How to spend New Year abroad and avoid the crowds
Many people that are considering spending New Year abroad might not like the idea of seeing in the New Year in crowded places or cramming onto bustling public transport.
If you want to spend New Year abroad in a more peaceful, serene setting with just a few friends or even as a couple, taking a look at our holiday ideas below.
New Year's Eve Cruise
Some popular holiday destinations provide special New Year cruises to help you have a relaxing evening with fine dining and a great view of any midnight fireworks that might be going on in the vicinity. With a limited number of seats, you will be assured that your New Year's Eve cruise won't be too crowded.
The Vancouver Gala New Year's Eve Boat Cruise will be providing a gourmet buffet, entertainment and dancing and a front row seat of the midnight firework display. The cruise is run by Pride of Vancouver Charters Ltd. Boarding commences at 7:30pm and the cruise runs until 1am.
There are many other New Year cruises all over the world, and some are a few days in length so you can enjoy a great holiday and see in the New Year. Take a cruise on the Seine in Paris or along the Danube visiting fabulous Budapest.
Take a cruise along the Rhine in Germany and enjoy lush vineyards and medieval castles amongst the surrounding mountains. Visit quaint, traditional towns and enjoy an indulgent gala dinner on New Year's Eve.
Wherever you decide to take your New Year cruise, make sure you check the itinerary carefully before you book. While some cruises provide New Year's Eve entertainment onboard, others allow you to disembark to enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities on land.
New Year's Eve Train Journey
Seeing in the New Year in the carriage of a train with spectacular landscapes whizzing by is the perfect way to celebrate if you want to avoid the crowds and relax in a luxurious setting. Many New Year's Eve train journeys provide entertainment and a delicious celebration meal.
Take a ride on the Glacier Express in Switzerland from Brig up to Chur. The journey, which takes 10 days, includes lunch on board and you arrive at the Romantik Hotel Stern to celebrate the New Year with a five course evening meal. You also have the opportunity to view the midnight fireworks over Chur from the rooftop of the hotel.
The USA is hosting a range of New Year's Eve train journeys. For instance, the Napa Valley Wine Train in California is offering a Black, White and Pink Ball, which includes a 4 hour gourmet journey through the twilight vineyards. Enjoy a seafood reception, a gourmet meal and after party.
New Year's Eve Hotel Stay
One great way to beat the crowds is to book into a hotel and enjoy a New Year's Eve dinner. With so many New Year hotel breaks to choose from, it might be best to choose your destination first and then select a suitable hotel.
New York and Sydney both have spectacular New Year's Eve events. If you book into a hotel in either of these cities then you could get the chance to view the fireworks from the comfort of your hotel room. Some hotels might also have roof terraces to view the fireworks from.
Whatever you are planning for New Year, be sure to book as early as you can to avoid disappointment.
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