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Best Places To Spend New Year’s Alone

Imagine starting the New Year off in the most incredible place, exploring, adventuring, and eating the most amazing meals. New Years has long been about self reflection and setting goals for the person you want to be in the upcoming year. 

While the idea of spending New Year's alone can easily conjure up images of Netflix binges and flannel pajamas, we're going to be the first to say it doesn’t have to be that way. Though, if that’s your dream then absolutely, live your best life, and definitely order in your favorite takeaway meal (with dessert of course). We’re just saying if you happen to be bummed that your plans have fallen through (or, let’s be honest, the year was too chaotic to even think about making them in the first place) – there is another option.

It may feel awkward to travel alone on New Years but it can also be a fun empowering way to kick off a new year, on your own terms. Here are a few tips for spending New Year's Eve on your own, as well as the best places to spend New Year’s alone.

Tips For Spending New Years Alone

1.Timezone hop to double your celebrations

One of my ultimate favorite travel hacks – take a day you love and live it twice by flying around the world backwards. Start off in Japan, and once you’ve rung in the new year hop a flight to Hawaii and set the clocks back 12 hours to do it all over again. Other great options: Australia and New Zealand.

2. Look for flight deals by booking a red-eye

If you don’t mind missing the party you can find some amazing deals in that small window between New Years Eve and New Years day. Plus, en route to your next great adventure any tough feelings about spending the holiday on your own will be countered by your excitement for what’s ahead. 

3. Book a private room at a hostel or social hotel

Photo Credit: Home Hostel, Lisbon

This one can take some nuance to get right. Hostels and social hotels can be amazing for meeting others – especially those like Generator, Selena and 25 Hours that go above and beyond to plan activities and happy hours for guests. If a party atmosphere is what you’re looking for, check on sites like HostelWorld to book your NYE. Look for one that is centrally located (you do not want to be fighting for a cab home), nearing capacity (you’re going to meet people, after all), and maybe the most important – if there ever was a  time to splurge on a private room, this is it. A fun night out with no risk of waking up to drunken strangers singing (or worse) at 3am? Perfection.

4. Head to the sun

The effects of Vitamin D are no joke. If you’re living in the Northern Hemisphere it can be tough to get up the motivation to go out when it’s literally freezing outside. Consider heading somewhere warm where you can take it a bit slower – being on your own can feel a lot less lonely on a beach full of other travelers – plus you’ll come back home with an envious tan.

Best Places To Spend New Year's Alone

1.Patagonia, Argentina

I’m always one for a big adventure, and Southern hemisphere summer is a great time to check out the incredible hiking in southern Patagonia. The W trek is the most famous, but there’s tons of hiking all around, and if you’re uncertain you can always join a group trip.

2. Caribbean 

Photo credit: Shanea

The Caribbean islands are known for being laid back and always up for a party. A few of our favorites: Curaçao for diving, Bahamas for fresh conch & seafood, Cuba for live music, Antigua & Barbuda for rainforests, and Turks & Caicos for luxury beaches.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Skip the 3-day hangover and instead start the year off with yoga, beaches, daily massages, and maybe even a trial of vegan life. Bali is the perfect spot to reset, and set your intentions for the new year ahead. And if you still miss the party vibe, check out the Ecstatic Dance events at Yoga Barn in Ubud.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo credit: Hebe

The Scottish know how to beat seasonal depression – with the 3-day party that is Hogmanay. The city has a big fireworks display, street party & whiskey is drunk (and shared). Everyone sings Auld Lang Syne and there's a communal dance that goes alongside.

5. Consider a retreat, dive boat, or organized tour

Having a bit of structured activity and a built in group of soon-to-be-friends can be useful, especially if it’s a time when you’re worried about feeling lonely. A personal favorite for dive boats in the Caribbean, Galapagos, Red Sea, or Indonesia: Explorer Ventures. Tip: they often run deals if you’re flexible on timing.

And bottom line? Spending New Year’s alone can be a great way to ground yourself in your intentions for the year ahead – starting with creating space for yourself and your dreams.

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