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November is a month where the world transforms, offering travelers a blend of stunning seasonal transitions, unique festivals, and ideal conditions for exploration. This means that you need a November bucket list!
Whether you’re craving cozy, crisp autumn vibes or sunny escapes before winter hits, this month has it all.
Below, you’ll find the ultimate travel bucket list to maximize your November adventures, from the best places to spend Thanksgiving to epic festivals, seasonal activities, and natural wonders.
Pack your bags—it’s time to explore and start bucketlisting!
Unique Experiences Around the World in November
Adventure in Patagonia, Argentina & Chile
November marks the very beginning of Patagonia’s trekking season, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are still sparse.
Explore iconic landscapes like Torres del Paine or Mount Fitz Roy, where jagged peaks rise above turquoise lakes.
Be sure to pack layers—weather can change rapidly in this region.
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Wander Around The Highlands of Ethiopia
The Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the world.
It’s often called the “Roof of Africa” and is an unspoiled paradise for hikers and drone photographers.
Experience Marrakech, Morocco
November offers cooler, more comfortable temperatures for exploring the city’s bustling souks, gardens, and palaces.
Don’t miss a trip to the Sahara Desert, where you can camp under the stars and ride camels over rolling sand dunes.
November is also a great time to experience Moroccan cuisine—tagines, mint tea, and fresh dates abound.
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Run a Turkey Trot
A Turkey Trot is a fun and festive way to kick off Thanksgiving Day in the United States!
These races, usually 5Ks or 10Ks, have become a holiday tradition across the U.S., bringing together communities to work up an appetite before the big feast.
Participants often dress in Thanksgiving-themed costumes—think turkey hats, pilgrim outfits, and lots of autumn colors—adding a playful vibe to the run.
The largest Turkey Trot in the U.S. is the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, drawing over 25,000 runners annually.
It’s a perfect way to burn some calories, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and give back, as many of these events support local charities.
Adventures & Wildlife Spotting for Your November Bucket List
Spot Wildlife in Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
November is an excellent time to visit the Galápagos Islands, as the weather is pleasant, and it’s right before the tourist rush.
The seas are calm, and wildlife activity is abundant—sea lions, giant tortoises, and marine iguanas are all easily spotted.
Plus, if you go in late November, it is the start of the green turtle mating season!
Witness the Baby Boom in Kruger National Park
November is rainy season in Kruger National Park, which means baby animals galore! Especially in late November and early December.
Newborns attract predators, so you’re likely to witness some exciting wildlife action (starts singing “Circle of Life” from Lion King).
The park is less crowded this time of year, and the green landscape makes for stunning photography.
Just make sure you are prepared to get a little wet!
Spotting zebras in Africa on a safari. Photo by The Bucket List Mermaid.
Thanksgiving Bucket List
Since Thanksgiving is in November in the US, I couldn’t have a November bucket list without mentioning all of the bucket list places to spend Thanksgiving!
Witness the Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, USA
Giant balloons of your favorite characters, Broadway performances, and marching bands weaving through the iconic streets of Manhattan.
Just make sure to arrive early to grab a good viewing spot (by 6 AM is ideal). And after the parade, head to one of the city’s many cozy restaurants offering traditional Thanksgiving dinners.
Or, I found that some places offer brunch with specialized viewing of the parade. Now, that’s a bucket list experience!
If the idea of laying the first ski tracks on the mountain sounds great, Aspen is your November Thanksgiving dream!
As the snow begins to coat the Rockies, Aspen’s ski season starts gearing up in late November, offering stunning alpine vistas and après-ski luxury.
Most resorts offer special Thanksgiving dinners or discounts, so you can indulge in turkey after hitting the slopes.
As a Colorado local, I would also 10/10 recommend hiking Maroon Bells while you are here!
Fall Foliage & Nature Retreats For Your November Bucket
Marvel at the Colors in Kyoto, Japan
Mid-November is usually when the autumn leaves at their peak in Kyoto. Here, the city’s ancient temples and gardens are set ablaze with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine,and Kiyomizu Temple are particularly spectacular this time of year.
Be prepared for crowds, though—this is a popular time to visit, so booking your accommodation well in advance is key.
Zion National Park in Utah offers a stunning autumn spectacle in early November, especially in lower elevations like Zion Canyon.
The cottonwoods, maples, and oaks along the Virgin River explode into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, contrasting beautifully with Zion’s towering red rock cliffs.
The cooler weather makes hiking trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows more comfortable, and with fewer crowds, you can fully soak in the breathtaking vistas framed by the park’s late fall foliage.
This is the perfect way to adventure and see the fall colors!
The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is one of the world’s largest and most colorful livestock fairs.
While it may sound niche, it’s actually an exciting cultural experience featuring camel races, traditional music, dance performances, and even competitions like the longest mustache contest!
Camels at sunset during the Pushkar Camel Fair. Photo by Cenk Gencdis on Unsplash.
Diwali
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Across the country, homes, temples, and streets are illuminated with oil lamps (diyas) and colorful rangoli designs, while fireworks light up the sky.
Cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Varanasi come alive with festivities—temples host special prayers, families exchange sweets, and markets bustle with energy.
Please note that Diwali takes place during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika. This means that it usually takes place between mid-October and mid-November.
Want a tip on how to edit fall pictures when the leaves ghost you? Watch my live editing photo demo ↓
Tropical Escapes & Warm Weather Getaways for Your November Bucket List
Hit Shoulder Season in Maui, Hawaii
Pre-Winter Beach Bliss If you’re looking to soak up some sunshine before winter hits, Maui is your November paradise.
November is part of Hawaii’s shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.
Spend your days lounging on the island’s pristine beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles, or taking in the jaw-dropping Road to Hana.
Just keep in mind that November can bring some rain, so pack accordingly.
Making friends with a turtle while scuba diving in Hawaii. Photo by The Bucket List Mermaid.
Adventure Around Dubai, UAE
Dubai is all about sunshine and perfect temperatures, making it the best time to explore this futuristic city.
Go from sand dunes to skyscrapers in one day—experience dune bashing in the desert or head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Plus, Dubai hosts the Dubai Design Week in November, celebrating innovation and creativity from around the globe.
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Immerse Yourself in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket shakes off its rainy season and welcomes back sunny skies.
It’s the perfect time to hit the beach, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or island-hop to famous spots like the Phi Phi Islands.
The Loy Krathong Festival also takes place this month, where locals release beautifully decorated baskets into the water to honor the goddess of rivers.
Below are some adventurous things to do in or near Phuket 👇
Volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. Photo by The Bucket List Mermaid.
Winter Wonderland Previews in November
Experience the Start of Winter in Banff, Canada
Early Winter Magic Banff National Park in November offers a serene, snowy retreat before the full-on ski season starts.
The stunning Lake Louise begins to freeze over, creating a magical winter landscape perfect for early snowshoeing, ice skating, and cozying up in one of Banff’s many luxury lodges.
November also means fewer tourists before the winter rush, allowing you to have the park’s natural beauty mostly to yourself.
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Witness the Polar Night in Svalbard, Norway
In Svalbard, a remote archipelago in the Arctic, November marks the beginning of the “polar night,” when the sun no longer rises above the horizon.
You might get to experience 24 hours of total darkness!
Snow and ice are already dominant, and you can experience winter in one of its rawest forms.
Fun fact: this is one of the best places to also spot polar bears in the wild. It’s an extreme but unforgettable early winter destination.
Relax in Reykjavik, Iceland
Fire and Ice Adventures Reykjavik in November is an adventure playground where fire and ice meet.
Start your day with a soak in the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters, then explore nearby volcanic landscapes or chase waterfalls frozen in mid-cascade.
With limited daylight, you’ll have a good chance of catching the Northern Lights, and Reykjavik’s cozy cafes make the perfect retreat to warm up after exploring.
The higher elevations of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains—places like Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen—begin to feel like winter wonderlands in November.
I am a CO local and avid snowboarder who has gone every November. I will say that snow conditions aren’t ideal and some of the mountain might be closed.
However, most of the tourists have not yet come so you will (most likely) only be boarding with locals (me).
New to Snowboarding in Colorado?
Read my full story about the harsh truth about learning how to snowboard as an adult!
Learn More
Snowboarding with my best friend in the Colorado Rockies. Photo by The Bucket List Mermaid.
Conclusion to Our Epic Travel November Bucket List
November is the ultimate month to tick off bucket list adventures around the world.
Whether you’re chasing autumn foliage, basking in tropical sunshine, or getting a head start on the holiday season, there’s something for every traveler.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, and let the adventures begin! Happy November!
Meet the adventurous mermaid, Alexandra! Once an EMT and medical school student, she decided she wanted to help people live, rather than just survive. She traded her stethoscope for a mermaid tail, dedicating her life to helping fellow wanderers conquer their adventure bucket lists. Now, she lives full-time in an RV and swims around the world as a travel blogger and yoga instructor, sharing inspiring tales and must-visit destinations through traditional bucket lists, reviews, and guides.
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