Searching for the right Christmas gift for each friend and relative? Most of us are looking for something fun and memorable to do on New Year’s Eve these days. If you really want to do something original, use your vacation time wisely and visit a top party destination.
Hawaii : Whether part of an all-inclusive package or on your own, there is a lot to do in Hawaii during New Year’s. Romantically inclined couples will want to reserve a table at some of the state’s finest restaurants and then relax on the beach with nothing more than a Mai Tai and some privacy. Even single men can keep busy, as many hedonistic-like parties take place along the beaches of Oahu and Hawaii’s Big Island.
Must-do: Try to get tickets to a Hawaiian gala, where traditional New Year’s practices are mixed with good old-fashioned fun.
Vienna, Austria: True metrosexuals will appreciate a New Year’s stay in Austria’s fine capital. Substitute nightlong dance raves with dignified balls and loud club music with the world’s best symphonies. Numerous other classical music concerts are organized in Vienna, and there are several private galas organized by hotels.
Must-see: On New Year’s Eve, the Vienna Philharmonic puts on a concert at the great Musikverein hall.
Madeira, Portugal: The Portuguese island of Madeira is heaven on Earth year round and only gets better with the busy holiday season. The linking of a great culture and unforgettable food with a party atmosphere makes this place a prime New Year’s destination. You can rent out a villa and soak up the atmosphere and beaches, or join the populace in watching Madeira’s famous fireworks and outdoor parties.
Must-do: Prior to the festivities, eat out and try Madeira’s local dishes, like black swordfish and espetada (meat brochettes).
Goa, India: For five-star hotel treatment and white sandy beaches with a romantic backdrop, think about bucking the trend and visiting India’s beautiful state of Goa. Here you’ll find a great combination of sun, sand and surf. As such, this paradise is ideal for couples who want to spend New Year’s away from loud parties and drunks singing Auld Lang Syne.
Must-see: Preface a memorable romp on the sand with a visit to scenic Baga Beach and a drink at Tito’s, Goa’s most popular nightclub.
Tokyo, Japan: For New Year’s, two different but equally fun opportunities present themselves in Japan’s greatest city. Traditionalists enjoy visiting Tokyo’s Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to celebrate in style and pray for good luck in the New Year. Amazing festivals are held in these shrines, replete with music and dancers dressed in ornate costumes.
Must-see: On January 2nd, the Imperial Palace is open to the public. You can tour the grounds and catch a glimpse of Japan’s Emperor.
Morocco: When the champagne-filled parties get old, it’s time to consider something completely different. Certain Moroccan tour companies organize desert tours for New Year’s, where travelers get to spend the memorable night in an incredible oasis. You can stay in the ancient city of Ouarzazate, then move out into the Sahara and experience a nomadic lifestyle with the natives.
Must-see: After midnight, catch the bonfire and nomadic dances, which help transform the desert into an outdoor dancehall.
Sydney, Australia: All of Sydney comes alive for New Year’s Eve as Australia’s great harbor city offers a stunning array of activities that keep the energy up and the champagne flowing. The most popular spot to visit is the Harbor Bridge, where people come in droves to watch an impressive display of fireworks that starts over the water at the stroke of midnight.
Must-do: Prior to partying, grab a window seat in one of Sydney’s high-rise restaurants to get a view of the city’s activities while dining on great food.
Las Vegas, Nevada: The standard Las Vegas activities are revamped for New Year’s Eve, as the strip is closed to traffic after 5 p.m. and is transformed into an enormous block party. Four hundred thousand people come to eat, dance and drink before visiting the shows or casinos. As an added bonus, you’re likely to spot as many street performers as you do celebrities.
Must-see: The fireworks at midnight, which are best seen in front of Caesars Palace’s Forum Shops or on the observation deck of the Stratosphere.
Cape Town, South Africa: There’s a lot to see and do in this diverse, vibrant South African metropolis. Cape Town holds a New Year’s carnival, attracting 80,000 enthusiastic tourists and locals. This festival entertains in every aspect, offering great food, music and shows all night long.
Must-see: The V&A Waterfront, which is Cape Town’s fine harbor area and a great place to grab a drink and watch traditional African song and dance in the many lounges nearby.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio is a party city all year round, so imagine the ruckus that occurs when it’s time to ring in the New Year. Copacabana Beach serves as the setting for many of the outdoor parties, which are characterized by thumping samba music and many, many beautiful Brazilian females. In accordance with tradition, the two million partiers who drink and groove on the sand are usually all dressed in white, so follow along and soak up the wicked atmosphere.
Must-do: At the stroke of midnight, celebrate by going for a dip in the ocean.
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