If money were no object, where in the world would you like to ring in the New Year?

The question has been stuck in my head pretty much since I started planning our New Year’s Eve escape. In general we’d stay home, but this time we are traveling. To Budapest, Hungary. It’s close, it’s cheap, we’ll be with friends.

But my bucket list for ringing in the New Year comprises:

1. New York, USA

I am going to blame Sex and the City for this “addiction”. And Gossip Girl. And plenty other shows which are set in New York City. Either way, ringing in the New Year in New York’s Time Square is a dream I’ve had since I was old enough to study English and Geography. So that’s about 9. Right now it’s still a far-in-the-future plan but hopefully within the next 5 years I’ll get to New York.

2. Niagara Falls, Canada

I blame this one on writing too much about Canada and the States. I’ve always been fascinated by waterfalls and Niagara Falls is one of the most interesting ones. So, why not see the fireworks go off above the water?

3. Prague, Czech Republic Czechia

This is an affordable choice. Sure, traveling during the Holidays is an expensive affair anyway but Prague is in Europe and is connected by train to Budapest. No need for visa or expensive airfare. Who knows, maybe in the following years?

4. Reykjavik, Iceland

The reason is simple: the Northern Lights. Although they don’t always make an appearance at this time of the year. But once can dream, right? And yes, it’s not a cheap affair.

5. Anywhere in Greece

Ideally on an island, such as Rhodes (I am in love with Medieval castles). But Athens is not a bad choice. Greece is not expensive in the winter, but there’s the whole issue with transportation. For example, there’s no direct connection from Budapest to Athens until early Spring (boohoo).

6. Vienna, Austria

What makes it expensive is the New Year’s annual concert I’d die to attend. But the tickets are sold way in advance and they don’t come cheap either. Vienna, like Prague, is not a very expensive destination in general but the high season – and the Holidays are part of the high season – makes it a bit not-so-affordable.

7. Edinburgh, England

Europe it is, cheap flights from Eastern Europe…not so much. But the Hogmanay is certainly worth it. And yes, accommodation doesn’t come cheap either.

8. London, England

Flights to London don’t burn so many wholes in the pocket…unless you travel during the high season. That’s why I always choose March for a trip to the superb capital. But, it would be amazing to see the fireworks here and walk along Thames as the year changes. Meantime, I’m planning my next escape to London, in March next year.

9. Cancun, Mexico

How about some sun for a change? Certainly not a cheap place to fly to from Europe. It’s the high season over here and add the holidays on top …just enough to burn serious wholes into the budget. But, there’s more to the area than just sun & sand so I’d love to visit the Mayan ruins. Some day…

What is on your bucket list ? Where would you want to spend New Year’s Eve if money were no object?