While it’s great to see in the new year by watching the Sydney fireworks from Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, standing in New York’s Times Square as the ball drops or waltzing down the Champs-Elysees in Paris – we thought we’d put together some more unusual ideas to chill, relax and celebrate the past and future.
Be the first
Short of heading to the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati, take a flight to Auckland and be one of the first to celebrate midnight December 31. So while your friends are sitting around waiting for the New Year, you’ll already be sipping the champers. On New Year’s Day, take a sky jump from the city’s famed Sky Tower.
Make history
As of new year’s eve 2012, Samoa will no longer be one of the last country’s to celebrate the new year but will “jump” across the International Date Line to celebrate the new year as one of the first. In effect the locals will lose a day in their lives. Fly into the capital Apia to make history with the Samoans. While you’re there, check out the numerous waterfalls scattered over the island.
Consult the oracle
Instead of making New Year resolutions, consult the Delphi Oracle. The ancient Greeks believed in asking the oracle for enlightening prophesies. For your future, consider following in the footsteps of the Greeks. Spend New Year’s Eve in the capital, Athens before heading to Delphi on Jan 1 to have your future told – Hellenic style. The ruins of ancient Delphi are definitely worth exploring.
Go west
As the sun sets in west, head to the most westerly point of Australia to watch the sun gracefully set on 2011. Grab the guys and enjoy a camping holiday at Steep Point, around 800 kilometres north of Perth. This is a terrific fishing spot; so catch your New Year’s Day lunch and celebrate the stunning WA coastline.
White is the new red
While we live in a sun burnt country, it might be nice to follow Bing Crosby’s lead and enjoy a white Christmas. Consider high tailing to the Norwegian capital, Oslo for a swank New Year’s Eve party in a trendy club. The following day, travel north to admire the serene beauty of the Norwegian fjords, with the countryside covered in a layer of soft powder snow.
Magical ruins
On the other hand, abandon civilisation completely by undertaking the famed Inca trail through the Andes Mountains in Peru. Start the four-day trek on December 29 so that you complete the hike by watching the sunrise on a new year and over the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Celebrate the Calendar
The calendar we currently follow was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. In honour of this monumental decision, head to Italy’s capital and toga it up with the Romans. When in Rome check out the treasures of the Vatican, tour the Ancient Roman Forum and explore the Coliseum.
Delay it
We think 2011 was a great year – so you don’t need to be in such a hurry to rush into 2012. Why not delay it as much as possible by travelling to one of the last countries to flip over the calendar. Swing by Honolulu, Hawaii to watch the sun descend over the Pacific Ocean. On January 1, chill and re-invigorate on the famed Waikiki Beach.
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