November is a sweet spot for international travel: It’s between the busy summer and winter seasons in many places, so you avoid crowds and peak pricing. If you’re not obligated to spend Thanksgiving with extended family, you can also take advantage of time off work and school by exploring a place where the fourth Thursday of the month is just another day.
To help you figure out the smartest places to go, we’ve compiled the following reviews of November trips to Europe, South America, Asia, and beyond. These travelers all booked their trips the WOW way: Their trips were optimized for the month of November by the local fixers on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts, using their on-site expertise and insider connections. You’ll find even more ideas in the November installment of our Where to Go When series, and you’ll find more traveler reviews in these other compilations.
Unsure where to go in November? Click the black button below for our help.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warm-Weather Escapes
Food & Wine
Nature, Wildlife, & Adventure
Cultural Immersion
WARM WEATHER ESCAPES
Belize: Jungle Lodges, Snorkeling, and Multigenerational Adventure
A treetop villa at the Lodge at Chaa Creek in Belize. Photo: Chaa Creek
“To plan for our 50th anniversary family celebration adventure in Belize, Wendy introduced us to Patricia, a native Belizean with a passion for introducing her country to the world. A year of planning with Patricia and Juliannie culminated in a 10-day trip, five days in the jungle and five days on an island. With us were four grandchildren, ages 9-12, so a lot of thought went into making sure we had lots of kid-oriented things to do. We truly wanted to hear lots of ‘WOWs’ from them, and we weren’t disappointed.
Imagine four kids flying into Belize City airport and being escorted across the tarmac and realizing they were about to jump into two helicopters and fly to their jungle resort, or their excitement of being whisked from the jungle, via private plane, over to Placencia, then jumping on a boat and arriving on an island? Their reactions when they walked into their luxurious accommodations, complete with plunge pools, were priceless.
Chaa Creek Resort in the jungle didn’t disappoint, upping the ‘WOWs’ to new levels each day. Our butler, Candi, and her trainee Ryan spoiled us with private dinners for 10, breakfast deliveries early in the morning, fresh fruit drinks when we returned from a day of touring, even babysitting so the adults could dine together. Our granddaughter with celiac even got special gluten-free desserts every day!
We had a dedicated driver and guide, Darryl, throughout our 5 days of touring the jungle and, when rising water closed the ATM cave tour, Darryl seamlessly changed plans. Darryl introduced us to the Mayan world, helped us explore their temples, took us to a local coffee plantation and to a women’s local co-op where the grandchildren were able to hand grind coffee beans, fresh corn for our tortillas, and try their hands at ancient pottery making. A trip deep into the jungle delivered us to zip-lining at the end of our cultural immersion day!
Ray Caye Resort beach days were spent in total relaxation mode so snorkeling, jumping off the two-story diving platform, kayaking, canoeing, sailing the Hobie cat, and even scuba diving kept us engaged. But enjoying gourmet meals, sipping drinks around the pool in the near perfect weather, and playing family volleyball and puzzle games brought us together after far too many years of separation. The island was magical, the staff always ready to help us, anticipating our every need, and on our last night there, they surprised us with a 50th anniversary family meal on the beach.” —Judith Rodwell
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Oman: Desert, Dunes, and Long White Beaches
The coast is one of many varied landscapes in Oman. Photo: Shutterstock
“Oman is a fascinating country. Huge variety of scenery, from lush date and coconut plantations on the coast to quite high mountains to deserts with lots of sand dunes. The history is interesting: The country has made huge strides in the past 60 years, from an underdeveloped country in 1970 to a modern, prosperous environment. Travelling is easy: Roads are great, there are lots of hiking trails and camping facilities, Oman Air was on time, etc.
The government has spent a lot of effort preserving old forts and castles (there are many of both). Our touring included many of these historical structures, hikes through old towns, visits to several mosques, two stays in the desert, a visit to a Bedouin household, and stays in three of the most luxurious hotels we have ever seen (and some not so great but quite acceptable).
This is a beautiful country, with long white sand beaches, that is just being discovered, mostly by travelers from Europe. I highly recommend it for people who have an interest in the history and culture, or just want to enjoy the warm weather and beaches. Daniel did a great job of the arrangements—everything unfolded exactly as planned.” —Robin Louis
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Australia: Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, and Kangaroos
The Schildmeyer family toasts the finale of their trip outside their bungalow in Port Douglas.
“We cannot imagine our trip to Australia going any better than it did, simply because we learned about Wendy Perrin’s company from a dear friend, and their connection to Stuart and Jacki. We spent two weeks visiting our daughter, who was studying abroad in Sydney. Our trip began in Sydney, where we spent the first five days learning about the city, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hugely enjoying a private tour of the Sydney Opera House and our e-bike tour of Manly Beach. Then we ventured outside Brisbane to Lockyer Valley and the quiet, peaceful Spicers Hidden Vale. How fun to chat with the kangaroos outside our cabins! This retreat was perfectly quaint, with incredible views, meals and service.
After three days in the Valley, we flew to Cairns to spend three days at the Niramaya Spa & Resort. This leg of our trip was the most tropical, as we experienced an amazing day on the water snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and an afternoon at Four Mile Beach. Port Douglas was an incredible seaside town with fantastic restaurants and a must-see sunset at the Marina.
We flew back to Sydney for a private sunset cruise of the Harbour (one of our favorite moments!) and headed stateside after our two-week adventures in beautiful, friendly Australia.” —Karri Schildmeyer
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Costa Rica: Jungle, Beach, Private Guides and Family Adventure
These teens’ two families spent Thanksgiving break in Costa Rica. Photo: Traveler Shelby Willets
“Priscilla planned a weeklong, adventure-packed vacation for two families traveling with 4 teenage boys! She was exceptional in working with both families to ensure each family’s preferences were met. Our private guide, William, was priceless and a perfect match! He made the trip amazing—I can’t imagine visiting Costa Rica without him! By visiting two distinctly different areas of Costa Rica as well as our quick stop in San Jose, we feel like Priscilla planned and William guided a comprehensive tour of their country.” —Shelby Willets
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
FOOD & WINE
Argentina & Uruguay: Green Vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere’s Spring
Mendoza’s vineyards are green in the southern-hemisphere spring. Photo: Cavas Wine Lodge
“The trip was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. I started in Mendoza, Argentina, at Cavas Wine Lodge, which is located in a gorgeous vineyard and has gorgeous views from all angles. Maita and Santiago arranged for me to go to several wineries, and each was excellent and so much fun! There are hundreds of wineries to choose from, so I was delighted that Santiago found ones that were perfect for me.
Then I flew to Montevideo, Uruguay, and was driven to the absolutely delightful and gorgeous town of José Ignacio. Maita and Santiago had recommended this over Punta del Este, and they were spot-on. I never would have found this little town and am now considering buying property there! Santiago arranged very interesting tours to Garzon winery, lunch at Garzon restaurant, where I met Francis Mallman(!), and Pablo Atchugarry’s amazing and beautiful art, as well as the must-see Casapueblo.” —Susan Cunneen
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Mexico: Food Tours, Artistic Neighborhoods, and a Private Pyramid Guide
A traditional Mexican mole poblano with chicken. Photo: Shutterstock
“We had a spectacular trip to Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. After an initial call with Zach and Jose, they proposed an itinerary that was interesting and thoughtful. We started in Mexico City with a food tour exploring Centro Historico. We had a very interesting culinary experience at Milpa Alta, where we harvested edible Nopal cactus and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. We then went to a traditional mole factory. After that chef Jorge Correa and Laurencia Melo taught us how to make tortillas and other Mexican dishes. Chef Jorge prepared a delicious four-course lunch that was memorable.
We enjoyed a private visit at the National Museum of Anthropology and visited the Park, the Chapultepec Castle, Modern Museum, and explored many charming neighborhoods and art galleries. It was a rich and rewarding experience.
On our way to San Miguel we had a private tour of the Teotihuacán pyramids, including our first hot-air balloon ride, which was fabulous! San Miguel was as charming as we had hoped. We stayed at the Rosewood, which is a beautiful property. We loved exploring San Miguel and walking around the cobblestone streets and ducking in and out of art galleries, museums, numerous shops, and cafés. We went to the intriguing city of Guanajuato, where there are underground roads and streets. The colorful panoramic vistas of the city are simply gorgeous. We spent a day visiting San Miguel’s art and artisan scene with studio visits—another highlight of the trip. We were celebrating birthdays, and there were so many birthday cakes and touches I lost count.” —Marian Robinson
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Thailand: Bangkok Street Food, Coffee Fields, and a Cooking Class
An array of traditional Northern Thai specialties. Photo: Shutterstock
“With a short lead time of about two weeks due to my last-minute China business travel, we decided to use Wendy Perrin’s travel service. We were matched up with Dan and Obb. We wanted to focus on food, culture and markets. We had a great time experiencing the street food of Bangkok. Thailand street food is amazing. We also loved our longboat tour to see the sights in Bangkok from the river. From the water, we saw the Wat Paknam giant buddha that was incredible.
From there, we were off to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. We loved our guide, Yawan, for this portion of the trip. We loved our hike through the tea and coffee fields in Chiang Rai. Yawan knew all the different types of plants along the way, and it was very interesting to see all the different herbs, fruits, and vegetables growing along the roads. We had a great stop at the Elephant Nature Conservation Sanctuary Park outside of Chiang Mai. The stories behind some of the elephants were heartbreaking, but it was good to know that they could live out the rest of their lives being well taken care of by the staff at the camp.
We were then on to the final leg of our trip in Phuket—and Dan and Obb saved the best activities for last! Our guide, Pong, gave us a great overview of Old Town Phuket and took us out for some delicious food at some local favorite restaurants. The next day was our favorite excursion of the whole trip: The John Gray sea kayak tour. Everywhere we looked was incredibly beautiful, and we will forever remember the night kayaking where we made an offering to the water goddess and got to see the luminescent phytoplankton, which was an amazing sight!
It was tough to follow up the sea kayaking, but we also had a great time at our cooking class the next day. Chef Pui at the Brass Wok was so much fun to talk with about food and restaurants, and she showed us how to make several delicious Thai dishes. I’d always been intimidated by Thai cooking. However, when I arrived back home the following week, I headed to the Asian grocery store for supplies and was able to reproduce the same delicious dishes that Chef Pui taught us to make.” —Amy and Bruce Tylock
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Denmark: Delicious Food, Holiday Markets, and Early Seasonal Charm
Jeannie Mullen at Frederiksborg Castle, outside Copenhagen.
“When I was looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving this year, Jan listened and delivered exactly what I asked for. What I did not appreciate ahead of my arrival was just how much of a kick-start to the Christmas season this trip would be. Copenhagen was already decorated for the ‘Jul’ season, and a number of Christmas markets had already opened on November 16th, the day of my arrival. The hotel that Jan chose was perfectly located on Kongens Nytorv (the King’s New Square) for the market on the square, harbor walks, and great shopping in general.
Britt, the guide that Jan arranged in Copenhagen, did a great job of introducing me to the art and architecture, urban development and repurposing of buildings and land, food and spirits, culture and moods of Copenhagen’s various neighborhoods. When I inquired about more local, neighborhood markets, she took me to a ‘pop-up’ Christmas market, off the beaten path, that was there for only two days. As we made our way out of the city on other days to Frederiksborg, Charlottenlund, Elsinore and Kronborg, she introduced me to locally made products, local artisans, craftspeople and leaders in design.
Jan alerted me early on that Copenhagen is a city known for its food and, in particular, its Michelin-star restaurants. When I expressed my interest, he used his ‘fixer’ to secure a table at Geranium (ranked the best restaurant in the world in 2022), one of the two 3-star Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen. It was an experience more than a meal, which included a private tour of the wine cellar and the kitchen. From beginning to end, a visual as well as gastronomic experience.
A word about the temperatures and the crowds: I’m always looking to get away from crowds, lines, and traffic, and I don’t mind traveling in the off-season to do so (as Wendy so often suggests). The weather in Copenhagen at this time of year alternates between cool and crisp with gorgeous, blue skies to heavy and overcast, with occasional rain. No worries if one packs with that in mind.
I cannot say enough about the lengths to which Jan went to make this trip seamless. Not one detail was missed. It was a terrific and different Thanksgiving getaway that has me prepped for Christmas earlier than usual.” —Jeannie Mullen
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Sicily: Small-Town Visits, Cooking Experiences, and Perfect Fall Weather
The Triche travelers at a cooking class at Fontes Episcopi.
“Sicily is a special place, the crossroads of history and Western civilization, and the sense of a continuous living history is everywhere. The small towns and their people are steeped in that history, the food is unforgettable, landscape rugged and rocky and beautiful.
We focused on destinations away from the crowds and in the process met wonderful people, both the Sicilians and the guides. The food was amazing, and helping prepare at least three meals in different locations was special. Late Fall is definitely a great time to go; the weather was perfect.
Our travel adviser, Laura, and her associates were pretty incredible; they were available at any time and were truly interested in making our trip memorable. There were so many unique destinations she chose based on our interview before the trip, from small Baroque towns on the southeast coast to the interior and Villa Romana and Agrigento, and finally Taormina and environs was perfect, leading to a crescendo finish.
Each of the luncheons was special in its own right, but the ones at Motta Camastra and Zio Pippo’s vineyard were something to remember. The entire trip was a treat, but the hidden jewels were the small town visits and sitting down and eating with the local population.” —Tim Triche
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
NATURE, WILDLIFE, & ADVENTURE
Norway: Scenic Trains, Snow-Capped Islands, and Northern Lights
Norway’s Lofoten Islands often have a dusting of snow in November. Photo: Ryan Damm
“Norway was truly magical! Torunn, Mari and the team gave me a great itinerary as a solo traveler with only a week available. I rode the magical Flam Railway and was mesmerized by Hafslo. The pictures I took did not fully capture the beauty I had the privilege of witnessing. BesteBekken was the best place to stay. Lindis cooked all the meals (accommodating all dietary restrictions) and was the tour guide to boot. We bonded in just the few short days. Her alpacas were adorable as well!
Next it was travel up north to the Lofoten Islands. Despite needing to change planes a few times, the process went off so smoothly. I was a bit anxious about renting a car but Torunn’s team was absolutely correct that this was the way to go. The apartment I stayed at in Henningsvær was on the water and a perfect location for the places I needed to get to. I had a blast making cheese with organic cheesemakers and making glass beads with a seasoned glassmaker. We were unlucky with our Northern Lights excursion but learned a lot about the physics behind their occurrence. Luck visited me the next night when I saw the lights while walking to dinner.” —Rekha Mankad
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
France: Off-Season Provence and Ranch Ambience
Provence and its pretty villages, like Gordes, are far less crowded in November. Photo: Pixabay
“Mid-November found us in Provence and Thanksgiving in Paris. Philip, Laurie and Sarah put together an enlightening, expanding and enjoyable trip to France.
Of particular mention was one stop on our itinerary Laurie arranged that was the highlight of our trip and exemplified our eye-opening and surprising introduction to France. We visited Patrick and Estelle on their manade in the Camargue, saw their massive black ornery bulls and majestic horses, gazed across the wide-open flat expanse of the land swept by the wind from the sea, and spoke to them about a lifestyle that we did not expect to see in France and that reminded us of Montana, where we spend much of our time. They were both such warm, open and engaging people, with quick honest smiles that easily bridged any language barriers. The rancher, Patrick, and I had a good laugh, because he and I wore the same Filson and Carhartt clothing — a nice touchpoint of lifestyles. Thanks to him and William we were able to make an unscheduled stop at a session of young men training in Camargue-style bullfighting. What a thrill!” —Doug Hatchimonji
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Chile: Atacama Desert Adventures, Spring Wildflowers, and Hiking
Chile’s Atacama Desert has a beautiful—and otherworldly—landscape. Photo: Shutterstock
“My friend Jerry and I spent two weeks in Chile…half of it in the Atacama desert and the other half in Torres del Paine. Maita and Florencia planned a perfect holiday for us using two Explora hotels. The excursions we enjoyed each day were shared with other guests and we liked that. There are other hotels, such as the Awasi, that provide a guide and vehicle with each room, but that comes at a much greater expense.
The Explora hotels are modern and very comfortable. The cuisine was excellent, as were the Chilean wines. Each day, usually over cocktails, you meet with a guide to discuss what you would like to do the following day. There are many, many options based on your interests and skill level. You can choose half-day or full day excursions. We enjoyed horseback riding, bike riding, swimming, and hiking. It was a very active holiday and we went to bed exhausted and happy every night.
After our time in the desert, Maita and Florencia arranged for us to stay at the Singular hotel in Santiago. It was a fun bonus to explore this beautiful, cosmopolitan city.
Every aspect of our trip was beautifully planned. When 3 out of 4 of our flights changed departure times, new arrangements were made, and pick-up times were changed seamlessly.
November is a fantastic time to visit Torres del Paine, because this is springtime and wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Chilean fire trees in bright orange cover the hillside. There are also wild pansies, ladies’ slippers, ranunculus, and even orchids. If you love flowers, this is the time to go!” —Jeff Lonsinger
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Panama: Wildlife, Scenic Canal, and Hiking a Cloud Forest
Coffee cherries laid out to dry in Boquete, Panama. Photo: Shutterstock
“Pierre planned a delightful 8-day trip to Panama for my husband and me. We are both retired and in our mid-70’s. Every transportation contact and guide were top notch—always on time, knowledgeable and helpful. The American Hotel in Panama’s Casco Viejo was lovely. Our spacious room with a balcony overlooked a charming square with a view beyond of the Gulf of Panama, where ships anchored awaiting entry into the Panama Canal. We enjoyed many walks through the beautifully maintained Casco Viejo, with its colonial architecture, historic sites, restaurants and shops. Pierre arranged a wonderful bicycle tour of the city for our first day, followed by two days of excursions. The first was by car and then boat to a small Embera village, where we learned about the history and crafts of this indigenous group who were so welcoming. The next day we travelled by boat through Gatun Lake, viewing at close distance large ships passing through the canal. We then traversed some lush waterways where we stopped to view up-close three different species of monkeys. This was followed by a car ride to a Sloth Preserve and Butterfly Garden. The Gatun boat trip was our favorite excursion for the natural beauty, as well as the cool air after the heat of Panama City.
We then flew to David and were transported to Boquete, where we stayed in a beautiful resort Valle Escondido surrounded by the mountains and lush vegetation of Boquete. We had two days of excursions, the first on the Pipe Line Trail up into the Cloud Forest, where we ended at a 1,000-year-old Ash Tree. The hike was long but easy and it was magnificent to be hiking in the clouds. The second day we hiked to three of the Hanging Bridges, but rain kept us from going to the remaining three. Breathtaking views but a more rigorous climb. Our hike ended at a lodge with a restaurant, where we enjoyed lunch and a beautiful view of the Baru Volcano. We were then met by our coffee plantation guide, who did an excellent job of explaining the unique coffee varieties of the area, including the famed Geisha, showing us each stage of the growing and roasting process and then sampling by smell and taste the varieties of coffees made by the Ketowa Coffee Plantation. We have since ordered many pounds of this coffee as Christmas gifts.” —Mary McDonald
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Brazil: Rio’s Energy, Iguazu Falls’ Magnificence, and a Farm-Grown Lunch
Sunset in Rio de Janeiro. Photo Shutterstock
“Our thanks to Paul for his careful and complete planning of our amazing southern Brazil excursion! When we docked in Rio at the conclusion of a two-week cruise, Patricia met us at the terminal, and we immediately began two intensive days getting acquainted with the city and its surroundings. She adapted the tour to our interests and covered the must-see features of Rio along with delightful morsels that most visitors probably don’t experience—hidden vistas overlooking the city, a walk through one of the favelas, and much more.
We moved on to Paraty for a complete change of pace, beginning with a private tour of Paraty Bay on a converted fishing boat. We relaxed on the boat as we visited many of the beautiful small bays and islands. We made a stop to swim in the warm Atlantic water and another to enjoy lunch at a great restaurant where all the patrons arrived by boat. Also near Paraty, we enjoyed a forest hike with Rodrigo and Felipe, with a restful stop at a waterfall. After the hike we enjoyed an excellent lunch at Fazenda Bananal prepared from ingredients grown on the farm where it is located. A highlight was a demonstration of produce grown on the farm including the various uses and how some of the exotic fruits and vegetables are opened and eaten.
We finished with our bucket-list item—a visit to Iguazu Falls! What an incredible place! Unfortunately, the only sun we saw there was as we were leaving our hotel for the airport at the conclusion of our visit. But our guide showed us both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Falls, and we thoroughly enjoyed hiking the walkways that brought us to amazing views, despite the need for umbrellas. On our last morning, because our stay at the Belmond Hotel offered us early-morning access to the Brazil-side walkways before the influx of visitors, our guide took us on a hike when almost no one else was on the walkways, all the way down until we stood only a few feet above the crest of one of the nearly 300 individual waterfalls that make up this complex, followed by an elevator ride up to where our driver waited for us.” —Darrell Anderson
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Portugal: Mild Fall Weather, Historic Cities, and Local Flavors
Lisbon’s iconic red roofs are a signature feature of the city’s historic districts. Photo: Pixabay
“My trip to Portugal exceeded all my expectations as a solo traveler. Goncalo’s knowledge and suggestions were like a guidebook, and we settled on Lisbon, Evora, Algarve and Lisbon. The first of many smart recommendations Goncalo made to help maximize my time in Portugal.
I hit the ground running with a guided walking tour exploring Evora and all the history, architecture and charm of that region ending with a lunch enjoying authentic Portuguese cuisine. The guide was so knowledgeable and kept this interactive while being incredibly sensitive to my jet lag. Boutique hotel accommodations at Sao Lourenco do Barrocal, delicious dinner and a late-night stargazing session ended my first day.
On to Algarve, where our first stop was an olive oil tasting – a first for me and I was very fortunate to have arrived just as a truck load of freshly pick olives backed into the processing facility. I had a front row seat to watch the entire operation from start to finish, followed by an amazing olive oil tasting. I left with 3 bottles of olive oil … perfect holiday gifts.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa is an ideal setting to unwind; amazing facilities and restaurants. The next day started with a 4-mile coastal hike on the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail with breathtaking scenery and views. A must-do and the perfect start to your day. A quick bite to eat and then my private boat tour around Ponta da Piedade on Lagos Coast. The captain shared the local history while accessing many of the secret coves in and around the golden cliffs.
The next morning, we headed out for our drive to Lisbon, but first we had a stop in Azeitão to tour a handmade ceramic tile factory and an opportunity for me to paint my own tile – after that I have nothing but awe and appreciation for this craft. This experience was one of kind, and thanks to Goncalo for making it happen.
Lisbon, so much to do and to explore. Goncalo coordinated the right balance of guided tours and down time for me to enjoy the city. The Palacio Ludovice hotel was ideally located and made getting around very easy. The morning started with a walking tour of Lisbon’s highlights—Alfama, Riverside, Baixa, Chiado—the amount of knowledge and facts my guide knew was incredible. A quick lunch at a sandwich shop and then finished the day at the Pena Palace. My last day started with a Lisbon food tour and market visit—basically ate my way through Lisbon. Fun and informative with a local’s experience with flavors and traditions. The tour finished with me meeting Goncalo to board the ferry boat to Cacilhas and enjoy lunch at Atira-te ao Rio seafood restaurant. I am guessing only the locals know about it, a hidden treasure with an amazing view of Lisbon.” —Daniel Nihan
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Greece: Street Art, Athens Food Tours, and Clifftop Monasteries
The vertiginous rocks of Meteora are known for their monastic communities. Photo: Shutterstock
“We spent 8 days in November enjoying Greece, mostly in Athens, with a couple of days in Meteora. Jacoline listened carefully to our preferences and designed a wonderful itinerary. Our hotel was perfect—and perfectly located, with great views of the Acropolis.
Highlights included a street art tour of Athens, which took us to neighborhoods we wouldn’t have explored on our own. Our food tour was exceptional—our guide introduced us to wonderful honeys and cheeses, and our simple lunch was one of the best experiences of our trip. In Meteora, our guide was an icon painter, and a studio visit was a highlight.” —Helen Blumen
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Spain: Family-Friendly Culture, Tapas, and Flamenco
Río Guadalquivir, Seville. Photo: Gina Melton
“Pablo and his team planned a wonderful 11-day itinerary for our family’s Thanksgiving trip to Southern Spain. We spent a significant amount of time in Madrid and then headed to Seville and Granada. Without a doubt, the success of this trip was largely attributable to the wonderful guides who showed us a little of their world. Not only were they incredibly flexible with our sons, aged 10 and 8, they found ways to bring the Spanish culture to life for them.
In Madrid, that meant trying the city’s best tortilla in one of the city’s vibrant markets, stopping for churros, going to rooftops to teach the boys about the landmarks in a fun and interesting way and finding tapas restaurants that were authentic and family-friendly. Alfonso, our Madrid guide, was so kind and generous with his time, he really made us feel welcomed. In Seville, I was pleasantly surprised to see the boys connecting with the Flamenco show Pablo arranged for us; it was an authentic experience that the adults enjoyed too! We loved our day trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the dancing white horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. And, our tour of Alhambra Palace and Generalife was perfectly timed for the family—we were able to see the entire complex without rushing, but also held the kids’ interest. The details were seamless throughout the entire trip and I appreciated Pablo’s office working on a last-minute change to our itinerary when we decided to call an audible on the final days of our trip. Spain is a wonderful place for children and this was one of our very best family vacations to date.” —Gina Melton
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Switzerland: A Culture of Watchmaking, and Local Culinary Pleasures That Make Time Stand Still
Imagine getting to wind the medieval clock in this tower in Bern, Switzerland. Photo: Shutterstock
“Nina and Ana planned an amazing trip for us centered around my husband’s passion for watches. They picked outstanding hotels for us and even arranged for the general manager to give us a private tour of our historic accommodation. We traveled through the Alps to have a cheese tasting in a 50-foot renovated cistern, learning about the difference between winter cheese and summer cheese. We stopped for an hour at Max Chocolatier to experience a chocolate tasting and learn why their approach to chocolate making is so unique and extraordinary.
But the heart of the trip exceeded our expectations by getting us access to a watchmaking factory where we not only toured but also had a master class on how to be a watchmaker! In Bern, our tour guide gave us a walking tour of the city, where we had our WOW Moment: We got access to the clock tower where we got to see the 500-year-old working clock while it was exhibiting its complications during its hour chime!! We also got to wind the clock, which is a rare treat. Our guide then took us up to look out over the city and then spread out a fabulous lunch including homemade pumpkin soup with cheese, charcuterie and crusty bread while we drank champagne together and enjoyed time standing still!” —Tracy Goble
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Japan: Admiring Art and the Natural Beauty of Peak Fall Foliage
Catch Japan’s finest autumnal colors in November. Photo: Shutterstock
“Wow, what an absolutely memorable trip! All our thanks to Andrea & his team for creating such an unforgettable Japanese odyssey. We had our initial call and I asked him to select the dates of our trip in order to experience peak autumn colors. He absolutely timed the trip perfectly. Imagine hiking through a forest on the Nakasendo Trail and witnessing the natural beauty of Japanese maples at peak color. We were so fortunate to experience that moment in time. The colors were so incredibly vibrant.
Matsumoto was one of our favorite destinations. Perfectly sunny days with vibrant colors all around us. A very happy and funny guide was just icing on the cake. The Yayoi Kusama Museum is not to be missed. Andrea selected the perfect resort here. Our room had its own natural hot spring-fed bath. Plus the dinners at the resort with sake pairings were sublime. A true foodie paradise!
Kurashiki was so enjoyable. The most delightful ryokan with the most helpful staff. Another foodie paradise. Each meal here was a creative and flavorful production. A crab miso soup with the shell of the crab legs at its perfect culinary color. Then, I drank it. Wow! All that with a view of a very tranquil Japanese garden.
Andrea then left the best for last—Naoshima, also known as Art Island. From Kurashiki it was an hour drive by car then a 20-minute ferry ride. The setting, architecture, creativity and immensity of some of the art installations is jaw-dropping. The outdoor Kusama sphere exhibit on water is not to be missed. Lastly, the Monet exhibit within the Benesse Museum in its uniquely designed room is stunning, rivaling his exhibitions in France.” —Linda Johnsey
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
India: Hidden Temples, Artisans, and Street Vendors
The Weissmans’ week included Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi, as well as off-the-beaten-path places.
“Sanjay helped us plan a great week-long trip to the Golden Triangle in India. With his help, we planned a very interesting and efficient trip which included both the standard highlights—Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi—but also a few off-the-beaten-path places: hidden temples, private block printing at an old factory, watching a street vendor make clay cups on his wheel to sell at the temple across the street, opening up a jewelry store late at night to buy uncut gems in Jaipur, to name a few.
We were worried about not being able to see everything with only a week’s time, but with Sanjay’s help we managed to not only see the main highlights but many other sites we didn’t even know about! We stayed at fantastic hotels and received excellent service at all of them. Our guide, Garish, was incredible. He knew so much and was able to give us the history and current insight in a very entertaining and engaging way. Our driver, Mr. Singh, was an expert at dodging traffic and knowing just what routes would be the best. We could not have planned a more wonderful and amazing trip.” —Giselle and Alan Weissman
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
New Zealand: Conservation, Birdwatching, and Māori Connections
Barbara and Larry Schoenfeld birdwatching at the Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari ecological park.
“Jean-Michel’s colleague Clare organized five days of interesting, off-the-beaten path experiences in New Zealand. One of the highlights was a private guided tour of Maungatautari, a Sanctuary Mountain. It’s an incredible conservation area where they constructed one of the world’s largest pest-proof fences and succeeded in rejuvenating tree and bird species, especially New Zealand’s endangered kiwis.
She also arranged for my husband and me to accompany a Maori leader on a spiritual ceremony greeting the dawn, followed by a visit and discussion about Orakei Marae, his tribal community in the hills near Auckland. The next day, we spent a fascinating few hours with Mamakan, a botanical artist who led us through her forest restoration project in Parau and then served us an elegant foraged lunch. A highlight of our trip was the Wendy WOW Moment, a studio visit with Delani Brown, a Maori/Irish wood artist in Taupo who produces giant columns and edifices for buildings and public spaces worldwide.
Those experiences were so unusual and specialized that we wouldn’t have known to seek them, and I doubt we could have connected with them on our own.” —Barbara Schoenfeld
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Egypt: Ancient Pyramids, Tombs, and Nile Sailing
Sandy and Art Collins had this view of the pyramids of Giza all to themselves.
“We just returned from a 15-day trip to Egypt that Jim and Arlene expertly planned. We felt perfectly safe in Egypt and well cared for. The VIP process once we stepped off the plane in Cairo was flawless. At the jetway our first rep had a sign with our name and whisked us through the airport to a lovely private lounge with food and refreshments. We gave him our passports and luggage claim checks and he told us he would deal with immigration and fetch our luggage.
Thirty minutes later we were driven by private car to the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, which is a beautiful hotel. We already had a Nile-view room but somehow Arlene got us upgraded to a suite overlooking the Nile!! She also alerted every hotel and our cruise ship that it was our 35th anniversary, and we had a small cake with our anniversary inscribed everywhere we visited—very thoughtful!
The Abu Simbel tour was outstanding. Our Nubian guide was a fountain of information on the Great Temple of Ramses II and his favorite wife, Nefertari. The site was incredible, with both temples being moved/saved by the monumental efforts of UNESCO. We then moved to the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract in Aswan. Arlene booked a beautiful suite with a Nile view, and we sat on the balcony looking at all the feluccas sailing by, which was so relaxing. The hotel is beautiful and has so much history where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.
We took a felucca (traditional Egyptian sailboat) from the Old Cataract for a 30-minute camel excursion to St. Simeon’s Monastery. What a great preserved Coptic monastery, founded in the 7th century. We were the only tourists in the site and had it all to ourselves.
The next morning we boarded a felucca on a sailing excursion around Elephantine and Kitchener Islands. We thought we were heading back to the Old Cataract when our guide announced we were having lunch on the boat. We then pulled up in our felucca to a yacht with a crew which included a chef, and we were gobsmacked that this was our WOW Moment! We enjoyed a beautifully prepared lunch and relaxed on our private yacht for the afternoon sailing down the Nile. Thank you so much, Wendy, for this special treat!!!
Our last stop on our trip was a sneak peak of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which we were so excited about. We were thrilled at this point to see the floating Obelisk and 30-foot statue of Ramses II, along with some other Pharaonic items in the main hallway. Our guide, Rania, surprised us as we entered the GEM and told us that the grand staircase up to the top of the GEM just opened several weeks ago and it was just fantastic!” —Sandy Collins
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
Southeast Asia: Exploring the Countryside from a Farmer and Fisherman’s Perspective
A misty day on Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Photo: Shutterstock
“We hired Sandy and Ethan to plan our three-week trip to South East Asia and were so glad we did. Both of them have lived for long periods of time in Asia and it really gives them incredible insight and great contacts in all the countries we went to.
All our guides were amazing, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Sandy and Ethan also gave us great advice on things to do that we might have not done on our own. For example, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go to Laos; it just didn’t seem like there was a lot there that would interest me, but Sandy really encouraged us to include Laos and I’m so glad he did; it turned out to be one of our favorite places we visited. Another highlight of the trip was a three-day cruise in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Sandy and Ethan picked out the best boat in the harbor and we had one of the nicest rooms on the boat; it was such a treat and we enjoyed that so much. Another highlight of the trip was a day we spent in Vietnam doing local things in the countryside; we rode water buffalo, went fishing in a small boat with nets, met local rice farmers and learned how they grow their crops. It was such a special day meeting real people and learning about their lifestyle, and it would be something that we would’ve never been able to do on our own.” —Tara Murphy
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
November Trip Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good month for international travel?
November can be one of the best months for international travel since it falls between peak travel seasons in many locales. That often means fewer crowds, better access to insider experiences, and lower rates at top hotels. And since Thanksgiving is only celebrated in North America, it’s a great time to take advantage of November’s travel opportunities while taking fewer days off from work and/or school. For more ideas on where to travel internationally in November, check out Where to Go in November: The Best Places to Travel.
What are the best November trips for families?
Families can use the Thanksgiving break from work and school for getaways that have something for every age. Southern Spain works well for kid-friendly cultural and culinary experiences, while Costa Rica combines jungle adventures and beach relaxation. It’s also an opportune moment to kick off the holiday season with Christmas markets across Europe, or to get a dose of sunshine down under, in Australia. Our own editors have taken their families to Norway, Egypt, and Antarctica over Thanksgiving. Get ideas from your fellow travelers in Thanksgiving Trip Reviews: Inspiration for a Holiday Abroad.
Why use a travel specialist for a November trip?
The best travel specialists in the world—those who’ve earned a spot on Wendy’s WOW List—will custom-tailor your itinerary precisely to your trip goals and travel style, and match you with private guides who are experts in the areas that interest you (from archaeology to wine to shopping). Then, during your trip, the travel fixer can ensure that your itinerary flows seamlessly, and adjust plans on the fly around changeable weather. And since November is typically a slower time for trip planners, it’s often possible to engage them for last-minute arrangements. Use our trip questionnaire to be connected to exactly the right planner for your needs.
Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.