South Africa

No matter how low the bar is set, having zero expectations for New Year’s Eve is a near-impossible feat. But, good news, science (more like personal trial-and-error) has concluded that the greatest equation for NYE happiness is to get out of town, because going somewhere new is innately exciting. Now, where to go? Easy, herein, seven atypical experiences to celebrate another calendar year.

When the legendary Rat Pack took to the stage at The Sands Las Vegas in 1963, they didn’t just perform what would become one of music’s most notable live records; they also changed the face of hotel entertainment forever. To distinguish from the herd, hotels began putting an emphasis on performances, a trend that continues to this day. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite hotels for live music.

Hoist anchor and set sail for one of these nine hotels that will inspire a maritime caper. Beautiful scenery comes standard, so strap on your sea legs and don’t forget to pack a Herman Melville novel.

If there’s anyone out there that doesn’t dream of going on a safari, we’ve yet to meet them. Getting a glimpse of a 12-foot, 6,000-pound elephant in real life is one of the few things that can bring out the astonished child buried within the most seen-it-all cynic. It’s time to make it happen. Herein, a spectacular selection of safari experiences in eight different African countries.

Hawaii? Been there, done that. Mexico? Same, same. Being freshly minted as Mr and Mrs calls for something special. Herein, six honeymoon hotels in spectacular settings that are anything but ordinary.