The best trips and tips for your New Year’s Eve trip

adminonJuly 5, 2023July 26, 2023Leave a Comment

The best trips and tips for your New Year's Eve trip

Imagine it's the morning of the 27th. Decembers: Three days of delicious food around the clock, good conversation and relaxation are behind you. The last Christmas cookies were eaten yesterday. Mulled wine? No thanks, next year again. Coming down a bit at home and spending time with the family was also very good again. The batteries are fully charged and you are already tingling again.

That means it's time for the next adventure. But why wait long? New Year's Eve is the perfect opportunity. That's why we have put together 6 great trips for you, where you can say goodbye to the year 2021 and start adventurously into the new year.

1. Portugal

Whether you love spending time in nature, are a culture lover, go surfing on the beach or all of the above: Faro is your Place to Be!

The Algarve is known for being a surfer's paradise, so a trip there is the perfect opportunity to fight off the Christmas pounds with a few surf sessions. Generally you have a good variety between sportive and cultural activities in Faro. It is definitely worth visiting the old town, which will enchant you with its snow-white houses, sweet alleys and orange trees as far as the eye can see.

If these arguments are still not enough: A trip to Faro won't cut your 2022 travel budget too much, because flights there are very cheap and after all, you're traveling in a group with lots of great TripMates.

Surfing and New Year's Eve party with Yara in the Algarve

2. Madeira

You don't want to spend your New Year's Eve discussing how to spend it, you just want to have a good and uncomplicated time? Then you are exactly right on Madeira with our TripLeaders!

A good restaurant and the bar they trust (Kiki, Figo and Alex know Madeira very well ;)) are already reserved. So you can sit back, relax and enjoy! And although this sounds great, you should be prepared for the highlight: Of course fireworks are part of New Year's Eve, but have you ever seen fireworks from a speedboat and the biggest fireworks in the world? ? No? Then let's go to Madeira!

See the biggest fireworks in the world in Madeira

3. Egypt

Spend New Year's Eve on the beach… If you fancy a whole new New Year's Eve experience and would like to spend some time in the warm, then a short vacation in Egypt is perfect!

With our TripLeader Karim no wishes remain unfulfilled. Since he grew up in Egypt, he knows his way around and has already planned many great activities for you. In Hurghada the possibilities are endless. From a safari in the desert with camel riding and beach buggy driving, to shopping on traditional markets and parasailing, you can gather many new experiences there.

Besides: Who can claim to have discovered the underwater world in a glass boat or even with a submarine??

Start the new year on the beach with Karim

4. Jordan

Attention all adventurous people: If a trip to Jordan hasn't been on your bucket list yet, you should change that as soon as possible. The diversity of the country will definitely enchant you.

In addition to exploring the most important cities of the country, the program also includes an overnight stay in a Bedouin camp in the desert.

After you had the chance to dive into the life of the Bedouins and get an idea of the completely different lifestyle, you will go to Amman, the capital and also the biggest city of Jordan. There you will have the opportunity to taste local specialties and spend the New Year's Eve in one of the numerous bars.

Because New Year's Eve does not fall in the main travel season, you do not have to share Jordan with a lot of tourists.

Experience a very special New Year's Eve with Katharina in Jordan

5. Mexico

White dream beaches, crystal clear water, the sun in the sky and the Caribbean breeze blowing around your nose. After the long months of snow, freezing cold and gloomy weather, it's a welcome change, isn't it??

Mexico has definitely gained in popularity among travelers in recent years and can sometimes seem a bit crowded in the well-known places. If only you could somehow get some insider tips for this dream destination…

Luckily, there's our TripLeader Karla! Karla comes from Mexico and knows her way around there very well. With her you can look forward to a trip with many exciting activities that a normal tourist will not necessarily experience.

From a pink lake, to a boat trip between mangroves, to a visit of one of the seven wonders of the world and an old colonial city: You will get to know Yucatan from a completely different side. And you will celebrate the new year on the beach. Doesn't that sound dreamy?

Discover with Karla the insider tips of Mexico

Hopefully we were able to convince you that New Year's Eve planning doesn't always have to be exhausting. It can also be quite uncomplicated and relaxed and in addition you will meet new friends, spend some time in the warm and start the new year already in the right spirit, namely in the travel fever .

Whether it is a museum visit, wellness or diving vacation: Egypt offers its guests a wealth of attractions and activities. The world-famous pyramids are undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions. But there is much more to see and experience. The big cities invite to eventful day trips, the coastal resorts to bathing and beach holidays. With this extensive offer, it is little wonder that many vacationers decide to book another trip to Egypt after the stay.

Pyramids, hieroglyphs, pharaohs: The Mysterious Culture of Ancient Egypt

Fascination Egypt: Already in ancient times the country on the Nile has inspired people from other cultures. More than 100 pyramids have been discovered so far – witnesses of an extraordinary advanced civilization. Standing in front of the colossal statues in Abu Simbel or contemplating the pyramids of Giza, one wonders how people were capable of such feats some 5000 years ago. The detailed, colorful murals are no less impressive. Pharaohs ruled over the land on the Nile for several thousand years. Their power waned when the Persians, Greeks and Romans founded their great empires. But the pyramids, art and scrolls have been preserved. They tell about the power and artistry of the ancient Egyptian culture.

Sightseeing Egypt: The most famous attractions

Four large cities on the Nile invite you to extensive discovery tours. Alexandria is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea. The eventful history of the famous city is reflected in its historical buildings: the amphitheater, the Qaitbay citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina are well worth a visit. The capital of Egypt, Cairo, offers a wealth of interesting attractions. These include historical and modern buildings, museums, markets, as well as the old town. A few kilometers away, the most famous attractions await visitors: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Luxor and its surroundings are a paradise for friends of ancient Egyptian history.

Directly in the city area stands the Luxor temple, a few kilometers north the Karnak temple. On the opposite bank of the Nile are the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Aswan is located far in the south of the country. The large dam nearby is named after the city. From here you can easily reach the temples of Abu Simbel. Further attractions are the Nubian villages, the mausoleum of Aga Khan or the luxury hotel, which inspired Agatha Christie to her crime novel "Death on the Nile".

Popular vacation activities in Egypt

A vacation in Egypt offers more than city sightseeing or tours to the world-famous attractions. Jeep safaris are an excellent way to experience the country's unique landscapes. Those who like it a bit more leisurely can opt for camel trekking or a horseback ride. Egypt can be experienced from a completely different perspective during a balloon ride. In addition, a relaxing boat trip on the Nile is recommended during your stay in Egypt.

For friends of water sports a snorkeling tour or a diving safari in the Red Sea is a good choice. Its clear waters and rich biodiversity delight snorkelers and divers alike. The most famous resorts include Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam. Snorkeling in the Red Sea is a great way to see special fish and unusual corals, or to get up close and personal with manatees. For divers there are exciting wrecks to discover, such as the wreck of the Thistlegorm, the Ghiannis D or the Carnatic.

Vacation in the land of the pharaohs: Here's why Egypt is so appealing

Those who decide to spend their vacations in Egypt will experience a hospitable country with a variety of attractions. Its contrasts make it a fascinating and varied destination. From the bustling streets of Cairo and Luxor it is not far to the almost deserted expanses of the desert. Vacationers can decide in the morning whether they want to take an extended camel ride, a boat trip on the Nile or rather a dive in the Red Sea.

Perhaps the most important reason that keeps travelers coming back to Egypt is the beauty of the country. Impressive desert landscapes, the palm-covered banks of the Nile, golden sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Red Sea create a perfect vacation atmosphere that quickly makes you forget everyday life.

As the only democracy in the Chinese-speaking world and the most progressive city for LGBTQ + rights in Asia, a legacy of artists and activists has helped make Taiwan's capital a place where culture, progress and creativity thrive.

In recent years, a new wave of resident creatives has revitalized the city. These days, cutting-edge art galleries stand next to traditional teahouses, and basement club techno still murmurs in the streets, while local markets set up their fare as the sun rises. Affordable, safe, efficient and exciting, this sea of glass, concrete and palm trees is a dreamland for urban explorers. For travelers looking to explore Taiwan's underground scene, here are eight tips on how to discover cool Taipei at its best.

1. Don't stop drinking coffee

Taiwan's famous tea culture can be traced back more than three hundred years. Home to some of the world's best greens and oolongs, tea here is both a science and a philosophy, a remedy for body and soul.

While you'll find no shortage of old tea houses, the same spirit of craftsmanship and pride has been applied to Taipei's third wave coffee scene – and the results are glorious. Interesting cafes are popping up all over the city, from the towering chemistry lab B Coffee & Space in Da'an to the award-winning baristas and Scandinavian-inspired minimalism of Fika Fika in Zhongshan.

Whether you spend the day sipping espresso or sipping cups of bottled single-origin brew, you'll quickly find out why Taipei is tipped to become the next hub of cafe culture in the world.

Coffee Culture © Colt St. George

2. Tap into the city's creative scene in Zhongshan and Dongmen

Taipei was named World Design Capital 2016 for a reason. From young architects to underground record labels, everyone seems to have a new "made in Taiwan" pride that's trendy and distinctly Taiwanese. The neighborhoods of Zhongshan and Dongmen are perfect for testing the waters.

While the main streets feel a bit commercial, stroll the historic back alleys of Zhongshan District and you'll discover well-stocked vintage stores like Blue Monday, cute design boutiques and stylish record stores like Waiting Room. Taipei Artist Village – an art facility and residency open to local and international creatives – is also worth a visit.

Dongmen is even more enjoyable. While the upscale main streets offer everything from craft bubble tea to the latest Taiwanese interior designs, hit the quiet residential alleys and find quirky art cafes, craft beer bars, dusty Chinese antique stores and good old-fashioned Taiwanese comforts like James Kitchen on Yongkang Street.

3. Try the street food, especially stinky tofu

Whether in London, New York or Berlin, street food has become undeniably, and often tragically, hip. Derail the pomp, faux grit and absurd prices of the latest questionable Western street food trends and revel in Taipei's affordable authenticity.

From notable night markets like Ningxia and Liaoning to nameless back alleys serving generations-perfected dishes during the day, there is an overwhelming selection of delicious local fare. Fatty braised pork on rice, oyster omelets, beef noodle soup, dumplings and shaved ice loaded high with fresh fruit are good for beginners.

Your ultimate task, however, should be to conquer the infamous chòu dòufuor stinky tofu. It smells like a rotting corpse, but has a flavor profile of such intense complexity that most hardcore foodies call it sublime. Others spit it out immediately.

4. Try vegetarianism

If you're a vegan or vegetarian who has trouble finding meatless meals, look for restaurant signs with giant, garish swastikas. The symbol is associated with Buddhism in China long before its appropriation in Europe, and marks the restaurant as purely vegetarian.

There are many people in the city selling delicious Buddhist meals at ridiculously low prices. Many are buffet style, where everything piled on your plate is paid for by weight. The selection is usually too extensive to try everything in a single trip, which will keep you coming back again and again.

5. From decay to design: check out the city's former arty knick knacks

Maverick Taiwanese artists were the first to recognize the potential of Taipei's abandoned industrial buildings, squatting and staging illegal performances in these derelict creative spaces. Although the authorities were initially quite resistant, after many protests, spaces like Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park became government-protected cultural centers.

These days, these spaces are generally pulsing with life, offering a variety of fun events for adults and families at on-site galleries, concept stores, cinemas, studios, concert halls and more. While the government commercialization of these spaces has mitigated their innovative origins, they still feel undeniably special and worthwhile.

6. Get lost in Taipei's nightlife

The nightlife and music scenes in Taipei are just great.From indie garage rockers like Skip Skip Ben Ben to techno, noise and experimental hip-hop, Taipei's underground sounds explorations will reveal a completely different dimension of the city and provide opportunities to meet with the artists who make it happen.

Revolver in Zhongzheng is a laid-back and friendly institution that hosts everything from metal to indie nights, while F * cking Place (though the club doesn't use an asterisk) is definitely one of the coolest dive bars in town – with the added bonus of ridiculously cheap beer. For techno and electronic parties, head to Korner, a section of the well-known club The Wall. Pipe and APA Mini are also great places for live music.

7. Don't feel the party? Try a reading rave

With a vibrant population of artists, intellectuals and activists, it's no surprise that print still holds a special place in Taiwan. The popularity of Eslite at the Dunnan store, Taipei's massive 24-hour bookstore and one of the only in the world to keep such hours, speaks for itself. Get comfortable in this beautifully designed book wall and join the locals as they pore over the pages all night long.

On a smaller scale, look out for the Pinmo Pure Store stationery store, the Gin Gin Store (the first gay bookstore to open in Greater China) and the hip new concepts for libraries. In this regard, Pon Ding is a definite standout – a friendly, three-story collaborative creative space that hosts art, independent publications, quality magazines and pop-up events. Of course, they also have a brilliant cafe.

8. Go back to nature

Every now and then you need to leave the city behind and relax in nature. Fortunately, nature is never far away in Taiwan.

The high-speed rail from Taipei takes less than two hours to reach the island's subtropical southern coast, while the green hiking trails and popular surf bushes are easily accessible by bus. If you're adventurous, dive into the mountains to experience the colorful cultures of Taiwan's indigenous peoples.

But when you're feeling perpetually recharged and craving the big-city buzz, it's a quick train ride back to Taipei's creative playground.

EVA Air, a Star Alliance member, flies daily from London Heathrow to Taipei, offering passengers award-winning service and a choice of three cabin classes: Royal Laurel Class (business class), Elite Class (premium economy) and Economy Class. See more of Taiwan with the Taiwan Tourism Association.Top photo: Pon Ding © Pon Ding.