The Best Places to Travel in November

New York is dazzling in November. If you’re lucky, you might still catch some nice weather. (Although New York is unpredictable this time of year, so be sure to check the forecast when packing.)

If you want the full New York spectacle, go for Thanksgiving. Line up early for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or battle the crowds on Fifth Avenue for Black Friday sales. No matter what you do, the city is teeming with life this month.

There are several reasons November is the perfect month to visit Myanmar. Not only is the weather ideal (outside of rainy season and the temperatures range from 70-90°F), but the country comes alive. The Tazaungdine Festival, or Festival of Lights, celebrates the month’s full moon and is a national holiday.

On that day—it changes each year—people gather to set off paper lanterns and take part in robe-weaving competitions. The festivities are particularly lively in Yangon.

Travelers who prefer to escape to tropical environments come November should consider the Cayman islands. From November 2 through November 18, the islands pay homage to their history of pirating with the Pirates Week Festival.

The festival hosts mock “pirate invasions,” parades, costume contests, firework displays, and traditional Cayman food. (Now is your chance to try fresh-cracked conch and Cayman deep-fried dumplings.) The Cayman Islands are also one of the few Caribbean destinations that aren't impacted by Zika.

Before descending into the depth of winter, Reykjavik hosts one great hurrah: the Iceland Airwaves festival. The music event has one of the most interesting line-ups out there, with about 240 acts from more than 25 different countries.

This year’s lineup includes acts like Blood Orange, Natalie Prass, and Snail Mail, alongside Icelandic artists. The festival is a great way to get to know the city as downtown venues from record stores to art museums to nightclubs get involved in the action.

Charleston has the tendency to settle into dreamy weather come November. Daytime temperatures tend to stay in the 70s and fall only to about 50 degrees at night. With near-perfect autumnal weather, a November day is a perfect excuse to wander around the Charleston City Market, partake in a Harvest Festival bluegrass jam session, or stop by one of the city’s many food festivals.

November is a sweet spot to visit the Bahamas. You will get to experience the country just as hurricane season is winding down but right before tourists bombard the place in December. Temperatures are likely to stay in the high ‘70s without much rain—so plan on spending as much time on the beach as you can.

Sydney comes alive in November with the bloom of the jacaranda trees. The temperature starts to heat up again but you’ll likely miss the peak of tourist season. But the real reason Aussies get excited about November in Sydney is the Melbourne Cup. If you can get into the country’s most prestigious horse race, you’re guaranteed a treat.

Although the weather cools off by November in the Smoky Mountains, the national park begins to don a new style, which is worth braving colder temperatures to see. The trails are less crowded, which means you might be able to imagine that you have the park entirely to yourself. Plus, if you’re lucky, the leaves will be all shades of gorgeous colors, a meaningful draw for any leaf peepers.