Traveling to Munich in the last month of the year will offer a magical winter fairytale experience filled with world-renowned Christmas markets, historic Bavarian traditions, and a cozy atmosphere. The city transforms with festive lights and bustling venues and activities such as parades, beer halls, ice skating, and take a winter stroll through the English Garden.
Cairo, Egypt
Photo by Fabio Achilli
This city in Egypt will greet visitors with a blend of sunny weather and vibrant festivities. It lights up for the holidays, with restaurants and shops in Zamalek or downtown. In addition, this is when the Cairo International Film Festival takes place. Places to swing by include the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids of Giza, where camel rides are available!
Turks and Caicos
If you are looking for perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80s, the islands of Turks and Caicos is the ideal escape for winter. In December, New Years Eve is celebrated with fireworks over Grace Bay and bonfire parties at several resorts. After Christmas is Maskanoo as well, a large, annual street festival featuring bands, parades, and local food.
Finland
Photo by Dave Grubb
The country of Finland transforms into a snowy wonderland, with key highlights of heading to Rovaniemi for the Santa Claus Village and searching for the Northern Lights. Since December has shorter days and longer nights, there are more hours of darkness to spot the glowing skies. This experience can be elevated by sleeping in a glass igloo. Plus, reindeer sled rides, snowmobiling, ice bars, warming up in the sauna, or, contrarily, dipping into the freezing lake will make for a unique trip.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Photo by Andres Alvarado
Like the Caribbean, Cabo provides warm temperatures at this time of year with the lowest chance of rain. The holiday season brings the Cabo Christmas Boat Parade, featuring decorated yachts at the marina. Other forms of entertainment could be whale-watching, riding camels along the beach, snorkeling, sunset sailing, resort buffets for Christmas, or beach parties at Mango Deck.
Little did I know about the charming riverside town of Wilmington. Until I learned that is where my favorite show (One Tree Hill) was filmed! I realized this when I saw an event hosted by Friends with Benefit where you could meet the stars of the show. I was surprised, but excited about the news, so I bought myself a ticket and have driven down three times now. Though I am partially biased because of the show having a special place in my heart, I fell in love with Wilmington. It was perfect, having the riverwalk with shops and eateries, combined with Wrightsville and Carolina Beach both a short drive away. Other filmography here includes Dawson’s Creek, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Safe Haven, and Outer Banks.
Some of my favorite stops include:
New Hanover County Arboretum – 7 acres of flowers and a Japanese garden featuring a Koi pond
Wilmington Riverwalk – boardwalk nearly 2 miles long, hosting cute boutiques, an array of markets, outdoor cafes, small shops, art galleries, and spectacular view of the water
Kure Beach – located at the bottom of the beach is a parking lot where we pulled over to get a pretty view of the sun setting from a nearby gazebo
Wrightsville Beach – 4.5 miles long, east of Wilmington, where you will find Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier and waterfront dining
Blue Post Billiards – a small bar with pool, arcade games, and cozy seating right in the center of town
Tric – a main filming spot from the show, open for tours and charity fundraisers, currently being turned into a bar/nightclub
The Cotton Exchange – complex with 20+ eateries/shops
Other recommendations to try:
Airlie Gardens – 67 acre botanical gardens with The Bottle Chapel art installation and Butterfly House
Carolina Beach/boardwalk – home to a 10-story gondola wheel, carnival rides, an arcade, dining, shopping, bars, and live music/fireworks every Thursday during the summer at the gazebo
Old Wilmington City Market– specialty gift shops and bookshops
SUNdays – cafe with beer, wine, acai bowls, and coffee, steps away from Crystal Pier
Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan Market – held on Sundays from 10am-3pm, with the option to purchased handcrafted goods and unique artwork
Alcove Beer Garden – indoor/outdoor full liquor bar in the Cargo District
Lumina Station – shopping village with locally owned boutiques and restaurants
Tarantelli’s – upscale Italian restaurant along the riverwalk that offers live music
Carolina Beach Grill & Bar – casual pub featuring sports and food served on the patio
These suites are an ideal choice, as they are located directly on the riverwalk, giving the rooms on both sides of the building a beautiful view of the water.
Located between downtown and Carolina Beach, this resort offers golf packages and pickleball. It will allow guests to feel comfortable while enjoying its historic charm.
I stayed at this hotel in Carolina Beach when I visited and it was really nice! It is located right on the beach and boardwalk, with a large outdoor pool for the warm seasons.
Struggling to figure out where exactly in Florida to vacation to? Me too! That is why I am here to summarize the best cities down the west coastline, starting at the top.
Destin
Photo by Vivian Joskowicz
A beautiful place to begin, Destin is a host emerald-green waters and powdery, white sand. It is known for being “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for deep-sea fishing. Crab Island is a shallow-water sandbar with a party atmosphere, where visitors can rent pontoons or charters and enjoy floating bars and food vendors. At Baytowne Wharf, you can shop, eat, listen to music, or have a blast at the obstacle course. The Destin HarborWalk offers views of the water while strolling along the boardwalk full of restaurants and lively nightlife. Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, tubing, go-karts, mini golf, boating, museums, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, zoos, and snorkeling are perfect family activities!
2. St. Pete
Photo by Monika Murren
Much further down the state is St. Petersburg, or St. Pete. The downtown is bustling, highlighting the pretty Spa Beach, which is ideal for volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This destination has world-class art museums, shops and breweries along Central Avenue, Sunken Gardens, and the St. Pete Pier. Jet ski rentals, sunset cruises, and dolphin-watching tours are exciting excursions to book here as well! Not to forget, the city of Tampa is less than 30 minutes away, home of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa, and The Florida Aquarium.
3. Siesta Key
Photo by Chris Lexow
Talk about stunning! Siesta Key is often named the #1 Beach in the United States, with the turquoise ocean and pure quartz sand which stays cool even with direct sunlight. You can use the free open-air trolley to travel between locations like Lido Key and the walkable village along Ocean Boulevard. Yoga on the shore, unique shopping experiences, tiki bars, live music performances, the farmers market, and bicycling are fun adventures to partake in there too. A short drive northeast will take you to the city of Sarasota, where you will find The Ringling Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Solomon’s Castle, and the main street with galleries and stores, or take an hour drive northwest to Anna Maria Island for more pretty beaches!
4. Fort Myers Beach
Photo by Andrea Moscato
This stop in Florida will give visitors a mix of history, nature, and coastal charm. Places you will want to stop at include Brightwater Lagoon, Koreshan State Park, and Sanibel Island, popular for beachcombing. Times Square is the central hub for shopping and eating, with direct access to the pier. Or, The Promenade at Bonita Beach is a 45 minute drive north, with some of the finest retail stores and boutiques. By taking the Key West Express ferry, you will be able reach Key West or, seasonally, Marco Island for approximately $170 per person. This catamaran ride is perfect for a day trip, particularly if you prefer to not drive down and back.
5. Key West
Photo by James Willamor
At the very bottom of the state is Key West, with yet again gorgeous beaches. Snorkel the coral reef, visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum, take a dolphin-watching tour, watch a famous Key West sunset, or a two-hour boat ride to Dry Tortugas National Park. The island is exceptionally abundant in aquatic activities as well, such as sailing, parasailing, water skiing, scuba diving, and kayaking.
Let me know your favorite spot on Florida’s west side! Thanks for the read.
Stopping in New York City during Christmastime is a must-do once in your lifetime. I have and despite the cold, really enjoyed the atmosphere. There are massive Christmas trees and ice rinks at the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. There, you can find a festive winter village with shops and food. Other holiday markets are found at Columbus Circle and Union Square. Holiday light displays are put up at Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you can find a train show as well. Go to Radio City Music Hall to watch the Christmas Spectacular or Central Park for horse-drawn carriage rides. You can also take a trip over to Hudson Yards for the shopping center that is beautifully draped with lights.
Leavenworth, Washington
Photo by Amy Meredith
The city of Leavenworth transforms into a festive, Bavarian Christmas village, with holiday lights, shopping, and sleigh rides. Stroll through the town to the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival every weekend in December, the Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt to experience a traditional German Christmas market, and The Gingerbread Factory for cookies and espresso. Icicle Gorge Trailhead is a pretty spot for winter walks, the Nutcracker Museum has thousands of nutcrackers from around the world, and skiing and snowboarding are available at Mission Ridge.
Maui, Hawaii
Photo by Brian Lauer
Maui offers a great combinations of festive, island-style Christmas celebrations such as the Lahaina Banyan Tree lighting or beach luaus, while also being able to still enjoy surfing on the north shore at Kanaha. Though not as hot as the summertime, an average of 77 degrees makes it ideal for swimming in the ocean and sunbathing at Ka’anapali Beach. Haleakalā National Park displays the diverse landscape of Hawaii, with the volcano and natural pools within the bamboo forests. You also must travel down the Road to Hana, being the world’s most scenic drive of waterfalls, the rainforest, the sea, and lava tubes.
Fort Myers, Florida
Photo by Tyler Small
In Fort Myers, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures in the 70s while still enjoying the warm Gulf waters in December at Estero Island. This weather is suitable for shelling, kayaking, and soaking in the vibrant downtown culture. Holiday festivities include the Christmas Boat Parade, the Luminary Walk, and the Festival of Trees. Attractions there consist of visiting Manatee Park, taking dolphin cruises, and walking through nature trails at Lovers Key State Park. While there, it would be worthwhile to stop by Times Square, full of beachfront retail shops and restaurants, frequently featuring live music.
Southern California
Photo by Michael Saechang
Though a big colder, with weather being in 50s and 60s, southern California is still a nice place to add to your list. In Anaheim, you can visit Disneyland for some holiday magic or take a short drive down to the Santa Ana Winter Village. In Laguna Beach, you can celebrate Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival or hike along coastal trails at Heisler Park. In Santa Barbara, you can see the annual Parade of Lights on the harbor, take a tour through the wine region, and walk the pier at Stearns Wharf for ocean views and fresh seafood.
Let’s take a look at my top 5 suggestions for destinations around the world to visit in November.
Maldives
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
Photo by Michaela Loheit
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
Photo by Giuseppe Milo
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
Photo by Allan Harris
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!
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
Photo by Geoff Livingston
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
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
Photo by Woody Hibbard
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
Photo by Haydn Blackey
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.
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.
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
Photo by Lalo Fuentes
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
Photo by Erik Cooper
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
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
Photo by Michael Kuhn
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.
Though I have not yet been, Acadia National Park looks amazing! And October seems to be a great time to visit due to the smaller crowds and cooler hiking weather along trails such as Beehive Loop or the Shore Path. While there, it is recommended to drive the scenic Park Loop Road, bike the historic Carriage Roads, and visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, located on the southwestern corner of Mount Desert island within the park.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Photo by Chad Sparkes
Though I visited here in the month of April (and it was nice), October is another good choice as well. You will experience warm days in the mid-70s mixed with fewer summer crowds and warmer ocean water. Dolphin watching, golfing, kayaking, and fall festivals can all be enjoyed at this time of the year. You won’t want to miss the Hilton Head Island Oktoberfest or Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off & Jeep Island.
Oahu, Hawaii
Photo by Deb Nystrom
Oahu is a magnificent island, with warm weather in October and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival happening. This is ideal for hiking to Diamond Head, snorkeling at Hanuama Bay, relaxing on Waikiki Beach, and exploring Pearl Harbor. Plus the first whales start arriving from Alaska this month, so be on the lookout for them!
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Photo by Mark Bonica
This city is known for its world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, which is at the beginning to mid-October. It also makes for perfect mild weather to walk around the Albuquerque Old Town area. The Sandia Peak Tramway also offers incredible views of the fall foliage and the city. A hidden gem is said to be the Tinkertown Museum, full of unique architecture, eccentric collections, and interactive displays.
New England
Photo by Andy Thrasher
If you love fall foliage, New England would be a great road trip to take during this season. Stop in Woodstock, Vermont for a cute town known for its classic beauty, ride Mount Washington Cog Railway for exceptional sights, or take a trek at Dixville Notch State Park to see a lake, colorful trees, and Table Rock, a steep granite ledge. Other options include Salem, if that is your cup of tea, or the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island.
Have a great October vacation if you plan to take one. Or I hope this helped you choose where to go!
After visiting the South Beach area of Miami for a long weekend, here is what I did there with a few other people.
The first day, we arrived in the evening, at the perfect time for dinner. So, we walked to Taco Taco, where we sat out on the patio and sipped on their huge margaritas. After that, we explored a small area of the city including the shops on Lincoln Road as well as the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Then, we stopped at Icy-n-Spicy for their jumbo specialty milkshakes (shown above).
The second day, we woke up early so we could have time to relax at the beach. After doing so, we took a cab to downtown, where we explored the Bayside Marketplace and took a boat ride along Millionaire’s Row, with celebrity homes such as Jennifer Lopez and Shaquille O’Neal. After that was done, we got ready for dinner at Barton G. Though it was pricey, the dinner was a unique experience, with my lobster pop-tarts being served to me in a toaster. We also stopped by Soundscape Park to check out the outdoor movie they were playing that night.
The third day, we went back to the beach for a little bit. Traveling past downtown again to Wynwood, we then visited the Superblue museum (pictured above). This was a neat, interactive experience with 5 different exhibits. Not too far of a walk away from that was the World Famous House of Mac, which was delicious! At night time, we went to the Treehouse nightclub then rode around South Beach in the slingshot rentals. Another club that looked interesting is Mango’s Tropical Nightclub. Other high-end clubs such as LIV and E11EVEN look fun as well, although the cover charges can be high, around $60 (from what I’ve heard).
The fourth day, we were heading back home. We stopped by the Miami Beach Botanical gardens for a few minutes before though, then took a ride to the airport.
Below, I’ve listed more recommended attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Miami for you!
Wynwood/Downtown
Attractions:
Miami Design District – known for modern architecture, upscale interior design stores, art, and jewelry boutiques
In May of 2023, my boyfriend Jordon and I traveled from Baltimore, Maryland to Denver, Colorado. It was my first time visiting there, and we already have another tripped planned for this October-November. The weather at that time was overall nice and perfect for hiking! Here’s what our itinerary looked like:
Day 1
Our first stop after landing in Denver was Castlewood Canyon State Park. We walked a little bit over 2 miles, starting near the Lake Gulch Trail. The next stop was Colorado Springs, where we went tandem kayaking on Prospect Lake at Memorial Park. Though the lake there was a bit small to kayak in, the view of the mountain was beautiful. While down in that area, we stopped at Garden of the Gods (pictured above).
Our third day had to be mostly indoor activities since it was raining. Because of that, we booked tickets for Meow Wolf Convergence Station, which was the best interactive museum that I have ever visited. It is so unique and definitely worth the money! Later, we went to a few stores on Antique Row and at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Back in downtown, we went to Great Divide Brewing Company then Bierstadt Lagerhaus which has giant indoor yard games such as cornhole. To end the night, we danced at the Beacon RiNo nightclub, which was a bit small but still pretty fun!
Day 4
To start our fourth day off, we went to Estes Park, which was a very cute town of shops and cafes. Though we didn’t participate in them, it offers whitewater rafting, a mountain coaster, adventure park, and much more there! From there, we drove to Rocky Mountain National Park (pictured above). There are timed reservations required from May 23-mid-October, and the entry fee year-round is $15-35. It was a long drive up the mountain but also scenic! At the top are some trails. Up there, we visited Dream Lake, though partially frozen, and further down was a gorgeous view of Emerald Lake. Once done at the park, we headed back to the Ogden Theatre for a Habstrakt concert.
Day 5
Since it was the last day of the trip, we didn’t have time for much besides gushing over the adorable prairie dogs right outside our hotel. However, we did go to the Denver Pavilions (pictured above) for some last-minute shopping and lunch at Maggiano’s before our flight.
I hope that if you’re heading to Denver soon, our itinerary gave you some good ideas too!
A Sweet Paradise 
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