There’s so much going on in North America over November; between the big election in the US and Thanksgiving on the 4th Friday of the month, to say it’s lining up to be an action-packed month would be an understatement.
While the thoughts of all these goings on may unnerve some people when they think of airport chaos, travelers like myself will be hoping to take advantage of the situation before the extortionate Christmas prices are in full swing. And believe me, they’re a real thing.
So next, you’ve got to choose where to go, and that’s where I come in. Get the double espresso poured, pick up the pen and paper, and let’s show some insane trip ideas for this November.
Spend Your November Trip Outdoors at Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada Border
You wouldn’t dare brave America’s hottest location in the summertime, but November is a different story. Death Valley National Park sits on the border between California and Nevada; it’s a highly sought-after destination in the fall.
Hailed as one of America’s largest National Parks, Death Valley NP covers an area of 13,650 km². It’s as unique as it gets in the US; imagine vast sand dunes, craggy mountaintops, and some of the coolest salt flats on Earth. Lucky for you, November is when the hiking season begins here, unlike some of the colder locations in the country. There are a bunch of trails to enjoy, but choose wisely, as some of them can be tough on the legs. Leisurely walkers will like the 3.2km Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes; for something a little more challenging, you’ll enjoy the 8.4 km Sidewinder Canyon. If the sound of the two of them seems like a walk in the park, put yourself through to the 22.5 km Telescope Peak trail. As you can expect, the climate in Death Valley National Park is extremely dry, so you’ll need to bring a lot more water with you on the trails; don’t forget to prepare.
Anyone entering Death Valley National Park on foot without a vehicle will have to pay a $15 (€13.86) entrance fee, which gives you access for 7 days. If you’re thinking about hiring a car, that price increases to $30 ($27.71) for the same amount of time.
The most convenient access point to reach Death Valley National Park is by flying into Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport. Unfortunately, there are no public transport options to the park, so you’ll have to hire a car, which costs around $30 ($27.71) per day before add-ons.
Escape to the Beaches of Tulum for a Romantic Vacation, Mexico
First, it was Cancun, but now there’s a new kid on the block; it’s beautiful Tulum. This sleepy coastal town is part of the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast in the Yucatán Peninsula. It has been making waves in the travel industry because of its unbelievable sun-kissed shores, pre-Columbian Mayan, and upmarket boutique resorts.
In the past few years, couples and newlyweds have been flocking here for an authentic taste of Caribbean vibes and a touch of luxury at a fraction of the cost you’d find in the US. Picturesque beaches like Playa Paraíso and Playa Pescadores are a big draw, while cenotes like Gran Cenote (MXN 500 (22.96)) and Dos Ojos (MXN 350 (€16.07)) make a great day trip.
The wellness scene in Tulum is also a huge highlight for many, with quirky yoga clubs and retreat centers popping up all over the town. One of the big ones is Hollistica, from Kundalini sessions to cacao ceremonies (prices around MXN 250 (€11.48)), it’s a chance for you and your other half to unwind and connect with your inner selves.
Tulum may be a tiny town, but it actually has its own airport you can fly into, Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Various bus companies like ADO Bus and Autobuses Mayab offer a direct service to Tulum from here. Tickets cost around MXN 164 (€7.53), depending on availability, and the journey takes roughly an hour and 15 minutes.
Get Yourself to El Tunco, El Salvador, Just in Time for the Dry Season
Sunshine in November may seem like a foreign concept to some, but in El Tunco, El Salvador, it’s just the start of another dry season. This little seaside settlement may be unknown to many, but it’s seen as a real hub for surfers looking to tackle the waves of the Pacific.
As soon as November comes along, the level of rainfall slowly starts to decrease, and temperatures calm down, with lows of 23°C and highs of 29°C. But because many come here solely for surfing, accommodation starts to sell up fast, with long-term rentals getting the preferred choice over two-night stays, so you’ll have to book quickly.
Even if you’re not a surfer, El Tunco is so much fun! Cascadas de Tamanique Waterfall is a pure hidden gem and well deserving of a cheeky dip (entry fee $7 (€6.45)). The short hike up to Peñon de Comasagua ($2 (€1.84) entry fee) is nothing short of incredible; wait until you see the views of the Salvadorian countryside; you’ll never want to leave. In the evenings, El Tunco Beach draws a lot of eyes for sunset; grab some beers from one of the vendors ($2 (1.84)) and watch the sky light up.
Since you’ve come all the way to the surfing capital of El Salvador, you might as well have a shot on the board and show everyone what you’re made of. There are a bunch of places offering lessons all over the neighborhood, but you’ll have to decide how long you want to do them for as both single classes and multi-day camps are available. Typically, private lessons start at $35 (€32.24), including your board, dry suit, and class with the instructor, but every company is different.
El Tunco is located around an hour’s drive from the country’s capital, San Salvador, so getting there won’t be an issue. You’ll most likely fly into San Salvador International Airport, and from there, the bus company Astrall runs a direct service to El Tunco. The bus number is 102-A San Salvador, and the ticket fee is only around $2.17 (€2).
Take a Trip With Your Friends to San José, Costa Rica
Small in size, bursting with charm, and filled with history; yes, you guessed right, it’s Costa Rica’s capital, San José. It’s such a shame that most people who travel to Costa Rica skip the capital and go straight to the national parks. Of course, the country’s nature is a big highlight, but a city as authentic as San José deserves at least two days of your time.
Surrounded by the Talamanca Mountains in the south and the Irazu and Barva volcanoes in the north, you’ll feel that rural cosmopolitan mix of San José as soon as you touch down. Your first port of call should be the quirky district of Barrio Amón, where you can spot some of the charming 19th-century cafetaleros, which are old-age mansions. Continue your historic adventure through San José to see the 1,140-seat Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, which opened back in 1897 and still looks as good as new today (entry tickets cost around CRC 5127.97 (€9.25). If you’ve still got some fuel left in the tank and your inner historian is craving more ancient treasures, you have to make your way to Museo Nacional De Costa Rica. Here, you can learn all there is to know about the story of Costa Rica as a country through some amazing exhibits, including the Memories From Stone and From Barracks to Museum displays (entry tickets CRC 5640.76 (€10.18)).
Fond of a fine cup of arabica? I’m sure you are. Costa Rica is the 22nd biggest coffee exporter in the world. Pretty much all over the country, you’ll find farms that allow visitors to come and see their operation, including on the outskirts of San José. If you’re interested, check out a company called ‘Britt Coffee Tour,’ they’re based out of the capital and do a wonderful excursion, taking you to some local estates for CRC 12307.12 (€22.21).
The main airport in San José is Juan Santamaría International Airport; it’s about a 20 km / 40-minute drive from the city center. There’s a bus service running from outside of the main airport terminal with tickets costing CRC 735. When you walk out for arrivals, it’s directly across the street; you’ll need to look out for the bus that’s labeled ‘to San José.’
Go away on a Low-Cost Holiday to Somewhere Like Ometepe Island in Nicaragua
The colonial cities of Granada and Leon stick out on my itineraries for Nicaragua, but have you ever heard of Ometepe Island? If you have, first off, let me say I’m pretty impressed with your travel knowledge, and if you haven’t, you are in for a treat!
Situated in the massive Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe Island is an island made up of two volcanos; it already sounds cool, doesn’t it? This place is a prime stop on the backpacker route going through Central America, but you need a few days to explore it properly; it’s not one of these quick day trip stops; even getting there requires a bit of work. I spent 5 nights here, and even with that, I would say I could have done with a few more. Mainly because I enjoyed the vibe here so much and might have spent one too many days bet into my book as I lay in a hammock.
It’s important to base yourself in a good location on Ometepe Island as it’s pretty big, and getting around can be a pain unless you can drive a moped or hire a car from the mainland and take it on the ferry. I stayed in Moyogalpa, which is the place where the ferry drops you off, but I hired a bike and had to drive all around the island to see all the main attractions. Instead, I suggest you stay in either Altagracia or Balgue, which have more going on and just better bases in general.
Everyone does the two main volcano hikes on Ometepe Island, Maderas (NIO 1289.00 (€32.36) and Concepción NIO 1104.85 (€27.74), but both take up a full day and require a guide, so you’ll have to plan in advance. Playa Mango is easily one of my favorite places on the island. It’s a quirky little bar right on the water, and it provides a sick view of Concepción Volcano. As the sun goes down, make your way to Punta Jesús Maria to catch one of the best golden hours ever, and I don’t say that often!
The journey from Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua to Ometepe Island is quite a trip; give yourself plenty of time and pack plenty of snacks and water; you’ll need it. The chicken bus is the most economical option, but it doesn’t leave from the airport directly, so first, you’ll have to take an inDrive to Mercado Roberto Huembes, which shouldn’t cost you more than NIO 199.15 (€5). From there, you have to take a 2.5-hour chicken bus to Rivas. Prices vary as they tend to charge tourists what they want, but again, it should only be a few euros. Once you arrive, you then have to take another 10-minute bus to the Port of San Jorge (approximately NIO 20 (€0.50)). Finally, it’s an hour’s ferry ride to Ometepe Island, with tickets priced at (NIO 60 (€1.51)). Bear in mind these prices are subject to change!
Where’s Catching Your Eye for a November Escape?
Start planning your November trip to North America to one of these remarkable destinations. Sure, a lot is going on in the continent this month, but that adds to the excitement. Even if you want to ditch the ram-packed November calendar in the US, we’ve included some great alternatives in different countries for you to consider.