Where Are Singaporeans Going To, This New Year’s Eve?

Put on a pair of brightly coloured underwear, watch twirling fireballs in the street or participate in some crockery smashing this upcoming New Year’s Eve when you travel to one of these out-of-the-ordinary destinations! A new year calls for new beginnings, so instead of following the crowds to Tokyo, London or Paris, march to the beat of your own drum and experience some of the less common New Year’s traditions and festivities across the globe.

With 2016 barely two months away, we wanted to share with you the most searched travel destinations from Singapore over the festive period, and suggest some alternative destinations to experience a unique start to the new year for 2016.

*The festive travel period is defined as 18 December 2015 to 3 January 2016.
**The New Year travel period is defined as 27 December 2015 and 3 January 2016.

For a change from the usual fireworks and countdowns, we’ve put together our top suggestions on where to experience a memorable and original start to 2016.

1. Flight to Copenhagen, Denmark from S$1226 – Daredevil spirit
   
   Crockery smashing and jumping off chairs are just two of the traditions you can take part in if you plan a New Year’s trip to Copenhagen. The locals stand on chairs and leap off them in unison at the stroke of midnight to symbolise leaping forward into the New Year. The practice is believed to banish evil spirits, which are left behind in the previous year. Smashing old plates, teacups and other assorted tableware for luck is also a part of the festivities.
2. Flight to Tallinn, Estonia from S$1512 – Ideal destination for foodies
   
   If your favourite way to celebrate any occasion is with a good meal, Tallinn is a must-visit destination. It is tradition to eat seven times on the eve of the new year; each meal is meant to give you added strength for the coming twelve months. Enjoy traditional treats seven times over including sausage, potato salad, sauerkraut, marzipan and lots of bubbly. While you’re digesting, fireworks shoot through the cobblestoned streets and the echoes of parties and discos can be heard close by.
3. Flight to Stonehaven, Scotland from S$1736 – Fire and tartan
   
   At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, a group of kilt-wearing locals gather to light up the street, twirling fire balls over and around their heads. The marchers, led by a piper, make their way from the Market Cross through the centre of town to the harbour, where they toss their flaming balls into the sea.
4. Flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil from S$2277 –  Dress up for a new start
   
   On New Year’s Eve, Sao Paulo locals dress in custom designed flamboyant underpants to guarantee good luck in the coming year. Locals complete the look by dressing in white as this symbolises peace and a fresh start. At midnight, run to where the sea meets the sand and skip seven waves so Iemanjá, the goddess of the sea, will open up new and different paths in your life. With each skip, a wish must be made.
5. Flight to Coombe Abbey, United Kingdom from S$1422 – Fans of history
   
   Coombe Abbey, in England’s historic heartland, has now been restored to its former glory, boasting tasteful interiors and luxurious amenities. Set within 500 acres of breathtaking parkland, Coombe Abbey is the perfect place to ring in the new year. This festive season, take yourself back to the year 1539 when the Abbot and his Provost would throw open the doors of the abbey for locals to enjoy a feast fit for a king. Join in the medieval banquet filled with fun, food, music and lots of wine.

Note: *Flight prices to destinations over the festive period are based on travel searches made between January 2015 to July 2015. **Flight prices to alternative destinations are based on travel searches made in October 2015. All searches are based on return flights and prices quoted are per person. Availability may be limited and flight offers may no longer be available.

Image credit: ©istock.com/wundervisuals