Lots of my friends have bowed out of New Year’s celebrations over the years because they find it overpriced, overrated, and over-saturated. This bums me out because regardless of all of that, I still think New Years is such a fun concept!
Getting together with the people you love, getting dressed up to the max and counting down into your future excites the living shit out of me. Halloween aside, New Years is still my favorite celebration and in my opinion, should be honored properly!
I’ve had the privilege of counting down into the New Year in places like New York City, Miami Beach, Florianopolis, Brazil, London, England, Cuba, Saint Lucia, Mexico, Cape Town, South Africa and more. Every single country, city and destination has something unique to offer, which is why I always love escaping somewhere new for the experience.
I’ve compiled my personal list of the top 5 destinations for you to consider this holiday season! Planning ahead is essential. Last minute holidays will be triple the price, so hurry up!
This list is in no particular order.
1. Azores, Portugal
If you love culture and tradition, then celebrate New Years in the Azores of Portugal. So much more than just a party, they have quirky and unique superstitions that would be so much fun to participate in!
For example:
- Eat 12 raisins (1 for each month of the year) at countdown to bring in good luck!
- Wear blue underwear on New Year’s eve to bring in good fortune
- Send away evil spirits by banging pots and pans right at midnight, outside your window! Imagine the collective energy? Imagine the complaining neighbors?
- Dip in the ocean on January 1st (no matter the temperature) to bring in a “clean energy” to the year
The Azores are composed of 9 volcanic islands in the Macaronesia region of the North Atlantic and is one of Europe’s best and most affordable New Year’s eve destinations. While it’s not the warmest time of the year to visit, the islands offer plenty of ways to celebrate, including one of the best and biggest fireworks displays on the planet.
2. Kitzbuhel, Austria
Let’s go skiing in the “Aspen” of Austria! Kitzbuhel (also known as ‘Kitz’) is a super glamorous, posh and luxurious collection of ski resorts, situated in the western province of Tyrol, Austria. Perfect for the snow bunny partying elite! While people often pick a beach destination, go against the grain and head for the mountains. Plus, if you’re a fancy traveler looking for a more exclusive experience, this could be it!
Imagine gathering with a large crowd at the top of the slopes to witness a world class pyrotechnic show and then heading into town center for an evening of festivities and a multi-course dinner that would satisfy any foodie on the planet. Kitzbuhel houses some of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world and some of the most dangerous, adrenaline pumping slopes in Europe. What a unique way to start the new year!
3. Tokyo, Japan
Aren’t they so far into the future that they are ringing in 2098 by now? I can’t imagine a vibe more insane than Tokyo, considering that the Japanese view New Years as the most important holiday of the year. Their New Year’s festival is immense and locals indulge in a special family oriented feast called o-sechi ryori, which includes delicious looking bento boxes of stunning sushi and sashimi … I’m drooling here.
The Japanese also visit local shrines on the first day of the year to pray for good fortune. This sounds like a cultural experience unlike any other! Sure beats getting lit at a local Miami nightclub and spending your life savings on bottle service, only to forget it ever happened the next day.
Another cultural experience to add to your list would be the bell ringing ceremony of joya-no-kane, a Japanese Buddhist event held on New Years eve! The bells are struck at midnight of December 31st, as a part of the Ōmisoka celebrations. Most temples ring the bell 108 times!
I get chills just thinking about it.
4. London, England
London takes New Years to another level. The parties are decadent and glamorous and the spirits are super high! Yes, it’s one of the most popular destinations on Earth for this time of year, but the city doesn’t lose its authenticity or charm.
A week before the big night, you can stroll the streets and admire all the Christmas lights amidst a sea of bustling present shoppers. I love the mild, brisk London winter! View the Regent Street Lights, New Bond Street Lights and the stunning Covent Garden Christmas Tree!
Go visit Winter Wonderland and become a kid again! I put on a good 5 pounds in just one visit noshing on all the German pretzels, hot chocolate, hot dogs, and naughty marshmallows at the Bavarian Village. Whoops. Sue me, it was leg day!
For the big night, I recommend getting a ticket to a members club like Home House where there’s always a theme and everyone dresses up. Take it seriously and do not disappoint. People in London spend money on their New Year’s outfits and it’s so so worth it.
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
I went to Thailand for the first time in my life this year and I could not shut up about it. I was worried Bangkok would be super cheesy. I was wrong. I see the hype and the hype is real.
I bet Chiang Mai is one of the craziest places to spend New Years! I am just dying to release a flying lantern into the river bank and take part in the immense energy that a moment like that could bring. Or perhaps participate in a midnight meditation session at one of the local temples?
Many temples light lanterns inside, inviting tourists and locals to come in and wish for good fortune.
Chiang Mai is known for incredibly festive nightlife events that take place at pretty much every bar or nightclub there. Get a mix of cultural, spiritual and straight party-party vibes. Sounds like my kind of celebration!
Where are you thinking of heading for Xmas and New Years? Share your destinations with me in the comment section and as always,
let’s get lost together!
Love your digital nomad,
Sally Golan (A.K.A Saliet)
