Winter Holiday Hotspots: Asia and Oceania
Winter Warmth: African and European Island Escape
November 15, 2016
How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolution
November 29, 2016
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
“Happy New Year!!!”
New Years…
A time to laugh.
A time to cry.
A time to celebrate and be merry.
Whether you pull out that tux and ballroom gown, put on a backpack and explore a remote location, or throw on some jeans and hit the party scene—the new year brings the joy of the unknown and a chance to wipe the slate clean from the previous year.
The mammoth celebrations in the holiday hotspots of Dubai and Sydney get all the glory in Asia and Oceania. Millions of people, bright lights, booming fireworks…
The bright lights of Dubai illuminate the city no matter what the season
And as the old saying goes, “Go big or home”…right?
Wrong!
When contemplating holiday hotspots in Asia and Oceania, I challenge you to look beyond these two behemoth bonanzas.
Instead…head to a couple of places that may be smaller in size, but are BIG in excitement and entertainment!
Winter Holiday Hotspot in Asia: Goa
Christmas celebrations are in full swing in Goa during the holiday season. The true treat; however, is to experience one Goa’s many New Year’s Eve parties. In fact, some would argue that the beaches of Goa are the best places in the entire world to bring in a new year.
“Throw your hands in the air, and wave ’em like you just don’t care!”
Why Goa?
If you want to party like an animal (but not spend money like one), you can be beastly on a budget at the popular JUNGLE hostel. Or you can experience the serenity of South Goa and be truly spoiled along the private beachfront of The Lalit Resort. The major appeal of Goa; however, is that it has something for everyone. The “Rome of the East” can be a place for awesome parties, adventurous outdoor activities, or a simple slow-walk through the city while taking in its rich, cultural heritage.
Western Samoa
Winter Holiday Hotspots in Oceania: Samoa and American Samoa
Rainforests, waterfalls, hidden beaches, culture, caves, canopies, markets, coral reefs and true Polynesian authenticity are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways of enjoying these two Islands.
Why Samoa and America Samoa?
Why combine both Samoa and American Samoa into the same trip? Well, if you’ve ever had a New Year’s Eve experience that didn’t quite go as planned and you were bummed about waiting 365 days for a shot at redemption—these islands offer the perfect solution. Located just 100 miles apart, there is a whopping 25-hour time difference between Samoa and American Samoa.
What does that mean?
Begin by ringing in the new year in Samoa, then hop a flight over to American Samoa and experience the déjà vu of celebrating the SAME new year all over again!
So nice…it’s worth celebrating twice!
19 Comments
Awesome tips, and pictures. I’m working for a travel website and during the christmas/winter holidays, the peak season starts for Goa and nearby places, now I understand why. I’m in love with the place and photos, I hope I could visit soon. 🙂
These are some great tips! It really gets cold here n the winter. And I definitely need a getaway! Goa sounds incredible. Samoa and American Samoa will definitely go on my wishlist as well!
I missed Goa the first time I visited India but I won’t make the same mistake twice!
I like your idea of an escapade away from fhe winter wearher. I can now relate since my family is in Vancouver and they are now used to having cold New Year’s Eve! Well, it was my first time last year when I spent it in Vancity since we are from Manila and New Year is not as cold as other countries. So escaping the cold for New Year is actually amusing for me as it is contrary with living in a tropical country. By the way, I also like the idea of spending two New Year celebrations haha.
Two New Year’s celebrations in one year is definitely at the top of my bucket list 🙂
I like your idea of an escapade away from fhe winter wearher
I’ve been to Goa several times during my college days but always hated the place during Christmas and New Year as it was over-crowded with people. Everything was over-priced and not worth at all! However, I’d love to visit Samoa and American Samoa as the both the places look splendid in your pictures.
But the crowds are what travelers love…just think about the people NYC attracts during the holidays 😛
Wow, I never knew that about Samoa and American Samoa. An interesting idea for sure.
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
It one of those unique experiences that not many will ever have the opportunity to do!
Wow, I did not know about the time difference between Samoa and American Samoa. 25 hours but only 100 miles apart! I know they are located on the international date line, but, wow. This is something I need to include in my travel plans. That would be awesome to celebrate the same New Year twice! Won’t it be fun to say, “I was there last year” when you actually mean, you were there just a few hours ago. 🙂
Samoa looks amazing! I’m a big fan of the South Pacific, it’s such an incredible region. I also love how you cross the dateline when travelling between the islands, even though they are right next to each other!
I’ve never been to any of these places but now you have me looking at Goa. I definitely need to get away soon and to somewhere with beautiful beaches and warmth. Thanks for the ideas!
Se manfique! Love the photo journal and descriptions. I would love to visit there, such magnificent activities and views
Great article! The pictures were tasteful and I’m a sucker for a pretty sight lol! I would love to visit Asia someday. 🙂
Those sound like amazing places to spend the Holidays in especially if you’re planning to escape the harsh winter weather. I wouldn’t mind planning a trip to these places, I’m sure my daughters would approve!
I always knew that Goa was beautiful and I have a friend who is fortunate enough to be from there originally. She is blessed.
My mother and brother have been to Goa and loved it, so I think that’s confirmation enough that it has something for everyone. 🙂
Do you know why I love your articles so much?Because it tastes good ?I didn’t eat much rice today.But I’m stuffed now. Let’s get into the real stuff!