Hottest New Year Destinations | New Year | Hottest Destinations.

It's an explosive time at New Year's Eve – IF you know where to party.

The world's biggest combined party is New Year's Eve. It starts around Sydney and travels time zone by time zone around the globe like some sort of well-coordinated pre-planned pyrotechnic explosion.

It's the only time when nations, religions, festivals and other regional or local occasions cease to become a factor. Pretty much everyone and everyplace around the globe recognises the New Year with some type of celebration.

Top Destinations:

1. NEW ORLEANS. It's got the atmosphere, the proper attitude and the energy. New Orleans is a party just about anytime but New Year's is especially crazy. The Sugar Bowl teams, alumni and students are all in town which just adds to the fun. Going up and down Bourbon Street is the call but at midnight be at the ball drop in Jackson Square. The 2009 Sugar Bowl is Jan. 2 and features Alabama and Utah. There will be lots of "Roll Tide" cheers on Bourbon Street.

Weather: We've been in New Orleans on New Year's when it's been warm and when it's been freezing. Check the weather before you go and pack for accordingly.

2 . PRAGUE. One of the world's most beautiful cities attracts people from throughout Europe because they know a great party when the see one. Prague is an awesome place to play anytime and on the Big Night it literally explodes. That's because the Czechs just love fireworks. Wander in and out of the many pubs and cafes but at midnight go to Old Town Square or Charles Bridge. Climb the hill to the Prague Castle or the "Stalin statue," where the fireworks are launched for an overview of the whole crazy scene. Prague is unbelievably inexpensive; your crowns go a long. long way. Czech it out!

Weather: The average temperature for January is -1.3C (30F), so it's cold. This makes quick jaunts into the many cafes a requirement.


3. SYDNEY. Take your choice – party on the water, party on the bridge or party in a pub. The first major city to celebrate the coming of the New Year is also one of the best. How good is Sydney? The fireworks end at 12:15 but the celebrations last until dawn.

Weather: It's summer so pretty warm, but have a light jacket handy.


4. LAS VEGAS. New Year's Eve and Las Vegas are as natural party partners as tequila and lime juice. People pour out from the casinos onto the streets and then after midnight head back to late night – or all-night – gambling, pubbing or clubbing.

It's called America's Party and there's two choices for where to spend the moment, the Strip and downtown at the Fremont Experience. Each has a fireworks show.

The Strip has the younger and single crowd while downtown is mostly – but certainly not exclusively – late 30s and beyond and couples. The Strip is also incredibly crowded in the main area (in front of Caesars and people gather as early as 8 p.m.). The fireworks run down the hotels from Mandalay Bay to the Stratosphere. It will start about 10 minutes before midnight and be timed to the songs "Dancing in the Streets" from Mick Jagger and David Bowie "Taking it to the Streets" from the Doobie Brothers and, finally, Omega Attraktor's "Xterminate."

It's a little different downtown as the "fireworks" are electronic on an overhead canopy. Also called America's Party, this is a closed-off block party and tickets are $20 (free for Nevada residents). It's all pretty casual, just walk in and out of the casinos and shops while drinking cocktails out of football-shaped and sized containers. Tribute bands (Eagles, Queen, U2, Aerosmith, KISS, Rolling Stones, Bill Joel and Davie Bowie) are performing 6 p.m.-1 a.m, on two stages. A light and sound show runs overhead on the lighted "canopy" and confetti showers down at midnight. The gates open at 5:30 (no one under 18 allowed) and some restaurants offer packages for entrance and dinner.

Undecided between The Strip and Fremont? Let this be your guide: If you are in a group of friends and don't want to stray too far from them, do downtown. Traditionally, if you are single and on the prowl, seek The Strip.

Weather: Warm and pool-side sunny by day, chilly when the sun goes down. Since the party is outside, definitely have a jacket.

5. WHISTLER, B.C. It's a party in the snow. Good beer, great people. Actually, great beer and great people. This awesome ski resort in the Canadian Rockies is good enough anytime and on New Year's it reaches the summit. The Village is buzzing (if you catch our snow drift). Police do check backpacks and purses for alcohol so get your drinks at the bars. Most bars charge $50-150; arrive a couple of days early and find your NYE party spot.

Weather: 20s on the hill, 30s in town (F) unless a sudden unexpected chill hits. This year, Whistler got an early snowfall and the going is great on the slopes.



Source: http://www.pubclub.com/newyear/index.htm.