New Year's Eve abroad 31 December is planned well before autumn.
The end of the year is one of the most sought-after periods of the year: flights, hotels and New Year's Eve dinners go early. I build New Year trips in the sun, in a city or somewhere quiet, with the bookings that matter secured first.
- When
- Late December, early January
- Plan ahead
- As early as possible
- Scope
- France and abroad
Why plan early
The busiest week of the winter.
Between Christmas and New Year's Day, many destinations reach their peak in both visitor numbers and prices. On my destination pages, late December is almost always marked as high season or peak season.
- Flights on the dates of the Christmas school holidays fill up early.
- Some hotels require a minimum stay around 31 December.
- The New Year's Eve dinner is often a special menu that has to be booked in advance.
- Some events, such as Edinburgh's big street party, are ticket-only.
Three ways to see in the New Year
In the sun, in the city or somewhere quiet.
In a city in full celebration
In Scotland, New Year is called Hogmanay. Edinburgh marks it with several days of festivities, including a ticketed street party and fireworks over the castle at midnight.
On the other side of the world
In Japan, New Year is an important family celebration, centred on the shrines rather than the bars. It is a unique experience, as long as you know that the end of the year is a very busy time there.
Somewhere quiet
A house, a chalet or a secluded hotel, with friends or family, for a New Year's Eve away from the crowds. It is often the most restful option, and it exists in France too.
What I prepare
New Year's Eve, and everything around it.
I start with what gets booked up fastest: the flights, the accommodation and the dinner on the 31st. I then build the rest of the trip, with days that leave room to breathe, and bring everything together in the travel book. I also check you in online for your flights and send you your boarding passes.
If you wish, I can stay reachable throughout the trip, as an option, to deal with anything unexpected from France.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask me about New Year.
When should I book a trip for New Year?
As early as possible. In the autumn there are still options, but the choice narrows every week, particularly for dates during the school holidays.
Is it still possible to go if I leave it late?
Often, yes, if you stay flexible on the destination or the dates. It is the kind of situation where an outside view saves time: tell me your constraints and I will tell you what is still realistic.
Do you organise New Year's Eve for groups?
Yes, for friends as well as families. For a group, planning ahead matters even more: see also the corporate retreat and group travel page.
How does payment work?
A first deposit sets the bookings in motion, and payment can be made in one or several instalments, by bank transfer, bank card or chèques-vacances (French holiday vouchers).
Two ways to begin
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