Early November Vacation Thoughts?
 

Hi all,

My husband and I will have a week off from work in the beginning of November and are debating where to go. We live in the northeast US. Requirements are ability to relax, preferably but not necessarily involving a beach, and no Zika virus. We are foodies.

Some thoughts we have had:
- New Orleans - probably not enough to keep us busy a whole week
- Maine- probably too cold?
- Portugal
- Southern Spain
- Provence
- Inland Mexico ie San Miguel de Allende or something like that- Zika may still be a concern though.

Other thoughts? We are a little iffy about going to Europe for only a week, but I think if we limited our travel once we arrived, we would be ok.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

Thanks!
R.D.

I was going to suggest southern South America, but checking the CDC site says that won't work either.

How about Lisbon? Plenty to do in and around the city, beaches at Cascais and Estoril, possible day trips to Obidos and Evora. Good food, reasonable weather - not that anywhere in Europe really has beach weather in November.

Nice is another option. It was a favorite winter hangout for wealthy Brits at the end of the 19th century. Good transport within the city and to other places east and west, and fairly good to the north. Easy to spend a week there.

If the beach is not a requirement, are Montreal and Quebec possibilities? A train ride across Canada to Vancouver and a flight back? (Via Rail had surprisingly good food.)

Since you live 'back east' I would consider Europe even for only a week, as long as you get a nonstop flight and just stay in one city. Barcelona?

I always go to Puerto Vallarta in November, it's lovely, but that's an awful long trip for you just for some beach time and a splash of Mexican life.

Sigh. The OP said she wanted areas with no zika. The CDC shows PV as a risk area for zika.

I did not suggest they go to Puerto Vallata, if you take a minute and read what I wrote, thursdaysd. Sigh.

Then why mention it?

Why did you mention South America?

Thank you both. Great suggestions. We have talked about Lisbon, Nice, and Barcelona. I think any of them could work. Never been to France before so I'm a little biased towards that. Would feel funny visiting France and not spending at least a little time in Paris. Is it feasible to spend two days in Paris (including the day we arrive, which will likely be a half day if we need a nap) and then head to Nice?

Love the suggestion of beach destinations. Zika makes this much more challenging than it otherwise would be. One spot we had talked about is Bermuda - beach but no Zika. Just not sure it'd be hot enough in early November. What are your thoughts?

R.

Very easy to fly into Paris, spend a couple of days, and then take the TGV (fast train) to Nice. Book seats on the top deck and enjoy the scenery - although it will go by fast!

See seat61.com for all the info you need on trains in general and trains in France in particular.

Fly home from Nice (multi-city itinerary on the airfare sites). Click on my name for my Eastern France TR that starts in Nice - have been several times since.

However, there is enough to do in and around Nice for more than a week!

Never been to Bermuda. You can check historic weather stats at weatherunderground.com

Why not just go to Paris for the week? If you can give up the beach idea.

There's certainly enough to do to keep a person entertained! And the weather doesn't really matter as much for a city vacation.

Paris can be relaxing if you don't over-plan your schedule.

Fly into Vegas and head up to Zion NP for a couple of days. Hit Valley of Fire SP on the way back.

I also live in NE US. I'd fly to a city and spend your week there, and take a day trip outside the city if you feel the need. Someplace non stop would be perfect, but not essential. Paris and Avignon perhaps? Paris and Nice? Paris and any of the nearby daytrips?

Rome? Sicily? Haven't been to southern Spain, but I think it could be a suitable option.

Many choices. As for weather, weather is so unpredictable these days, I think you just have to make a choice and deal with the weather as it comes. Btw...early November is Maine could enjoy some warm days...it happens.

Enjoy...I'm envious.

Paris and London are both cities that are great in all weather because there is so much to see and do. There is plenty to do in a week so you do not have to spend time changing hotels, and from both there are great, very short day trips.

Though I love the parks in Summer, the museums, theater, history, churches, etc. can make a spectacular week. They both make good winter holidays. If you like theater, London is a gift. No need to even book ahead unless there is one specific show you want to see. We get discounted tickets for several shows when we arrive.

Between the two, hard to pick. I would see what flights are available, and ticket costs are. I would even consider making it a two city trip, into London, out of Paris.

Hi,

you mentioned southern Spain and I would recommend Seville. I have been there with my husband on our honeymoon. There is a lot to do and see in Seville and the food is amazing.
If you want toknow more about this city, you can check this travel guide: http://www.tourspain.org/sevilla/whattodo.asp