Top 10 Travel Getaways for 2015!
The affordable get away- MAURITIUS: The island of Mauritius is not only one of the prettiest and friendliest but also one of the most cost-effective destinations to be for the New Year's. Enjoy the beach setting and a glass of pomegranate cocktail sitting on a float or even walking along the shore. The guest houses are reasonably priced and the souvenirs, even more so! The evening's charm and the festivity will keep you awake and celebrating for hours on the end.
The cultural get away: VIENNA The cultural capital of Austria, Vienna lets you enjoy the full-blown experience of culture with its slew of galas balls, parties et all. The crowd moves to the city center for the midnight where the party is fuelled by hot wine and delicious candied and toffee apples. The parties in hotel ballrooms also edge well past midnight and the fireworks dazzle the whole city. The Majestic Imperator train takes guests into the New Year in absolute style with a black-tie dinner and a stop at the Danube bridge at midnight, right in time for the fireworks. The contemporary and the old-fashioned fuse together to lay out an offbeat experience. There are also nightly screenings of films at the St. Stephen's Cathedral at the Hollmann Beletage which is quite famously thronged during the New Year's.
The Indian get away: TAJ LAKE PALACE (UDAIPUR) One of the most stunning, culture-rich hotels in all of India, the Taj Lake Palace is simply magnifique. The 250 year old marbled monument of a hotel seeming afloat the Lake Pichola. The turrets, dome and opulent rooms and of course the antique furnishings will make you fall in love with love. Dine al fresco on all gourmet Indian cuisine at the Lily Pond Courtyard or at a floating, candle-lit romantic pontoon for two. This is no doubt an experience of a lifetime.
Life of the party (I): LAS VEGAS With its plethora of DJs revving up the city with music pumping into the evenings, Las Vegas is in its glittering golden best. Experience the night life here with your amour, in the nightclubs or even the streets. The roar of the midnight will send shivers of excitement down your spine. This place is quite the heaven for an energetic duo willing to kick-start their New Year in the sin city. While you're there, check out the Golden nugget hotel and casino. It offers more than 70 varieties of tequila, so go out there with your loved one, it's safe to get wasted on the brightest night of the ear.
Life of the party (II): HONG KONG If travelling all the way across the world isn't what you have in mind, then look no further than Hong Kong. This is definitely Asia's Big Apple and the infectious energy of this oriental pearl doesn't die out throughout the New Year season. Many parades and parties in various themes are crazily sought after night after night by tourists and locals. The parties have whacky fun themes like 1920's Paris, Andy Warhol art, Harry Potter and everything imaginable. The waterfront is the spot to settle in for the New Year's count and watch the fireworks go and burst into hundreds of dragon tails across the sky.
The island get away - MAUI (Hawaii) Situated in French Polynesia this beach holiday is a feast on the senses. The sunrise from Mount Haleakala is stunning, and why wouldn't it be? Its over 1000 meters above sea-level and the view is both breath-taking and romantic. The endless coastlines and beaches charm you right out of your socks and get you out swimming. The Sunset dinner and Cocktail cruise are the best end to an exquisite honeymoon like this.
The quiet getaways: NAPA & SONOMA VALLEYS If you dream of getting away from the brick and glass patchwork of your city and escape to some place quiet, this is the perfect little spot for you. Situated in California, this wine country gives a laid-back and intimate holiday designed especially for you to indulge. A large number of wineries and hotels that own vineyards host wine parties on the eve of the New Year. The Black and White gala at Etoile at Domaine Chandon and the Masquerade Ball at the Grand Barrel Room at Castello Amorosa winery are Sonoma's most awaited parties. The Napa Valley prides itself over the Blackjack Ball which is designed inside vintage cars that make the rounds all night. For a cosy midnight toast by the fire, make reservations at the Redd Bottega.
The festive getaway: CHILE Begin the year in the mesmerizing heart of Latin America where festivities and sight-seeing abound. The New Year show that showcases a 20 minute spectacular firework display at the Valparaiso harbour will absolutely blow your mind. The fireworks are launched from almost 17 points along the coast and looks like a sea of lights, glittering in the night. The festivities begin on 28th itself giving you a lot of events to look forward to. The Hotel Acontraluz that overlooks the beach is a perfect place to stay if you want to view the fireworks from indoors. There are millions straining to catch a perfect view of the night every year and it's only because there is something so unique and beautiful about beginning the year this way. Don't forget to carry out the local New Year's rituals of putting a 1000 peso bill in your shoes. It's not only good luck but a lot of fun!
Safari getaway: LOISABA (KENYA) This picturesque place lies above a rocky escarpment and stretches over 60,000 acres. The suites and rooms are just as dreamy overlooking Mt.Kenya. Loisaba also offers a thrilling guided evening safari, on horseback and foot and a special al fresco New Year's eve champagne bath for two in the wilderness. The bush walks, sunsets and the breakfasts are almost a match to the hills and greens, making for a perfect setting to begin a new year.
The sensational get away: NEW YORK CITY Where else but at the Big Apple does the New Year begin with the most pomp and regality as seen anywhere around the globe. The New Year eve's night spent at NY is quite special indeed. The famous ball drops and the countdown begins but not before some fantastic dance performances at the largest intersection of the world, Times Square. The blinding neon of the night ebbs and flows as the city feels the pulse of the most romanticized night of the year.