Bored with the usual New Years' Eve party? Find new ways to celebrate with 10 unusual traditions from around the world...
Spain
Eat a grape with every strike of the bell at midnight for prosperity - only then can you say "Happy New Year!".
Not just for New Year's - Explore Spain all year round on one of our small group tours.
Finland
Throw molten metal into cold water then predict the future from its shape – a heart or ring means a wedding, a ship signifies travel and a pig means plenty of food.
Learn about more of Finland's traditions on a small group adventure tour.
Croatia
It's ok to have roast pork, wild boar or rabbit stew for dinner on New Year's Day but not lobster or crab as they move backwards (or sideways!) which can lead to setbacks in the coming year.
Visit Croatia on an adventure tour to take in more of its quirks.
Italy
Wear red underwear for good luck, throw pots, pans and clothes out of the window to let go of the past and eat lentils for money and good fortune.
Celebrate all of Italy's traditions on a small group tour.
Colombia
Walk around the block with an empty suitcase for lots of travel in the New Year and wear yellow underwear for good luck!
Travel to Colombia on an adventure tour.
Ecuador
Make a large scarecrow-like doll, often in the image of some disliked person or celebrity, and set them on fire at midnight, symbolising riddance of the bad things from the past year.
Take a look at our trips to Ecuador.
Brazil
Wear white to ward off bad spirits and in coastal towns give offerings (usually flowers) to Iemanjá, Godess of the Sea, and jump seven waves for good fortune.
Take one of our trips to Brazil and experience more of its traditions.
Japan
Dress up in the coming years’ zodiac animal, decorate your house with lobsters for longevity and clean the house from top to toe.
You will love experiencing all the sides to Japan on a small group tour.
South Africa
Throw old furniture or appliances out of the window (police in Johannesburg have cracked down on this due to the number of pedestrian injuries!).
Visit South Africa on a small group adventure.
Thailand
Celebrate on 13th-15th April (as this is the start of the New Year in Theravada Buddhism) by throwing water on each other to wash away bad luck.
Thailand is the land of Festivals. Choose from one of our small group tours.
Why not start your own New Year's Eve tradition and experience the turn of the year in a new country? Take a look at our other blogs for more travel inspiration.
