INSPIRATION • November 2016
Unexpectedly brilliant places to visit in November
November can be a slow month for travel, but if you’re willing to take a chance, you’ll be rewarded with off-season delights. Travel writer Chris Leadbeater offers the inside scoop on destinations best visited right now
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Despite being in the Arctic Circle, this cluster of islands is remarkably hospitable in winter, thanks to the Gulf Stream’s warming currents. Warm enough in fact that (with a wet suit) you can surf in November. The long breakers that crash onto the ocean flank of Vestvagoy, near Unstad, demand to be tackled.
Don’t miss: The Northern Lights, which haunt the heavens between September and April.
Muscat, Oman
With more than 1,000 miles of unspoiled sandy coastline and few tourists, Oman is one of the best-kept secrets for a November beach retreat. Muscat’s Qurum Beach has the best selection of restaurants nearby, or drive to the rugged Qantab Beach (pictured), where local fishermen take small groups out for boat rides.
Don’t miss: Oman’s National Day is 18 November, the birthday of the country’s ruling sultan. The celebrations include traditional dancing, fireworks and camel racing.
Costa Rica
Marking the end of the rainy season, November in Costa Rica promises temperatures of 25°C and fewer tourists. It’s also great for spotting leatherback sea turtles during nesting season at Tortuguero National Park, as well as other colourful creatures.
Don’t miss: Irazu volcano – you can see both coasts from its summit.
Tokyo, Japan
Snow bunnies may head for the slopes of Hokkaido, but Tokyo is for in-the-know culture vultures. Set at 35oN (the same latitude as Tangier in Morocco), the ultra-modern metropolis enjoys mild weather in November and various cultural events.
Tokyo Ramen is a huge outdoor salute to noodle dishes, while Bunkyo Chrysanthemum Festival showcases more than 2,000 bright blooms.
Don’t miss: Early Christmas shopping in Tokyo’s fabled Ginza shopping area, with its endless array of glowing neon signs.
Athens, Greece
Rediscover the Greek capital, where the Acropolis still sings of ancient pomp and majesty. November sees the annual Athens Marathon, an appropriate stage for the race’s birthplace. The course ends amid the marble tiers of the Panathenaic Stadium. November is also (almost) the last chance to see a Lego version of the Acropolis at the superb Acropolis Museum (until 31 December 2016).
Don’t miss: A loftier glimpse of Athens from the top of Lycabettus Hill.
New Orleans
While people flock to February’s Mardi Gras carnival, this Louisiana metropolis boasts flamboyant events all year round. November sees the Boudin, Bourbon and Beer festival – a street-food celebration in Champions Square, while the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival promises a giddy whirl of music and hearty grub.
Don’t miss: St Louis Cathedral, an 18th-century note of sobriety in the French Quarter.
Whether you plan to pop the question in Paris or are celebrating a milestone birthday in the Maldives, British Airways wants to hear from Executive Club Members who might be interested in being the subject of the airline’s next marketing campaign.
If you’re taking a special trip in November and like the idea of having help from the airline to make it extra special, get in touch with the PR team with your story by 11 November 2016. Every email will receive a response.
This article has been tagged Adventure, Travel Tips