This article is a collaboration post. I’ve asked my fellow bloggers to share their best year end destinations. It’s that time of year to start thinking about how you’ll spend the year end holidays. This captivating list will stimulate ideas on where you can go for a great year end celebration. Don’t wait too long to book your trip to one of these fantastic destinations! My favorite place to search for accommodations is Booking.com. Enjoy this read!

Costa Rica

If you’re looking for a guaranteed warm-weather destination to wrap up the end of your year, Costa Rica is a great choice. December is the beginning of the dry season and while you might experience the odd bit of rain, you’ll definitely get plenty of beach time too. Since the rainy season has just ended, everything is wonderfully lush and green.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’re in for a treat with a visit to Costa Rica. Keep a lookout for sloths, hummingbirds, snakes and red-eyed tree frogs. Whether you’re traveling to Costa Rica with kids or taking a solo trip, make sure you visit Arenal (for its volcano) and Monteverde (for its cloud forest). Your itinerary could also include one of the beach towns such as Santa Teresa, Montezuma, or Manuel Antonio (for surfing).

Costa Rica has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. From self-catering to fantastic eco-lodges, treehouses and luxury hotels (such as the famous Springs Resort), there’s something for everyone. In terms of activities, there’s snorkeling, hiking, wildlife spotting, chocolate and coffee tasting, and much more. Costa Rica has plenty more to offer than just sunshine!

Recommended by Jane Geffin from The Family Conscience www.thefamilyconscience.com

Barbados

There are few places better on Earth to celebrate the year-end than Barbados. This gorgeous Caribbean island may be small but it sure packs a (rum) punch when it comes to iconic, end-of-year festivities. 

If you’re looking for a tropical escape from colder climes, Barbados is at its best during December and November, with balmy weather all day and night. Whether you want to laze away the holidays on sugar-white sand or party all night under the stars, you can certainly leave your coat at home. 

Spend your days swimming with racehorses at sunrise, taking a rum distillery tour, or chartering a yacht to see the turtles. The more adventurous can enjoy watersports aplenty, from windsurfing to jet skiing, or explore the rugged East Coast on foot. 

‘Old Year’s Night’ in Barbados is a particularly exciting time, attracting some of the world’s most rich and famous to attend glamorous parties at the likes of Sandy Lane. If that’s not your thing, simply head down to the sand before midnight with a bottle of bubbly instead. These low-key unofficial beach parties are the perfect place to watch the fireworks and welcome the new year the local way. 

Recommended by Amabel from Classy Travel Guides

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a great choice any time of year! With iconic sights like Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue, impressive beaches, and amazing culture, you can never go wrong. However, there’s no doubt that Rio de Janeiro is extra special during the holiday season.

December starts with the lighting of the world’s largest floating Christmas tree at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Ipanema. But the event you don’t want to miss is the New Year’s Eve celebration, known as Reveillon. Rio is rich in music, festivity, and tradition, and New Year’s is a culmination of all that Rio does best. 

On December 31st, the place to be is the beautiful Copacabana Beach, where you’ll join thousands (sometimes millions) of people throughout the night for parties, music, and dancing. 

Rio de Janeiro embraces its Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. The most popular New Year’s custom is to wear white, signifying a wish for peace in the new year. You’ll definitely see some people wearing green for health, pink for love, or yellow for wealth as well. At midnight, as gorgeous fireworks fill the sky, it’s customary to jump over seven waves for good luck.  

Recommended by Tess Kazenoff from Tess the Traveler

Oahu

Oahu is the ideal spot to wrap up your year! It mixes holiday cheer with its own tropical twist. The island lights up with the Honolulu City Lights event. You can see impressive Christmas light displays, huge Christmas trees, and the iconic holiday figures we all love – Hawaiian style. 

Around Waikiki Beach, there are palm trees wrapped in lights and beachside luaus adding a festive soundtrack to the ocean waves. Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the beach, a spectacular sight to see and a highlight for many visitors. 

At Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore you can indulge in an enormous Christmas feast. You’ll find a blend of your favorite traditional holiday dishes and local Hawaiian flavors. The locals cook up roast turkey and honey-glazed ham alongside fresh seafood and tropical fruits. It all comes with an ocean view!

In addition, the Polynesian Cultural Center features a unique Christmas canoe pageant. The small boats float by with performers sharing songs and dances from different Polynesian traditions. 

Spending the year’s end on Oahu lets you enjoy your festive fun with a warm, aloha spin! 

Recommended by Deb Hendricks from Escape to Oahu

Santiago, Chile

If you’re looking for warm weather, interesting culture, and beautiful scenery, then one of the best places for an end of year vacation is Santiago, Chile.

Nestled between the Andes mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s vibrant capital offers a unique blend of interesting neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. The end of the year is the ideal time to explore the city and its surroundings. Santiago’s weather is warm, the city is at its liveliest, and you’ll find festive events and attractions throughout the holiday season. 

From wandering through the colorful streets of Barrio Bellavista to visiting iconic landmarks (like the Plaza de Armas and Palacio de La Moneda), there are plenty of things to see and do in the center of Santiago. But one of the best reasons to visit during the warmer months is to make the most of the pristine landscapes which surround the city. 

Just a short drive from Santiago you can visit pristine glacial lakes, spot fascinating wildlife, and hike in the Andes mountains. Or head to the ocean to relax on the beach at Viña del Mar and explore the historic port town of Valparaiso. 

On top of this, Santiago is right in the heart of Chilean wine country. So, within easy reach of the city you can also visit iconic wineries in the Maipo and Casablanca Valleys, to enjoy the stunning vineyards and taste some of Chile’s best red and white wines. 

Recommended by Chanelle Rosenbaum from Chasing Chanelle

Patagonia

Patagonia is known to boast some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world. Visiting Patagonia at the end of the year is the best time to enjoy good weather and world-class hiking. Being in the southern hemisphere, most of the hikes that Patagonia is famous for are only possible over the region’s summer months from late November to February.

One of Patagonia’s most famous hikes is the W trek. This 5-day hike traverses mountains, alpine lakes and the stunning Grey Glacier. While challenging in parts, it is possible for most fitness levels.
Visiting Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentinian Patagonia is another highlight of visiting at this time of year. The glacier can be accessed on a day trip from El Calafate, a charming town reminiscent of a Swiss mountain village. Visit El Calafate around Christmas to enjoy the town’s Christmas lights.

Spend the holidays walking with penguins, taking a boat to the World’s End in Ushuaia or spotting southern right whales off the coast. There is no shortage of things to do and see in Patagonia at this time of year. 

Recommended by Liza from Atlas Rambler Travel Guides

Aruba

Aruba is a perfect year-end destination, offering warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of activities. This makes this Caribbean island an ideal place for escaping the winter chill. With temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F), Aruba promises sunny days and welcome breezes at the end of the year.

If you love beaches, this is the place to come! Eagle Beach is ranked one of the world’s best beaches and is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing. For those seeking adventure, hike or take a tour through Arikok National Park and visit the infamous Natural Pool. Another option is to join a catamaran tour and enjoy a day on the water. If you want to save your hard-earned dollars, there are tons of free things to do in Aruba. Activities include visiting a donkey sanctuary, touring an aloe factory, or checking out ancient rock formations and cave paintings.

Visiting Aruba during the end of the year offers a special chance to enjoy the incredible fireworks displays and street parties. Make it even more memorable by hiking Hooiberg Mountain for spectacular views of the New Year’s fireworks from the top.

Whether you want a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway at the end of the year, Aruba offers something for singles, couples, and families.

Recommended by Sarah from In Search of Sarah

Sydney, Australia

Especially known for its spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks, Sydney is one of the most popular destinations for the year end holiday. During this season, Sydney transforms into a vibrant celebration of summer and festivity. The atmosphere is lively and filled with anticipation as the city counts down to the new year. This makes it an unforgettable destination for celebrating the arrival of the New Year. The most popular spots to view the fireworks are Circular Quay, Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point. 

Sydney offers a range of activities during the holiday season, such as outdoor concerts, street performances, and weekend markets. You can also enjoy and explore the scenic coastal walks like the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk and Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. Bondi Beach attracts a lively crowd, providing a unique beachside celebration and a stunning coastal view of the fireworks. As Sydney enjoys the summer season during the holiday season, you can enjoy outdoor and adventurous activities. Examples include hiking in the Blue Mountains and scuba diving in the pristine waters.

Recommended by Raksha Nagaraj from Let’s Travel Sydney

Istanbul, Turkey

Looking for a unique and slightly unconventional destination to visit at the end of the year? Consider traveling to Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)!

Despite Türkiye being a predominantly Muslim country, Istanbul shows off its holiday spirit. You’ll see fantastic displays of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. Since it’s technically low season, the city also has fewer crowds (no long queues!) and better prices for hotels and flights. 

Besides visiting famous tourist sites like Hagia Sophia or Topkapi Palace, travelers can also venture out to explore the bohemian Kadıköy neighborhood. Check out the colorful houses of Balat and go holiday shopping in Şișli (when Türkiye’s year-end sales are in full swing!). You will enjoy sipping Turkish tea on a long cruise along the Bosphorus. 

Foodies will definitely appreciate Istanbul’s culinary scene in the colder months. There are cozy cafes offering traditional Turkish coffee and delicious dishes like kebabs and hearty soups. Don’t forget to try a traditional drink called sahlep, which is a thick, milk-like drink topped with cinnamon. Cozy, right? 

Winter is also an excellent time to experience a Turkish bath (hamam), which makes for a great activity after a long day of sightseeing. If you’re lucky, you might also see snow in Istanbul! 

Recommended by Kedi from Let’s Travel to Türkiye

Belize

Belize, a Central American country blessed with natural and cultural beauty, is the perfect year-end travel destination. The winter weather in Belize in December is balmy, with warm sun shining throughout the season. But what makes it perfect for welcoming the new year is that it never snows in Belize, nor are there biting winter winds. With ideal weather and festive vibes throughout the country, you can plan many activities and attend different events during your vacation here. 

Reaching Belize is also easy, as there are flights from Miami and other major US cities.

Year-end celebrations in Belize are a mix of age-old traditions and modern festivities. Whether you attend the legendary parties in San Pedro town or a traditional Garifuna dance festival celebrated all over the country, you will experience a quirky blend of holiday spirit. 

It is also the best time to immerse yourself in natural beauty. You can go hiking, swimming, and snorkelling. Be it the ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich or the Mesoamerican site of Lamanai, December is the perfect month to explore these archaeological sites in Belize. Ensure to book the tours and activities in advance. Belize welcomes a lot of tourists in December, which can make last-minute bookings tricky. 

Recommended by Lavinia from Continent Hop

Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed this collaboration post about the best year end destinations. Thanks to my fellow bloggers for sharing!

For my input to this topic, here are some of my own blog posts about great places to visit during the year end:

• Best Getaway Beaches
• My Favorite Swiss Christmas Market
• Eastern Australia Perfect Itinerary
• Inspiration For Your Next Adventure

If you are looking for assistance to plan your next trip, I am here for YOU! I love to plan travel itineraries for myself and others. For more details on how I provide this service, please check out my Itinerary Planning page and drop me a quick email at jan@janadventures.com to get started!