Travel Experts: 12 Best Places for New Year’s Trips
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Looking for the perfect destination to ring in 2025? Try something new and unforgettable by traveling for the New Year holiday.
From historic European cities to tropical beaches and vibrant American celebrations, here are some of the best places to celebrate the New Year.
Tuscany, Italy
“Looking for an unforgettable New Year holiday celebration? This Taste of Italy New Year tour is it!” noted ExpatExplore.com. Starting in Rome and continuing through Venice and Florence, visitors can experience Italy’s rich culture while ringing in the New Year in Tuscany.
The region comes alive with local celebrations, traditional cuisine, and flowing Italian wine. You can go with a guided tour or make your own – either way, it’ll be delicious!
Riviera Maya, Mexico
“The route from Cancun to Tulum has been the most favored one by our customers in 2023,” said Denisa Caldova, global public relations and content manager at Daytrip.
The Two Eyes Cenote has become particularly popular among visitors, offering a unique natural attraction alongside the region’s famous beaches and resorts. Cheersing the new year on a beach sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
Amsterdam and Rhine River
Expat Explore thinks an ideal New Year’s trip would involve cruising along Amsterdam’s canals and the Rhine River on New Year’s Eve offering a magical experience, combining historic European charm with festive celebrations.
Spanish Costa del Sol
Expat Explore notes that “Winter holidays in Spain offer sun, sand and scenery but without the crowds and extreme heat of summer!” The coastal region provides a perfect winter escape with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
New York City
The iconic Times Square ball drop draws over a million people annually. Beyond the main celebration, the city offers countless parties, special events, and fireworks in Central Park.
Book well in advance, as this is one of the world’s most famous New Year’s destinations. Don’t miss grabbing a slice from Ray’s before the ball drops!
Las Vegas
The entire Vegas Strip becomes a pedestrian-only celebration, with fireworks launched from multiple casino rooftops. Combined with world-class entertainment, dining, and gaming, Vegas offers a uniquely American New Year’s experience.
Plenty of hotels also offer special NYE packages with discounts — you can go big at the gorgeous Venetian Resort or ring 2025 in style at Resort World Las Vegas. It’s worth taking a deep dive into all the deals if you want a memorable NYE in Sin City.
Portuguese Coastal Cities
Another Expat Explore recommendation includes exploring Porto for wine tasting and wandering Lisbon’s colorful streets, with the bonus of mild winter temperatures and fewer tourists than peak season.
Miami Beach, Florida
For those seeking a warm-weather celebration, Miami’s South Beach offers a perfect blend of beach, culture, and nightlife. The city hosts multiple fireworks displays along the beach, and many hotels offer special New Year‘s packages.
For people who want to splash out on an ultra luxe (but still not ridiculously expensive) trip to impress friends or family, Miami is a great place to book a private plane like Aero or semi-private like JSX. Happy New Year, indeed!
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration features free live performances from top country music stars, culminating in the iconic Music Note Drop at midnight and a massive fireworks display.
Hawaii
Each Hawaiian island offers unique celebrations, but Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach party is the largest, featuring multiple fireworks shows reflected in the Pacific waters. Being the last major U.S. location to ring in the New Year makes it extra special.
Swiss Alps
As mentioned in Expat Explore’s European winter tours, the Swiss Alps offer a magical winter setting for New Year’s celebrations, complete with snow-covered peaks and cozy alpine traditions. Don’t forget the fondue!
New Orleans
The French Quarter becomes one giant street party, culminating in the fleur-de-lis drop at Jax Brewery and fireworks over the Mississippi River. The celebration continues with the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
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