Does anyone know if November is a good time of year to visit Portugal? Looking for beaches, sunshine, scenery, great food... Hoping that the weather would be condusive to lounging beachside...

not portugal but I wanted to offer this advise when you posted on US board.

Hi Sarah,

Italy is great after November 2 prices on lodging and airfare are good, planes are open so you can stretch out and sleep over a few seats. I November 03,00.

Having said that why have you not explored Latin America. Costa Rica is just a hop to the south. I have not been.

I really want to go to Quito in Ecuador. It is suppose to be the most beautiful city in Latin America. AND THERE IS A MARRIOT which is something of a hint of the comforts available. go to lonelyplanet.com and read about it. It is suppose to have springtime weather year round. You also have the Galapagos Islands near by where you can do a cruise. You are starting a new job why not add a new travel experience as well.

I met someone at Penn station over the Labor Day weekend who was flying home to Brazil for the long weekend. He said it was much easier than doing a long weekend in Europe because you don't get jet lag, little to no time difference.

Let us know what you decide. I am waiting for the next job to take an exotic trip Quito. Airfares through Thanksgiving lucky for you that was the week I thought about or dreamt about was $593. You have to connect through MIA or IAH. I think it was cheaper if you went directly to AA. Then even cheaper if you arrange ticket to Florida then ticket to Quito separately.
I think the flying time is a total of seven hours, just remember that is 7 hours without the jet lag.

Sarah - Are you sure you didn't mean to post this to bugswife? This is not the same poster trying to decide where to go between jobs.

sjda - If you go to www.weather.com or www.wunderground.com you can get historical weather for November for the areas you're interested in. I'd guess not beach weather, but you can verify what it typically is anyway.

Thanks for the tip!
We have about 10-12 days in November and were originally going to try for New Zealand, but it just isn't in the cards for us. SO I am trying to figure out a way to fit in beaches + skiing... (finding 2 different destinations that are within a reasonable travel distance). Much more difficult in November than I would have imagined!

Of course November is a good time to visit Portugal, but not for beaches and sunshine.
The food is excellent and the scenery too!