Top 7 Places to Spend New Year’s Eve

If you’re like me, and completely tired of boring NYE events, consider traveling somewhere that promises an incredible night to remember. Here is a list of seven most unique, exciting places around the globe to see the year out – there’s no excuse to have a bad time!

1) Tokyo, Japan

(Image: Celebrating New Year by the Zōjō-ji temple in central Tokyo. Credit: Anderson)

The New Year’s party in Tokyo starts 29 December and concludes on 4 January, so for those who would like to stretch their partying out for days may want to consider a trip to Japan. On New Year’s Eve itself, the Japanese often go out to dinner, visit the temple where they make a wish, and spend the rest of the night partying and doing karaoke. Trust me, it’s a riot! While many of the area’s major attractions close for the week, the Imperial Palace opens to the general public and visitors receive well-wishes from the emperor himself from a balcony. If you want an authentic Japanese experience, this is it. The inner palace only opens for visiting two days out of the year, so it’s worth a visit if you can make it.

2) Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

(Image: NYE Revellers at Copacabana. Credit: De Carvalho )

Imagine standing a warm, brightly lit up beach on the south Atlantic with millions of people, drinking chilled champagne, watching a brilliant fireworks display over the water; this is New Year’s Eve at Copacabana Beach, and it’s only second to Rio’s Carnival in size. That means it’s a major celebration and an event you’ll likely never forget. Food and drink kiosks line the beach and several stages provide live entertainment for revellers.

3) Sedona, Arizona

(Image: Relaxing view of Capitol Butte and Bell Rock. Credit: Stegeman)

If your idea of a New Year’s Eve celebration is focused on rejuvenation, look no further than Sedona in the Arizona desert. The magnificent red rock sandstone formations in the area are thought to have mystical affects on people. A high concentration of wellness spas and escape resorts pepper the area. You won’t find a large party in the streets in Sedona, but you will find a quiet, relaxing time to ready yourself for the fresh new year.

4) Cape Town, South Africa

(Image: Fireworks and Celebrations for New Year’s Eve. Credit: Hudson)

One January falls in the middle of summer in Cape Town, making for a warm and sunny celebration. The New Year’s Eve Bash on the touristy V&A Waterfront is ripe with live entertainment, street performers, boutique shopping and fine restaurants. Before the celebration, visitors can take a cruise around the cape or see the view the tip of Africa from a helicopter. The party culminates at midnight with a spectacular show of fireworks over the ocean.

5) Innsbruck, Austria

(Image: Innsbruck by Moonlight. Credit Flik)

Ski. Snowboard. Sled. Did I mention ski? Innsbruck, nestled in the Austrian Alps, offers two surrounding mountains up for winter sport: Hafelekar and Patcherkofel. You can stay in town and take a train out to ski, or stay at any number of mountainside lodges that offer the ultimate ski holiday, many with ski in/ski out capabilities. Innsbruck is a winter wonderland paradise, with perfect postcard mountain views. Austrian beer, wine and food do not make for an unpleasant stay, either.

6) Cala’n Bosch

(Image: Beautiful turquoise waters await New Year’s revellers at Cala’n Bosch. Credit: Grimmo)

The beach at Cala’n Bosch on the south shore of Menorca is one of the world’s best. The small inlet is protected on both sides by land and has a gentle slope, inviting visitors for a dip in the ocean. You won’t find a massive celebration for the new year here, but you will find white sand beaches and views of the water so pristine that photos won’t do it justice.

7) Sydney, Australia

(Image: Spectacular fireworks on Sydney’s harbour, overlooking the Opera House. Credit: Nahele)

Be one of the first in the world to celebrate the new year down under in Australia. The fireworks display on the Sydney Harbour attracts over a million people and is televised around the world. Great food, great drinks and great people make for an exciting party similar to the party in Times Square in the states.

Go on, get a ticket, book a cheap hotel and have a party to remember. You’ll thank me for it.

This guest post was contributed by Lindy Howard at Anytrip.com, a site which offers cheap hotels in New York (another good place to go!), and hotels, flights, car hire and tours around all of these places mentioned (above). Happy New Year!