🍂 Thanksgiving Escapes: Where to Travel in Late November! 🌍

TravelReport Weekly Issue 006

Author

Rabia Karimi
November 29, 2024

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

Thanksgiving week isn’t just about turkey and pumpkin pie (though we love those 😋). It’s also the perfect time for a getaway before the holiday chaos really sets in! Whether you’re looking for warm beaches, festive vibes, or something off the beaten path, I’ve rounded up the best places to visit in the last week of November. Let’s dig in! 🧳✨

🚨 Travel Safety & Insurance: Protecting Your Adventure 🛡️
You’ve planned your dream trip—don’t let unexpected hiccups ruin it! Here’s why travel safety and travel insurance are non-negotiable:

Why You Need It:

  • Medical Emergencies 🏥: Accidents happen, and Southeast Asia’s healthcare systems might not cover the hefty costs for tourists. A good travel insurance policy will cover emergency medical expenses.

  • Flight Delays & Cancellations ✈️: Southeast Asia’s weather can be unpredictable (hello, monsoon season!). Travel insurance can reimburse you for delayed flights, missed connections, and extra hotel nights.

  • Lost Luggage 🧳: Don’t let a lost bag ruin your vacay! Most travel insurance covers lost or stolen items, so you can shop for replacements stress-free.

Pro Tips:

  • Check if your credit card offers built-in travel insurance (many do!). Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more.

  • Always carry copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit card info) in both digital and printed forms. Better safe than sorry! 📑

💳 Points & Miles: The Real MVPs 💳
Travel points might just be the one area where math actually makes you rich. If you’re not getting free hotel stays and upgrades yet, let’s change that:

  • The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: It’s a classic for a reason. Points pile up like nobody’s business, and you get a sweet 25% bonus when you redeem through Chase’s travel portal.

  • Hotel Rewards Programs Are Your BFFs: Join one, stay loyal, and let the upgrades roll in. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or World of Hyatt—take your pick and watch the free nights add up.

  • Transfer Your Points Smartly: Some cards let you transfer points to airline partners directly. This can be the ultimate hack to turn a few thousand points into a one-way flight across an ocean. (Cue my excitement dance.)

🏞️ Dream Destinations You Need to Know About 🏞️
🌴 Cancun, Mexico: Beach Bliss Meets Fiesta Fun 🏖️🎉

If cold weather isn’t your vibe, Cancun’s warm beaches and turquoise waters are calling your name. November marks the start of the dry season, so you’ll enjoy sunny days without the summer crowds.

What to Do:

  • Relax on Playa Delfines or take a catamaran to Isla Mujeres for postcard-perfect views.

  • Dive into cenotes (natural sinkholes)—Dos Ojos is a favorite for snorkeling. 🐠

  • Channel your inner history buff at the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza, both an easy day trip away.

Points Perks:

  • Redeem Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Miles for flights to Cancun. Stay at resorts like Hyatt Zilara Cancun (adults-only luxury) or Marriott’s Westin Resort & Spa using points.

Pro Tips:

  • Bring USD for tips and pesos for everything else.

  • Book excursions in advance for the best deals and availability.

🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain: Fall Festivities and Cultural Charm 🎨🍷

Barcelona in November? Yes, please! The city is cooler (think sweater weather), less crowded, and buzzing with events like jazz festivals and pre-holiday markets.

What to Do:

  • Marvel at La Sagrada Familia or wander through Park Güell for Gaudí’s colorful creations.

  • Indulge in a tapas crawl through El Born and pair it with local cava (Spanish sparkling wine).

  • Shop early Christmas markets like Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Gothic Cathedral.

Points Perks:

  • Use Amex Membership Rewards to fly Iberia or British Airways. For accommodations, check out the W Barcelona (stunning beachfront views!) or AC Hotel by Marriott.

Pro Tips:

  • Pack comfy shoes for walking those charming cobblestone streets.

  • Dining starts late in Spain—plan dinner around 9 PM to eat like a local.

🏔️ Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Snow, Ski, and Stunning Scenery ❄️🎿

For a cozy, wintry escape, Jackson Hole is a dream. Late November marks the start of ski season, and the town’s charming vibe will give you all the Hallmark movie feels.

What to Do:

  • Hit the slopes at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or try snowshoeing in Grand Teton National Park. 🏔️

  • Soak in the natural Granite Hot Springs, surrounded by snowy landscapes.

  • Grab a bite at The Blue Lion, a local favorite for hearty, delicious meals.

Points Perks:

  • Use United MileagePlus points or Delta SkyMiles to fly into Jackson Hole Airport. The Marriott SpringHill Suites is a great spot to use points and stay near the action.

Pro Tips:

  • Dress in layers and pack good gloves—you’ll thank me when it’s 25°F on the ski lift. 🧤

  • Book lift passes early to score discounts!

🇹🇭 Phuket, Thailand: Tropical Paradise at Its Best 🌅🌺

If you’re ready to trade Thanksgiving turkey for Thai curries, Phuket is paradise. November is the start of the dry season, with sunny weather and balmy breezes.

What to Do:

  • Chill on Kata Beach or party it up on Patong Beach—there’s something for everyone.

  • Island hop to Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island for Instagram-worthy views.

  • Visit Big Buddha and explore the lively Old Town Phuket for culture and cuisine.

Points Perks:

  • Use Chase Ultimate Rewards to book flights with Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines. Stay at the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort or the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa using points.

Pro Tips:

  • November is quieter than peak season, so you’ll enjoy smaller crowds and better deals.

  • Thai street food is a must—try grilled satay and mango sticky rice.

🏙️ New York City, USA: Holiday Magic Begins 🎄🗽

If you love festive vibes, NYC is the place to be in late November. Thanksgiving week kicks off the holiday season, and the city transforms into a winter wonderland.

What to Do:

  • Watch the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (bundle up—it’s chilly!). 🦃

  • Lace up your skates at Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, then check out the tree lighting if it’s up! 🎄

  • Shop Black Friday deals at Fifth Avenue or browse artisanal finds at Bryant Park’s Holiday Market.

Points Perks:

  • Use your Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum for discounted flights or train tickets. For hotels, the Marriott Marquis in Times Square is a great spot to use points and stay in the heart of the action.

Pro Tips:

  • Book parade viewing spots early—rooftop brunches with views are worth the splurge.

  • Avoid cabs; the subway is faster and way cheaper. 🚇

Whether you’re basking on a tropical beach in Thailand or sipping sangria in Spain, late November is the perfect time to explore. Where will you go this Thanksgiving week? Let me know—I love hearing about your adventures!

Until next time, happy travels! 🍂✈️

– Your Thanksgiving Travel Buddy 🦃🌍

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!