by Robin Amster
Last updated: 11:08 AM ET, Fri December 15, 2017
For those who view New Year's as a time to get out of Dodge, luxury travel network Virtuoso has a host of destinations-plus tips-for where and how to enjoy New Year's Eve.
The recommendations are based on a Flash Survey of Virtuoso advisors and include both U.S. and international cities.
The Virtuoso advisors' top five U.S. picks are:
1. New York City
2. Chicago
3. Savannah
4. Los Angeles
5. Miami
Its international destinations are:
1. Sydney
2. Rio de Janiero
3. St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
4. London
5. Reykjavik
Some of the U.S. cities pop up on other NYE destination lists, including a recent Wallet Hub ranking for budget-minded New Year's Eve celebrations. For Virtuoso advisors, however, budget isn't top of mind. The network's advisors cater to high-end travelers.
And the cities also found on Wallet Hub's list-New York City (No. 1), Miami (3), Los Angeles (6), and Chicago (9)-are for those with unlimited funds. It's also pretty clear that travelers-regardless of budget-can find a way in the U.S. to tap into the festivities away from home.
It's no surprise that New York City, a perennial favorite for NYE celebrations, usually tops any list.
This year-in what Virtuoso calls "the granddaddy of all New Year's celebrations"-marks the 110th anniversary of the iconic ball drop in Times Square. The ball will be made up of 11,875-pounds of Waterford crystal.
Just like for any other type of leisure trip -one size of NYE celebration does not fit all. Ringing in the New Year in Savannah is worlds apart, literally, from doing so in Reykjavik, but Virtuoso can get you to either.
Virtuoso also has tips on how to enjoy New Years:
-Book early to secure reservations at hotels and restaurants that overlook the fireworks.
-Choose hotels within walking distance of fireworks displays. Transportation is a real challenge on NYE.
-Avoid crowds by watching the festivities from the outskirts of a city. Many locations still offer great views.
-Even book 2018-2019 NYE trips now for hotel rooms with the best locations and views.
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