Please sign in to post.

November Destination Ideas

I am seriously looking into a trip to Europe over the week of Thanksgiving 2017. I chose this week as I have 2 paid days off so it will allow me to conserve my vacation time. I am from WI, so the cold really doesn't bother me, but constant rain might. Has anyone traveled to Berlin, Prague, and/or Rome during this time? What were your experiences with weather and crowds? Was everything open or were some places closed? Did the weather or diminished sunlight inhibit your sightseeing or experience? Are there other destinations I should be looking at for this time of year?

Thank you!

Posted by
7175 posts

Are you talking 6 nights only on the ground ?
Rome would win hands down at that time for me.

Posted by
24 posts

I was thinking more like 10 nights on the ground. So, it wouldn't have to be just one location that Im looking at.

Posted by
9026 posts

The Christmas Markets will be open then in the medium to larger cities. With a hub like Berlin, you could also go to Potsdam, Hamburg, Lübeck, or Quedlinburg. Berlin offers enough to keep you busy for days with markets all around the city.
It isn't usually very rainy the end of Nov.

Posted by
288 posts

Have travelled the last 2 Thanksgivings to Europe. Prague was chilly, lows around freezing high about 40F but not bad if you are used to cold as we are from High Country Colorado. It was very festive with Christmas festivities getting under way. Rome we had great sight seeing weather highs in the low 60s, very nice. The days are short and very much more so in the north. Big cities its less of an issue as there is plenty to do after dark, especially with the Christmas festivities and buildings and monuments were well lit. Hours might be shorter but major sights are open. I might avoid beach resorts or small towns that are primarily tourist driven as they may be closed up. I have not been other times, but the crowds seem considerably less than what is reported for summer. Prices for rooms were also quite reasonable. We are looking for fares to go back again.

Posted by
7175 posts

Personally I'd choose Rome + Sorrento in November. But Berlin + Prague would be wonderful too, just a bit chilly. It's really up to your mood and preference.

Posted by
689 posts

Consider combining Rome and Sicily or Rome and southern Italy. Weather in Spain should generally be sunny and cool (not really very cold) at that time of year, particularly in Andalucía and there would be lots of great destinations to choose from. Maybe a visit to Mallorca? I have been there in the winter in December/January and the weather was pleasant, sunny days but you needed a jacket, not a heavy coat. I also would look to see where you can get the best airfare deals for that time frame and that might help you decide on a destination. A few years ago I went to Germany and Salzburg in late November. It was cold and snowy part of the time and sunny/overcast and cold the rest of the time. The Salzburg Christmas market was beautiful and the weather did not hinder us. If you haven't been to a Christmas market it is very picturesque, particularly all lit up at night with snow falling.

Posted by
24 posts

I have not looked into any of the RS tours, I am probably way too independent of a traveller for a group tour. But, they may add some itinerary ideas.

Thanks for the ideas and thoughts everyone.