4 great destinations to ring in New Year’s in style

Seems like we had just welcomed 2019 with open arms and there’s this sense of nostalgia thick in the air. Time to ring out the old and ring in the new as they say. Make new plans, evaluate old ones and simply get a sense of the larger picture. Also take time to unwind with your loved ones or simply revel in the flavours of a new city!

While usually all are frenzying over which already overcrowded and overhyped places to visit this New Year’s, how about some offbeat yet spectacular places which are known for giving people a head-start into the new year with a big bash. You can fly to these places, create memories, make every journey rewarding and earn InterMiles too!

St. Petersburg, Russia

If you’re looking for partying low-key in Russia, the snowy city of St. Petersburg is your best bet. The second largest city in Russia, St. Petersburg has a lot in store for party-peeps.

Dvortsovaya Square is a place to run to on New Year’s Eve. Started off by the President’s traditional speech, what follows is a whole package of ice shows, performances by popular pop stars, disco and finished with spectacular fireworks. The scene totally mesmerises you!

Take a stroll by the Newa River, open up a bottle of champagne and get a great glimpse of its glorious views and the fireworks.

It’s easy to get to the city centre with Pulkovo Airport being the closest. And road connectivity also allows the locals to commute through the city.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Witness the spectacular start to the new year with the sky lit up with 500 tonnes of fireworks which go off every year in Reykjavik. It's unlike anything you've seen!

New Year’s Eve in Iceland usually starts with dinner with family or friends around 6 PM standard time. Followed by local gatherings, people meet and greet friends on the occasion and shoot fireworks. And more fireworks go off before midnight.

Talking about parties, Galmla Bíó hosts one of the most extravagant parties on the eve of New year’s filled with live bands and performances.

You will have some of the best bars and hotels to celebrate New year’s like – Slippbarinn, Snaps Bistro-Bar, Hotel Holt Gallery Bar, and Milleker & Friends.

If you prefer to watch the fireworks in peace, you can board the New Year’s Eve fireworks cruise. It starts before midnight, goes on for about 1.5-2 hours and drops you back in town for your downtown party shenanigans. Connectivity is not a problem as it has Reykjavik Airport.

Ladakh, India

Let’s think of closer home - what would be a greater winter wonderland than Ladakh? Ladakh is usually not on the list of people looking for partying on the New Year’s. So, let’s know about why you should visit it.

Losar festival is celebrated throughout Ladakh to welcome the new year with hope and positivity. For 15 days, people offer prayers at monasteries, perform on the streets and wear masks and costumes.

For adventure enthusiasts, the frozen trek offers a whole new journey for them to embark upon. Chadar Trek is set across the frozen Zanskar River and is one of the most challenging treks of all time.

Kerala, India

Snow and slopes not your thing? You are not looking for pristine greenery and tranquillity to make your plans for the new year, Kerala is right up your alley! Though you can always find the party scene at any of the beautiful beaches, its indeed novel and relaxing to spend the day on a houseboat on Alleppey or at Kumarakom. Go to Varkala for exquisite cuisine and to reminisce a French beach scene and enjoy the serenity. For a night of celebrations, you can take your pick from Holiday Inn, the Crowne Plaza, the Ramada Resort at Cochin, Le Meridien, or the Windsor Castle.

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In case you are not travelling and even otherwise make sure you have a grand celebratory meal. You can enjoy your New Year’s in your hometown by making sure you have a hearty meal. Whether you are a vegetarian, non-vegetarian, vegan or any other food preference type- be sure to feast on New Year’s Day! Be it roast turkey with all the trimmings and stuffing, spicy meat stew, grilled seafood or even your favourite hamburger, live it up meat lovers!

Vegetarians or vegans can have their fill of mezze type dishes like- hummus and vegetables; and tabbouleh, a Middle Eastern salad made with tomatoes, parsley, onions and mint, cranberry & lentil bake and the delicious list goes on!

Are you a Home-cooked meal kind of person or would you rather have a decadent buffet or at your favourite restaurant? In case of the latter, its great idea to check out our delights platform. You could walk into any of the 8,000+ restaurants, enjoy a cuisine of your choice and earn InterMiles on your dining spends as well.

Whatever be your reasons to celebrate – Make this New Year a memorable one and Make It Count!

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