November can be a miserable time of year in the UK, with winter fast approaching and the evenings getting shorter and darker by the day. As the temperatures continue to drop and all you can see ahead is rain, rain and more rain, it can be tempting to escape it all and head for warmer climes – and fortunately, there are plenty of incredible holiday destinations just waiting to welcome you to their warm and sunny shores.
So, to make sure you get your necessary dose of Vitamin D this winter, look no further – we’ve rounded up the top five November holiday destinations to bring you back to life.
Thailand
Thailand is home to a typical tropical climate in the far south, with central and southern Thailand not seeing much variation in temperatures year-round. It’s a great destination, whatever the time of year, and thanks to the countless islands, visitors have a wide array to choose from and you can always find somewhere to bask in sunshine. If you are looking for a holiday with a difference, why not do some volunteer work whilst in Thailand, you could have an amazing experience volunteering in an elephant sanctuary or if you enjoy diving you could help conserve the coral reefs.
In Phuket -Thailand’s biggest island, found in the south of the country – temperatures hover around 30°C all year round, but with high-season kicking off in November, it’s the perfect time to visit. Unwind on one of the island’s pristine beaches, dive in the crystal-clear seas, go hiking in the jungle, or relax at one of the many high-end, five-star spas.
Argentina
One of the most vibrant cities in South America, Buenos Aires has got it all. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in good food and culture, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, you can eat great steak, learn to tango, and forget all about the miserable weather back home.
The southern parts of the city boast an array of pretty, faded townhouses fronted by beautiful Italianate façades whilst down in La Boca, close to the old port, it’s all about the kind of bright and bold houses that you just can’t help but stop and photograph.
Its combination of South American flair and European elegance make Buenos Aires a capital that truly stands out from the crowd, and From the French-influenced tango music to the Spanish-inspired dishes offered at almost every restaurant in the city, this is a place that offers quite a singular cultural experience.
Of course, there are some excellent beaches nearby too, if you just can’t go without your fix – head to Villa Gessel, Pinamar or Necochea.
Antigua and Barbuda
When you have dreams of a blissful Caribbean getaway, the chances are that what you have dreamed up is the reality in picture-perfect Antigua. Here, it’s all about lively beach barbecues, rum punch on tap, and dancing barefoot on the beach in the moonlight – and if that’s not the perfect antidote to the threat of winter, then we don’t know what is.
Home to an array of opulent five-star hotels and flashy superyachts, Antigua offers luxury at every turn – with pristine, white sand beaches lined with palm trees forming the backdrop for a getaway in paradise.
Meanwhile, Barbuda – Antigua’s little sister – goes at a more relaxed pace (if there is such a thing!), with just a handful of low-key hotels and a laid-back beachy vibe. In 2017, however, Robert de Niro reopened the iconic K-Club, a hotel that once regularly hosted Diana, Princess of Wales was a regular guest – so we predict that this little-known island will fast become a hotspot for the rich and famous.
Oman
If winter sun is the name of the game, Oman promises it by the bucketload. In Muscat, you’ll find elaborate, intricately decorated mosques and bustling scent-filled souks, while over on the Musandam Peninsula, deserted coves and warm, crystal clear waters make for an inviting proposition.
The southern coast offers some truly dramatic scenery that you just wouldn’t see anywhere else – so rent a car (or better still, a chauffeur), and make the most of your getaway, taking in the sites and unwinding on the beaches in equal doses.
Japan
If sunshine is not the be all and end all for your November getaway, there are plenty of options for an enjoyable break – and Japan is up there with the best of them. It’s the height of the autumn season, so it’s the perfect time to come and see the beautiful autumn leaves, and although the weather is cool at this time of year, it’s still comfortable enough for a relaxed stroll around the beautiful gardens.
From the bright lights of Tokyo to the mountains of the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido’s wild national parks, both city slickers and outdoor lovers will be in their element on holiday in this breath-taking country. The capital offers a neon-bright adrenaline rush, boasting lively neighbourhood festivals, incredible food, remarkable shrines and temples and perfectly manicured parks.
And with an efficient train network that gets you easily from A to B, it’s the perfect place to let the explorer in you run wild.
