5 momentuous New Year's Eve ideas for adventurers

Where to spend New Year's Eve this year? 

Ah, New Year's Eve. That auspicious evening that sets the tone for the year ahead, when we make our resolutions to exercise more, eat better and see the world. The day for which planning is everything and if you're not careful, you could end up welcoming the new year with a vague sense of déjà vu of the same old parties and the same old fireworks display.

We're here to help. Remember those resolutions from last year? Put them into action and welcome the coming new year in a place that's inspiring.

Here are five fantastic New Year's Eve ideas for adventurers and travellers, as suggested by each of our destination experts.

• 1. Gain good luck for your future travels in Peru

The original capital of the Inca empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu, UNESCO world heritage-listed Cusco abounds with amazing archaeological sites and colonial architecture.

On New Year's Eve, Cusco's Plaza de Armas (the main square) fills with revelers who gather for fireworks, music and to participate in an exciting blend of Inca and Spanish traditions. The colour of the day is yellow, a traditional Inca symbol of good luck. Wearing yellow underwear is a popular choice amongst locals!

After midnight, residents and tourists alike can be seen taking a lap of the block with suitcases, which is thought to bring travel opportunities for the New Year. A great tradition for lovers of travel to join in, who knows where you might end up next year?

Our Best of South America - Over 55s Adventure departing mid-December will spend New Year's Eve in La Paz.

• 2. Experience Japanese New Year

In Japan, New Year's Eve is an extremely important festival day, and a treat for travellers to experience first hand. At midnight, locals head out to visit Buddhist temples across the country, where a bell is rung 108 times to rid them of their worldly desires. The festival atmosphere at the temples is intoxicating, with food vendors, music, lanterns and beautiful Kimono everywhere to be be seen – it's not to be missed.

Our Kii Hanto Pilgrim Hike has daily departures towards the end of December, the perfect start to the new year.

• 3. Celebrate NYE at the base of Everest

There's nothing like winter in the Everest region. The landscape becomes a glistening snowy wonderland, with frozen waterfalls, clear days and less other trekkers on the trails. Ring in the new year high up in the mountains, where you can really fulfill that resolution to see the world.

Our Everest Circuit & Cho La and Everest Base Camp & Kala Pattar treks have guaranteed departures in mid-December which will see you spending New Year's Eve high in the mountains, near Everest Base Camp.

• 4. Tick off the peak of Kilimanjaro

If reaching the summit of Kili has always been on your adventure list, why not tick it off before the close of year? It'll definitely start the new year with a fresh perspective having traversed the highest points on the African continent!

Mt Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak is one of the seven summits and a bucket-list item for most fit trekkers. The Lemosho Route has a high success rate for reaching the summit due to its more gradual rate of ascent, making this route one of the best choices for those with their heart set on welcoming the new year from the top of the world's highest free-standing mountain.

Our Kilimanjaro - Lemosho Route expedition departs mid-December or early January (both dates guaranteed), so you can plan to end the year with a bang or start off on a high.

• 5. Go on a whirlwind adventure in Australia's Apple Isle

©Oscar Bedford

Here's one for those committed to that fitness resolution. Our multi-activity adventure in Tasmania takes you along world-class coastal stretches of the East Coast; cycle through sleepy fishing villages, swim in clear blue waters of the idyllic seaside town of Coles Bay, kayak beneath the imposing Hazards Range and across Great Oyster Bay, and walk to the Famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs.

Our Cycle, Kayak and Walk Tasmania adventure departs at the end of December and will spend New Year's Eve in the beautiful Maria Island National Park.

What were some past memorable New Year's Eves that you've had? Share them in the comments below.