By Nicholas Lim
Whether you’re longing for peace and quiet after frantic Christmas festivities, or ready to party like it’s 1995 – a destination escape over New Year’s is always a good idea. We have a great selection of European holidays that will set you up for a New Year’s you’ll never forget! Here are our top three destinations to welcome 2017 !
1. Street party festivities in Edinburgh
The world has New Year, and Scotland has Hogmanay! Edinburgh is a city that knows how to party and it is now widely agreed that the hugely popular Street Party is one of the most happening places to be on December 31. Celebrate at the Edinburgh Castle and meet people from all over the world who have gathered for the countdown to the new year. From music concerts to street parties, there will be four fireworks displays set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
2. London Float Parade
Check out London’s annual parade that takes place on New Year’s Day where over 10,000 participants from 20 countries will perform. From colourful floats to marching bands, acrobats, dancers and clowns, the parade begins at the famous Ritz Hotel, passes through Piccadilly Circus, to Lower Regent Street through Trafalgar Square and Whitehall and ends at the Big Ben. Be ready for the amazing showcase of fireworks over the river Thames as the Big Ben strikes midnight.
3. Ultimate Italian holiday
Visit Italy’s most famous and best-loved cities on a Great Italian Cities on a 10-day trip where you will toast New Year’s Eve in Florence. Recognised as the birthplace of the Renaissance, you will find this city is at its most energetic on this day. Visit the different parties in a number of Piazzas, or head to the main outdoor event at Piazzale Michelangelo. Expect fireworks to light up the sky at midnight!
(The writer is President at Trafalgar (Asia) and Travel Corp. (India))