New Year's Eve: when gazillions of people around the world search for the ultimate celebration.  Well, frankly I am not one of them!  As for me, guess I'm the ultimate party pooper ... a lovely dinner, nice bottle of wine and wishes to loved ones is my idea of the perfect evening where I likely don't see midnight (on that or most other nights of the year, for that matter!)  While you're thinking about your most memorable NYE, check out what my research found regarding destinations you might want to experience in the future.

1. SAMOA

Samoa, an island in the South Pacific west of Fiji, went back to the future last year when it skipped a full day, changed sides of the International Date Line and went from being the last country to the first to see in the New Year. If you're visiting the island nation on December 31 this year you can look forward to events that are less about fireworks and fanfare and more about family.

After visiting elders, Samoans traditionally welcome January 1 with song and prayer services at large, and loud, choral exhibitions. You won't go hungry -- village banquets are very generous -- or thirsty for that matter, with all festivities beginning and ending with a traditional kava ceremony. Don't forget your ukulele.

2.  EDINBURGH 

Edinburgh is cast aglow at its annual New Year's Eve (Hogmanay) festivities, which kick off on December 30 with a torchlight procession involving more than 25,000 locals. The parade is led by Shetland's Up Helly Aa vikings, with their pipes and drums, and culminates atop Calton Hill with a fireworks display.

There's more to come on New Year's Eve, when an expected 80,000 people will take to the streets to sing Auld Lang Syne -- apparently the biggest and loudest rendition of the song in the world -- and party; this year, entertainment comes courtesy of British bands the Maccabees and the OK Social Club, while Simple Minds will headline at the city's Concert in the Gardens.

  

3. REYKAJAVIK

If you're looking for a different kind of New Year's party, look no further than Reykjavik. Relaxed fireworks laws means you'll find these colorful explosives wherever you happen to be, lighting the way on a day that typically only sees about four hours of sunlight. Gather around one of the many bonfires throughout the city -- you'll get some much needed warmth while learning some Icelandic folk songs in the process. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights to complement the fireworks.

4.  NIAGARA FALLS

Who would think that 40,000 people gather at this iconic spot to hear some of Canada's top performers at an evening (free) concert in Queen Victoria Park followed by brilliant fireworks.  The location is closer to home for most and, if you've never been, really something to see.  

5.  SYDNEY (tied with #6)

From 2010

I am of the opinion that travel to Sydney any time of the year is fantastic!  What a glorious and gorgeous spot with truly nice people, TONS of things to do and enviable weather.  Having said that, it can be really hot come NYE.  Good thing you'll likely want to be somewhere in the harbour area, close to the remarkable bridge for an unparalleled fireworks display.  It won't be an inexpensive evening, mind you -- thrills this great don't come cheap!  

                                                 

6.  HONG KONG

Well, ditto what I said about Sydney and looking forward to visiting Hong Kong again this coming April.  The nightly multimedia light shows (called Symphony of Lights) caught me by surprise when first glimpsed in 2004 when it was in its infancy.  Cannot imagine what it must be like now with so many of the skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor participating.  So even if it weren't New Year's Eve, you'd be in a for a fantastic show.

Wishing one and all that your 2013 is filled with great adventure...

Holiday Travel Tips

What is it about traveling this time of year that is so difficult/exhausting/daunting??  Ever the optimist, I'd like to think that pretty much everything can go smoothly.  But here is the reality check:  there are so many details beyond our control that it is more likely we experience some sort of travel snafu than get from from Point A to Point B without incident...herewith are a few suggestions where one can take a bit of control.

Anthony Bourdain, who travels the world for his TV show No Reservations, says the following:

1. Travel Prepared
"Be prepared to be stuck in an airport for indeterminate period of time.  Load your mobile device with as many games, songs, apps and e-books as possible to keep busy during long waits.  Also, make sure to pack a battery charger to power up."  Of course if you're traveling internationally, you'd likely need an adapter and especially a converter for airport outlets!  

I would add to that using something like Log Me In, to which I subscribe (Go to My PC is another site).  I can access my main office computer from anywhere to keep up on work, process orders (and make $$), delete emails, etc., so I don't feel overwhelmed when I get somewhere.  Another good source is www.boingo.com for finding instant internet access.  While airborne, I was pleased to be able to connect on a recent Southwest flight for only $5.  Not great for streaming Netflix but fine for checking email.


2.  Get Comfortable

"Remember to bring something scrunchy and long-sleeved, like a sweatshirt. You might need it as a pillow." So true.  I always have a wrap and a neck pillow with me.

 

I love the following tips from Independent Traveler:

This might be overboard ..

-- After check-in but prior to security, stow everything except your ID and boarding pass in your carry-on bag. This way, when you get to the front of the line, you are not finding stuff in random pockets, messing with your phone, dropping credit cards and keys (or losing them -- I have seen it happen), spilling crumpled cash all over the place and generally ticking off everyone behind you. By the time you get in the security line, you should be as close to ready to go through the actual security machine as possible.

-- The annual holiday gift wrapping rule:  Don't wrap gifts -- security will have to rip them open.  With the TSA searching checked bags as well as carry-on's, this applies to all of your luggage, not just what you bring onto the plane with you.  Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time or wrapping them once you get to your destination.

Here's my own tip for flying Southwest -- especially at the holidays:

Spring for the $10 to get Early Boarding.  There are several good reasons -- you don't have to be glued to your computer or device at precisely 24 hours in advance of departure.  This feature automatically gets you a boarding number.  Plus everyone seems to be doing it.  On the trip to Nashville, we still got B boarding passes even with the additional fee.  I am expecting to next receive the offer of "Executive" Early Boarding or "Premium" Early Boarding or "We PROMISE You" Early Boarding with the associated additional cost...

And I may have found a new bff in my quest for the dark and quiet room (or while on a plane):  The Sleep Master Mask!  The hubby says I go into my cocoon but I don't have the gift of just turning it all off.   So with earplugs (which I always have on hand), this might just do the trick! 


 

And, finally, from our beloved TSA, just some of the items that must go in your packed bag as (opposed to carry-on):   Gravy, maple syrup, oils and vinegars, salad dressing, salsa ... need I go on???  Seriously, anyone who would consider packing those items in anything less than a hermetically-sealed, bullet-proof case deserves to have the inevitable spillage/breakage caused by the harried baggage handlers -- especially at holiday time!  That's why God invented UPS.  Plan ahead and ship them.  Or better yet, shop upon arrival.  I actually love shopping in stores of cities I'm visiting -- even supermarkets! 

On that note, I would be remiss if I didn't share about the woman next to me in security who required an additional search for packing half an onion in her carry-on.  Oh, well, she was heading home for Thanksgiving and her mom told her never to waste ... happy travels!