Don’t miss…November travel experiences
The Pacific Coast of Mexico
For long haul sun...Mexico
Many places claim to have something for everyone, but Mexico is one of those countries that genuinely does. Between outstanding blue skies and sun, white sandy beaches on one coast and surf swells on the other, ancient history and unique natural phenomena, I’d challenge anyone not to have an amazing time there.
A few lines doesn’t really do this enormous country justice but as you’re reading this because you’re looking for a hit of winter sun, let me tell you why you should be booking Mexico for this November.
The Yucatan Peninsula on Mexico’s Caribbean coast is where you’ll find the vanilla ice cream coloured beaches that attract sun worshippers desperate for a hit of vitamin D before the winter sets in. If you’re feeling work-weary it’s the perfect place to rest your toes in soft sands. But it's also ideal for exploring the ancient Mexican history and culture that makes the country so unique and special, with magnificent Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza but also the lesser known but equally awe inspiring Coba, Palenque and Mayapan within easy reaching distance.
Hopping over to the west coast of Mexico, at the tip of the incredible Baja California peninsula lies Cabo San Lucas, the absolute epitome of unhurried chic. Positioned with the Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific to the other it’s no wonder that this remote outpost of the world has become the hideaway of A-listers seeking out aquatic adventure and secluded relaxation. Head to this part of Mexico at the end of November to see whales frollicking in the surf while you sit atop the cliff, Margarita in hand.
Perfect for:
Romantic escapes
Family trips
A fly and flop break
A bit of everything
for a cultural fix...oman
Oman is a country steeped in history and tradition
If Dubai is all about glitz and appearances, Oman is its antithesis. This laid-back, stable Middle Eastern country is seriously underrated but in my view, all the better for it. The only thing dramatic about Oman is its landscapes where you’ll find starkly contrasting wide open spaces punctuated by oases and desert towns, and you can travel through sparse, arid mountains and enjoy golden beaches and azure waters all on the same day. Muscat, its capital is worth a stopover for a barter in the Muttrah Souk and a wander amongst the city’s grand mosques. From there it’s up to you...If diving is your thing, head from Muscat to the Musandam Peninsula in the north east of Oman to get in and amongst whale sharks and turtles in turquoise waters that are backed by the impossibly steep Al Hajar Mountains. If you prefer to keep your head above water, head in the opposite direction to the south of Muscat you can enjoy a completely different side of Oman camping in handmade Bedouin tents among the magnificent sand dunes of Wahiba Sands.
Whether you’re a water baby or a land mammal, what Oman offers is a chance to breathe and immerse yourself in an ancient, magical culture, all at the same time. Which is a seriously intoxicating combination.
Perfect for:
Culture lovers
Romantic escapes
Outdoor adventure
Beach lovers
Rest and relaxation
Antigua is the place for exhausted parents
for FAMILIES...Antigua
By the time November rolls around, even the most energetic of parents will be ready for a break. While November is a tricky time to travel if you have school- aged children, if you have young babies or toddlers, it's the perfect opportunity to take a pause before the madness of the festive season kicks off.
November marks the end of the hurricane season and as one of the more southerly islands in the Caribbean, Antigua typically experiences lower rainfall than the rest of the region which makes it a brilliant bet.
There are so many reasons that Antigua ticks the boxes for a family trip. Take the journey for a start. Antigua is a relatively short 8 hour flight from the UK and an even shorter journey from the East Coast of the US, which means the risk of being stuck in a plane with fidgety kids is well-outweighed by the rewards of the island paradise that greets you on arrival.
Another tick for Antigua is that while many of its Caribbean counterparts are dramatic and volcanic, Antigua is flat and low-slung, which means that its waters are shallow and perfect for paddling, its beaches are pristine and it is easy to get around with little ones in tow.
But what makes Antigua really excellent is that the whole island is geared up to make your life easy with hotels that think about everything for you. While it might not be the place for intrepid exploration, it is the place to let someone else take charge and take care of you, and your family. And after over a year of pandemic parenting, isn’t that what we all need?
Perfect for:
Young families
Beach lovers
Winter sun
Take in the wonderful chaos the Medina in Marrakech
TAKE A CITY BREAK IN MARRAKECH, mOROCCO
You don’t need blue skies or warm sun to enjoy a city break, but it definitely helps. Which is what makes Marrakech top of my list for an autumnal city break as it enjoys balmy temperatures all year round.
Be warned! Marrakech is not for the faint hearted. This fabled citadel on the edge of the Sahara will sweep you up the second you arrive, into a world of wonderful chaos. But while you need to bring your A-game, the rewards of Marrakech are immense if you immerse yourself in this ancient city with its bustling souks, magnificent Islamic architecture and deep-routed North African mythology.
You can afford to get lost in the ancient, narrow alleyways of the old town because you’ll easily navigate your way back to the heart of the Medina by the riot of smells and sounds emanating from this ancient place. In this colourful square snake charmers jostle among fortune tellers, while street hawkers serve up the freshest orange juice you’ll ever taste and street food sellers prepare tasty tagines laced with local spices. And if you fancy yourself as a negotiator, test those skills in Marrakesh’s ancient souks where you can barter for almost anything from pungent incense and spices to handmade leather bags and Moroccan rugs.
The sensory overload is real. So when it all becomes a bit too much, head back to one of the beautiful ‘riads’ (guesthouses) set behind ancient wooden doors to retreat from the chaos, rest your feet in cool surroundings and take in the distant sounds while sipping Morroccan mint tea or a G&T. Heaven...
Perfect for:
A city break
Romantic escapes
A weekend with friends
Go dog sledding in the snow-covered forests of Northern Sweden
for a wintery adventure...sweden
The Scandinavians have a brilliant saying which is ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing’. Which is just as well, as November in Scandinavia can be mind-blowingly chilly!
But if you’re prepared to wrap up warm, and layer up, there’s no better place or time for a proper winter-wonderland experience than Sweden in November. It’s also the calm before the (winter) storm, so to speak before domestic travel picks up in December ahead of the festive season.
If you head to the north of the country you’re more than likely to get snow at this time of year, which opens up once in a lifetime opportunities to experience activities like husky sledding through snow-laden forests, snow-mobiling across ice covered plains or reindeer herding with Lapland’s indigenous Sámi people. And to top it off, you’ll likely get a front row seat to the greatest natural show on earth if you visit Sweden in November - the northern lights - which appear regularly throughout the month, all over the country.
Sweden in November is the definition of coziness. After a day spent out in the elements getting colour in your cheeks, warm up in front of a roaring fire, and take Fika - Sweden’s answer to afternoon tea - while you swap stories of the incredible things you’ve seen and done with your fellow travellers.
Perfect for:
Adventure-seekers
Weekend escapes
Celebrations
Romantic escapes
