But with so many options, how is it even possible to choose between them?

Well, let’s take a closer look at the 20 best places to celebrate New Year around the world:

1. Singapore

Few destinations are moving so fast as Singapore and for an equally exciting New Years, most visitors head straight for the Singapore Countdown at Marina Bay.

After all, it is also here that you will find excellent street food and endless live performances from some of the most famous entertainers on the island.

 2. Bali, Indonesia

If you want something a little more laid back, Bali is a year-round hotspot with near-perfect weather, pristine beaches and excellent resorts.

It’s true that beaches are not for everyone but the truth is, the friendly locals and sense of culture in Bali can make this an especially interesting choice of places to celebrate New Year.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Located at the very southern tip of the African continent, Cape Town is best known for Table Mountain, Great White Shark Dives and Robben Island—the unfortunate home of Nelson Mandela!

However, aside from the fantastic things to do, Cape Town is also blessed with a vibrant nightlife with bars on Long Street being especially popular. On the other hand, there is also a spectacular firework display at the V & A Waterfront just before midnight.

4. Paris, France

It’s true that Paris is the “City of Love” but with the Eiffel Tower providing a backdrop to fireworks over the River Seine, this is one of the best places to celebrate New Year for absolutely anyone!

Afterward, visitors tend to crowd onto the Champs-Elysees for an immense street party!

5. New York, USA

For many people, New York can feel like the “center of the world” and with so much snow and excitement, this is widely considered the ultimate Christmas destination.

That being said, this atmosphere continues in the run-up to December 31^st when the streets and bars of Manhattan light up like nowhere else in the world. With this in mind, New York is an obvious choice in terms of the best places to celebrate New Year.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is not only one of the most picturesque cities in the world but also one of the most colorful places to celebrate New Year. In fact, the city is home to one of the biggest firework displays in the world and when it comes to carnival, nobody can party like the locals.

What’s more, the pristine beaches of Rio also make this an ideal place to spend a few days over the New Year period.

7. Dublin, Ireland

Aside from the green rolling landscapes and historical nature of Ireland, the live music and traditional bars make Dublin stand out among the places to celebrate New Year in Europe.

Although the “Temple Bar” area is hugely popular with tourists, you should find that many of the best local bars are situated near Grafton Street and Lower Baggot Street.

That being said, there are also many attractions to explore by day and various day trips to iconic places including Glendalough and the Cliffs of Moher.

8. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of those places that can feel like a world of its’ own. However, on New Years, locals pay homage to Times Square in New York by dropping a replica ball at the Times Square Shopping Centre.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is possibly the most dramatic city skyline to ever act as a backdrop for a firework display.

Why not even consider going on a harbor cruise to welcome in the New Year in Hong Kong?

9. London, England

London is best known as one of the financial capitals of the world but in truth, the people, interesting restaurants and attractions make this one of the most exciting cities to explore.

In fact, there are so many things to do in London that it’s often a case of choosing what to skip rather than picking out what you want to see.

Anyway, London really comes alive on New Years with firework displays all over the city and millions of revelers hitting the streets to celebrate in the fantastic range of bars and clubs.

10. Barcelona, Spain

Spain is a hugely popular tourist destination for Europeans for good reason with excellent weather, fine food and reasonably cheap accommodation throughout. While Barcelona may not be as “affordable” as elsewhere, the buzzing nightlife more than makes up for it.

In fact, the bars in Barcelona are widely considered as the most exciting anywhere in Europe. Needless to say, the city is also home to several iconic landmarks including the ancient Gothic Quarter and the infamous Sagrada Familia.

11. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Situated in the very north of Thailand, Chiang Mai is a complete contrast to Bangkok. In other words, unlike the capital, Chiang Mai is much quieter and much more enjoyable in terms of places to celebrate New Year.

Interestingly, most bars in Chiang Mai are required to close down at midnight but an exception is made for the final day of the year. As if that’s not enough, Chiang Mai turns into an epic light show on New Years with thousands of visitors and locals sending a swarm of lanterns up into the night sky.

12. Beijing, China

As you know, the Great Wall of China is located close to Beijing and offers the perfect distraction during a visit to the city. On the other hand, the firework displays in Beijing are also unlike anything you have ever seen.

Now, this should not be surprising, for the Chinese are known as one of the main distributors of firework and on New Year’s Eve, it certainly shows!

13. Athens, Greece

Among the best places to celebrate New Year, Athens is one of the most interesting. You see, children often take to the streets of Athens to sing New Year carols and in the run-up to midnight, locals turn out all the lights so that they can see the New Year with new eyes.

After this fascinating experience, you also have a bustling nightlife to uncover and a long lineup of ancient attractions to explore the next morning!

14. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh with its magnificent castle and hidden bars is a sure bet to be one of the best places to celebrate New Year.

This energetic city always lives up to expectations and this is largely due to the friendly and fun locals who are always quick to welcome visitors into their own celebrations.

15. Hoi An, Vietnam

Located midway through Vietnam and just a short skip north of Da Nang, Hoi An is the most famous town in the country. Featuring a myriad of winding streets with food vendors, café’s, colorful houses and interesting restaurants, this is town also a truly spectacular sight that never fails to leave a memorable impression.

As for New Years, visitors usually find that the mellow vibe, friendly locals and small-town feel of Hoi An help create a wonderful ambiance and one of the best places to celebrate New Year.

16. Manila, Philippines

Round shapes are a symbol or prosperity in the Philippines and for this reason, locals stick to eating round fruits and carrying a collection of round coins in their pockets.

Aside from this tradition, they also wear polka dot clothing for the final day of the year which makes this an especially interesting choice of places to celebrate New Year.

17. Zanzibar, Tanzania

In spite of the remoteness of Zanzibar, the island is very easy to reach and complimented with endless resorts. At the same time, this is also a place where the old world meets the new, as ancient Stone Town is just a few hours drive away from the white powdered sands in the north of the island.

As a result, visitors get a taste of everything and when it comes to events, Kendwa Beach in the north is home to a full moon party which is the number one place for locals to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

18. San Francisco, United States

There is something very unique and timeless about San Francisco in the United States. However, this city is also a boiling pot of cultures which largely consists of an immigrant population.

As you can imagine, this has made San Fran one of the more dynamic and interesting places to celebrate New Year. In fact, there are many special performances put on for New Years and the Embarcadero is the place to be at midnight, where an immense firework display lights up the skies.

19. Sydney, Australia

Think about it; standing next to Sydney Opera House with fireworks and friends. Although nearby Melbourne has particularly interesting nightlife, Sydney is the place to be as far as places to celebrate New Year is concerned.

Needless to say, there is also an excellent nightlife here and enough shopping, restaurant and atmosphere to make it worth the trip.

As for the highlight? What better way to ring in the New Year than to head for Bondi Beach the next morning?

20. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Let’s be honest, the following day is often the best thing about New Years. In other words, when you visit Siem Reap, you can rise early and spend the first day of the year at the majestic Angkor Wat Temples.

That being said, you will also find “Pub Street” at the center of Siem Reap which is one of the most vibrant places for a night out in all of Southeast Asia!

As you can see, there are so many places to celebrate New Year and possibly not enough years in our lifetime to explore them all. At the same time, we all need to start somewhere and the above destinations are great shouts for the best places to ring in the New Year!

Suggested next reading: 10 Great & Cheap Places To Visit For People Who Love Winter

The post 20 Best Places To Celebrate New Year Around The World appeared first on Modern Trekker.

To be honest, autumn is my favorite time of the year. As I write this piece in the comfort of my Montréal apartment, I can look out and see trees with red and orange leaves. I believe that fall is a time of reflection as most spend more and more time inside to prepare for the long winter days ahead.

Every culture celebrates autumn differently, but here are 10 fall festivals that you can’t miss around the world:

1. Diwali

Taking place on November 7^th, Diwali is one of the most well-known fall festivals in India. The festival is named after the lights that are lit to symbolically shine a light on the spiritual emptiness and darkness that one may feel. It’s an incredibly important holiday for those that practice Hinduism around the world.

It’s an interesting holiday because it is celebrated differently throughout India. In the north of the country, they believe that Diwali symbolizes the story of King Rama’s return after winning a war. The row of lights serving as his helping guide on his return home.

In the south of India, however, they believe that Diwali is the day Krishna bested the demon Narakasura. Diwali is one of those fall festivals that must be experienced in person to truly understand it.

2. Guy Fawkes Night

One of those historical fall festivals that occurs every year, Guy Fawkes night happens on November 5^th and is celebrated in the United Kingdom to honor the foiling of the plot to kill the King.

Guy Fawkes was found with an unusually large quantity of gunpowder and he had detailed plans to kill the King!

Today, you can find many in the UK celebrating with parades in the streets, drinking mulled wine, eating way too much food, and watching fireworks at night. Overall, sounds like a lot of fun and is one of those events that brings everyone together.  

3. Dia De Los Muertos

Known as “Day Of The Dead” in English, the festival takes place over two days on the first two days of November.

It’s a time for many Mexicans to honor and remember their dead loved ones. While many might think of this as a sad event, it’s actually a festive and lively event to celebrate those that have moved on into the next world and to pray for loved ones in Purgatory.

Many Mexicans go to graves and decorate them to make their dead relatives feel at home. It’s now recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage event. Many come from all over the world just to partake in the festivities. If you have a chance, going to a Day Of The Dead celebration is well worth the trip to Mexico.

4. Iceland Airwaves

 

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This music festival takes place the weekend of November 7^th  to the 10^th. Originally started in 1999, Iceland Airwaves has drawn music lovers from all over. It’s put on to celebrate Iceland’s unique musical heritage, but also features musical acts from other parts.

With Iceland’s rise in popularity among travelers, so has this fall festivals attendance. 2018’s version looks like it will be the biggest…and best edition yet. Have we convinced you to hop on a flight over yet?

5. Loi Krathong

Much like Diwali, Loi Krathong is celebrated with lights. However, it is much less known than India’s version.

Held on November 23^rd throughout the Thai Kingdom, Loi Krathong is an event to celebrate all that nature has done for the Thai people and to continue to prosper as a result of its use.

On this day, Thai people float Krathong or floating structures made out of flowers, banana leaves, candles, and incense sticks. In the past some were made out of Styrofoam, but as many become more and more conscious of the harm this causes to the environment, many have switched to bread.

There are a few theories about why the holiday exists, but the most prominent one is that rivers are considered sacred by Thai people as most of the country supports itself through agriculture. To show respect and forgiveness, the Thai people created Loi Krathong. Through this, in a manner of speaking, they wash away their misdeeds and hope for good luck in the coming year.

6. Jasper Dark Sky Festival

 

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The night sky in Jasper, Alberta is always incredible, but it really shines for 10 days in October. The event offers some of the best stargazing opportunities anywhere in the world. If you want to go to space or that topic interests you, there is a whole panel of astronauts, scientists, and other experts that discuss the future of space exploration.

7. Oktoberfest

One of the most famous fall festivals, Oktoberfest takes place for two weeks in late September to early October. There are more than 6 million people that attend the event and consume over 7.7 million liters of beer. Impressive numbers from a two-week festival.

8. Paris Autumn Festival

 

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Paris is known for its vibrant arts scene so what better time to celebrate it than in fall! From dance to theatre to concerts, the festival has a bit of something for everyone.

Taking place from September to early December, the festival is celebrating its 46^th edition and has only grown in recent years. If you love the arts or want to see some of the best that Paris has to offer, this is one of those fall festivals you can’t miss!

9. Harvest On The Harbor

 

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This week-long festival was created in 2007 to showcase some of Maine’s best food (the lobster is to die for!) In its 11^th year of existence, the festival has now expanded to showcase some of the art of local artists. Of course, you’ll be able to see some beautiful fall foliage all while eating some of the best food that the New England region has to offer.

10. Chuseok

Chuseok, also known as “Autumn’s Eve” in English, is a harvest festival celebrated throughout the Korean peninsula. Its celebration is timed to match the Fall Equinox and features tons of delicious food.

During the festival, Koreans go back to where they are from and celebrate with their families. If you are invited over for a Chuseok feast, you should absolutely try it!

Suggested next reading: 14 Road Trip Ideas In The US That Are Perfect For This Fall

The post 10 Fall Festivals Around The World To See Before You Die appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Walk Around Downtown

When my friends and I first arrived in San Diego, we were a bit jet lagged from the 3 hour time difference and the early flight. We decided the only way to beat back that dreaded tired feeling was to take a stroll around Downtown near our hotel. Besides soaking in the warm California sun, we were surprised how much there was to do! We stumbled upon Little Italy and it’s Saturday farmer’s market. The food was fresh and local, mostly from farms within 150 miles/ 240 kilometers from San Diego. The apples we bought tasted like candy. Obviously, if you like Italian food, this is the neighborhood for you. They have tons of restaurants and trendy cocktail bars to choose from.

From Little Italy, we made our way to Embarcadero, a strip right on the water. It’s home to interesting museums about San Diego’s maritime history and even has a vintage Navy carrier in port called the USS Midway. The decommissioned warship is now a museum open to the public. It was one of the most unique museums I’ve ever been to. I especially enjoyed learning about how the crew lived while on tour on the ship. The ship’s bridge was also a highlight. You could imagine a Captain making preparations for a big mission or how he/ she handled the ship in a big storm. Tickets cost $20 for adults, but the USS Midway is well worth the price of admission.

Go Out In Gaslamp

When you’re celebrating any birthday, there is always at least one big night planned. San Diego’s Gaslamp district is the perfect area to go out and have a blast. A big section of Downtown, Gaslamp is a 16 block entertainment district that underwent a huge transformation in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s to attract more young professionals to live Downtown. The plan worked as Gaslamp is packed day and night with locals and visitors.

You can’t go wrong with any of the bars or clubs if that is your scene. Locals are friendly and know how to party. They introduced my friends and me to some sort of snake vodka. Interesting visually, but oddly tasted very good. If nightlife is what you are searching for in San Diego, Gaslamp has everything you need to have a great night.

Bike Around Coronado Island

A short ferry ride away from Downtown San Diego is an old, quaint island that is well worth a visit. Rent a bike and explore Coronado Island. There are 15 miles of bike paths on the island so it’s easy to see the entire island if you try hard enough. Be sure to visit Downtown Coronado filled with great shops and incredible restaurants. The surrounding neighborhoods are home to some of San Diego’s most expensive property and most extravagant gardens. It seems as if every house is competing to see who can have the biggest, most colorful garden. Pro tip: the neighborhood is the perfect backdrop to any Instagram photo shoot. Bring multiple outfits.

Next, head to Coronado Beach, one of the nicest beaches in the area. Perfect white sand and sun. It’s more of a family atmosphere, so if your group is looking for something more relaxed after a night in Gaslamp, Coronado Beach is the perfect place to hang out and take a nap. The beach is also one of the best places in the city to see the sunset. Right along the beach is the Hotel Del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark. The Victorian era style hotel was built in 1888 as a resort for the rich and famous. While it still has that reputation today—its $500 a night price tag might sway you against staying there and trying to catch a glimpse of a celebrity or the hotel’s resident ghost—you can always walk around the hotel and check out pictures of the hotel in its heyday. Whether you stay on the island for a day or a weekend, Coronado Island is the perfect place to relax and take life in at a slower pace.

Hike Torrey Pines

If you are a true adventurer and love to be outside for your birthday then Torrey Pines is where you need to go. A half-hour drive from Downtown San Diego, Torrey Pines Natural Reserve has 1,750 acres of protected land that is home to one of the rarest pine trees in the US and its namesake, Torrey Pines. It’s also home to one of the last salt marshes in California and has many rare bird species only found at the reserve. Torrey Pines has 8 miles/13 kilometers of hiking trails that offer stunning coastal views. The trails are not long so it’s possible to do more than one hike when you visit the reserve. The most popular trail is Razor Point. The hike takes you through the 3,000 or so Torrey Pines on the reserve and goes through some impressive scenery and along seaside cliffs. While Torrey Pines can be a bit difficult to reach and its best to arrive early to beat the crowds, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing that screams California more than that and will surely finish off a perfect birthday in San Diego.

Suggested next reading: The Perfect West American Road Trip For 2018

The post How To Have The Best Birthday Ever In San Diego appeared first on Modern Trekker.

Are you a jazz lover? Here is our list of 10 of the best jazz bars around the world, so that you can experience some of that old-fashioned magic listening to some great music, getting into the groove, and just having that pleasant night out. Let’s dive into it!

1) Birdland, New York

Birdland is a historic jazz bar in New York. Over the years it has changed several locations. The original opened on Broadway in 1949 and was a landmark in the jazz scene of the time. Some of the best jazz musicians in the world have played here, like Miles Davis, Count Basie, and John Coltrane. Not only that, it was very popular with the celebrities of the time; Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra to give some examples. Even today it is one of the best jazz clubs in New York housing some truly great musicians.

Location: 315 W 44th Street
Price: ranging from $20-$50 per night

2) Preservation Hall, New Orleans

If you are looking for traditional New Orleans jazz you can’t miss Preservation Hall. This legendary bar located in the iconic French Quarter has been hosting the city’s finest traditional musicians nightly for decades.

Location: 726 St. Peter Street (French Quarter)
Price: General admission is $20. For special events $30-50

3) Café Central, Madrid

A unique place to listen to some good jazz music and grab something to eat and drink, Café Central offers the old-fashioned style providing a blast from the past you don’t want to miss. Located in Plaza del Angel this bar is great for a musical stop while having some fun strolling around the city’s main center.

Location: Plaza del Angel 10
Price: Admission about €13

4) Sunset Sunside, Paris

Paris loves music! If you want to take a break in the city of love and enjoy some untraditional exotic jazz music such as gypsy jazz, Sunset Sunside is definitely the place you are looking for. You can find a great intimate place where to grab a drink, eat something and listen to some brand new experimental music by newbies and pro musicians!

Location: 60 Rue des Lombards
Price:  €10-€28

5) 28DiVino, Rome

The Eternal City has a place for you, jazz lovers! A wine, cheese & jazz club in the Prati area, the 28DiVino, makes jazz music the focal point of the weekly program of live concerts that it organizes. On the 28DiVino stage, national and international jazz musicians alternate. The restaurant has two rooms where you can dine and taste fine wines and cheeses while waiting for the live performances. Is there a better way to spend an evening in Rome? You tell me.

Location: Via Mirandola, 21, 00182 Roma
Price: €12

6) Jazz SPOT Intro, Tokyo

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Hi-tech Tokyo has a thing for jazz music too! Jazz SPOT Intro is a New York inspired jazz bar where you can enjoy some live music, grab something to drink and chill away from the city buzz. The top highlight of this jazz bar is its 12-hour Saturday sessions, which run until 5 am. A great opportunity to spend some quality time during the weekend!

Location: 2-14-8 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-Ku
Price: Admission is ¥1000 (around $10)

7) Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen

This place is considered to be one of the most legendary and best jazz bars in all of Europe! All year round this bar hosts special events and concerts giving the chance for pros and newbies to show off their skills and passion for music. Besides the musical side, the Jazzhus Montmartre is a great place to eat something too making it a one-of-a-kind club with an atmosphere that is classy yet typical of the best of the best jazz bars. The perfect place to warm up and relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Location: Store Regnegade 19A, 1110
Price: Free admission for some events. You predominantly pay for what you eat and drink

8) Reduta Jazz Club, Prague

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Reduta is located in the very heart of Prague and it is one of the oldest jazz clubs in Europe. A cultural spot not to be missed, this place offers the chance to chill and listen to some great jazz. Being an iconic place, over the years many politicians and celebrities have come to enjoy a gloriously jazzy night here. Bill Clinton has even played saxophone here! So, if you are tired of the same old pubs and crave some good live music, make your way down here, grab something to drink, sit down, and listen to new bands cover your favorite jazz masterpieces.

Location: Národní 116/20, 110 00 Nové Město
Price: Admission from €10

9) Donau 115, Berlin

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Berlin and jazz music might seem somewhat of a contradiction at first, but paying a visit to Donau 115 will definitely change your mind! Berlin is an experimenting city ready to use influences and vibes from several different genres and cultures, and so this is what you’ll notice (or hear) while spending some time in this jazz bar! You can find special events all year around hosting new bands creating a unique place for some jazz with that German vibe.

Location: Donaustraße 115, 12043
Price: Admission is free. You pay for what you eat and drink

10) Hot Clube de Portugal, Lisbon

We end our list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world with one of the most iconic European places you’ll ever find in Europe: the Hot Clube de Portugal in Lisbon. Lisbon has a huge interest in jazz music and you can witness this while exploring the city and its nearby areas! This place is definitely worth a visit as the epicenter of European jazz music. From people like Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and Dexter Gordon, this bar is always following the recent changes and development taking place in the jazz world, which makes for brand new music and bands from all over the world. Locals love it. You will too.

Location: Praça Alegria 48, 1250-004
Price: Admission is €7.50

So, if you’re a jazz lover, you certainly have plenty of choices to enjoy some good music and to experiment with the newest and best jazz bars around the world! We highly encourage you to always check the website of the jazz bar you are interested in as you can easily catch the best events while in town. Plus, in some cases, especially when it comes to special shows or during holidays and weekends, booking in advance can be a lifesaver to avoid any bad surprises once you get there. Besides that, we really hope you enjoyed this list of the 10 best jazz bars around the world. Here’s to a great jazz-themed night out. Cheers!

Suggested next reading: 7 Best Cities For Street Art Around The World

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