5 of the Best Places to Travel This New Years (that you haven’t thought of yet!)
You’ve worked hard all year and have earned a few days out of the office and the opportunity to recharge and get yourself in prime shape for a productive new year. So, whether you want to spend this New Year’s Eve partying, adventuring or simply escaping the winter cold, here are my top 5 destinations for ringing in 2018.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is having a major moment, but it’s still one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets. Mexico’s capital is one of the largest, most populated cities in the world and has grown into its own in the last few years. Today, it’s a foodie-haven and cultural paradise. The National Museum of Anthropology and the Frida Kahlo Museum are huge draws for art-lovers.
For those looking for their culture with a side of margaritas, don’t fear, Mexico City residents—Chilangos, love to party, which makes New Year’s a perfect excuse to have the night of your life in Mexico. And, if the food is more your thing, you’ll find no shortage of memorable meals in Mexico City, at every budget. Whether you’re getting chilaquiles at the local diner for breakfast, or dining at one of the world’s top 50 restaurants (both Jorge Vallejo’s Quintonil and Enrique Olvera’s Pujol make the list), the food in Mexico City is impossible to beat.
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Cartagena, Colombia
You’ll come for the tropical vibes and Caribbean summer, but you’ll be blown away by the colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the stone-walled old city. Whether your idea of an end-of-year vacation is sipping the best coffee in the world on a bougainvillea-laced balcony or salsa-dancing the nights away in one of Cartagena’s famous nightclubs (like Alquimico, La Movida, La Jugada, or Cafe Havana), this is the spot for you.
Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita, a beautiful small fishing village on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is the Mexico of 20 years ago. It’s the charm of Mexico without the big resorts and tourist traps, and with a fabulous surf-town vibe all its own.
Just 20 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, the sleepy town has three main streets within a five-minute walk to the beach, all lined with colorful shops, restaurants and cafes that make it a perfect weekend getaway for long days spent sipping margaritas and playing in the waves. And with awesome Airbnb options (like this ocean view house with a pool and this private hacienda-style villa) make it a perfect spot for groups of friends to jet down from the states for a long weekend, and a great option for a group New Years getaway.
Nassau, Bahamas
Generally a cheap getaway from the East coast of the United States, Nassau is a perfect place to base for the New Year. The city is full of colorful, bustling energy and beautiful crystal-clear Bahamian beaches. Explore the historic old town, and head over to Paradise Island for a glitzy resort scene at the Atlantis Paradise Island, or the ultra-exclusive Cove at Atlantis.
Key West, Florida
The Florida Keys islands, which are connected by various bridges, are known for fishing, dive bars, and laid-back, kitschy island vibes. At the Keys’ most southernmost point lies Key West, an island just 90 miles North of Cuba, that’s home to rowdy bars (like Green Parrot, Sloppy Joe’s or Hogs Breath Saloon), delicious meals (Blue Heaven is one of the best breakfast spots on the planet), and balmy Caribbean weather.
Although relief efforts from Hurricane Irma are still underway in Southern Florida, Key West is still very much open for tourism this holiday season, and the lack of crowds may be an extra incentive why it should top your list for New Year’s travel.
