Don’t hunker down in the cold: make the most of November on a quick, last-minute trip
Saddle up for a rodeo
Why go? With pretty cobbled streets, leafy plazas and artisanal shops, San Antonio de Areco in northern Buenos Aires Province is a quintessential pueblo de campo – country town. Its main draw, however, is the annual Fiesta de la Tradición, which sees hundreds of gauchos convene, ready to show off their riding skills. The week-long festival (2-10 Nov) culminates in the jineteada gaucha, which sees the strongest riders battle it out to stay in the saddle.
Where to stay: The Posada de la Plaza has pretty doubles from £67 pn.
Getting there: British Airways flies Heathrow-Buenos Aires from £789 rtn. Hire a car or take a bus (2hrs) to San Antonio.
Celebrate Thanksgiving
Why go? Plymouth, Massachusetts, was the landing place of the Pilgrim Fathers, who voyaged across the Atlantic in 1620; it’s also where they sat down with the natives for the first Thanksgiving. Make the journey yourself in time for America’s Hometown Thanksgiving celebration (usathanksgiving.com) held 22-24 Nov. Stick around for Thanksgiving itself too (28 Nov) – it’s 150 years since Abraham Lincoln declared it a holiday.
Where to stay: Auberge Gladstone is in the heart of Plymouth; rooms from $125 (£80).
Getting there: Virgin Atlantic flies Heathrow-Boston from £442 rtn. Plymouth is 60km south.
Fly from the East to the Emerald Isle
Why go? Take advantage of a new flight to Ireland’s second-largest city from the UK: this November, Ryanair is launching a new flight to Cork from East Midlands. Perched on the banks of the River Lee, Cork has ancient roots, diverse heritage and a vibrant, modern buzz. November is also when the annual Film Festival hits town (9-17 Nov).
Alternatively, the city is a great base for wild autumnal walking around the county’s Atlantic-beaten coast.
Where to stay: Stay near the cultural quarter at the Maldron Hotel; doubles from £58.
Getting there: Ryanair flies East Midlands to Cork from 6 Nov; singles around £14.99.
Enjoy mild Med climes
Why go? An alluring amalgam of modern urbanity and medieval mystery, Cagliari enjoys mild temps all winter long. Take advantage and visit the ‘City of the Sun’ this month, with the launch of a new flight to the Sardinian capital from London Gatwick. Explore the city’s ancient fortification, the Castello; wander flamingo-filled parks and gorge on a winter speciality – linguine with sea urchins.
Where to stay: Room Rental Arcobaleno (see affittacamerearcobalenocagliari.com) is in central Cagliari, close to local transport links; doubles from €70 (£59).
Getting there: Ryanair flies London Gatwick to Cagliari from 6 November; singles from around £28.99.
