot or by bike, passing through remote parts of the world, stunning landscapes, 21 temples, 12 passes , 5 suspension bridges, ancient fortresses, monasteries and more than 400 historical sites.
TPG . Tips: Two properties are available through Marriott Bonvoy – Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront for 33,000 points ($451) and Le Meridien Thimphu for 27,000 points ($356). Six Senses manages a number of guesthouses across the stunning realm for $1,750 a night.
Turkey
November is a great time to visit Turkey as many events take place across the country and the fall foliage is at its peak. Bilecik is a great destination to see autumn colors at their best in November; it also boasts historical and archaeological sites, including mosques, mausoleums, inns, baths, and examples of civil architecture similar to buildings from the Ottoman era. . To see the fall foliage, visitors should head to the Pazaryeri district in Northwestern Bilecik. The Istanbul Theater Festival also runs until November 26, showcasing innovative performances by select Turkish and international dance troupes and theaters. Performances include “Juliet & Romeo” on November 4 and “Istanbul Mon Amour” on November 26. There is also the Istanbul Marathon on November 6 and UCI Gran Fondo Antalya from November 17 to November 20th.
TPG Tips: The long and short Gran Fondo races will end in front of the Nirvana Cosmopolitan hotel, whose room rates start at $110 a night. Or, stay at the new Hampton by Hilton Istanbul Old City for about 30,000 Hilton Honors ($120) a night.
New Orleans
Big Easy is always a good place to visit, but a trip here in November is especially special. Veterans Day (November 11), the National World War II Museum launches a groundbreaking 4D entertainment experience called “America Expression.” In addition, Bayou Bacchanal – a celebration of Caribbean culture – takes place in November, as does the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and Bayou Classic. All of this happens with fewer crowds in the summer and perfect temperatures (highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s).
TPG . Tips: Virgin Hotels New Orleans recently opened and has rooms for around $305 a night. Meanwhile, the Four Seasons New Orleans is one of the hottest hotels, with rates starting at $375 (about 30,000 Chase Ultimate bonus points) a night.
Houston
With a brand new food court opening and many exciting cultural and art festivals, now is the time to come to H-Town. Downtown’s newest food hall, Lyric Market, will open this fall and will feature nine exciting destinations offering sushi, plant-based Mexican fare, authentic Texas barbecue and sugar cuisine Indian street. Additionally, the Dia de los Muertos concert and parade (November 5) returns to Houston this year, showcasing vibrant music, food, and the arts. The Tokyo Night Festival (November 11 and 12) is an annual celebration that brings Japanese communities together to appreciate, celebrate, and celebrate modern and traditional Japanese culture in Houston. Additionally, the Houston Botanic Garden brings back Lightscape on November 18, with the gardens adorned with jubilant holiday lights.
TPG . Tips: Stay at the Hyatt Regency Houston for just 8,000 World of Hyatt points or $254 per night. Holiday Inn Houston Downtown is available with 16,000 IHG One Rewards points or $107 a night.
