un-traditional new years ideas, if you're rich...

from Alonso Dominguez Sanchez Teruel on ASW

1. Kiribati
Beat Everyone to the New Year

Following a rather convenient International Date Line eastbound move in 1995, the Republic of Kiribati's Caroline Island became the first piece of land on Earth to witness the new sunrise every day. After a fitting tourist attraction build-up for the Millenium change in 1999/2000, Kiribati has become an attractive destination in the South Pacific for those in search of untouched crystalline beaches (60% of the archipelago is actually uninhabited) and a real cultural experience.

2. Transylvania 
Booze Up with Dracula

Okay, so Robert Pattinson is booked. Fear not! The "original" vampire has other plans this New Year's Eve. Indeed, for the first time ever, Dracula's reputed abode, Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania, will be open for an exclusive New Year's Eve celebration.

A mere 500 euros gets you in for a private NYE tour, some much needed nourishment (their A negative is supposed to be the best), and the NYE champagne toast de rigeur. Roam around the world's most infamous castle and sink your canines into the victim of your choice at the stroke of midnight. Fangtastic.

3. Tierra del Fuego
The End of the Year at the End of the World

Standing at the world's most southern point (not counting Antartica), Tierra del Fuego is an interesting option for NYE. Practically uninhabitable during winter, the ideal time to visit this region of the world is in January, at the height of the southern hemisphere's summer.

Not for the indoors-oriented traveller, though, the activities in Tierra del Fuego are as varied as one can imagine. Icebreaking cruises, whale watching, hiking, and trekking are amongst the numerous experiences to be had. You'll certainly be able to fit in a couple of them per day, given that summer days last for no less than 17 hours. Yes, 17 hours of sunlight.

4. Berlin
Skip the First Three Days

Can't handle the pressures of the new year? Fastforward (well, sort of) to January 4th. Berlin's staple club Berghain prides itself in keeping the hardcore partiers off the streets…by holding them safely behind its walls. Armed with the best sound system in the world (they have an award to prove it), the power plant-turned-mega club will keep the party going for three days straight (1 - 4 January 2010), with a non-stop, no holds barred line-up ready to entertain for 72 consecutive hours. Don't think you can handle the whole thing? You're always welcome to drop by on Sunday the 3rd at around 10 am for a live techno fix.

5. Hong Kong
Fireworks, Civilized

Ok, we said no big, big cities—but wait! Although Hong Kong's may seem as watered-down, overpriced and crowded a celebration as any of the other metropolises, the British-turned-Chinese island's fireworks—dubbed the best in the world—when done right, are one of the best NYE experiences out there.

As always, the secret is location. The best thing to do in this case, if you're so inclined to watch fireworks—and believe us, it's a truly magnificent sight—is to reserve a table at the Phillip Starck-designed Felix. The restaurant, which sits atop the Peninsula Hotel, has floor-to-ceiling windows facing directly on the harbour, providing a prime spot to watch the show. Order some Caviar & Bubbles, sit back and count back to midnight.

6. Johannesburg, South Africa
Out with the Old

Fly down to Johannesburg to witness one of the best (in our opinion) NYE traditions on earth. On the December 31st, entire neighbourhoods of the South African metropolis come out on their balconies and open windows to rid themselves old electronic equipment and household appliances (read: they throw everything out on the streets). The tradition—dubbed one of the most dangerous in the world—has been continously shut down by the oh so competent authorities…without any success. Get a good spot—somewhere high—and watch closely as last year's electronics become physical countdowns into the New Year. Umbrellas optional.

7. Reykjavik
Hunting Aurora Borealis

In 2002, Áramótaskaup (the New Year's comedy, or New Year's Eve ridicule), an annual TV show, broke the record of the highest percentage of watchers within a western nation's population—95.5%. But not all of celand's winter miracles are TV-related.

Aside from the outstanding nightlife and gastronomic experiences this European capital has to offer, the real treat of Icelandic winters is watching the aurora borealis, or northern lights. Viewable only from a few countries around the world, this natural phenomenon is best experienced in open spaces with low artificial light, making it practically impossible to see when near a densely populated area.

Reyjavik, with a population of only 117,000, provides for a particular scenario in which going even only a few miles outside the city can prove very effective when searching for the aurora borealis. As always, location is key. Watch the astronomy reports during NYE, rent a car or car service and take off to hunt the lights. We promise, you won't regret it.

http://www.asmallworld.net/magazine/dropping-the-ball-turning-our-backs-on-big-city-ny-ecelebrations/415874