We’re back at it again, hacking into the over-1-billion searches conducted on KAYAK each year to bring you the most popular and least expensive destinations to celebrate New Year’s in 2015. If one of your resolutions is to spend more time traveling, get a head start by checking out one of the most popular destinations* for travel around the New Year holiday. If you’re looking to spend less this year, well, we’ve pulled together the top 10 destinations with the lowest average airfare**, too. Whether you’re looking to join the masses in celebration or veer off and discover your own party, we’ve found something for everyone: sun, boats, booze and…Mickey Mouse. Happy New Year!
Most Popular Destinations this New Year’s
1. Orlando – While Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot Park stay open late to hold holiday festivities for families, the over-21 crowd will be heading to Orlando’s Wall Street Plaza, a hot spot to find great nightlife, renowned DJs and light shows. (Photo cred: www.newyearseveblog.com)
2. Miami – Break out the congas and prepare for a night of scantily clad party people. From velvet-cordon events to come-one-come-all bashes, the city has it covered. Not looking to be nose-to-nose with 5,000 of your closest friends? Head to Aventura Beach, where you can have a romantic picnic while watching fireworks. (Photo cred: www.newyearsevecentral.com)
3. New York City – New York City’s Times Square is a guaranteed once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you can endure several hours sans bathroom and food, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded with a 12,000-lb crystal ball and a 60-second fireworks display. If staying put isn’t your thing, join the crowd of freezing athletes in the NYRR Midnight Run and burn off a few of those champagne calories. (Photo cred: huffingtonpost.com)
4. Las Vegas – Gambling, drinking, and dancing? Yes that’s right, Las Vegas, is the perfect place for some New Year’s debauchery. If you prefer to keep your pockets full, the Strip is closed to traffic for the night – so grab a spot and enjoy the fireworks show that claims to make the Times Square Waterford ball look like child’s play. (Photo cred: www.vegaschatter.com)
5. Cancun – If you’re down to party until the sun comes up, head to Cancun, where it’s customary to stay up to watch the first sunrise of the New Year. For a tradition you can enjoy from the peace of your hotel balcony, devour one grape and make one wish at each of the twelve strokes of midnight. Don’t worry, you can still wash it all down with some champagne. Salud! (Photo cred: clear365.typepad.com)
6. Fort Lauderdale – For a New Year’s celebration that’s friendly to both your family and your wallet, check out Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Countdown. The free street festival has bounce houses, face painting games and live music. If you’d rather celebrate in style with just your nearest and dearest, get your tix to a river boat tour and mingle with a small group at sea. (Photo cred: www.article.wn.com)
7. Los Angeles – Over 21? Los Angeles has parties and restaurants galore where you can drink, dance and celebrity-stalk your heart out. If you’re feeling ambitious, pick up a ticket to a VIP Club Crawl where you’ll get access to LA’s hottest nightclubs. If you have your sea legs, hop aboard the Queen Mary for an evening of dinner and live musical performances. (Photo cred: www.examiner.com)
8. San Juan – Even the locals hit up hotels for New Year’s Eve in San Juan. So follow their lead and head to the Condado district for music, dancing and spirits. If you can’t fathom ringing in 2015 without the usual pyrotechnics, both Condado Beach and the Puerto Rico Convention Center have fireworks displays at midnight. (Photo cred: www.panoramio.com)
9. Denver – Grab the kids and ring in the New Year in one of the most family-friendly destination on our list. Start with a daytime trip to the Butterfly Pavilion for a kid-approved celebration complete with bubble wrap, confetti and – of course – butterflies. Afterward, graduate to some adult activities and head over to the 16th street mall for fireworks and microbrews. (Photo cred: denver.cbslocal.com)
10. Honolulu – Do we really need to explain why Honolulu is the perfect place to say Aloha to 2015? Spend a relaxing evening watching fireworks on Waikiki Beach or put on your Polynesian grass skirt and head to the Aloha Tower for live music and cocktails that last for the long haul. (Photo cred: totallycoolpix.com)
Looking to put that piggy bank you got for Christmas to work and save a few dollars? Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you need to spend New Year’s on your parents couch (again) – here are the Top 10 destinations with the lowest average airfare.
Least Expensive Destinations this New Year’s
- Chicago ($290)
- Atlanta ($325)
- Washington D.C. ($327)
- Dallas ($341)
- Boston ($356)
- Denver ($376)
- Austin ($378)
- New Orleans ($391)
- Houston ($393)
- Las Vegas ($401)
So have you decided yet where you’ll ring in the New Year? If so, remember to also check out our recent post on when to book your New Year’s Eve travel.
*Based on greatest search share for travel dates beginning between December 26, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and ending between January 1, 2015 and January 4, 2015.
**Based on the lowest average display price for travel dates beginning between December 26, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and ending between January 1, 2015 and January 4, 2015.
***All searches conducted through 11/12/14
(Preview photo cred: Istock.com/creisinger)
