From Miles to Smiles Stylish travel for professionals seeking luxury at affordable prices
I hate staying in the UK for New Year. Yet, every year I struggle to find inspiration for my New Year getaway so I decided to rope in a few travel bloggers to come up with some ideas. From the desert to a desert island, from bustling cities to the tropics, this list should provide ideas for everyone. So, which destination would you choose to celebrate New Year 2020 in?
21 ideas for New Year 2020
City breaks
Berlin – Ivan from Mind The Travel
Berlin is one of the best party cities at any time of year, but a visit at New Year should allow you to visit the city’s famous Christmas markets before you party into the early hours. The city’s festivities focus on the strip between the Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column where most people gather to watch the fireworks and experience the electric atmosphere of this massive open-air party. The “party mile” sprawls 2km and is bursting with entertainment. You will find everything from food stalls to party tents, music performance to laser shows, bars and much more.
With plenty of holiday events and attractions taking place throughout the city and streets filled with bright lights, and enchanting decorations, Berlin offers endless possibilities. Many bars and nightclubs time their entertainment so that you can enjoy the fireworks displays. They even often offer complimentary Sekt (sparkling wine) or Champagne.
If you like the idea of celebrating New Year 2020 at one of Berlin’s nightclubs, book well in advance. Alternatively, New Year’s Eve street parties can be as cheap as 10 Euro!
Where to stay in Berlin
Budget – The Concorde Hotel Am Studio has clean, functional rooms and is a few miles out of the city. It has rooms available from £80 for New Year’s Eve.
Luxury – The Ritz on Potsdamer Square is not only in a spectacular location but epitomises luxury. Rooms are from a reasonable £408.
Sydney – ME!!
I have been fortunate enough to spend two New Year in Sydney. The buzz builds throughout the day as people flock towards the harbour to await the fireworks. Makeshift bars set up in the streets and there’s a real party atmosphere as the countdown approaches.
At 9pm there is a short fireworks display but the main attraction comes at midnight. As the crowd counts down the seconds, the bridge bursts into flames as fireworks erupt in a deafening bang. Choreographed to music, the main display is spectacular, and elicits murmurs of appreciation from the assembled crowd. Best of all, it is summer in Australia, so you won’t freeze while you wait for the celebrations to begin.
Where to stay in Sydney
Budget – Sorry peeps but if you have yet to book an hotel for New Year in Sydney, you are not getting anything for less than the Wynyard Hotel at £306. It is in the business district so you won’t have far to stumble though!
Luxury – There is only one place to stay on New Year’s Eve if money is no object. It has to be the Pier One by Marriott by the Harbour Bridge as you will get simply the best view of the fireworks at midnight. It is not cheap at £3,124.
However, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and the world renowned New Year’s Eve Fireworks. The New Year’s Eve party is all inclusive and allows guests access to unlimited premium street food style dining., You can also enjoy inclusive quality drinks from a selection of pop up bars. DJs will be on hand for an unforgettable NYE experience but tickets do not come cheap at $599 pp.
Abu Dhabi – Nick from The Danish Nomads
Why not head into 2020 somewhere warm? In Abu Dhabi you are pretty much guaranteed excellent weather, and they know how to throw a party. The most popular way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Emirates is by going to a beach club, feasting on a lavish buffet with free-flowing French champagne. That doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Most venues will include live music and a fireworks display at midnight. There are also plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi. How about the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? Or, the famous Ferrari World theme park? Art lovers may appreciate the only Louvre museum outside Paris! However, for a change of scenery, you may also choose to take a short trip 1.5 hours North to see some of the many cool things not to miss in Dubai. You won’t be bored for a second!
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Budget – The Grand Millennium Al Wahda is almost giving rooms away this New Year. This five-star hotel has rooms from just £74.
Luxury – The Meridien Abu Dhabi is a five star luxury hotel near Abu Dhabi Mall. It is a snip at just £300 this New Year.
Tokyo – Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Tokyo is one of the best destinations for a fun NYE celebration. Although it is cold, the temperatures keep tourist numbers low. You can explore all of Tokyo’s famous attractions without the wait times of high season. The holidays also bring festive decorations to the streets of Tokyo, including traditional kadomatsu and shimekazari ornaments to bring prosperity in the new year!
To get your party started, check out the nightclub district of Shibuya, or head over to the Tokyo Bay cruise to booze in style. If you want a sober, but still exciting, countdown, Sensoji Temple holds the “joya no kane” ritual a few minutes before midnight to purify your body for the New Year!
Once January 1st rolls around, prepare for the biggest ‘mystery’ shopping sale around Fukubukuro. Shops sell “lucky bags” full of random items at heavily discounted prices! (Anne: Well, that puts a whole new meaning to the Boxing Day sale concept!)
Where to stay in Toyko
Budget – The Hotel Livemax Tokyoshintomicho is a 2.5 star hotel with rooms from £133.
Luxury – The HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a luxury Ryokan with an amazing pool. You can bag a room here on NY Eve 2020 for just £1,285.
Vienna – Kami of My Wanderlust
Vienna, the capital of Austria is a perfect New Year’s Eve destination! In the center you can find numerous places playing various kinds of music so you can choose where to party. At midnight, in front of the town hall, the crowd dances the Blue Danube waltz – a one of a kind experience.
Don’t worry about drinks and snacks as there are market stalls everywhere. To keep yourself warm you can purchase a cup for a few Euro and refill it with mulled wine. Then, on the 1st of January, you can attend the famous concert at the Opera. See in the new year in a typical Viennese style!
Where to stay in Vienna
Budget – The Moxy Vienna is by the airport and is a reasonable £138 on New Year Eve. Here is what we thought of the Moxy brand when we visited Seattle.
Luxury – In the heart of the city, the Ritz Carlton is luxury at its best. It has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and mountains beyond. Rooms are from £800.
Rio De Janeiro – Candy of Boogie The Pug
New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro is not to be missed. Millions of people, all dressed in white, flock to the beaches of Copacabana to celebrate. Four different stages are set up on the beach with live music, DJs, and performances.
At midnight, a spectacular fireworks display goes off over the water and lasts for 14 whole minutes. It’s one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties in the world, and the biggest party in Brazil, second only to Carnival.
Anne: OMG this looks amazing!!
Where to stay in Rio
Budget – To get cheap hotels on New Year’s Eve you will need to stay in neighbouring towns or spend well over £100. The Promenade Fusion Itaguai in Itaguai has funky rooms and a splendid rooftop pool with rooms from £39.
Luxury – The Hilton Barra Rio De Janeiro is a five star hotel with great views of the coastline and rooms from £745.
London – Sydney of A World In Reach
London is one of the best destinations for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Whether you spend the evening watching the fireworks, dancing in a club, or celebrating at one of the other unique events held throughout the city, you’ll be sure to have a fabulous time.
London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show is one of the best in the world. You need a ticket (£10) to get a good viewing spot, and each year the show has a different theme. If you’d prefer to spend New Year’s Eve indoors, there are tons of bars, clubs, and London hotels hosting parties throughout the city. Many parties require tickets to be purchased in advance, though some will sell tickets at the door.
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate, you can also consider one of the special performances held in the city, such as The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall.
Where to stay in London
Budget – There is not really any budget options in central London if you are looking to book for New Year. You could consider staying out at Heathrow airport to reduce your costs as the Tube runs during the night. Better still it is free between 23:45 on New Year’s Eve and 04:30 on New Year’s Day. The Moxy Heathrow Airport has rooms from £47. We liked it so much, we covered the Moxy Heathrow Airport before our Croatia trip.
Luxury – The Four Seasons Hotel on Trinity Square is a stunning hotel with rooms from a whopping £2,565. It is just minutes from the river and there’s plenty of bars and restaurants in the area.
Paris – Rai of A Rai of Light
The City of Light certainly lives up to its name during the holiday season culminating with a huge celebration on the 31st of December. It’s a festive time in Paris with the city’s squares and streets all lit up with Christmas trees, lights, and decorations.
Many people choose to enjoy the night at one of the numerous parties dotted throughout the city. Others prefer to spend their gawking at perfect views of the Eiffel Tower or along the packed Champs-Élysées for the official countdown and light-show. The celebrations continue, despite the cold, all through the night.
Where to stay in Paris
Budget – There are a ton of budget options from around £30 if you are happy to stay in the suburbs. If you want something more central, then opt for Hotel Leonard De Vinci with rooms from £89.
Luxury – The Mandarin Oriental has rooms from £2,282 on New Year’s Eve. This sleek five star hotel is the ultimate in luxury with its sexy indoor pool and sultry rooftop terrace. It is just a six-minute walk to the Champs Elysee and has an on-site spa.
Dublin – Catrina of 24 Hours Layover
If there’s one place you can count on for a cracking atmosphere at New Year, it’s Dublin. This is the evening that everyone comes out to celebrate – young and old! Along with Dublin being one of the friendliest cities in the world (meaning you’ll instantly make friends here!), what’s great about celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dublin is that it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Indeed, many pubs are free to enter!
Temple Bar is absolutely packed with tourists and locals in a fantastic mood. People sing along to the street musicians and music pours out into the street from the pubs. Just around the corner from Temple Bar is O’Connell Bridge, which turns into a free giant outdoor party. Crowds gather here to sing, dance and join in the countdown to midnight and watch the fireworks.
Where to stay in Dublin
Budget – The Ibis Dublin is around 6 miles outside the city and has functional rooms from £86.
Luxury – The Westin Dublin is a five star hotel in the centre of town. It has sumptuous rooms with ornate decoration from £371 on New Year’s Eve.
Sun
Antigua, Guatemala – Pubali and Indranil from Paradise Catchers
Fancy spending New Year’s Eve at a small colonial town characterized by cobblestone streets and colourful buildings? Antigua Guatemala, located about 40 km from Guatemala City, fits the bill. Add to that, views of three volcanoes.
On the 31st of December, the whole town seems to be in a festive mood. There are two main places to observe the celebrations. You can watch from Santa Catalina Arch that has a volcano view in the backdrop, or Parque Central which is the main plaza of this small town. Several parades and musical celebrations happen throughout the day near the Arch and around 8 pm, there are fireworks to bid goodbye to the current year.
Then you can move to Parque Central to watch the fireworks ring in the new year at midnight.
Where to stay in Antigua
Budget – The Radisson Hotel Guatemala is located in Guatemala where there is an abundance of more budget hotels. It has a spa, fitness centre, and pool and rooms cost from £70.
Luxury – The Hotel La Soleil Antigua has three outdoor pools, a spa and tennis courts. It is around ten minutes to Parque Central. Rooms cost from £209 on New Year’s Eve.
Phuket, Thailand – Alex of Swedish Nomad
Phuket is an ideal destination for New Year’s Eve. Visitors can choose between a night of partying or relaxing on a deserted island. The best place to celebrate New Year in Phuket is Patong Beach if you want to party with a crowd. Locals and tourists gather on the beach with drinks. Bars open and music plays on the beach. Furthermore, lanterns will be released and an abundance of fireworks will light the sky around midnight.
It’s a lovely spectacle that continues all night long. For those who prefer a more exclusive celebration, there are private clubs as well with dedicated NY events.
If you just want a laid back New Year with delicious food and a smaller celebration with fireworks, you should visit Koh Racha or Keemala Resort. These are exclusive resorts which have some of the best NYE celebrations in Phuket.
Where to stay in Phuket
Budget – Thailand is no stranger to budget accommodation. You can pick up a hostel bed for as little as £6 but if you are happy to pay £29, you could stay at the 4 star Phuket Merlin which has a pool.
Luxury – If you want to push the boat out in your very own pool villa, then book a room at the Dusit Thani. From the luxury of your terrace, you can take a dip in your pool overlooking the ocean. Rooms start at £2,259.
Kauai – Whitney of Designs For Travel
Kauai is the ultimate vacation destination in the United States, and it’s especially fun on New Year’s Eve. It’s a short five-hour flight from California, yet it feels worlds away. As you disembark your flight, the warm balmy air, Hawaiian music, and laid back vibe leads to instant relaxation.
Kauai is the greenest of the Hawaiian Islands (also known as “The Garden Isle”), which makes it one of the most beautiful. The beaches have soft golden sand with warm water and plenty of fun waves to play in. There are lots of great adventures on Kauai including many varied hikes. So, spend New Year’s day hiking, hit up the beach for some relaxation or water sports in the afternoon, then get ready for a fun night out.
Several Kauai hotels have elegant New Year’s Eve parties that include dinner, music, and dancing. Grand Hyatt Kauai’s annual event is worth the splurge. If you stay on the South Shore, there is a free outdoor party on the beach at Poipu Beach Park with a fantastic firework show at 9:00. You can see this show from almost anywhere on Poipu beaches and beyond. This is a New Year’s Eve you will never forget! See the Kauai Vacation Guide for detailed information on travel to Kauai.
Where to stay in Kauai
Budget – The Banyan Harbor offers two bedroom condos from £253. It has a pool and tennis court on site.
Luxury – The Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu has rooms from £1,007. It has a cascading pool in the resort grounds and is near the beach.
Goa – Jenny from TraveLynn Family
Fancy seeing the New Year in with a sunset swim in the Indian Ocean and a curry on the beach? Then head to the palm-fringed beaches of Goa!
If you want to dance the night away, head to the renowned NYE beach parties in Anjuna or Palolem, or you may want to sign up to a NYE yoga session at Patnem or Arambol. But if you’re looking for a family getaway for New Year’s Eve, I recommend Agonda.
You won’t need to wait until midnight for fireworks. As soon as night falls, the fireworks begin and will keep going until sunrise. This is India after all, and midnight may come and go without a countdown. There are also bonfires lit at EVERY bar spilling out onto the beach, and many people will be enjoying a night-time swim.
Where to stay in Goa
Budget – The Khaama Kethna Wellbeing Retreat Centre is a three star treehouse hotel with a restaurant. Rooms are basic but if you are partying all night who cares? Rooms from £44.
Luxury – If you want luxury in Goa, you will have to travel a little further afield. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa in Benaulim is a hotel we last stayed in 2015. It is a sprawling, colourful resort with fabulous service, although I am not sure I would pay the hefty price tag of £1,630 this New Year.
Maldives – Jacquie of Flashpacking Family
Ask 100 people what a bucket list destination is, I’m pretty sure 99 of them would say the Maldives. What better way is there to see in the New Year than spending it in a bucket list destination?
We spent New Year 2018 at the Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa. The day was spent like most others. We snorkelled with baby sharks in the crystal-clear water and relaxed under gently swaying palm trees on the soft, white sand. But there was a buzz of excitement around the island. Preparations were underway for what turned out to be the most incredible feast we have ever seen.
There was entertainment for all ages including a disco where it was lovely to see staff getting involved and having fun too. At midnight there was an amazing laser show instead of fireworks. So we didn’t quite see New Year in with a bang, but when you’re paradise, who cares?
Where to stay in the Maldives
Budget – I was surprised to discover that there are budget options in the Maldives. The Explore Island Inn on Kumendhoo island has rooms from £30. It doesn’t have a pool but who needs one when you have tropical beaches on your doorstep?
Luxury – Of course, if you wish to splurge you will be spoilt for choice in the Maldives. The Soneva Jani is my personal favourite although it will cost you £10,180 a night. For that, you will get a huge overwater villa with a good size pool on its deck, direct access to the water and a water slide from the top deck. It has a kitchenette, a lanai, outdoor sunken bath-tub and uninterrupted views of the Indian ocean. It is so amazing it deserves a picture!
Aruba – Michele from A Taste For Travel
One of the best reasons to celebrate New Year’s Eve on the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is that the party begins early and continues right through New Year’s Day and beyond. While all of the major hotels, resorts and restaurants will host glitzy parties complete with posh dinner, dancing, party favours and fireworks, there are lots of free things to do in Aruba that will help you ring in the New Year in style.
For family-friendly fun don’t miss the water fountain light show at Herencia Mall just off the Palm Beach tourist strip. Couples looking to kick off their New Year with some romance, can count on one of Aruba’s daily sunsets to put on a spectacular natural display. Fine dining is a must for NYE and celebratory options include Screaming Eagle (sip cocktails and dine in a gauzy Bali bed) or toes-in-the-sand dining on fresh-caught seafood followed by festive desserts at Atardi, one of Aruba’s upscale beachfront restaurants.
The next day, pool parties keep the fun happening all day long and then it’s just a few more days before Carnival season, an extravaganza of colourful processions, costumed revellers and music that takes place between January 4th and February 25th. In Aruba, New Year’s Eve is really just the beginning of fun on One Happy Island.
Where to stay in Aruba
Budget – The Victoria City hotel has rooms from £58 in a reasonable location.
Luxury – The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is far from the most expensive property on the island. However, what makes it special is that it is an adult-only property so if you want to celebrate the New Year without a backdrop of screaming children, this is the place for you. Rooms from £596.
Lanzarote – Darek of Darek and Gosia
New Year’s Eve on Lanzarote is a cool alternative for those who do not like traditional carnival balls.
Lanzarote is the most mysterious and picturesque island of the Canary Islands archipelago. There are no huge hotels and the resorts of the island are more intimate. But on New Year’s Eve everyone has a great time and you will certainly not regret going to Lanzarote!
There are a lot of tourists on New Year’s Eve in Lanzarote but New Year’s Eve parties take place in hotels rather than on the streets. So, the island of Lanzarote is calmer than other islands.
Still haven’t decided where to spend the biggest night of the year? Head out to the Canary Islands – New Year’s Eve in Lanzarote will remain in your memory for a long time!
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Budget – The Hotel Puerto Del Carmen is a charming one star hotel with rooms from £69. It has an outdoor pool, tennis court and nightclub!
Luxury – The Elba Premium Suites is another adults only property. It has a beautiful pool and suites cost from £510 per night.
Active
Disney World Florida – Kris of Nomad by Trade
You won’t find a better party than New Year’s Eve at Disney World. All four theme parks host thousands of guests until midnight for a special celebration. Epcot and the Magic Kingdom have the two biggest parties with fireworks counting down to the New Year.
At Epcot, you can celebrate with special drinks from around the world at each of the World Showcase pavilions. They ring in the New Year in each of the zones as the New Year arrives in that country’s time zone.
The Magic Kingdom has a family friendly party with special dance parties in different areas of the park. Plan on arriving super early and encountering massive crowds for the holiday.
If you don’t want to brave the crowds at the parks, several of the Disney resorts host ticketed parties with food, drinks, and dancing plus a special view of the fireworks from the nearest park.
Where to stay in Disney World
Budget – The Knights Inn Maingate is a motel in Kissimmee with rooms from £82.
Luxury – The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a luxury resort with three outdoor pools, a lazy river, water park, golf course and free area shuttle. It is the ultimate in luxury and has rooms from a mere £1,366 per night.
Culture
Siam Reap by Elisa from World in Paris
Siam Reap, in Cambodia, is a great place to finish a year of travels. This is the closest town to the temples of Angkor and there are few better ways to begin a new year than admiring Angkor Watt (Angkor’s most popular temple) at sunrise.
Siam Reap is a very touristy town. Everyone visiting the Angkor Temples stays in Siam Reap so the town has a big choice of accommodation, western-style restaurants, and pubs. Prices in Siam Reap are much higher than in the rest of the country but still affordable compared to Western standards.
Siam Reap is a busy place, with a cool vibe. Pub Street is Siam Reap’s most famous street and it’s there where the main action for NYE takes place. There’s live music everywhere, and at midnight there’s the usual countdown and then the fireworks start. Street bars serve cheap drinks so get ready for a long night of dancing, singing and drinking in Siam Reap.
Where to stay in Siem Reap?
Budget – Those on a real budget can get beds in a hostel for as little as £3. However if you would prefer your own room in a hotel, the Our Joint Hotel and Guesthouse has rooms from £11. Rooms are simple and the hotel has an outdoor pool.
Luxury – The Park Hyatt Siem Reaphas an incredible swimming pool along with rooms with their own private pool. It has over-sized tubs, a funky bar, gym, and spa and is just a 5 minute walk to Pub Street.
Valparaiso – Priyanka of On My Canvas
Valparaíso, a city in central Chile, is a popular destination for New Year’s Eve. This beach city is such a popular new year destination because of the fireworks over the Pacific. The fireworks run for twenty minutes, and people watch the show with champagne in hand.
Tourists and locals alike rush to Valparaíso to celebrate the New Year. Some line up on the beaches and others gather on the rooftops of their hotels and homes to see the fireworks. And what views they are from those rooftops!!
Where to stay in Valparaiso?
Budget – The The Mi Paz guesthouse has rooms from £65 and is less than a mile from the city center. It has cosy rooms and a free continental breakfast.
Luxury – The Novotel Viña del Marhas bright rooms and a rooftop pool. and has stunning views of the coastline. It has a lush infinity pool
Nashville – Julie of Ruhls of The Road
Nashville, Tennessee is without a doubt one of the best New Year’s Eve destinations. The atmosphere and music in this electric city are what makes this the perfect destination to celebrate the New Year. Along Broadway in Nashville, there is a quarter-mile stretch from the river to the Visitor Center absolutely FULL of bars and restaurants. Every single inch of this area is fun-filled and would make for a great place to celebrate any occasion.
Of course, the real number 1 reason to celebrate NYE here is the music. If you love country music, then there is no better place on earth than Nashville, Tennessee. Each and every bar has an incredible band with some of the most musically talented people you’ve ever seen. Come to Nashville for NYE and have the time of your life!
Many bars on Broadway will charge a cover for New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, walk 1 block off of Broadway to find bars that offer free entry.
Where to stay in Nashville?
Budget – The Travellodge by Wyndham Nashville is a no-frills hotel with an outdoor pool. It is around 4.5 miles from the city centre and has rooms from £45.
Luxury – The Noelle Nashville has stunning architecture, minimalist rooms and great views of the city. Rooms from £660 on New Year’s Eve and it is just a 1 minute walk to Broadway so you can stumble out of the bar and into your hotel in no time.
Lisbon – Marco of Travel-Boo
Having just been re-awarded the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2019, it is no wonder that Lisbon is on everyone’s travel bucket list! Many travellers do prefer to head over during the warmer summer months but, if you are considering where to travel to over New Years Eve, then you should not discount Lisbon!
Following on from the Christmas holidays, the city is still extremely festive and there are plenty of celebrations and parties happening all throughout the city. Most notably, at Lisbon’s waterfront and Praca do Comercio square, from where you can usually enjoy music concerts and a stunning firework display over the Tagus River as the clock strikes 12.
Other top reasons to visit over this New Year’s Eve period include more moderate temperatures compared to other European destinations. Plus it is less touristy meaning it’s less crowded and you are able to bag fantastic prices on accommodation and other travel deals too.
As such, be sure to consider Lisbon as a top choice for your next New Years Eve celebrations!
Where to stay in Lisbon
Budget– The Jupiter Lisboa Hotel has a sexy indoor pool, outdoor rooftop pool and water jets to soothe aching muscles. Rooms retail from £449 and are bright and funky.
Luxury – Just a short distance from Lisbon Cathedral, the 161 Norte Guesthouse has rooms from a very budget-conscious £49 this New Year.
Which would you choose?
So there you have it, tons of New Year inspiration for you. I would love to know which would be your top pick. Let us know in the comments below.
Hi Informative article. I love London i spent so many new year eve at Cirque le soir London. And thansk for sharing new ideas for celebrating new year eve 2020.
Have fun!