Ringing in the new year is about kicking off new resolutions and starting afresh. In keeping with this New Year’s sentiment, could there be a finer way of welcoming a whole new year than with a wish-list holiday? Take the opportunity to experience all the typical festive delights of fireworks, feasts, dancing and the midnight countdown, in a new setting.

Whether you fancy a tranquil, romantic trip to Lake Como or a trip of family fun on a South African safari, Newmarket Holidays offers a number of New Year's holidays that will make the festive period extra memorable. Here are some trips you can take this New Year or even next:

A South African safari

If a safari is already at the top of your travel wish list, why not kick off the new year with an adventure in the African bush? Farewell the old and salute the new from a cosy, well-appointed bush lodge in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa.

At the Mabula Game Lodge, you will find yourself surrounded by rare wildlife, rugged yet tranquil surroundings, and the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Mountains. The property is part of a private game reserve, giving the added perks of heading out on frequent safari trips to find the famed Big Five, stargazing, walking relaxing bush trails, and joining wildlife education sessions.

Suggested tour: New Year on Safari

Cypriot celebrations

Take a week-long break in historic Famagusta, where you can send off the year in peace at the Salamis Bay Conti Resort. This spot is the ideal base from which you can explore the beautiful St Hilarion fortress, marvel at ancient Salamis and its Roman remains, and walk the grounds of Kantara Castle. And you get to experience all this with some additional festive moments added to the mix, including a special New Year's Eve party with live entertainment

Suggested tour: All-Inclusive New Year in Northern Cyprus

A Mediterranean island countdown 

Welcome the New Year from the heart of the sapphire Mediterranean and spend seven glorious nights in Malta’s historic capital, Valletta. It might be a small city but it is certainly big on holiday offerings including heritage sites, museums, its naturally-formed Grand Harbour, outdoor restaurants, wine bars, and quaint cobblestone streets. 

At your hotel, you will not only get to enjoy dinner and breakfast but also a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner with entertainment. Upgrades are available if you want to splash out before the year is through. 

The festive Italian Lakes

Spend a week soaking up Northern Italy’s festive atmosphere. Stay six nights on romantic Lake Como, where you can check out stunning Bellagio and Como Town by boat to see the incredible Light Festival. When it comes to the big midnight countdown, enjoy a five-course New Year's Eve feast with live music and sparkling wine. You can even head across to Switzerland to check out the glacial, mountain-backed lake of Lugano.