Swim – A Sweet Paradise

Worldwide Vacations for November

Posted on February 3, 2026January 14, 2026 by Nicole Benedetta

Let’s take a look at my top 5 suggestions for destinations around the world to visit in November.

Maldives

Huvafen Fushi Ocean Bungalow — Photo by Huvafun Fushi

November has excellent conditions for diving with manta rays and whale sharks, less rain, and stunning sunsets, minus the peak crowds and high prices. The Maldives looks like an absolutely beautiful destination. with snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset cruises, paddleboarding, and parasailing. Plus, the spa treatments and staying in an overwater bungalow will have you feeling relaxed and luxurious. While Hulhumale Beach is known for its white sand and shallow, clear water, Vaadhoo Beach is famous for the “Sea of Stars” bioluminescence occurrence where the phytoplankton glow an electric blue at nighttime.

Dubai

This city in November has nice, cooler weather, avoiding the summer heat. It is still magnificent for swimming at JBR Beach or going on desert safaris. It marks the beginning of peak tourist season with Dubai Design Week, Dubai International Film Festival, and the Dubai Shopping Festival kicking off. While there, Ferrari World, Burj Khalifi, the world’s largest building with an observation deck, or the Dubai Autodrome, with the opportunity to drive an F1 race car. The Dubai Miracle Garden, the largest natural flower garden in the world, reopens this month. It is the home of over 150 million flowers forming castles and a life-size Emirates A380 replica!

Malta

Going to Malta at this time of the year is perfect for visiting historical sites such as Valletta or the Tarxien Temples without the crowds. The temperatures in the ocean are also still swimmable, though there may be occasional showers and cooler nights. More notable scenic spot are Dingli Cliffs and Blue Grotto, a sea cave known for its vibrant blue waters. In this country, you can also find the Popeye Village, an eccentric venue and open-air museum. It was created as the original film set for the live-action Popeye movie in 1980, providing characters, mini golf, boat rides, and a swimming area.

St. Lucia

Why go to St. Lucia in November? For the lush scenery, lower prices, and fewer crowds, of course. Besides relaxing in your private villa, the Gros Piton is a 5 hour hike or Descartiers Rainforest are moderate trails. Other attractions consist of the mud baths at Sulphur Springs, swimming under the Toraille Waterfall, kayaking Pigeon Island, or catamaran cruises. If you want to enjoy a gorgeous beach, try Anse Mamin or Reduit for water sports such as water skiing and windsurfing.

Taiwan

Photo by Gary Todd

The country of Taiwan will be ideal for exploring autumn scenery at Qianshan Park while experiencing less crowds in the middle of fall. It starts off hot spring season for relaxing dips at Beitou or Wulai. Starting in the middle of the month, you can catch the huge annual festival of Christmasland with trees, light displays, music, and installations. Another event is Nuit Blanche, a contemporary arts festival featuring interactive projections. Taipei 101 (pictured above), was one of the tallest buildings in the world, still holding luxury shops and observation decks.

Well I hope you learned more about these destinations and are contemplating them for your next trip. Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Interesting U.S. Adventures in November

Posted on January 27, 2026January 14, 2026 by Nicole Benedetta

Not sure where to travel to in the U.S. in the late fall? Here are a few recommendations for you to consider.

Sedona, Arizona

Pleasant weather for hiking at Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock on top of less crowds makes Sedona attractive during the month of November. Red Rock State Park makes for a scenic walk while Centennial Trailhead makes for a good spot for stargazing. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are common day trips (3 hours one way) taken from Sedona, as they are only a 12 minute drive from one another. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a location for browsing galleries and boutiques, designed to feel like a traditional Mexican village.

Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens Tampa — Photo by Jeremy Thompson

Visit Tampa in November if you’re looking for the perfect weather, warm days and cool nights. Fall events, food festivals, and walking or biking the Riverwalk are fun activities to do. Beaches including Clearwater or St. Pete can be ideal for swimming and tanning, with weather in the mid-70s. Busch Gardens (pictured above) and ZooTampa with an open-air safari are good choices for families! And if you come at the beginning of the month, you can attend Hulaween, a electronic music festival less than three hours away!

Telluride, Colorado

If you want early access to skiing and snowboarding, mixed with crisp mountain air before winter sets in, November is a good time to go to Telluride. It has a free gondola that you can ride from the city to Mountain Village, as it gives passengers outstanding sights of the San Juan Mountains. Horse-drawn sleighs are available at the Aldasoro Family Ranch and the ice skating rink is found at the Telluride Town Park. Hiking at Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls still may be possible, if you prepare by dressing in layers.

North Pole, Alaska

The town of North Pole in Alaska is as unique as it sounds, hosting a Christmas-themed Santa Claus House and viewing for Northern Lights. At the Antler Academy across from the Santa Claus House, people can meet live reindeer. Streets such as Santa Claus Lane and Candy Cane Lane are festively decorated, with candy cane-striped lampposts and elaborate light displays. Events such as Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, with local vendors, food, and fireworks, starts near the end of November.

Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels has absolutely perfect weather year-round, so why not escape the cold and go there? The average temperature during this month is 73 degrees and therefore, a good time to walk the Runyon Canyon, see the festive lights at The Grove, or attend the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Other events include the LA Zoo Lights or the Avenue 26 Night Market for food trucks. For a less basic experience, the Valley Relics Museum, the Venice of America Canals, St. Vincent Court, or taking the Angels Flight railway to the Grand Central Market.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

All Around the World in October

Posted on January 20, 2026January 14, 2026 by Nicole Benedetta

Bora Bora

Tikehau, archipel des Tuamotus — Photo by Benoit Mahe

This island offers excellent weather with little rain and warm temperatures in the mid-80s while peak season is slowing down. The seas are calmer then and there is abundant sunshine! It is perfect for diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, ATV tours, exploring villages, and whale watching. If I were to go, I would likely choose to swim in the clear water around my bungalow most of the time.

Morocco

By visiting Morocco in October, you will be able to avoid the heat, making it ideal for exploring cities such as Marrakech and Fes, hiking through the Atlas Mountains, and surfing along the coast of Essaouira. In the Sahara Desert, you will even be able to ride camels or rejuvenate in a traditional Moroccan Hammam bath! Other unique activities include pottery workshops or the Arabian Nights dinner experience in the dunes of the Moroccan Desert.

Iceland

Iceland in October provides visitors with lower prices and stunning autumn colors. Not to mention the prime opportunity for viewing the Northern Lights or ice caving at Crystal Cave. Glacier hiking at Solheimajokull Glacier, boat tours at glacier lagoons, and snowmobiling are fun winter activities to participate in too. Gullfoss Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls in Iceland with the Blue Lagoon being an incredible geothermal area with a swim-up bar.

Switzerland

Ice-melt in the Swiss Alps — Photo by Robert Heath

A beautiful Swiss cities to visit in October is Zurich, for viewing fall foliage, soaking in the thermal baths, stopping at the Lindt Home of Chocolate, and hiking Ebenalp Seealpsee. The Engadine Valley is worth visiting, along with Lago di Saoseo, despite it being a two-hour hike. Or if you would like to experience a train ride, Glacier Express or Bernina Express, strolling along Lake Lucerne, and wine harvest celebrations are are unforgettable options as well.

Tuscany, Italy

Another place for fall foliage and wine harvests is Tuscany. The Boccaccesca Food & Wine Festival in Certaldo hosts cooking shows, tasting experiences, and live music. You can trek in the Casentino Forests National Park or along the coast at Maremma Park for autumn colors. The Arezzo Antiques Fair is Italy’s oldest and largest antique market that occurs the first Sunday of every month. Wine lovers may prefer to go to Montepulciano, the location of underground wine cellars. Explorers might want to climb the Towers in San Gimignano, before shopping and dining in the town.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (: