By Kirsty Harrison
As the newest Rescu. contributors on the block, there’s something you should really know about us… the lastminute lovelies love to party! So what better topic to explore this month than the biggest party of the year: New Year’s Eve. It only comes around once a year so make the most of it with our ultimate top five list of destinations you should experience NYE in at least once in your lifetime.
Okay, we’re probably a little biased but our very own Sydney really does set a high standard for the rest of the world to follow. The celebrations start early for those staking out the best harbour-side vantage spots for the amazing fireworks display. Our favourite option though? Being onboard one of the boats on the harbour itself, you can’t beat that view! If the city isn’t really your thing, a huge dance party is hosted on Bondi Beach (there’s worse places to wake up on January 1).
A NYE list wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Big Apple. The ball drop in Times Square is as synonymous with New Year’s Eve as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, not to mention the massive amounts of confetti dropped over the city when the clock strikes 12. There’s a real buzz in the air, after all, how many times do you ring in the New Year with over a million others plus millions more tuning in on TV. It can be mighty cold though compared to our Aussie December heat so make sure you rug up!
If spending the night dancing away with beautiful people sounds like your kind of thing, a visit to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro should be number one of your list. Know as ‘Reveillon’, the day-long party features live music, dancing and a carnival style atmosphere. Make sure you wear white – it’s tradition.
Scotland? In a top five NYE list, you ask? You betcha! The Hogmanay Festival is an awesome way to experience December 31 if you’re after an OS experience that’s a little less cliché. Despite the freezing cold weather, the atmosphere wherever you are in Scotland is awesome. The year I attended, there were rumours Prince William was there too (if it’s good enough for the Duke of Cambridge, it’s good enough for me!). Edinburgh holds the biggest celebration with its Hogmanay Concert in the Gardens with live bands and a fireworks spectacular.
If romance and sophistication is your thing, Paris is the place to be. There are no fireworks on offer this year, however the light show being held on the Eiffel Tower is sure to more than make up for it. Get yourself to Champs-Elysees, ground zero for the Parisian style street party, and enjoy a glass of champagne (of course!). The crowds start to arrive around 9pm so start your celebrations with a delicious French meal and get ready to say ‘Bonne Annee!’
Have a second go at New Years in Thailand for Songkran from April 13 to 15. Thai New Years is a three-day festival, which began with cleansing with water and has now evolved into a country-wide water fight where locals and travellers alike get into the action. It’s one of the most chaotic New Year’s events I’ve ever experienced and if you like a holiday with a difference, then mark it into your calendar. Ladies put your straighteners down, there is no way of getting around Thailand during this break without getting wet so if you prefer a dry break this one’s not for you.
