Looking for your next adventure?
November is the perfect time of year to explore destinations at home or abroad. This list offers a curated selection of travel destinations, from bustling cities you might not have explored yet, to serene desert retreats.
Offering a sweet spot for the wanderlust, in November flight costs often dip post-summer and pre-festive season, and coupled with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, it makes for the perfect time of year to plan a getaway.
Discover some of the world's most captivating places and plan your perfect getaway.
AlUla, Saudi
AlUla is appealing all year round, but it really shines as the return of cooler weather translates to all manner of festivals. Plan your travels around the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, which celebrates the region's historical significance and transports visitors to a bygone era with epic re-enactments, multi-sensory culinary experiences, after-dark excursions, and guided trips to archaeological sites. No trip to this desert oasis would be complete without a hot air balloon ride, so take one operated by Hero Balloon Flights Saudi for an aerial view of those spectacular canyons, ancient tombs, and dramatic rock formations basking in the glow of sunrise.
Stay at: Our Habitas AlUla, where an extensive range of wellness offerings complements 96 luxury villas in the scenic Ashar Valley. @habitasalula
Dine at: Saffron for a feast of signature dishes that have been honed over time – the crispy sea bass and Thai take on crème brûlée are crowd-pleasers.
Barcelona, Spain
Earlier this year, Saudia announced the launch of more weekly flights from Jeddah to Barcelona, making a jaunt to this Spanish city even more tempting. On average, there's 11 hours of sunshine per day, giving you plenty of time to stroll down La Rambla, join a street art tour, take a sunset jazz cruise, and observe the city from the panoramic terrace of Park Güell alongside fewer crowds. November, incidentally, also hosts several markets to browse. From November 6-10, BCN en las ALTURAS will present fashion finds, live music, and culinary pop-ups in the Torre Belles guard gardens. The Sagrada Família Christmas Market will follow on 28November, infusing Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece with festive spirit and over 100 stalls.
Stay at: The Hoxton, Poblenou to mingle with creative types in an achingly cool property complemented by rooftop views of Sagrada Família. @thehoxtonhotel
Dine at: COCINA Hermanos Torres for avant-garde, artfully plated dishes in one of only four restaurants in Barcelona with three Michelin stars. @hermanostorres
Chiang Mai, Thailand
For Saudi nationals, visiting Thailand is now easier than ever as there are no visa requirements. In addition to this, one of the biggest draws of visiting Chiang Mai in November is the opportunity to experience the city's rich cultural heritage, various festivals and events take place throughout the month, offering visitors a glimpse into Thai traditions and customs. Just over an hours flight from the Thai capital of Bangkok, Chiang Mai offers visitors a balance between the wilds of the Thai countryside, and the hustle and bustle of the smaller city.
Stay at: The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a haven of serenity, seamlessly blending wellness, rejuvenation and fine dining. @fschiangmai
Dine at: With a Michelin Bib Gourmand under its belt, Baan Landai serves traditional Thai dishes with a fine dining flair and is a must-try experience when visiting Chiang Mai. @baan_landai
Oaxaca, Mexico
If you’re seeking a long-haul destination, consider the vibrant city of Oaxaca, planned in accordance with the Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – celebrations that take over Mexico every November. For the uninitiated, the event is visually exuberant, culturally significant, and highly misunderstood. While many believe that it's a Mexican version of Halloween, it is in fact a deeply heartfelt celebration of life that dates back 3,000 years, honouring the departed with parades and processions worth witnessing. Elsewhere, Oaxaca boasts brilliant street art, a unique food scene, a geological jumble of two major mountain ranges, and a largely untouched coast. Factor in that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you're looking at a dream holiday combination.
Stay at: Casa Criollo to experience Oaxaca like a local, complete with barro rojo ceramics and embroidered ponchos. @criollo_oax
Dine at: Levadura de Olla, where vegetable-forward courses emulate traditional recipes to showcase what makes Oaxaca a foodie destination. @levaduradeolla
