Ring in 2010 in a different way
Don't just sit in front of the TV wishing you were doing something cool; Lola Akinmade (lolaakinmade.com) has three quirky ideas for a great New year's Eve wherever you are.
Fireworks. Champagne. Lights ...You’ve probably already planned out your New Year’s Eve festivities months in advance; from watching the annual glittering ball drop in the middle of Times Square in New York to gawking at impressive fireworks displays over the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia.
But for last minute travellers looking for unique ways of transitioning into the New Year, here are three options for ringing in the next decade.
1) Out on Water
If you live close to water, one fun way of celebrating is by taking a cruise during the festivities. City Cruises in London is offering a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance Cruise complete with a 4-course dinner, music, dancing, and of course, a complimentary glass of champagne for the customary New Year’s toast at midnight. As evening falls, you can head out on deck to calmly reflect and watch the sunset on 2009.
2) Way Up North
If you’re willing to brave temperatures several degrees below zero, head as far north as you can to Arctic regions such as Scandinavia, Canada, and Russia. Take in nature’s own fireworks displays in the form of Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Watch spectacular lightshows of red, green, and yellow dance across the skies as you ring in 2010.
Many tour companies run trips dedicated to chasing down these natural phenomena in Reykjavik, Iceland, Tromsø, Norway and Kiruna, Sweden.
3) Do Something Good
A compassionate way of ringing in the New Year is by volunteering your time and skills. While many businesses will be closed for the holidays, homeless shelters and food kitchens catering to the needy tend to be open rain or shine. Matador Change has compiled a list of urban charities in London that are worth checking out. Definitely check with local charities in your city to see where you can lend a hand and share the festive spirit.
Fireworks. Champagne. Lights ...You’ve probably already planned out your New Year’s Eve festivities months in advance; from watching the annual glittering ball drop in the middle of Times Square in New York to gawking at impressive fireworks displays over the Sydney Harbor Bridge in Australia.
But for last minute travellers looking for unique ways of transitioning into the New Year, here are three options for ringing in the next decade.
1) Out on Water
If you live close to water, one fun way of celebrating is by taking a cruise during the festivities. City Cruises in London is offering a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance Cruise complete with a 4-course dinner, music, dancing, and of course, a complimentary glass of champagne for the customary New Year’s toast at midnight. As evening falls, you can head out on deck to calmly reflect and watch the sunset on 2009.
2) Way Up North
If you’re willing to brave temperatures several degrees below zero, head as far north as you can to Arctic regions such as Scandinavia, Canada, and Russia. Take in nature’s own fireworks displays in the form of Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Watch spectacular lightshows of red, green, and yellow dance across the skies as you ring in 2010.
Many tour companies run trips dedicated to chasing down these natural phenomena in Reykjavik, Iceland, Tromsø, Norway and Kiruna, Sweden.
3) Do Something Good
A compassionate way of ringing in the New Year is by volunteering your time and skills. While many businesses will be closed for the holidays, homeless shelters and food kitchens catering to the needy tend to be open rain or shine. Matador Change has compiled a list of urban charities in London that are worth checking out. Definitely check with local charities in your city to see where you can lend a hand and share the festive spirit.