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No more photos under the tree but selfie on the beach or on a camel in the desert. The latest trend for New Year’s Eve is setting aside classic destinations and aiming at secondary destinations to live special and unusual experiences.
If you’re curious, say goodbye to souvenir shops and consider these ideas for an alternative trip.
New Year’s Eve in Morocco: Berber Villages and Sahara
If you’re thinking about a holiday in Morocco, don’t focus only on the most famous cities like Marrakech or Fez.
For example, you may consider a tour of the villages among the Berber valleys. In addition, you may even spend a night in the desert to admire the Milky Way.
Another great experience is the Safari in the Sahara desert. There are not too expensive tours that leave from Marrakech and take you to the Dades valley and the Kasbah of Ourzazate. You can then camp in the middle of the dunes of Erg Chebbi. There you can taste the typical Moroccan cuisine and listen to the traditional, local songs around a bonfire.
Dubai Cruise
In Dubai in December temperatures are quite high and you can safely swim in the sea. In addition to the many beach clubs with entrance fees, there are also several free beaches such as Jumeirah and Kite Beach if you don’t want to go over budget.
Even in Dubai Christmas is celebrated with trees and markets. However, if you are looking for something really original, there are also other options besides a day at the beach. For example, you can take a Jeep Safari that ends with dinner in a Bedouin camp. Alternatively, you can choose the New Year’s Eve Cruise with dinner on board and Dinner with a view of the fireworks – an undoubtedly romantic idea.
Luminous Lanterns in the Sky on Thai New Year’s Eve
Spending New Year‘s Eve in Thailand is definitely an alternative idea and far from the usual tourist routes. However, much depends on where you plan to stay. If you’re looking for lively evenings, then Bangkok and Phuket are ideal and during the Christmas period you’ll find all sorts of events, shops and restaurants.
In Bangkok, on New Year‘s Eve there are shows and fireworks. In addition, the vast majority of young Thai people are waiting for the countdown at Central World. If your budget allows it, you can book a romantic dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants.
If you are looking for a quieter solution, it is better to move towards the sea. A tip? New Year‘s Eve in Patong is really evocative. From late afternoon locals start lighting lanterns and fireworks until midnight, when the sky and beach are lit by thousands of lights.
Snorkelling or Volcanic Walks in the Canaries
If you’re not particularly interested in the locals and nightlife, but are looking for sun, peace and quiet and beautiful beaches, then choose the Canaries. You’ll find fascinating places and pleasant temperatures, even if it’s windy.
In Lanzarote, for example, in addition to the beaches you can try a super special experience. This is the guided excursion through the volcanoes and lava fields of Timanfaya National Park. It is done on foot or on a safari on the back of a camel. In Tenerife, on the other hand, you can try the famous Whale and Dolphin Cruise, generally organised at Christmas time. The waters of Tenerife are perfect for snorkeling, another nice idea that you can consider for your alternative New Year‘s Eve.
