In Hong Kong Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration of the year but New Year’s Eve, December 31st, is not far behind and is celebrated with countdowns, fireworks displays and much partying. One of the most crowded New Year’s Eve venues is the countdown at Times Square. If getting jostled by thousands of people is fun, then this is the venue for you. Live music makes the waiting bearable and taking along something to eat and drink will definitely enhance the experience. When the time is right everyone joins in the countdown after which a four minute multi coloured fireworks display bursts overhead and there is much hugging and celebratory handshakes around. The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is what the whole world associates …

A town in Bali, Indonesia, Ubud has a rich history and is noted for a number of festivals. Travellers on the lookout for Ubud accommodation can go for an option such as Alila Ubud Bali, a preferable Ubud hotel. Travellers to the region looking to get a unique cultural experience will truly enjoy Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, which brings brilliant writers, visionaries, musicians, artists and performers together to celebrate all forms of storytelling including poetry, plays, graphic novels, song writing and travel writing. Having long been Bali’s centre of fine arts, music and dance, Ubud also plays host to the Ubud Jazz Festival, one full of entertainment and vigour.

One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky. The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon …

A land of various ethnicities, traditions and religious beliefs, Sri Lanka has a wide range of cultural events each year that showcase the island’s rich heritage. If you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka look to witness some of the events that are taking place during the course of your stay. One of the best ways to explore the country is by signing up for sightseeing tours and Sri Lanka Holiday Travel is one option worth considering. Featuring some of the best holiday travel Sri Lanka has to offer, this well known tour operator takes you to key locations around the island. There is some kind of cultural event taking place almost every month in Sri Lanka. January is when Hindus celebrate Thai Pongal in honour of the …

The UAE celebrates its National Day collectively for two days from the 2nd of December. It commemorates the 1971 ending of a treaty signed with the UK in 1892 and the decision of seven separate sheikdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman and Ras Al Kaimah to unify forming the present country also in the same year. The National Day celebrated in all the emirates usually starts on the final day of November if there is a long weekend involved. The lead up to the big day is celebrated with a series of free public events such as hot air balloon rides, concerts by khaleeji performers, falconry competitions, regattas, carnivals, art shows and night markets. On the day itself residents across …

If you are looking for a unique way to ring in the New Year 2014, why not head over to paradise in the Maldives? No matter which of the excellent Maldives luxury resorts you choose to stay at, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable auld lang syne. Collapse into an elite Maldives villa after partying into the New Year, where you’ll be well pampered and spoiled at the Baros Maldives. All of the hotels dotting this charming tropical archipelago have a grand itinerary prepared to give all guests an utterly unforgettable party beach December 31st. The rarity of this once-annual event means that all New Year celebrations can be quite pricey, but you will be treated to perks such as a grand gala dinner and free flowing champagne to toast good …