Vacation in November Without The Turkey

November is an underrated month for travel and isn’t just for Thanksgiving travel destinations! In fact, the best places to travel to in November and the best November travel destinations often have inexpensive flights, high-quality events, and exciting food scenes that make them memorable. No matter where you travel, there’s likely something amazing for you to do this year! 

The Parking Spot is here to help you examine the best November European travel destinations, as well as spots in Asia, America, and even Australia! No matter what your interests are, these spots can provide plenty of excitement and unique cultural experiences. Some even have spiritual elements that can help you get in touch with your inner emotions on a deeper, more meaningful, level.

The 9 Best Travel Destinations in November

With many amazing festivals taking place in November every year, the best places to travel to in November should provide you with lots of fun and interesting experiences! Make sure you research tips like these and other ways to save yourself money and time while on vacation.

1. Iceland Airwaves, Iceland

Iceland has quietly become known as one of the best November European travel destinations in recent years, thanks to events like Iceland Airwaves! While no longer quite the hidden secret it was years ago, Iceland and this event bring joy and wonder to a month mostly known for cold weather. 

On the first or second weekend in November downtown Reykjavik hosts dozens of  different musical artists, including local bands, up-and-coming groups, and more. The groups are often very welcoming and friendly and interact directly with fans during and after the event!

Tips for Visiting Iceland

While you might think Icelandic weather in November will be very frigid, that’s not necessarily the case. You should definitely pack warm clothes, but temperatures average around 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit. There may not even be snow, particularly when visiting Reykjavik. 

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City 

Whereas most of the travel spots on this list aren't centered around Thanksgiving, few November travel destinations beat New York City in November, specifically to attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Taking place on November 28, 2024, this well-known celebration is one of the best November travel destinations in America and worth visiting at least once, especially on the 98th anniversary!

Of course, this trip requires a lot of planning ahead because it’s typically booked out months or more in advance. That said, if you’re a parent and you have the money, visiting this parade with your children will create memories that they’ll never forget and bring you closer together as a unit.

Tips for Visiting New York City

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place late enough in November that you’ll want to pack pretty warm. NYC gets a lot of snow and freezing temperatures every winter, so pack accordingly or splurge on a hotel along the parade route. 

3. Lewes Bonfire, Lewes, England 

Every November, the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society marches through Lewes (usually on November 4 or 5) with amazing fire artwork, torches, and flaming bonfires. In fact, they’ve been hosting this event for 165 years, and it’s a great solo adventure because of its quirky and unique atmosphere. 

Expect this event to feature people dressed like Vikings while celebrating the 1605 gunpowder plot hatched by Guy Fawkes. Fire artists will create amazing and unforgettable pieces, including jugglers tossing fire, torches getting waved, and massive bonfires throughout the city. 

Tips for Visiting Lewes

Yes, Lewes is one of the best places to travel to in November but is a little intense if you’re not ready for it. With people chanting strange slogans (based on the atmosphere of the gunpowder plot) and even burning effigies, it's one of the best November European travel destinations for those with a dark sense of humor. 

4. BaconFest, Easton, Pennsylvania 

If you’re a huge fan of bacon (vegans need not apply), BaconFest in Easton (November 2-3) is one of the best November travel destinations for you to consider. With two days of eating based on this popular meat, this festival also has many fun and hilarious events that make it worth visiting. 

Expect activities like bungee jumping, pig and wiener dog races (seriously), rock climbing walls, bacon-eating contests, mascot dashes, face painting, and balloon animals. It’s a family family-oriented event that kids and adults will love. There’s nothing quite like watching a dachshund joyfully racing while dressed as a literal hot dog.

Tips for Visiting Easton

The biggest tip when visiting Easton is to book ahead: this popular festival gets packed very quickly, and hotel rooms will disappear by October or even September. Make sure that you check out the beer tent. Bring your walking shoes because Easton is small enough to easily walk and stay active.

5. Chang Mai Lantern Festival, Chaing Mai, Thailand

Are you thinking of unconventional Thanksgiving travel destinations with a more spiritual element? The Chang Mai Lantern Festival is a great option! Taking place near the end of November, this is one of the best November travel destinations for a few reasons. 

First, it’s simply beautiful to experience. Thousands of floating lanterns get released yearly, creating a ghost-like atmosphere unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. If you’re interested in Eastern spirituality like Buddhism, it’s a particularly moving and memorable holiday destination.

Tips for Visiting Thailand 

Thailand is one of the best places to travel to in November because few people visit here during this month. As a result, it’s the best time to fly here. Note: English is spoken widely but not universally in Thailand, so bring along a translation guide.

6. Blackpool Christmas Lights, Blackpool England 

Blackpool Christmas Lights makes this small English city one of the best November European travel destinations. Taking place throughout the entire month, this celebration features some truly amazing Christmas lights that transform the town into a true work of modern art. You’ll have to see it to believe it!

Every year, Blackpool brings in a new special guest to turn on the lights, including actors, musicians, and much more. Dating back to 1912, this unique celebration brings a little light and joy to the holiday season and helps make Blackpool a truly fascinating place to visit in November.

Tips for Visiting Blackpool 

English servers will gladly take your tips with a smile. However, European tipping etiquette is different from America's. Most service charges are added to your bills, meaning your waitstaff gets paid a little extra. Tipping isn’t frowned upon but is not necessary. 

image credit: Wikipedia Commons

7. Niagara Falls Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, Canada

Sure, you could visit Niagara Falls in New York by Buffalo and check out the falls…but the Canadian view is so much better, and the winter light festival (from mid-November to early January) is truly something to behold. There are 51 days of gorgeous light displays on the falls during every night. 

Expect 75 different light displays that transform the falls into a true piece of art. There are also 26 nights of fireworks that you and your kids will love. Best of all? It’s absolutely free, meaning that you only have to pay travel expenses. That’s a great way to save money on your big trip. 

Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls will be very cold in November, especially when the wind comes up over the falls and hits your bones. Make sure your suitcase has plenty of warm clothes. Heavy jackets, sweaters, boots, scarves, mittens, etc…you might even want to bring a portable snow shovel just to be safe.

8. Celebrate Diwali; India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Etc. 

Though Diwali technically starts in late October, most of this five-day festival occurs in November. This beautiful celebration makes its host countries some of the best places to travel to in November, particularly if you’ve already tried the best November European travel destinations and want something different. 

Diwali (The Festival of Lights) is a very widespread holiday celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists throughout the Indian sub-continent and beyond. There are many activities, including beautiful light displays, food celebrations, and even spiritual celebrations worth trying out. 

Tips for Visiting South Asia 

When visiting India or other nations on this sub-continent, remember a few important things. First, India is a land of many spices and flavors. Be prepared for meals to be spicy, whether you order traditional Indian cuisine or Western-style food.

Also, India is a cash economy. Try to keep around 100 Rupee notes and small bills, especially if you will be shopping at vendor markets.

9. Strawberry Fields, Murray, Australia

Looking for an outdoor experience in November that will change your perspective and introduce you to many new friends? Strawberry Fields is a beloved outdoor electronic music festival that includes techno, psytrance, and other types of popular genres that will get your body moving. 

This festival, which takes place in mid-November (dates vary), is outdoors in nature and includes bonfires, lots of sitting on the ground, and a welcoming atmosphere. In a real way, it’s a lot like the Burning Man of Australia, but with a bit more focus and plenty of opportunities to have fun. 

Tips for Visiting Australia 

November is not exactly shoulder season in Australia due to its beautiful weather. As a result, you need to book ahead a few months in advance to make sure you find accommodations. Australia is also very big, so if you plan on exploring it, pick a very small portion and stick to it to avoid getting worn out.

Travel Tips and Preparations From The Parking Spot for Your Thanksgiving Travel Destinations

If you plan to check out any of our recommended November travel destinations, read through these tips first. They’re designed to help you pick travel accessories, pack your bags properly, and avoid common complications while on your vacation. They’ll also make booking your visit much easier and ensure you’re satisfied with your overall experience. 

Packing for the Weather: Climates Can Vary Heavily 

As you might expect, many of the best November travel destinations are pretty cold: November is a winter month in at least half of the world! That said, many of the best November European travel destinations and places in the Southern Hemisphere are warmer during this month. As a result, it’s important to pack based on your destination following these tips.

Cold-Weather Areas 

When planning your Thanksgiving travel destinations, it’s important to bring winter jackets, sweaters, warm clothes, boots, mittens, scarves, and other items. Remember to layer up if it’s really cold. By that, we mean wearing multiple shirts, jackets, and sweaters to warm yourself. It might seem a little excessive, but doing so can save you a lot of discomfort when it gets cold. 

Hot-Weather Areas 

Now, there are many destinations here that do have warmer weather, such as India and Australia, in November. The best tip for packing for these areas is to think of them as summer trips. Bring along swimsuits (if you get time for it), bug spray, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and sunscreen. Keeping yourself cool and safe during your trip will ensure it goes smoothly for you and keep you safe.

Tips for Accommodations and Navigation 

When planning your November vacation, it’s critical to think ahead. Going to places like Australia or even England can be challenging. Here are a few tips and suggestions that should make your travel easier and ensure that you have a more enjoyable experience: 

• Download travel apps that provide tips, suggestions, and even high-quality deals and discounts
• Book at least a few months ahead of time to avoid running into complications with your trip 
• Understand common security differences, such as Global Entry vs TSA Precheck 
• Check out European train systems to make sure you can travel freely across the continent 
• Download whatever ridesharing apps are popular where you visit; you can delete them later
• Use your travel site points when booking hotels: you can apply them on overseas trips

November is an Amazing Travel Month

The best places to travel to in November include amazing festivals and beautiful areas that make the best November travel destinations memorable. Whether you visit the best November European travel destinations or try out domestic Thanksgiving travel destinations with your family, you’ll have lots to do! Plan intelligently by booking ahead with The Parking Spot to keep your car safe while on your trip.