Solo Travel Destinations For November: Where To Go?

If you're looking for a solo adventure in November, you're in luck! There are plenty of destinations that come into their prime once the summer crowds have dissipated and the weather cools down.

For those looking to stay closer to home, November is the perfect time to explore Europe. You can walk the city walls of the historic walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, or explore the ancient landmarks of Greece. If you're looking for something more off the beaten path, try Brixham in the UK, a traditional fishing town with boat trips, coast walks, art galleries, and a lively harbour.

If you're craving more sunshine, head to Cambodia, where you'll find incredible food, a rich history, and an awesome coastline. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try Nepal, where you can enjoy excellent trekking conditions to Annapurna or Everest Base Camp.

For something truly unique, head to the Galapagos Islands, where you can swim with sea lion pups and sunbathe alongside marine iguanas. Or, if you're craving some winter sun, Australia offers a variety of options, from the tropical rainforests of Sydney to the wineries of Melbourne.

So, whether you're looking for city exploration, beach relaxation, or outdoor adventure, November is a great time to travel solo and discover new places and experiences.

Southeast Asia: Explore Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand

Vietnam

November is a great time to visit Vietnam, as the southern coastline enters the dry season. The cooler temperatures make it perfect for hiking through the forested limestone peaks of Cat Ba National Park. At the same time, the city of Ho Chi Minh is just heating up, with buzzing streets, vintage Vespa tours, and lemongrass-flavoured street food to discover.

It's also a great time to visit the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay in the north, or sail to the lesser-explored Lan Ha Bay.

The Philippines

With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is best explored by boat, especially during the dry season in November. Set sail to the island resort of El Nido, surrounded by idyllic white sand atolls. It's also a great time to visit Angono for the annual Higantes Festival, where giant papier-mâché puppets are paraded through the streets.

For surf addicts, Siargao Island is a must-visit, with its enormous barreling waves breaking over a razor-sharp reef.

Thailand

Bangkok, the Thai capital, is at its peak in November, with warm and sunny weather. It's the perfect time to explore the markets and museums before heading to the world-class beaches of Thailand's coast.

For a more active adventure, consider a kayak tour around the San Juan Islands in Washington State, just off the largest island in the archipelago, San Juan Island. It's one of the best places for whale watching, with majestic orca whales frequently spotted near Lime Kiln Point.

Europe: Visit Lisbon, Dubrovnik, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Reykjavik, and more

Europe is a great choice for a solo trip in November, with mild weather in the south and snow in the north.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is filled with history, culture, sights, friendly people, and delicious food and wine. The city is quite walkable and has a small-town feel that makes it easy to get around. Don't miss the Feira da Ladra flea market, soulful fado music, and the old town of Alfama.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is solo travel-friendly with its magnificent beaches and vibrant city life. Spring and fall are ideal, with warm temperatures, affordable accommodations, and fewer crowds. You can take a day trip to one of the sparsely populated islands of Kolocep, Lopud, or Sipan, or join a hiking tour to meet others.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is famed for its picturesque canals, colorful houses, coffee shops, and rich culture. It's very safe and accommodations are affordable. You can easily walk and bike anywhere in the city. Enjoy exploring the museums and markets, or head to the beach at IJburg.

Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedish capital, spread over 14 islands, is one of the best European cities for solo travel. It's culturally vibrant, historically rich, safe, clean, and easy to navigate. Indulge in fresh fish at Nystekt Strömmingvagnen and explore medieval history in the old town, Gamla Stan. After dark, enjoy the nightlife in bohemian Södermalm.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik frequently tops the list of best solo travel destinations as one of the friendliest places in the world. The Laundromat Café in the capital city is a great place to meet others and dine if you're traveling alone. Soak in the Blue Lagoon, with its warm, mineral-rich waters.

Other European Destinations

Other great European destinations to visit in November include Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, Prague, Edinburgh, Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, Santorini, the Scottish Highlands, Krakow, Berlin, Istanbul, Munich, Transylvania, Dublin, and the Swiss Alps.

The US: Denver, Salt Lake City, Mobile, Miami, Honolulu, and more

If you're looking for a US destination to travel to alone in November, here are some great options:

Denver, Colorado

Denver is a great choice for those who want to experience the magic of winter without the extreme cold. With 300 days of sunshine year-round, Denver offers a mix of urban and outdoor attractions. The city's vibrant neighbourhoods boast hip restaurants, street art, and major attractions. Before hitting the ski slopes in the nearby Rocky Mountains, you can gear up and acclimatise to the altitude in Denver. The city also has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries to explore.

Salt Lake City, Utah

November is a shoulder season for Salt Lake City, making it a great time to visit as hotel prices are more affordable. While temperatures drop throughout the month, you can still enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities. From professional sports games to holiday parades and parties, there's plenty to keep you entertained. If you plan to spend time in the city, a few layers of clothing and a winter coat should suffice. However, if you're venturing to the mountainous regions north of the city, be sure to pack thermal wear, hiking boots, and gloves.

Miami, Florida

Miami offers a pleasant escape from the cold in November, with warm temperatures and lower humidity. The average high is 27°C, making it perfect for enjoying the beach and swimming in the 26°C sea. You can expect drier weather, with seven hours of sunshine each day. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen, as UV levels will be high! Miami also boasts a vibrant food scene, with numerous renowned restaurants to explore.

Honolulu, Hawaii

November is an ideal time to visit Honolulu, as the city experiences pleasant weather with highs of around 28°C. You can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking to scenic viewpoints or exploring the city's rich history and culture. Honolulu also offers a vibrant food scene, with a variety of cuisines to indulge in.

Central and South America: Cuba, Mexico, and Peru

Cuba

Cuba is a unique and fascinating place to visit, but it can be challenging for solo travellers, especially when compared to regions like Europe and Southeast Asia. However, with low crime rates, Cuba is a relatively safe destination for solo female travellers. To get around the issue of expensive taxis, you can make use of intercountry taxis, which are priced per person and shared with other travellers. Casa particulars (local guesthouses) are a popular and affordable accommodation option, often costing as little as $10 a night. Hostels are also available, with prices as low as $5 a night in Havana and Trinidad.

When it comes to food, paladars (small restaurants run by locals) and street food (such as peso pizzas) are cheap options. To meet other travellers, staying in hostels and taking part in activities like bar crawls and free walking tours is recommended.

Mexico

Mexico is a large country with a range of destinations to suit every solo traveller. From the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula to the culturally rich Southern Mexico, the charming colonial cities in Central Mexico, and the laid-back Baja California, there's something for everyone.

Merida, the safest city in Mexico, is ideal for a solo trip. It offers photogenic architecture, amazing food, outdoor festivals, and is considered the Mayan Cultural Capital of the Yucatan. Tulum is another great option, known for its laid-back vibes, Mayan archaeological sites, and beautiful beaches. For female solo travellers, Tulum is considered quite safe, and it's easy to meet other people thanks to its large backpacker and digital nomad community.

Other recommended destinations in Mexico include Holbox Island, a quiet and calm place perfect for beautiful beaches and nature; San Miguel de Allende, a small town with blue skies and cobblestone streets; and Puerto Vallarta, a vibrant city on the Pacific Coast known for its LGBTQ+ friendliness.

Peru

Peru is a very accessible destination for solo travellers, with affordable public transit, buses, and flights connecting Lima, Cusco, and the Amazon. Overnight buses are common and safe, and companies like PeruHop offer guided bus tours for solo travellers.

In terms of safety, Peru is similar to other places in the world. Petty theft and crime can occur in larger cities like Lima and Cusco, but by keeping an eye on your surroundings and belongings, you should generally be safe.

There are plenty of activities and attractions in Peru that cater to solo travellers. Gastronomy tours in Lima, treks like the Inca Trail and Colca Canyon, and thrill-seeking activities like paragliding in Lima and dune buggy rides in Huacachina are just a few examples.

When it comes to accommodation, Peru has a variety of hostels to suit different types of travellers, from party hostels like Wild Rover to digital nomad-friendly options like Selina.

The Caribbean: Grand Cayman and the Galápagos Islands

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, which are located south of Cuba and northeast of Honduras. It is known for its stunning beaches, including Seven Mile Beach, Smith Cove, and Stingray City, where you can swim alongside stingrays. The island also boasts beautiful nature reserves such as the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Cayman Crystal Caves.

Grand Cayman has a rich history, with the first recorded permanent inhabitant, Isaac Bodden, born around 1661. English is the official language, but you will also hear Spanish and Tagalog. The capital, George Town, is a colourful city with plenty of shopping and sightseeing opportunities.

November is the start of the dry season in Grand Cayman, so you can expect warm temperatures and little rainfall. It's the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season, which runs from December to February.

The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are a group of islands located in the Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are famous for their unique and diverse wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.

November is a great time to visit the Galápagos Islands as it is the start of the warm, wet season. This means that the islands are lush and green, and you can see newborn animals and migrating birds. The sea temperatures are also pleasant for swimming and snorkelling.

The Galápagos Islands are a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike the trails, snorkel or dive in the surrounding waters, and enjoy wildlife watching. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a great choice for a solo traveller looking for adventure.

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