Traveling over New Year’s Eve is a memorable way to experience new-to-you traditions. Still deciding where to travel for New Year’s Eve? Here are a few of our favorite New Year’s Eve destinations to consider:

• Rome. Fireworks, free concerts, and delicious food await travelers on New Year’s Eve trips to Rome. See landmarks, like the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, bathed in the bright light of fireworks, warm up with a piping-hot slice of pizza, and take in a musical performance in one of the city’s churches, opera halls, or theaters before toasting the arrival of the new year.

• Florence. Tuscany’s capital city may be a popular summer destination, but it’s also a great place for New Year’s Eve trips, like our New Year’s Eve in Florence with Venice & Rome tour, thanks to a number of musical performances and other festivities that take place in Piazza della Signoria and Piazzale Michelangelo, to name just two spots. Plus, seeing the city’s iconic Renaissance structures against a backdrop of twinkle lights is especially enchanting.

• Venice. The only thing more special than soaking in Venice’s history while strolling among its storied streets and canals? Doing it on New Year’s Eve. Like Rome and Florence, Venice comes alive on New Year’s Eve with classical music concerts, opera performances, festive dishes, and plenty of fireworks, which light up the sky over the Venetian Lagoon. You can experience it on our New Year’s Eve in Venice with Florence & Rome tour.

• Paris. The City of Lights truly lives up to its name on New Year’s Eve, with lasers and fireworks lighting up landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. When you travel on one of our New Year’s Eve trips to Paris, you can spend the evening your way, whether that means attending a classical music concert at La Sainte Chapelle, taking in a ballet performance at the Palais Garnier, heading to Moulin Rouge for a night of cabaret, or boarding a river boat for a festive cruise along the Seine.  

• Madrid. In Spain, dining and socializing late into the night is common, which makes the country one of our favorite New Year’s Eve destinations. If you choose one of our New Year’s Eve trips to Spain, you’ll spend the festive evening strolling through Madrid’s illuminated streets, and enjoying traditional Castilian fare and live tuna music at one of the oldest restaurants in the city.

• Lucerne. For a New Year’s Eve celebration set against a breathtaking mountain and lake backdrop, consider booking our New Year’s Eve in Lucerne: Germany, Austria & Switzerland tour. During your free time on New Year’s Eve, you can head into the Swiss Alps, or spend the day enjoying Lucerne’s charming restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. Either way, be sure to catch Lucerne’s spectacular lakefront fireworks show that night.   

• London. England’s capital is a buzzing cultural center any night of the year, but excitement reaches new heights on New Year’s Eve. Travelers visiting the city on our New Year’s Eve tours of London can take in a theater performance in the West End, feast on a Michelin-star meal, rub elbows with locals in Trafalgar Square, and marvel at the many colorful light installations and illuminated artworks that are sprinkled throughout the city.

• Lima. Peru’s capital is the perfect destination for New Year’s Eve trips packed with music, delicious food—and celebrations on the beach. After all, December is summertime in Peru, which means you can ring in the new year while enjoying warm, pleasant weather by the water. Sound good? Check out our New Year’s Eve in Lima: Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu tour.  

• Sydney. Situated in southeastern Australia, Sydney is another warm-weather spot that’s perfect for welcoming the new year. Its iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is also the site of one of the world’s most famous New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Soak up more sun, and laid-back Down Under vibes, on our New Year’s Eve in Australia & New Zealand tour.

Depending on which of our New Year’s Eve trips you choose, your packing needs might vary. Heading to Europe? Pack plenty of warm layers to ward off the chill. Heading to the Southern Hemisphere? Don’t forget your SPF! No matter where you go, though, a few essentials will come in handy.

• Festive, more formal attire. What better occasion than New Year’s Eve to step up your style game? Whether you head to the ballet in Paris or to a classical concert in Rome, a sport coat or chic dress can make your night out feel all the more special.

• Comfortable shoes. If you plan to ring in the new year outside, like, say, in London’s Trafalgar Square or Sydney’s Circular Quay, be sure to wear shoes that’ll keep your feet comfy, as you’ll likely do a good bit of standing.

• A camera. New Year’s Eve in a destination you’ve been dreaming about? This is an occasion you’ll want to revisit long after you’ve returned home.

• A small backpack or crossbody bag. Keep your essentials close by, especially if you plan to spend the evening surrounded by crowds.

If you book one of our New Year’s Eve travel packages, expect to encounter more crowds, as holidays are popular travel periods. Our New Year’s Eve travel packages are designed to include a mix of planned tours, optional excursions, and plenty of free time so you can celebrate the occasion your way. And if you enjoyed the novelty of spending New Year’s Eve overseas, you don’t have to wait another year to experience the same feeling. We offer tours that are themed around several travel styles, from food and wine or wildlife, to other holidays and special events. We’ll even help you decide where to travel based on your favorite holiday.