Top 17 sunny destinations to visit in November 2026

Mexico City is a megalopolis best experienced through your appetite. With 150 museums, distinct neighborhoods, and Aztec ruins buried beneath its streets, it offers far more than a typical Latin American stopover. From tacos al pastor for 20 MXN (about $1) to the flower-filled canals of Xochimilco, the capital delivers a sensory intensity that few cities can match, all at a surprisingly low cost.

Guadalajara moves to the sound of mariachi and deep-rooted traditions. This authentic Jalisco city rewards curious travelers with monumental murals in baroque palaces, messy tortas ahogadas eaten with a spoon, and artisan districts where you can watch glassblowers at work. It feels less like a tourist trap than Cancún and more approachable than Mexico City, offering a direct window into the Mexican soul. Expect a city that keeps it real.

Dubai rose from the desert in just a few decades, pushing the boundaries of engineering. The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters, indoor ski slopes occupy shopping malls, and man-made islands reconfigure the coastline. Yet, behind the glass facades, the souks of the Creek and the red desert dunes reveal an Arab soul beneath the hyper-modernity. It is a destination that polarizes opinion, but it never fails to make an impression.

Agra offers much more than the iconic silhouette of the Taj Mahal. This former Mughal capital, set along the banks of the sacred Yamuna River, holds architectural heavyweights like the Red Fort, the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, and the sprawling city of Fatehpur Sikri. Beyond the postcard views, you will find a raw and authentic city where imperial history intersects with modern India in a stark, compelling contrast.

Cairo is the largest city in Africa and a place where ancient history hits you from every angle. You can spend your days exploring the Giza Pyramids, wandering the historic architecture of the Islamic Quarter, or visiting the spiritual sites of the Coptic Quarter. Top off your trip with a stroll through the local souks or a cruise down the Nile for a perspective you just cannot get anywhere else.

As the former capital of the Khmer Empire, Siem Reap serves as your gateway to the massive Angkor archaeological complex and its jungle-swallowed temples. Beyond the ruins, this northwestern Cambodian city offers bustling local markets, a rising Khmer food scene, and stilted villages on the Tonlé Sap lake. With daily costs for a modest guesthouse and meals often running 80,000 to 160,000 KHR (about $20 to $40), it remains a primary destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

As the capital of Chile, Santiago is home to roughly 5 million people. The city was founded in 1541 during the colonial era by Pedro de Valdivia, centered on what is now the Plaza de Armas, the city's institutional heart. The population surged at the end of the 20th century as people moved from rural areas to the city seeking better opportunities. The metropolis is split by the Mapocho River, which is flanked by green spaces like Parque Forestal and the Parque de las Esculturas, where you can find 40 sculptures created by prominent Chilean artists.

Central Neighborhoods in Santiago

Start your walk at the city's main square, the Plaza de Armas. This is where you will find the Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago, a neoclassical structure, alongside museums such as the Museo Histórico Nacional, which covers Chile's colonial and republican history. Nearby, the Museo de Arte Precolombino is essential for its collection of ceramics, sculptures, and textiles from various pre-Columbian cultures. Finally, do not miss the Palacio de la Moneda, the seat of the Chilean government, located just a few blocks away.

The Lastarria neighborhood, or the Fine Arts district, is another staple of the capital. After stopping by the Museum of Fine Arts, enjoy the energetic, colorful vibe around Cerro Santa Lucia, which frequently hosts local sports and cultural events.

San Cristobal Hill and Surroundings

To see Santiago from above, head to San Cristobal Hill, which encompasses the largest urban park in Chile, covering 722 hectares. It is accessible to everyone, and you can choose to hike up or take the funicular. At the summit, you will find a statue of the Virgin Mary, crafted in 1908 by Mathurin Moreau. Pope John Paul II held a mass here in 1987. The area around San Cristobal also includes a zoo and a botanical garden.

At the base of the hill, make time for the bohemian neighborhood of Bellavista, a hub for artists filled with street art, bars, and boutiques. Nearby, you will find La Chascona, one of the homes of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, which still displays his original furniture and decor.

For those looking to get even higher, head to the eastern side of the city to tackle the Gran Torre de Santiago. It is the tallest skyscraper in South America at 300 meters, offering an aerial view of the entire valley.

The Legacy of the Pinochet Dictatorship

If you want to understand the period of the Chilean dictatorship between 1973 and 1990, visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights. The institution commemorates the 40,000 victims of the Pinochet regime and details the major political and military turning points of that era.

When to Go

The best time to visit Santiago is from November through April.

Getting There

Fly into Santiago de Chile Airport.

Getting Around

Once you are in the city, the metro and bus network is efficient and reliable, capable of taking you just about anywhere in the metropolitan area.

Abu Dhabi stays quieter than Dubai, but the capital of the United Arab Emirates offers plenty to justify a trip. Expect to spend your time at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island for the high-octane Ferrari World. This city blends coastal relaxation with desert excursions and futuristic architecture, making it a more laid-back alternative to its neighbor up the coast.

As the former royal capital, Mandalay serves as a major center for Buddhist culture and is Myanmar's second-largest city. You can explore the intricately carved teak of the Shwenandaw Monastery or visit the Kuthodaw and Mahamuni pagodas, which function as active pilgrimage sites. For a view over the city, climb Mandalay Hill at sunset. This region is famous for its jade market and traditional gold-leaf workshops. Nearby, the U Bein Bridge remains a major draw as the world's longest teak footbridge.

Perched on the east bank of the Nile, Aswan serves as Egypt's southernmost major city, acting as a cool oasis amidst the desert. As the gateway to the ancient Kingdom of Nubia, it has a history deeply rooted in trade routes and caravans. While many travelers treat it as a fleeting pit stop before heading to the temples of Abu Simbel, the city itself possesses a distinct character defined by its lush, green landscapes, scenic islands, and significant historical sites.

A market you cannot miss

Navigating Aswan is straightforward, as the corniche runs along the Nile for several miles, concentrating most of the city's cafes and restaurants. It makes for a pleasant stroll, with the city unfolding into the streets perpendicular to the water. The souk is one of the city's most vibrant landmarks. Day or night, this large covered market is packed with vendors, and the stalls overflow with Egyptian and African goods including perfumes, spices, textiles, handicrafts, incense, fruits, and flowers. It is the place to hunt for deals, and on the outskirts, Nubian culture is on display through traditional items like talismans, jewelry, and basketry. The market is a sensory experience of color and scent. A local specialty is stuffed pigeon, often prepared with rice, served on skewers, or simply grilled. You will also find molokhia (a traditional vegetable soup), eggplant dishes, mezzes, tahini, and fresh fish. Pair your meal with local flatbread, fresh fruit juices, and a Nubian coffee spiced with cardamom.

Island hopping

Directly across from the city center, Elephantine Island is a must-see. You can reach it by hiring a felucca, one of the traditional sailboats that remain the most common way to get around on the water here. Siou and Koti, two Nubian villages, sit nestled between farm fields and palm groves on the island, where the colorful homes create a quiet, timeless atmosphere. You can explore the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ram-headed deity. Within this archaeological site, you will find the nilometer, which is arguably the most famous staircase used to measure the Nile's annual flood levels. Colonnades decorated with hieroglyphs round out the site, and from here, you can see the elegant pink granite Aga Khan Mausoleum, built in 1959, overlooking the water. A small museum dedicated to Nubian culture provides context on the region's history, which is closely linked to the construction of the Aswan High Dam. You can visit the dam itself, and the recent Nile Museum offers a complete overview of the project.

The neighboring island is a small slice of paradise. Kitchener Island is home to the fabulous Botanical Garden, established in 1896. The relief provided by its greenery in the middle of the desert is striking. Plants, flowers, and trees from equatorial Africa, India, and tropical Asia create a lush canopy. The contrast with the arid sand on the opposite bank is sharp, and the garden serves as a peaceful refuge for birds.

On the west bank of the Nile, the Tombs of the Nobles feature long ramps used for transporting sarcophagi. It is a mysterious site that offers panoramic views. Further west, the Monastery of Saint Simeon sits atop a plateau. It was once home to 300 monks until 1321, and this complex of four buildings remains one of the most important monuments from the Christian era. With its 26-foot walls, it resembles a fortress and is remarkably well-preserved. About 1.2 miles from Aswan, the granite quarry houses the Unfinished Obelisk. Commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut nearly 1,500 years before the common era, the project was abandoned after the stone cracked, leaving us with a massive relic still lying in its excavation trench. Six miles away, on Philae Island, the Temple of Isis from the 4th century BCE is yet another architectural marvel. Aswan is a legitimate destination in its own right, offering a genuine and compelling experience.

When to go

The climate is arid and dry. It is most pleasant from December through February when temperatures are mild. From June through September, the heat can become extreme.

How to get there

You can find numerous flights into Aswan International Airport, located 12 miles from the city center. Public transportation and taxis are available for the transfer. If you are coming from Cairo, 520 miles away, you can take a sleeper train, which is a popular choice for the distance, or a direct 80-minute domestic flight.

Set in the misty mountains of northern Thailand, this former capital of the Lanna Kingdom blends thousand-year-old gilded temples with the modern coffee shops favored by digital nomads. Over 300 Buddhist sanctuaries anchor a daily routine defined by monk processions and the scent of street food. Whether you are trekking to hidden waterfalls, visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, or taking a local cooking class, the city offers a relaxed pace of life that hits different.

Luxor holds the highest concentration of ancient pharaonic ruins on the planet. You can walk through the massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor, explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or visit the cliffside mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Spanning both banks of the Nile, this former capital of ancient Egypt functions today as an open-air museum where three millennia of history appear around every corner.

Amritsar is located in Punjab, a state in northern India. It is the spiritual capital of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion founded in the 16th century by gurus. Sikhism emphasizes peace and equality. This is why the Golden Temple, the city's centerpiece, features four entrances, symbolizing openness to everyone regardless of faith or background. Construction on the Golden Temple began in 1573. It sits in the middle of a sacred pool that gave the city its name. In Punjabi, Amritsar means "pool of nectar."

Learning about Sikh culture in Amritsar

You will see many people wearing turbans while walking through Amritsar, as it is a primary symbol of the Sikh faith. Start your visit at the Golden Temple, a stunning religious structure inlaid with gold that houses the sacred Sikh scripture, the Adi Granth. Visitors must follow a specific ritual: cover your head, remove your shoes, and walk around the temple complex in a clockwise direction. The temple operates on a community model, managed by volunteers who run a large communal kitchen where you can share a meal.

Beyond the Golden Temple, Amritsar has plenty to see, and most sites are within walking distance of each other. Climb the Baba Atal tower, dedicated to a Sikh guru, for a panoramic view of the city. To understand the region's history, head to Jallianwala Bagh. This memorial commemorates the hundreds of victims of a massacre carried out by the British colonial army in 1919.

Exploring the history of India

Other cultural sites are worth the trip, such as the Partition Museum, which chronicles the 1947 division of the country. Another significant landmark is the 250-year-old Gobindgarh Fort, which once protected the city from invasions. It now houses several museums focused on local arts and history.

For something different, head out of the city center to the Khalsa College, a university campus that has served as a filming location for several Bollywood movies. The Maja Sheetla Temple is a unique cave temple worth exploring. Finally, travel a few miles outside of Amritsar to the Wagah border post. It is the only land crossing between Pakistan and India, and it hosts an impressive daily flag-lowering ceremony each evening.

When to go

The best time to visit northern India is between October and March. Be aware that December and January can be quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to 5°C (41°F).

How to get there

You can fly into Amritsar from New Delhi or Mumbai, or take a train from New Delhi. The city is also well-connected by road, with frequent bus and car services available.

Wadi Musa serves as the main gateway to Petra. The town features the Petra Museum and the Spring of Moses, while nearby sites like Beidha (known as Little Petra) offer a quieter look at the region. You can hike the Al-Khubtha Trail for a high-angle view of the Treasury, or spend time in the local market. It is a practical base for exploring, with hotels ranging from 50 to 200 JOD (about $70 to $280) per night.

Los Angeles is a sprawling megalopolis where Hollywood meets the Pacific, defined by its intense contrasts. You will find everything from the glamour of Beverly Hills to the creative energy of Venice Beach and an inescapable cinematic history that is best explored with a rental car. The local food scene is as diverse as the city neighborhoods, featuring authentic Mexican tacos, oversized burgers, and California-style sushi. Expect sunshine almost year-round.

Wedged between turbulent oceans and a flat-topped mountain, Cape Town packs a lot into its borders. You will find postcard-perfect beaches with freezing water, historic townships, hillside vineyards, and penguins lounging on white sand. Dining here competes with major global capitals, and adventure waits at every turn, all for a reasonable price. Expect a mix of raw wilderness and relaxed cosmopolitan life under the Southern Hemisphere sun.

San Diego delivers the California experience without the frantic pace of Los Angeles. With 266 days of sunshine per year and 70 miles of coastline, the city maintains an incredibly laid-back lifestyle. Between the surfers at Pacific Beach, the seals at La Jolla, and the craft breweries in North Park, it is easy to see why locals call it America's Finest City.