November for winter sports fans means the start of the ski season in some high-altitude resorts, and the chance to get back on the slopes.
If you prefer warm sunshine, head to Mexico’s Riviera Maya for some serious beach time, or explore the wonderfully unusual landscapes of the Maltese island of Gozo.
Seville makes a sweet city break at this time of the year, and the open spaces of the North Norfolk coast and the Fife countryside might be just what you need for a cosy getaway.
Planning a big-ticket adventure? Combine safari in Botswana with Mozambique’s beaches, or get to know Japan’s ancient walking trails on a tailor-made holiday.
Wherever you choose to go on holiday in November, you’ll get some travel inspiration here.
Read more: Why you should swap the French Alps for the Bavarian mountains
France
Get a head start on the ski season at high-altitude Val Thorens in France’s 3 Vallées, whose season opens on the weekend of 22 November. Iglu Ski has a six-night break at Club Med Val Thorens Sensations, which is in the heart of the village and has ski-in-ski-out access. Prices for a 23 November departure start at £1,388pp, down from £1,456pp, and include all-inclusive accommodation, lift passes and ski/snowboard lessons, but travel is extra.
Read more: This budget family resort is the Alps’ best-kept secret
Spain
Enjoy the mellow warmth of Seville from the vantage point of La Casa del Maestro, a delightful boutique hotel in the central Barrio de Santa Cruz district. This former home of flamenco guitarist Niño Ricardo has charming musical themes (not surprisingly) and a roof terrace where you can enjoy city views. Booked through i-escape, double rooms start at £87 a night in November.
Read more: The best things to do in Seville
Norfolk
Blow the cobwebs away with long walks on the sands of Old Hunstanton when you stay at Willow Cottage near the North Norfolk coast. This three-bedroom cottage in traditional Norfolk flint and brick is only a mile from the beach and is the place for cosy evenings in front of the fire under beamed ceilings. It sleeps six, and you can squeeze an extra two people on the sofabed in the TV room. Canine Cottages has four nights from 1 November for £1,058, and up to two dogs are welcome.
Read more: Why this British seaside destination makes the perfect winter break
Mexico
Combine complete relaxation with day trips to ancient Mayan sites when you stay at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This all-inclusive resort on the Yucatan peninsula is right on the beach and features an outdoor pool and spa, and the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum are just an hour away. Tropical Sky has a seven-night holiday starting at £1,425pp, including flights and all-inclusive accommodation, departing 16 November.
Read more: 11 days on Mexico’s Copper Canyon railway route
Malta
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Malta’s little sister island of Gozo is a magical place where you can still enjoy temperatures in the 20s in November. Use the luxurious Ta Cenc Hotel and Spa as your base for some superb walking around the island. For lazy days, chill out in the hotel’s two pools and spa, or hit the beach. Mercury Holidays has a seven-night break departing 24 November and starting at £490pp, including flights and breakfast.
Read more: Best hotels in Valletta, reviewed
Scotland
Surround yourself in the serene Fife countryside at Cynicus, an eco-lodge on a working farm near St Andrews. Its light-filled open-plan interior is stylishly designed, and there’s also a wood-burning stove for chilly nights. It sleeps six in three double bedrooms, and up to two dogs are welcome. Cottages & Castles has a five-night stay at Cynicus from 14 November for £780.
Read more: Here’s why Scotland’s rail journeys are the best in the world
And if you want to splash out…
Botswana
Push the boat out – in this case literally – on this romantic holiday starting with a luxurious four-night safari stay in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. You’ll be drifting along the waterways in a mokoro (traditional canoe) when you’re not being driven in a 4×4 or exploring on foot. After a night in Johannesburg, you’ll fly to Mozambique for five nights lazing on white sands. Rainbow Tours offers this 12-night Botswana and Mozambique Escape (including two on overnight flights) from £9,550pp, including all flights, transfers, transport, almost all meals and all entrance fees.
Read more: Is there such thing as an affordable safari?
Japan
Selective Asia’s Following Ancient Trails is a sublime way to explore Japan on foot. It’s a tailor-made holiday usually running over 17 days in which you’ll wander along ancient pilgrimage trails of the southern Kansai region, the streets of Tokyo, the landscapes of Nagano, as well as Kyoto and Osaka. The guide price of £6,390pp includes three nights in Tokyo, two nights in Kamikochi, two nights on the Nakesendo Way, three in Kyoto, three nights walking the Kumano Kodo, two around Ise and one in Osaka, as well as internal transport, guides and some meals. Flights are extra but can be arranged.
Read more: Why the ‘Hawaii of Japan’ should be your next beach holiday
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
