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As the days grow shorter and the temperatures colder, November marks an ideal time to plan a relaxing, fun-filled getaway before the busy holiday season kicks in.
It's also your last chance to take advantage of shoulder season bargains before prices and crowds pick up again for Christmas and New Years. All in all, travellers can expect fewer people, cheaper costs and milder weather around much of the world during November.
But before you rush off to plan your escape, there are some areas Canada advises travellers to a exercise caution if they're keen on visiting or, to flat out avoid due to weather or security reasons. By now, you've all heard of the catastrophic super typhoon Haiyan that slammed into the Philippines earlier in November, just to name an example.
As always, no matter where or when you travel, remember to always keep an eye on the travel advisories and headlines before your take off. Here are the a few places you may want to avoid this month, as well as those that are particularly luring in November.
Places You Might Not Want To Visit Right Now In November
November Travel Warnings
Avoid: Indonesia(01 of19)
Indonesia - Komodo National Park, the coral reefs of Raja Ampat, the bustling city of Jakarta, the waves of Lomboko, the active volcano Mount Bromo, and (of course) the paradise island of Bali, are just of a few of Indonesia's many draws. However, November is rainy season in Indonesia, which runs until March and can lead to landslides and flooding. Though travelling to Indonesia during the wet season is possible, and there's no nationwide advisory in place for the country, you may want to consider planning your visit to Indonesia during dry season. Travellers should also avoid non-essential travel to the province of Papua due to violence targeting foreigners. (credit:Getty)
Avoid: Mozambique(02 of19)
Mozambique is an up-and-coming tourist destination, with beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and diving locations, and exciting safaris. It also has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, a recent string of events has some fearing the promising country may be returning to violence. There has been a recent wave of kidnappings in the country, with at least 15 last months. Individuals perceived as wealthy are being targeted, including foreigners. There are also ongoing violent clashes between opposition forces (Renamo) and military in the provinces of Sofala and Nampula. Travelling outside of urban areas is not recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (credit:Flickr: F H Mira)
Avoid: Tunisia(03 of19)
Tunisia has plenty to offer travellers with its rich history and natural beauty. Tourism plays an important role in the North-African country’s economy, with its beaches being a main attraction, as well as desert treks. However, there are fears that tourism will be on the decline after a suicide bomb was detonated on a beach near a hotel strip in Sousse on Oct. 30, according to Reuters. Another attacked was foiled on the same day at a tourist attraction in Monastir. Due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism, travellers are urged to be cautious when visiting Tunisia. Travellers are also advised to avoid non-essential to certain regions of the country. (credit:Flickr: mckaysavage)
Avoid: The Philippines(04 of19)
It is no surprise tourism is an important sector of the Philippines's economy. The country is made up of more than 7,100 islands, and with its tropical rainforests, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and mountains, there's no shortage on opportunities for outdoor adventures. However, you'll have to put your visit to the Philippines on hold. Super typhoon Haiyan walloped the central Philippines early November, with sustained winds estimated at 305 km/h. It is one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall, causing landslides, and power and communications outages. The city of Tacloban, one of the hardest hit regions in the country, now lies mostly in ruins, the Associated Press reports. On Nov. 12, the death toll from the disaster rose to 1,774. Typhoon and monsoon season runs from May to December. The Philippines are hit by about 20 typhoons a year. (credit:Flickr: Juha Riissanen)
Instead, Try: Malawi(05 of19)
Much like neighbouring Mozambique, it’s no surprise that tourism in Malawi has been on the rise -- the Southeast-African country’s diverse and breathtaking landscape has plenty to offer adventure-seeking travellers, including game-viewing safaris, trekking and mountain biking. But Malawi’s major attraction is the dazzling Lake Malawi. It’s Africa’s third largest lake and a popular spot for water activities, such as snorkeling and diving. Dry season runs in Malawi from May to mid-November -- the perfect time for game viewing, provided you can deal with temperatures in the low 30's. Currently. there's no nationwide travel advisory in place for Malawi; however, travellers should be weary of crime as pickpocketing, mugging and bag-snatching do occur. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: The Gran Canary Islands(06 of19)
There is never a bad time to visit the Gran Canary Islands with their permanent spring-summer temperatures and sunshine. However, November is off-season for tourism, which means attractions and beaches usually buzzing with tourists will be far less crowded (and lower travel costs to boot).The Islands offer an array of activities, including watersports, underwater excursions, beach lounging, and bird or whale watching. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Canary Islands. (credit:Flickr: Szeke)
Instead, Try: Kyoto Japan(07 of19)
While the trees are quickly shedding their colourful foliage at home, the vibrant fall foliage in Kyoto is just reaching its peak around the end of November -- one of the best times to visit Japan as the weather is mild, dry and there tourist numbers low. Take part in the Japanese tradition of momijigari (“red leaf hunting”) while visiting one of Kyoto's many temples, such as Tofukuji Temple, Yoshiminedera or the garden of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (which is lit up for leaf-peeping at night). There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Japan. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: Oman(08 of19)
Lonely Planet ranked Muscat, the capital of this up-and-coming tourism hot spot, as the second best city in the world to visit in 2012. Oman’s diverse landscape lends itself to a myriad of attractions and activities, such as beaches, desert safaris, kitesurfing, rock climbing and hiking. And if there is a time to visit Oman, it is in November when the weather is pleasant with temperatures in the in the mid-twenties. There is no nationwide advisory in place for Oman; however, travellers should be alert due to demonstrations and the threat of terrorism. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: Valparaíso, Chile(09 of19)
The main attraction of this inspiring seaport city (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Chile is the interesting architecture, colourful houses, street art and graffiti, and unique funicular elevators. The weather is on the warmer side, fluctuating between low 20’s and high 30’s and makes for a great time to explore the fascinating hilly streets, alleyways and stairways of Valparaíso. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for the Chile. (credit:Flickr: Maltman23)
Avoid: Kenya(10 of19)
Kenya’s vital tourism sector is expected to suffer a major blow following the al-Shabab attack on Westgate mall in Nairobi last month. More than 60 people were killed in the attack, including two Canadians. Although President Uhuru Kenyatta pleaded to foreign governments not to issue travel advisories for Kenya, travel agencies have already seen travellers cancel their visits to the East-African nation. Canada has not issued a nationwide advisory for Kenya; however, they updated the security information for the country, adding that other such attacks in public areas are a real possibility. Travellers are urged to remain vigilant. Canada also advises against all travel to northeast Kenya 150 km of the Somali border, and against non-essential travel to the Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi. (credit:The Associated Press)
Avoid: Mexico(11 of19)
Canadians love to visit Mexico with its sandy beach resorts, and countless natural and historical sites. However, May to November is hurricane and rainy season in the country, which can affect both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country was hit by two tropical storms last month, causing floods and landslides that devastated neighbourhoods, and left thousands of tourists stranded. Although this hurricane season has been relatively mild, and there is no nationwide advisory in effect for Mexico, it’s wise for travellers to keep an eye on weather reports. Other areas affected by hurricane season include the Caribbean, Central America and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas). (credit:Getty)
Avoid: Thailand(12 of19)
Tourism is an important sector of Thailand’s economy and it has plenty to offer with its, archeological sites, diverse wildlife and many Buddhist temples. In fact, Bangkok was listed the most visited city in the world on the 2013 Global Destination Cities Index. However, October isn't the ideal time to visit Thailand mainly due to the weather. October is one of the wettest months in Thailand when the rainy season draws to an end. However, if getting a little wet isn’t an issue for you there is a plus side to visiting Thailand in October. The weather is cooler, the landscape greener, the tourists fewer and the prices lower. There is no nationwide travel advisory in place for Thailand; however, travellers should be cautious due to the risk of demonstrations, civil unrest, sporadic violence and attacks. Canada also advises against all travel to the Thai-Cambodian border, and to the southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. (credit:Getty)
Avoid: Lebanon(13 of19)
Tourism in Lebanon was a booming industry not too long ago. In fact, the New York Times once listed the capital city Beirut as the number one travel destination in the world in 2009. The country, located in the East Mediterranean, has some kind of tourism to offer everyone whether it be cultural, ecological, religious or adventure. Although it remains an important sector of the country’s economy, Lebanon has witnessed its tourism industry plummet due to the war in neighbouring Syria. Canada advises against non-essential travel to Lebanon due to heightened tensions and crime. There are also a number of regional advisories in place, including travel to all areas within 10 km of the border with Syria. (credit:Getty)
Avoid: Guinea(14 of19)
The warm and hospitable people, the gorgeous music of kora players, towering Mount Nimba, and the lovely beaches of Cape Verga are just a few of the attractions Guinea has to offer tourists. However, Canada advises against all travel to the West-African country due to the volatile security situation caused by political, social and economic tensions in the country. Conflict in neighbouring countries, such as Sierra Leone, has also spilled across the border into Guinea. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: A Staycation In Canada(15 of19)
If you are looking for a getaway close to home, early October is a beautiful time to explore Canada’s myriad of colourful national parks from coast to coast. The temperature in Canada is just right in early October when fall foliage is reaching its peak. Some of the best spots for leaf peeping include the Bruce Peninsula and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and the Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick. There are no travel advisories in place for Canada. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: An Adventure In Nepal(16 of19)
If you are feeling adventurous, October is the perfect time for a trek in Nepal -- one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world with some of the highest mountain peaks (including Everest).The monsoon season comes to an end in October, leaving behind a lush green landscape and pleasant temperatures. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Nepal, but travellers should be cautious due to a tense political situation that may lead to demonstrations and strikes. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: A Wildlife Photoshoot In Ecuador(17 of19)
The Galapagos Islands are exciting to explore year round. However, prices for tours of the islands are typically lowered in October, because there are fewer tourists. The islands are always bursting with unique wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, iguanas and waved albatrosses. So don’t forget your camera! There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Ecuador; however, travellers are urged to be cautious due to high levels of crime and public demonstrations. Travellers are also advised against all travel to areas bordering Colombia, and southern provinces bordering Peru. (credit:Shutterstock)
Instead, Try: Relaxing In Mauritius(18 of19)
There's never really a bad time to visit this tropical paradise. However, the weather in Mauritius is particularly comfortable in October, with warm sunny days and cooler nights. Visit the Le Morne Brabant – a peninsula and UNESCO World Heritage site home to rare plant species. Lounge on a white powdery beach by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Or if you’re feeling restless, Mauritius’s diverse landscape offers a variety of sporting activities, including mountain trekking, golf, hiking, kayaking, and scuba diving and snorkeling. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Mauritius. (credit:Getty)
Instead, Try: Wandering In Argentina(19 of19)
Spring arrives in Argentina from September to November -- an ideal time to visit Buenos Aires as, once again, the weather is mild and enjoyable. Wander around the impressive cemetery, Cementerio de la Recoleta. Spot tango dancers and artists on the colourful cobblestone streets of Calle Museo Caminito. Or visit and learn the history of Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires’s main square that reaches back to its founding in 1580. There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Argentina. However, travellers should be on alert and exercise caution due to the risk of crime. (credit:Getty)
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