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The best New Year breaks: Where to celebrate NYE

If starting the New Year off with a cheap holiday deal is wrong, then we don't want to be right! If you're thinking about where you'd like to be on December 31st, then you've come to the right place. No matter what kind of holiday you're after, we've got all the best flights, hotels and more for an unforgettable New Year's Eve.

Whether you're planning on ringing in the New Year with a luxurious holiday or during an activity-filled city break, there are plenty of destinations that pull out all the stops when it comes to NYE celebrations. And that goes for whether you're planning to celebrate as a couple or in a group - we have an NYE holiday deal for everyone.

From quirky NYE traditions to the best places to celebrate, find more inspiration below and get ready to have a memorable New Year break.

The best destinations for a New Year break

Whether you're dreaming of a big New Year celebration in a city or a quiet countryside escape, there are so many great destinations to choose from. Lots of destinations will have elaborate events planned on New Year's Eve as well as during the run up to the big day, from live music to an all-out fireworks display. No matter which destination you end up choosing, always remember to check whether you need to book tickets to take part in the revelry.

To kick off your creativity, here are a few of our favourite places to see in the New Year.

1. Paris

No list of New Year break locations would be complete without Paris. Locals and tourists alike take to the vibrant avenues on New Year's Eve, whether it's wandering through the quirky back streets or partying on the Champs-Elysées. Our top pick would be hopping on the city's cruise boats for a spectacular dinner while you sail down the Seine in style to see in the bells! But if that sounds a little too quiet, inject a little 'vava-voom' into your getaway with a trip to the world-famous Moulin Rouge!

2. Venice

With its photogenic canals and bridges, Venice is truly one of the world's most spectacular sights, and it's no different at New Year! While the city’s largest NYE gathering happens at St Mark's Square, culture vultures should head to the Punta della Dogana, a contemporary art museum that offers its own twist on New Year. On January 1st, take a gondola trip down the iconic Grand Canal - believe us, nothing cures a hangover quite like the sights of Venice!

3. Budapest

While it may not be as well known as some of the other destinations on this list, Hungarians sure know how to throw a party! Budapest's NYE celebrations are always bold and beautiful. If you fancy splashing out, we'd recommend the dinner and piano cruise along the Danube for some seriously fine dining in a beautiful setting with your significant other. And you'll need to start the New Year as the locals do - with a visit to one of Budapest's famous thermal baths!

4. Berlin

While Berlin isn't necessarily known for its beauty, the city really comes to life during the Christmas period thanks to its wonderful Christmas markets, which are usually still in full swing around New Year. The main New Year event happens at the city's iconic Brandenburg Gate, which hosts one of the world's biggest open-air events with a massive fireworks display. For something quieter, check out a rooftop bar at one of the city's swanky hotels for a more intimate and romantic view.

5. Prague

It should come as no surprise that Prague, which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, makes a great destination for couples at New Year. This is the perfect time to explore the Old Town and see the sights before booking a meal and taking in the celebrations. Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are all popular locations for watching the midnight fireworks. Prague is busy all year round, so make sure to book your NYE getaway early.

6. Dublin

The Irish are well known for taking all revelry pretty seriously, and New Year's Eve is no exception. Dublin's NYE celebrations are particularly massive. The beautiful Trinity College provides the backdrop to the city's NYE festival that features magic shows and concerts as well as fireworks. Make the most of your Dublin getaway by spending a few nights here, taking the time to explore the quaint pubs, visit the botanical gardens or go ice-skating.

The best family-friendly New Year breaks

We get it - NYE can be a stressful time for families; after all, trying to keep everyone entertained and the kids distracted can take a lot of planning. If you're short on inspiration for a NYE family staycation, we've put together two excellent picks for an awesome New Year break. Get ready to have the most magical NYE your kids have ever seen!

New Year's Eve in Birmingham

England's second city is a great choice to end the year! Those looking to pick up a bargain in the post-Christmas sales will find everything they need at Birmingham's main shopping centre, the Bullring, or head to the famous Jewellery Quarter.

If you're here for the fireworks, head to Centenary Square as this is the location for the largest official display. The good news is that you can find the ice rink and the iconic Observation Wheel at the same location, which should keep the kids (and any big kids) entertained. If you are lucky enough to be in Birmingham a few days before NYE, don't forget to visit the city's Frankfurt Christmas Market.

New Year's Eve in Edinburgh

We can't talk about NYE without mentioning the home of Hogmanay. The Scottish capital is probably the one UK city that has to be included in any NYE bucket list. That's because Edinburgh really goes all out when it comes to New Year and hosts a massive street party along with an annual concert called Party in the Park.

The street party area around Princes Street opens at 7pm where the party begins and the stage areas are open from 9pm until 1am. When the clock strikes midnight, there is a spectacular fireworks display with the stunning Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop. It will truly be an NYE that your family will remember.

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 organised or learn some brand new things.

On a serious note, there are so many incredible places to explore, so why not take a real step towards fulfilling your resolution by checking out a destination that will help you achieve it? Whether you're looking to learn a new language, manage stress or spend more time with those near and dear to you, we've got the perfect place for your next journey.

Want to get in shape? Visit Okinawa, Japan

Health is key to a long and happy life, so getting in shape is often one of the top New Year's resolutions. So why not head to the place 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.

The weather is always beautiful on this lush Japanese island, which is surrounded by aquamarine waters and white sandy beaches.

Trying to save money? Visit Siem Reap, 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 breath-taking landscapes, ancient landmarks and delicious food - that also happens to be easy on the wallet.

Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, the Bayon and Ta Prohm. The best news? You can experience these truly majestic sites without having to spend too much at all.

Trying to manage stress? Visit Copenhagen, Denmark

Is your stress ball more like a stress pancake at this point? If your New Year's resolution is to chill out, then we've got the place for you. According to the World Health Organisation’s World Happiness Report, Denmark is one of the world’s happiest places.

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.

You'll get to hang out where children's author Hans Christian Anderson once called home or pay a visit to the famous Little Mermaid statue.

Need to unplug? Visit 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 (volcanic eruptions have created geothermal lakes, lagoons and pools here). You'll get to check one more continent off your bucket list and really get away from it all.

Trying to quit bad habits? Visit Bali, Indonesia

The island of Bali is an absolute mecca of relaxation. It is home to so many incredible natural wonders, from thick forests and volcanic mountains to coral reefs and sandy beaches. And, for people who've just made their New Year's resolutions, it is the ultimate place to reset and refresh.

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest (and 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 holidaymaker's paradise.

Hungry to learn something new? Visit 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 the New Year comes a-knocking. If you're looking to learn something new, head to the place where formal education got its start.

One of Italy's most beautiful cities, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world, which was founded in 1088 and hasn't stopped since. Famous historical figures like Dante, Petrarch, Copernicus and Pope Alexander VI all attended Bologna University. That makes Bologna the perfect spot for some inspiration, education and sightseeing.

Want to live life to the fullest? Visit 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 waters of the Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, drive the immense power of these falls. The Devil's Pool, which can be found 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 memorable photo.

Looking to spend more time with loved ones? Visit Yosemite National Park, California

"It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of nature I was ever permitted to enter," John Muir once said of Yosemite National Park and this sentiment still applies. The beautiful national parks of the US are an excellent place to spend some time with loved ones away from the bustle of the city and the stress of the daily grind.

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, this park boasts the granite cliff of El Capitan and the mesmerising Vernal Falls. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails within the park; we're sure that one of those trails will be the setting for some quality time together.

9 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 out their New Year's Eve traditions. Here are some of our favourite quirky traditions.

Light up monigotes in Ecuador

Leading up to New Year's Eve, Ecuadorians build monigotes, which are effigies meant to symbolise the ups and downs of the past year. Sometimes the effigies are of celebrities, fictional characters or politicians. At midnight on New Year's Eve, the monigotes are brought into the street and lit on fire. It's also a tradition to burn photographs from the last year - a convenient excuse to get rid of any unflattering party photos!

Hang a-round in the Philippines

It's all about the money! That's why it's a tradition to make everything round in the Philippines leading up to New Year's Eve. We're talking 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 hearty New Year's feast while you're visiting.

Wear colourful underwear in South America

Who would have thought that the colour of your underwear could determine your future? In many parts of South America, the colour 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 is your colour. Just hoping for a peaceful year to come? Don't forget your white underwear, then.

Put your fists up in Peru

In Peru, the Takanakuy Festival is celebrated in several villages. Although the festival is usually held earlier in December, the purpose is to let friends and neighbours 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 symbolise that the disagreement will be left in the past and they will greet the New Year as friends.

Drop your ice cream cone in Switzerland

Ice cream lovers beware. In Switzerland, New Year's Eve celebrations are culminated by throwing ice cream on the ground. We can only hope that you get to eat some of the ice cream first!

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 following year. Now that's a tradition that 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 Year's 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.

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.

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 a tradition in Romania. If the cow answers, it could spell misfortune for the New Year.