As we set out to write on the best November destinations, there were several places that cropped up. Narrowing down to five meant that we had to consider places that were as diverse as possible. So, here it is… Our top five picks for the month of November.
Hong Kong
In November, Hong Kong has a pleasant weather. It offers the tourists a blend of British colonial history and a rich Chinese tradition and culture. The tourists visit the famous temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. It has a popular monastery located at the foothills of the Sha Tin Mountain. If you want to relax, pray and discover the serene side of Hong Kong then do go to the village of Chuk Yuen in Wong Tai Sin. It has Chinese gardens and is easy to reach from the Wong Tai Sin metro station.
Hong Kong’s most notable landmark is the Victoria Peak. From the peak tram, you get sprawling views of Macau and the outlying islands. This funicular is the steepest in the world. Do visit the zoological and botanical gardens on its northern slopes. You can see a number of mammals, reptiles, birds and many rare plants.
Are you interested in history? If so, then do visit the many museums in Hong Kong like the Museum of Art, Museum of History and Space Museum. The tourists also travel to the ex-Portuguese enclave of Macau and Shenzhen located outside Hong Kong. You can take a day trip from Hong Kong to Kowloon. Enjoy the nightlife while in Hong Kong at its many bars, coffee shops and restaurants. You can treat yourself to an eclectic mix of Asian and Continental cuisines accompanied by live music. Go shop at Stanley Market situated at the southern end of Hong Kong. Also, there is the Temple Street Night Market that has 400 stalls selling wares of all kinds. It is the liveliest market in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has a number of good hotels for accommodation. The tourists land at the Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island. An express train ride of 45 minutes takes the tourists to Hong Kong. All visitors require a visa except for the citizens of Japan, Singapore and Brunei.
South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is full of unmatched beauty. It has snow-capped peaks, tantalizing waterfalls, translucent glaciers that melt to create glacial lakes, vineyards and sun-parched plains. It is one of the best November destinations to visit during your vacation.
The tourists can visit a number of cities and towns on the South Island. Christchurch is full of parks and gardens, and so also is Dunedin, both of which take its visitors close to nature. Kaikoura is a small town with a beautiful backdrop of the mountains.
Another place worth a visit on New Zealand’s South Island is Lake Wakatipu that is well-suited for an adventure. Here, you can go bungee jumping and paragliding from its mountain ranges. Arthur’s Pass that is an alpine crossing in the Southern Alps is a place any mountaineer would fall in love. MacKenzie County will leave you awe-struck with its magnificent glacial lakes and splendid snow-capped mountains. It is ideal for skiers.
Marlborough, known for its eco-tours, is a vine county producing the best wines. Westland National Park is full of natural beauty offering its visitors a visit to rainforest and glaciers. You have chosen New Zealand’s South Island as it is one of the best November destinations. You get a choice of fine hotels to put up and great restaurants, bars, coffee shops and shopping areas to make your stay more comfortable. The tourists land at either one of the international airports at Wellington and Harewood.
Hurghada
The city of Hurghada in Egypt is one of the best tourist resorts on the Red Sea coast. It is renowned for its water sports. There are some unusual underwater gardens. The warm waters of the Red Sea invite many an adventurer for diving, sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. The glass bottom boats give you a glimpse of the beauty that lies underwater like rare fishes and coral reefs.
You enjoy every moment whether it is the beautiful sea waves, the stunning sunset or the surrounding beauty. There are several accommodations in Hurghada. You can get a taste of the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. They offer warm and efficient service. Do visit the aquarium and the museum at Hurghada. You will find a rare collection of flora and fauna from the Red Sea.
Hurghada is a party town where the young and old enjoy its sunny beaches. Some resorts have zoos, private beaches and even small theaters. You can visit a number of islands near Hurghada on day tours or safaris where you can explore the Red Sea Mountain by a jeep or a camel ride. You have made a wise decision to visit Hurghada as it is one of the best November destinations. You experience mild winter during this time of the year.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands and about eight inlets. The islands rise from the choppy waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As you land here, history unfolds itself.
Mount Fogo is its highest peak. This peak is cinder clad and conical in shape. It rises dramatically from the floor of the crater. The views from atop Mount Fogo are awe-striking. You can climb the volcanic peak though it is still active. You see hamlets with lava block houses and a cobbled road. The farmers here grow coffee in its lava rich soil.
Cape Verde has a stunning variety of marine animals. The flora here is diverse as it has different types of soil and climatic conditions. The tourists visit the other natural wonders on Cape Verde. Cova Figueira is a small town on the island of Fogo. It is a very mountainous region.
The landscape of Sao Vicente is dominated by Monte Verde Peak. You find marine turtles in Boa Vista. It has beaches, and a sandy desert beauty known as Deserto de Viana. Boa Vista has a pretty Sal Rei town. Santo Antao on Cape Verde is spectacular offering great hiking trails with all its canyons, gorges and valleys. Pine trees and tropical plants dominate the northeastern part of San Antao. It offers a number of hiking trails.
Maio is yet another island with clean beaches with turquoise sea waters. It has dense forests that are an unusual site in Cape Verde. Raso Island has little vegetation, and its plains are boulder strewn. There are rocky cliffs all along its coastline.
Sao Nicolau has some fantastic rock formations with steep mountain sides. Mountain bikers and hikers enjoy at Sao Nicolau situated in the backdrop of mountains.
In Cape Verde pottery, woven blankets, baskets, woodworks, vases, etc. are produced. Poetry and theatre play a significant role in the lives of the people. They have colorful carnivals and love music, dancing and good food. The Cape Verdeans are westernized and educated. They have courage and confidence that gives them a boost to go on with their lives on the choppy waters of Cape Verde.
Sal Island is one of the oldest on Cape Verde. The Amilcar Cabral International Airport situated on this island caters to 112 international flights and 49 domestic flights every week. The islands have plentiful accommodation, good restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. You are glad to have chosen Cape Verde as it is one of the best November destinations.
Oman
Oman lies on the edge of the Arabian peninsula. It is popular as an eco-tourism resort with its rich culture, wadis and diverse markets. Wilfred Thesiger, an explorer, discovered Oman about half a century ago.
Oman has majestic mountains, unmatched deserts, seaside medieval cities, beautiful beaches, rocky coastlines, sand dunes and wildlife of yesteryears. Your holiday takes you to moonlit beaches where you sit on its sands and watch the unusual sight of meter-long green turtles. The sea around Oman is home to dolphins and whales that swim among the beautiful corals.
A taxi ride from Muscat will take you to the Oman Dive Centre. It is a cove typically surrounded by jagged rocky slopes. You see beautiful beachside bungalows. The German-owned diving resort has a picturesque setting with its restaurant overlooking the sandy shimmering beach.
Desert sunset is something that you just cannot miss during your trip to Oman. After the sun disappears, the bonfire around the desert camp flickers with golden flames where you enjoy a barbecue dinner and fruit cocktails under the canopy of twinkling stars. If you are an early riser then, you can catch the magical sunrise. Desert Camps offer Bedouin-style tents with all modern amenities and comforts.
Muscat is the capital of Oman. It is a place with a proud history. There is plenty to see here like the forts, the Muttrah Souq and the corniche. You must visit the Grand Mosque with Swarovski crystal chandelier and a single piece hand-woven colorful carpet in its prayer hall that can accommodate 20,000 people. You also visit the aquarium, museum, and many other tourist spots. Do visit Jabal Shams the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula. Near the peak is the ‘An Nakhr Balcony,’ a beautiful chasm that is on every tourists’ itinerary. It is the first place in Oman to greet the dawn. It’s the dawn of a new day and the tourists set out to visit the Bandar Khayran Reserve located in the heart of Muscat. Alkasfah Springs are well-known for its therapeutic waters. There are swimming pools here for bathing.
The city has some luxury hotels with private beaches, gardens, spas and a number of quality restaurants. The tourists land at the Muscat Seeb International Airport.
There are several other places that might feature in another travel piece catering to the subject of best November destinations. Let us know what you think of the five places mentioned here, and where you would like to travel this November.
