Falling just before the height of the busy and expensive holiday travel season, November is an ideal month for a getaway. Want to get in on beating the crowds with a late-autumn escape, but not quite sure where to go? Let Cheapflights.ca offer some expertise.
We’ve taken a look at our data, crunching the numbers from flight prices to number of searches, to identify the best places for Canadian travellers to take off to this November. Whether you’re looking for a trending destination, a budget-friendly trip, an ideal weather forecast or a bit off both, we have some suggestions. And if you’re not thinking about travelling in November but are hoping to book a trip for a later date, we have a bonus suggestion for you, too.
For budget travellers: Managua, Nicaragua
Adventure seekers and backpackers of all ages looking for an alternative to Southeast Asia and Europe will want to check out Nicaragua. And with average flight prices in November down 26% from the monthly average, it’s an affordable time for this getaway too. Experience Managua’s nightlife with a visit to Zona Hippos, or let Nicaragua’s capital city be your jumping off point to places like colourful Granada and the popular port destinations around Lake Cocibolca. Travel even further into Nicaragua’s southwest coast for an even more varied experience with a visit to the volcanic Ompete island — sandboarding down a volcano, anyone? — and on to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua’s answer to a chill surf town.
For weather watchers: Auckland, New Zealand
Just as it’s beginning to get cool up north, it’s starting to get warm Down Under. Make the most of it with a trip to New Zealand via Auckland. Tourism starts to get hot and busy in the peak summer months of December, January and February, so schedule your visit to this beautiful and varied country for a month like November when you’ll get the best of the weather with the smallest of crowds. Auckland is another great jumping off city, with beautiful countryside only a quick car, bus, train or ferry ride away. Take an easy 30-minute boat to wine-crazy Waiheke Island, home to more than 30 vineyards and world class restaurants. Looking for more of a mountainous Kiwi experience? Take a quick 1-hour flight to the South Island city of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital in both summer and winter. And, if you can’t decide between the two, opt for the route of many a New Zealand traveller and rent a van, which will give you both freedom and a front row seat to the diverse landscape. Be sure to check out our things we wish we knew before visiting New Zealand blog before you go.
For the best of both: Orlando, Florida, U.S.
A fan favourite any time of year, Orlando in November offers both wallet- and weather-friendly travel for Canadians. Orlando happens to be the theme park capital of the world, but with school in session, November also makes for a great time to beat the crowds. You know about the parks, but be sure to check out the thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, too. Orlando isn’t just for kids, after all.
For trendsetters: Thailand
Thailand has been a popular destination among North American travellers for quite some time, but November seems to be a hot month for travellers searching for flights to this Southeast Asian country. Compared to the monthly average, flight searches from Canada to Bangkok for the month of November are up 140% while searches to Chiang Mai are up 124% and searches to Phuket are up 589%. From visiting temples, to touring on boats and lounging on beaches, Thailand has more than enough to keep the trendy traveller entertained. And, if you’re looking to get the most for your dollar, check out how to travel Thailand on a budget.
For advanced planners: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
If the autumn chill leaves you in need of a warm-weather vacation, November is the time to plan a winter escape to sunny Los Angeles. Try searching in mid-to-late November for a late January trip to find average airfares at or near the lowest price of the year. Looking for something fun to do while in sunny California? There are tons of super cool things to do in L.A., ranging from the iconic — like visiting the Hollywood sign, strolling down the Walk of Fame or indulging at Pink’s Hot Dogs — to the more unique — like touring the city’s murals, taking a minute in the city’s rose garden or peeking behind the scenes of a movie set.
*Just so you know, the data for this story was compiled on Aug. 23, 2017, and compares the monthly average airfares found a month or more in advance and total volume of flight searches done 90-120 in advance on Cheapflights for travel dates between Dec. 1, 2016, and Nov. 30, 2017, from departure points across Canada to the destinations above and is intended as a guideline only. Check the latest up-to-date prices and search for flights at Cheapflights.ca.
Want to find our our picks for months other than November? Check out September and October.
