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New Year, New Destination: Top Spots to Ring in 2024
If starting the new year off with a cheap travel deal is wrong, then we don't want to be right. Here you'll find cheap flights, hotels, vacations, and cruises that will have you exploring new destinations on December 31. Whether you're looking for a cheap Vegas vacation, flights to Cancun, or a hotel in New York City, you'll be ringing in the new year in style with these cheap travel deals for New Year's Eve.
Where Should You Travel Based On Your New Year’s Resolution?
The time has come again, my friends, to talk of many things. Of diets, stress and taking bets on what the new year brings. And whether you should get organized or learn some brand new things.
The world is full of so many incredible places to explore, so where are you headed next? Whether you're looking to learn a new language, manage stress, or spend more time with those near and dear, we've got the perfect place for your next journey.
Live Life To The Fullest (Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe)
Has your New Year's resolution been the same every year for as long as you can remember? Shake things up and start living your life with gusto. Head to a place where few others have been, but many dream about.
Victoria Falls is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the source for these falls. The Devil's Pool at the edge of the falls on the Zambian side is an incredible place for a swim. A naturally-occurring "armchair" keeps visitors from falling to their deaths, but also makes for a cool photo.
Save Money (Siem Riep, Cambodia)
Are you the friend who always slips out before the bill comes? Firstly, don't be that person. Secondly, it's high time you get your finances under control.
Now, that doesn't mean you should put your travel dreams on hold. Instead, head to a country with breathtaking landscapes, ancient landmarks and delicious foods...that's also incredibly easy on the wallet.
Siem Riep, Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm. You'll get to experience these truly majestic sights without spending much. The cost for a four-star hotel in the area starts at just $27 per night and the average cost of a meal runs between $1.50 and $6.00.
Manage Stress (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Is your stress ball more like a stress pancake at this point? If your New Year's resolution is to chill out in 2022, we've got the place for you. Denmark is one of the world’s happiest places, according to the World Health Organization’s World Happiness Report.
They've topped the list a few years in a row now, thanks to the wellbeing of their citizens. You can see what it's all about with a visit to Copenhagen, the country's capital.
Hang where the children's author Hans Christian Andersen once called home and pay a visit to the famous statue of his Little Mermaid. Explore outside of the city to see the country's vast landscapes and learn a thing or two about the world's happiest people.
Unplug (Deception Island, Antarctica)
Are you reading this on your phone? When was the last time you put it down, went outside and got in touch with Mother Nature? Unplug with a visit to one of the most remote places in the world.
Deception Island is frequented by European and South American researchers, as well as tourists looking to explore this remote continent.
Thousands of chinstrap penguins live on the island and visitors will also get the chance to swim in Pendulum cove (the volcanic eruptions have created geothermal lakes, lagoons and pools). Check one more continent off your bucket list and really get away from it all.
Quit Bad Habits (Bali, Indonesia)
The island of Bali is the mecca of relaxation. It is home to so many incredible natural wonders, with thick forests, volcanic mountains, coral reefs and sandy beaches. It is the perfect spot to reset and refresh.
Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest (to get that monkey off your back), the Tanah Lot temple of Denpasar and hit the beach in Kuta. There are so many options for places to spend the night, as Bali is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Get rid of those bad habits and recharge with a trip to this vacationer's paradise. Here you can read more about vacations in Bali.
Get In Shape (Okinawa, Japan)
Health is key to a long and happy life, so getting in shape should be at the top of your list of things to finally figure out. So, why not head to the city with the longest life expectancy in the world?
The trip might inspire you to finally stick to those healthy choices. Learn a thing or two from the citizens of Okinawa, whose average life expectancy is a solid 85 years old.
The weather is always beautiful on this lush Japanese island, surrounded by aquamarine waters and white sandy beaches. Here you can read more about vacations in Japan.
Learn Something New (Bologna, Italy)
You might not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can probably learn a fair amount of Mandarin or Spanish before 2022 comes a knocking. If you're looking to educate yourself in 2021, head to a place where formal education got its start as a source of inspiration.
Bologna, Italy is home to the oldest university in the world, which was founded in 1088 and has never been out of operation. Famous historical figures like Dante, Petrarch, Copernicus and Pope Alexander VI attended Bologna University.
This learned and bustling city boasts many historic landmarks, sights and basilicas, in addition to its claim to fame. It's the perfect spot for some inspiration, education and sightseeing. Here you can get all information and cheap deals for vacations in Italy.
Spend Time With Loved Ones (Yosemite National Park, California)
"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter." The naturalist John Muir once said this of Yosemite National Park and its sentiment still applies. The beautiful national parks of the USA are an excellent place to spend some time with loved ones away from the bustle of the city, the responsibilities of life and the stress of the daily grind.
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, this park boats the granite cliff of El Capitan and the mesmerizing Vernal Fall. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails within the park and we're sure one of those trails is the perfect spot to spend some quality time together. Here you can read more about vacations in California.
10 Ways You Can Resolve to Travel Better Next Year
What’s your New Year’s travel resolution? Do you want to travel more frequently? Explore destinations that may not be on your radar? Try different traveling methods? We’ve come up with ten travel resolutions to strive for in the new year, and tips for how you can accomplish them.
1. Use Points to Travel for Free
If you’re always hearing friends and family talk about traveling “with miles” or earning “travel points,” it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. There are plenty of ways to save money on travel and earn travel points through loyalty programs and using certain credit cards. If you already have a credit card, take a second look at the fine print and see if there are any rewards elements you may have overlooked. If you are thinking of getting a credit card, there are plenty of articles explaining which cards give you the best returns for travel. With a little bit of research, you’ll be on your way to travel savings with minimal effort.
2. Give Something Back on Your Travels
While tourism is the economic backbone of many locales, it can also negatively affect the local population through pollution, overcrowding, rising rent prices, and strains on public works. As a thank-you to the community for allowing tourists to visit, it is nice to give something back, in the form of volunteer time, charitable donations, or patronizing local businesses. When you are traveling to new destinations this year, search for local organizations that are doing good in the community, and aim to contribute what you can.
3. Visit a Bucket List Destination
If you’re always saying “maybe next year” to your bucket list locales, now’s the time to kick the bad habit. Go through your list and try to find at least one destination that’s feasible. Think about what’s been holding you back and how you can overcome that obstacle. Is it expensive? Consider visiting in the off-season, when prices are lower and there are fewer tourists. Is it far away? Save up more vacation days for your journey by taking shorter weekend trips throughout the year instead of a longer trip. If you are patient and flexible, you should be able to tick at least one bucket list destination off your list in the new year.
4. Find New Ways to Get from Point A to Point B
If you always fly to get to your vacation spots, you’re missing out. Sometimes the journey can be just as rewarding as the trip itself. Try hopping on a train or bus and give yourself the opportunity to watch the world go by from the window. This is a particularly good option in Europe, but there are gorgeous train journeys in pretty much every part of the world (for example, the trip from Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK with breathtaking views of Denali National Park). If you’re not doing it for the beautiful sights, it’s worth a try even just for the low prices. Long-distance bus travel may not be the most glamorous, but in many places, such as South America, it’s considered the best and most efficient way to travel from place to place.
5. Explore Unconventional Accommodations
Having a cool place to stay can round out your trip and change the way you experience a destination. If you usually book a room at a standard hotel, you may be missing out on other types of accommodation that can offer you something different. Stay in a treehouse Airbnb in Hawaii, cozy up in a luxury glamping tent in Slovenia, or spend the night in a super-small “capsule hotel” room in Japan.
6. Travel Tech-Free
Do you find yourself more focused on taking the perfect selfie than taking in the views on your travels? Do you have countless vacation photos you barely ever look at? Resolve to stay in the moment on your next trip by giving up your cell phone, digital camera, and other tech gear. Buy a local map, grab a disposable camera, and explore the city on foot. You may be surprised how different your travel experience can be when you have nothing to distract you.
7. Stay Local
Reduce travel stress, save money, diminish your carbon footprint, and explore unexpected destinations by resolving to travel more locally this year. Big trips to popular destinations in the Caribbean or Europe are certainly worth doing, but this year try looking into nearby destinations that can be reached by car, bus, or train. Instead of planning a massive road trip to the national parks of the Southwest, book an overnight camping trip at a nearby state park. Rather than fly to Italy to sample the food and wine, look in your area for farms specializing in agrotourism. You’ll end up visiting more off-the-beaten-path destinations at a fraction of the price, without the stress, expense, time drain, and environmental impact of flying or long-distance driving.
8. Do What You Want to Do, Not What You “Have to Do”
Pretty much every destination has those “must-visit” sights, museums, and restaurants—no matter where you go there will be a friend, family member, or guidebook telling you there is something you MUST do to truly experience a destination. This year, resolve to only do the things that interest you. Just because a city has an amazing classical art museum doesn’t mean you should go if you dislike classical art. If fancy restaurants aren’t your thing, you don’t need to shell out for a nice dinner to try a local delicacy. Instead, focus on spending your time and money on the things that will make you the happiest.
9. Take More Frequent, Shorter Trips
Do you usually just take one long vacation a year? This year, break out of that vacation routine and try taking more frequent, shorter trips. When you take just one vacation a year, the need to squeeze all your relaxation and/or sightseeing into one trip puts a lot of pressure on the vacation to deliver. By spacing out your vacations throughout the year, you’ll have more trips to look forward to. Bonus—this will push you to think more creatively about where you vacation and encourage you to visit nearby destinations that you may have normally overlooked. If you just can’t give up your “big” vacation, then make an effort to plan trips around public holidays with a long weekend, like Labor Day or Memorial Day, which give you opportunities for a short getaway.
10. Use All Your Vacation Days (Seriously)
Americans have limited vacation days, and what’s worse is they frequently don’t even use the days they are entitled to. If you are one of those people that ends up forgoing vacation days for the sake of the job, resolve to ditch your “vacation guilt” and use all your vacation days this year. Not only do you deserve every one of those vacation days, but it’s good for your output at work as well—taking vacation actually makes employees more productive and prevents burnout.
6 Bucket-List New Year's Eve Destinations in the US—that Aren't Times Square
Don't settle for just any old hometown bar—we've found six fantastic places in the US to ring in 2022. We know you've heard of Times Square, but these other legendary spots are sure to make for an epic night without the logistical nightmare.
1. San Francisco, California
From swanky balls, to underground DJ shows in warehouses, San Francisco really has it all for New Year's Eve. Just make sure you don't miss the famous fireworks show held from the Ferry Building every year at midnight.
If you're looking for the best vantage point to see the fireworks, consider taking one of the many New Year's Eve boat cruises. Don your flapper dress or suit and cruise around highlights like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline, all while enjoying live music and casino games.
2. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
You probably know Lake Tahoe as an ultra-popular ski destination, but did you know it's actually an incredible New Year's Eve destination? If you like aprés ski culture, this is the place for you.
Ring in the new year in a gorgeous alpine setting, with plenty of resorts offering glitzy parties. Watch a spectacular fireworks show from the beach or check out the annual Snowglobe Music Festival which runs over New Year's Eve from the 29th to the 31st, 2021 and offers an epic closing celebration.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
We all know the Big Easy knows how to party. Well, New Year's Eve is no exception.
Unsurprisingly, the center of all the action in New Orleans is the French Quarter. Head down to Jackson Square to watch the "Baby New Year" drop from Jax Brewery (no traditional ball here), and then party the night away on Bourbon Street! If that's not your scene, check out some live jazz or attend one of the many cocktail parties at area hotels and clubs.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Music lovers in particular will love Nashville on New Year's Eve. The biggest event is Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight, a star-studded music festival held every year on December 31st. The best part? It's free! Not only will you see live music, you'll get to enjoy fireworks and a "Music Note Drop" at midnight.
But that's not all. Nashville hosts tons of parties and balls, most of which include live music.
5. Atlanta, Georgia
Who needs to see the ball drop when you can see Atlanta's famous peach drop? Gather in Woodruff Park for all-day entertainment and festivities, and ring in the new year with a 300-pound peach drop from the historic Flatiron Building.
If you're more into New Year's Eve parties, you won't be disappointed. Atlanta hosts dozens of parties, balls, and concerts. We especially love the Mask of Midnight NYE Ball. This elegant ball is held on the Roof at Ponce City Market and encourages guests to wear masks and their most "decadent" clothing.
6. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Adults and kids alike will love experiencing Disney World on New Year's Eve. Plus, for the Disney fans out there, this is one of the only times to see Disney so alive at night.
Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios all feature special events—like dance parties, live music, and fireworks. Don't miss Epcot's Celebrations Around The World Showcase, where you'll get to celebrate the New Year multiple times as each respective country's clock strikes midnight. If you're looking for something more formal, get your ticket to the Disney Countdown to Midnight in the Fantasia Ballroom, which includes gourmet food, alcoholic beverages for the adults, and plenty of entertainment.
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Red Underwear and Talking Cows: 9 Crazy New Year's Eve Traditions from Around the World
Are you tired of always ringing in the New Year with a round of "Auld Lang Syne"? Haven't picked anyone to kiss at midnight this year? Then pack your bags and head off to a new country to try their New Year's Eve traditions on for size. Our favorite finds are listed below:
Wear Colorful Underwear in South America
Who would have thought that the color of your underwear could determine your future? In many parts of South America, the color of the underwear you wear on New Year's Eve affects what will happen to you in the coming year. Yearning to meet your true love? Go for red undies. More interested in getting rich quick? Gold should be your color. Just hoping for a peaceful year to come? Don't forget your white underwear, then.
Have a Chat with a Cow in Romania
If you see a lot of farmers trying to converse with their cows on New Year's Eve, try not to stare—this is tradition in Romania. If the cow answers, it could spell misfortune for the new year.
Put Your Fists Up in Peru
In Peru, the Takanakuy Festival is celebrated in several villages, such as Asterix & Obelix. Although the festival is usually earlier in December, the purpose is to let friends and neighbors resolve disputes from the past year through physical fights while the rest of community looks on. After the fighting is over, the opponents must shake hands or hug to symbolize that the disagreement will be left in the past and they will greet the new year as friends.
Hang A-Round in the Philippines
It's all about the money! That's why they try to make everything round in the Philippines leading up to New Year's Eve. Round food, round clothes, round decorations. The shape represents coins and is meant to ensure prosperity in the coming year. Round bellies count as well, so feel free to dig into a heart New Year's feast while you're visiting.
Light Up Monigotes in Ecuador
Leading up to New Year's Eve, Ecuadorians build monigotes, which are effigies meant to symbolize the ups and downs of the past year. Sometimes the effigies are of celebrities, fictional characters, and politicians. At midnight on New Year's Eve, the monigotes are brought into the street and lit on fire. It is also traditional to burn photographs from the last year—a convenient excuse to get rid of embarrassing party snapshots.
Drop Your Ice Cream Cone in Switzerland
Ice cream lovers beware. In Switzerland, the New Year's Eve celebrations are culminated by throwing ice cream on the ground. We can only hope you get to eat some ice cream first.
Celebrate with the Dearly Departed in Chile
In Chile, it's important to celebrate New Year's Eve with one's family—no matter if they are alive or not. Families in Chile will spend the night in the cemetery to ring in the new year in the company of their deceased loved ones.
Pack Your Bags in Colombia
In Colombia, those looking to travel in the new year will carry around a suitcase the whole day leading up to New Year's Eve. Supposedly, those who follow this tradition are certain to travel in the new year. Now that's a tradition we can get on board with!
Get Your Hands on Some Grapes in Spain
If your friends and family have ever complained that you have a "big mouth", then Spain's New Years Eve tradition is perfect for you. When you reach midnight, you must eat one grape every time the clock chimes (12 grapes in total). If you accomplish this feat, you're sure to have good luck in the new year.