(The Times) – As the chill of winter descends on northern Europe, November provides an opportunity to recharge your batteries in warmer climes. In India and East Asia the monsoon season is wrapping up, hurricane season in the US has subsided and the southern hemisphere is entering its summer months. There are no school holidays in November, so planes, hotels and holidays tend to be quieter and more affordable than in peak times. Additionally, with Christmas approaching, there are quite often discounts available in advance of the December rush. We’ve put together the top ten travel destinations for a relaxing beach holiday in November.

7. Costa Rica

Travelers seeking a more rugged and wildlife-rich beach experience will find it on Costa Rica’s coral reef-fringed beaches, which attract four species of sea turtle to its shores — including the arribadas (mass nestings) of olive ridley sea turtles on Ostional beach and green turtles at Tortuguero. November falls between the start of the dry season and the tail end of green season, so the landscape remains lush, plus you’ll benefit from the perks of off-peak prices. Soak up a slice of the “Pura Vida” on the black sands characteristic of Guanacaste and Puntarenas, or the white sands of the Nicoya Peninsula. The boutique Sendero Nosara sits inside a nature reserve steps away from the surfing waves of Playa Guiones. 

Read the full article at The Times here.
By Emma Thomson