Everyone has turned their attention to holiday travel, but don't forget that New Year's Eve is right around the corner.
It's time to start thinking about where you're going to be ringing in the New Year too.
"All countries have their own special holidays that accentuate their culture," said Lainey Melnick, Dream Vacations Franchise Owner and Vacation Specialist in Austin, Texas. "Experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Diwali in India, and the Spring Festival in China can be eye-opening and inspirational for visitors."
When it comes to New Year's Eve, however, Melnick said the world comes together in celebration: "Each destination makes its celebration unique by adding its own cultural traditions to the customary fireworks, parties, revelry, music, dancing, food and drink, making a New Year's Eve trip to an exotic destination a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation."
Melnick's own family of nine, which ranges in age from eight to 55, will spend New Year's Eve in Reykjavik, Iceland.
"We'll see the spectacular fireworks displays and neighborhood bonfires," she said.
When it comes to bucket list New Year's Eve plans, the Big Apple is at the top of the list.
"Watching the ball drop in New York City is a dream of many," said Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "However, waiting in that crowd can be cold and difficult."
If you're heading to Manhattan, Lenau suggests planning your trip now: "You can get a room in a hotel that looks out on the crowd. You stay warm while you welcome in the New Year with your friends and family."
If you'd prefer other New Year's Eve destination suggestions, Lenau recommends the Napa Valley Wine Train, which hosts a Blackjack Ball in their restored Pullman cars: "For the ultimate in New Year's Eve parties, try Las Vegas. Famous performers have special shows, so be a guest of the resort where you want to attend the show."
One of Tammy Shamblin-Renie's New Year's Eve favorites is the Amelia Island Plantation in Fernandina Beach, Florida: "They have a great three-night package rate that includes New Year's Eve music on the pool deck, fires and s'mores on the beach, champagne and fireworks at midnight. If you live in a city or tourism area, check hotels and resorts in your own backyard for a staycation New Year's Eve."
Purchase travel insurance in case weather is an issue.
"In our area, we do not get a lot of snow, but ice storms can lead to delays and cancellations during the months of December to February," said Samarah Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas.
Travel insurance is always a good idea, just in case you get sick and can't travel, or become ill during travel.
"Staying at or near the party place can [also] keep you safe, and don't drink and drive," reminded Lenau.
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