New Year’s Eve in the Caribbean

1. Aruba

New Year’s Eve celebrations start early in Aruba. Beginning December 28, you can expect to see fantastic fireworks displays across the island. There are many street parties and a lively feel to the island – the atmosphere can be described as electric!

In addition, Aruba has a reliably dry, warm climate and sudden downpours are more rare here compared to other Caribbean islands. This makes it the perfect island choice for those looking for a little sun (or a lot!).

2. Barbados

Barbados is widely known as the most popular place for a Caribbean Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebration, thanks to its vibrant culture and festive atmosphere throughout the island. The native Bajans are known to throw an incredible New Year’s party, with street shows, mouthwatering food, and plenty of fireworks.

3. Cuba

Cubans go all out in their NYE celebrations taking place throughout the island. Havana is the wildest place to party on the island – expect bustling lines to buy food and drink throughout the day. Come evening time, the whole city congregates in the bars and restaurants on the main street. The firework display may be the visual focus of the night, but the warmth and hospitality of Cuban culture is the true highlight of any holiday in Cuba.

4. The Bahamas

The Bahamas offers a diverse selection of activities for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. You can spend your New Year’s relaxing on one of the island’s many unspoiled beaches, or, alternately, enjoy one of the most exciting and colorful New Year’s parades in the world – Junkanoo.

Junkanoo is at its best in Nassau. Junkanoo is similar to Mardi Gras celebrations but with the distinct local flavor of the Bahamas. The parade is completed with outrageous costumes, fireworks, and music that starts at around midnight and lasts into the morning.

5. Martinique

Martinique, though often overlooked by travelers to the Caribbean, deserves a spot on this list. And although the New Year’s celebrations here aren’t as overtly spectacular as the other Caribbean islands, this is most definitely not to say that you won’t find fireworks and street revels.

You will find that Martinique, as a department of France, boasts a culture and food with a distinctly French flair. Also, the island is perfect for those who like to spice their holidays with regular bouts of shopping. You’ll find Chanel, Limoges, and several other renowned French brands here.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean | New Years Travel Deals

Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.

Aruba is a tiny little island that sits 18 miles off the north coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean sea. It’s just 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, but a treasure nonetheless.

Check out our list of the best things about Aruba, below.

1. The Weather

Although just about all Caribbean islands can claim to have fantastic weather, Aruba still has them all beat. You see, Aruba has a ‘party piece’ that few other Caribbean islands can match – it almost never gets hurricanes. Aruba sits so far south in the Caribbean sea that it sits outside the generally accepted ‘hurricane zone’. So, while you take your chances with the weather when visiting the rest of the Caribbean between June and November, with Aruba you’re almost certain to have blue skies and still seas.

2. Beautiful Beaches

Aruba’s best known beach is Palm Beach on the west coast of the island, but this can get a bit crowded – it’s where most of the big hotels are located. Luckily there are plenty more beaches where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy some tranquil Caribbean scenery. Our two favourites are Eagle Beach (just to the south of Palm Beach) and Baby Beach on the southeastern corner of the island. Both beaches are considerably less crowded than Palm Beach, both have beautiful fine sand and both have great swimming conditions.

At weekends, especially on Sundays, just about all the beaches on Aruba get that much busier as the locals take a well deserved break and join in the fun, but you’ll still find plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun.

3. Accommodation

For such a small island, Aruba has an excellent selection of accommodation for most budgets and for most needs.

For those looking for a touch of luxury, the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Aruba would be a great choice. One step down on the luxury scale is the Hyatt Regency Aruba and if you’re looking for an all-inclusive option the Riu Palace Aruba is a good place to start. This is also a great option for families. Other great all-inclusive options for families include Barcelo Aruba and Holiday Inn Resort Aruba.

4. Dining

Aruba has a little bit of everything so it won’t be hard to find something that suits your taste. If you’re in the Palm Beach area (which most people usually are) and are looking for a sunset dinner on the beach, try Simply Fish is one of the better options around. For fine dining, the Flying Fishbone is a ‘must’.

5. Scuba Diving

If you’ve ever thought about trying out scuba diving but just haven’t got round to it, this is the place to do it. While most dive charters offer dives on the west and south coasts of the island, the west coast is the one to learn on while the south coast will be more fun for the experienced diver. From shallow reef dives with plentiful sea life to dives on WWII wrecks (The Antilla) you’re not going to get bored! Add to that the fact that the waters can be so warm that a wetsuit is surplus to requirements and you have the perfect location to learn to dive.

6. The People

The island has branded itself “One Happy Island” and Aruba truly lives up to this moniker. The people on the island are remarkably friendly and always seem to have a smile when you meet them. You can’t understand the warmth and hospitality of the locals until you visit for yourself!

To book your own Caribbean adventure, call us at 402-281-3022. 

The stunning Caribbean beaches are fairly easy to get to for us Midwesterners and East Coasters. With white sand, turquoise water, and magnificent views, what more could you ask for? We’ve rounded up our favorite beaches in the Caribbean, below, plus where to stay to take advantage of each.

1. Grace Bay

Turks and Caicos

Turks and Caicos is easily one of the most beautiful groups of Caribbean islands you’ll find, with a number of stunning beaches. The beach at Grace Bay, however, is on a whole different level! The snorkeling and scuba diving is unbeatable here, and if you’re not really a water person you can still get your underwater fix at the Coral Gardens snorkeling park.

Where to Stay: We recommend staying at the 4.5-Star Seven Stars Resort in Turks & Caicos. This resort does not offer an all-inclusive option, but you can opt for the European Plan for 2 adults for 3 nights starting at $1,493.

2. Eagle Beach

Aruba

Aruba is different from a lot of the Caribbean islands because it’s turquoise water and white sands sit in direct contracts to the desert hills in the background. Eagle Beach is the perfect place to enjoy these unique views. Also unique to this beach are the famous bending fofoti trees, pictured above.

Where to Stay: One of our favorite resorts in Aruba that is also within walking distance of Eagle Beach, is the 4-Star, All-Inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Aruba. 2 adults can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,763.

3. Playa Coson

Las Terrenas, Samana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has become a hotspot for tourists in the Caribbean. In order to take advantage of the best beaches in the DR, you must venture a bit farther north. Many of the best beaches are located in the former fishing village of Las Terrenas. “El Coson”, as it is referred to by the locals, is the most isolated and stunning of all Las Terrenas’ beaches.

Where to Stay: Stay in the Samana area of the Dominican Republic for easy access to Playa Coson. We suggest staying at the 5-Star Luxury Bhia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection All-Inclusive resort. This resort is nestled on it’s very own private island. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,007.

4. Seven Mile Beach

Negril, Jamaica

Seven Mile Beach is one of the more well-known Caribbean beaches on this list, but no less stunning. Go to Negril in order to see this long stretch of white sand, and stay for the laid-back, hippie-esque vibe you’ll find on this friendly island. Plus, this beach is home to the famous Negril Cliffs, where adrenaline-seekers can climb 30 feet to the top and dive directly into the Caribbean Sea.

Where to Stay: We suggest you stay at the 5-Star, All-Inclusive Royalton Negril Resort & Spa. This resort is family-friendly, but they also have an adults-only section called The Hideaway. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,256.

5. Buck Island

Saint Croix, USVI

Saint Croix itself is fairly secluded, but Buck Island is even more so. It is located 30 minutes by boat from mainland Saint Croix, and the island is a national preserve. It is one of the top snorkeling spots in the world, with crystal clear waters and incredible coral reefs.

Where to Stay: Again, Saint Croix is rather private, and we would actually suggest staying on St. Thomas or St. John for more options in accommodations and more things to do. Then you can take a ferry directly to Buck Island or get there by stopping on Saint Croix first. In St. Thomas, we suggest staying at the 4-Star, All-Inclusive Bolongo Bay. 2 people can stay here for 3 nights starting at $1,419.

Book your next getaway with Enchanted Travel! Call us today at 402-281-3022. 

Who is ready to say goodbye to 2022 and ring in the New Year?! We have an even better idea: kick-off 2023 with a unique and unforgettable vacation! We’ve rounded up some of the most iconic destinations to ring in the New Year around the world. From the Caribbean to Europe and everywhere in between – you’re sure to start the new year off right in one of these epic locations.

Unique Destinations to Ring in the New Year

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is known for its stunning fireworks display, exclusive island parties and harbor cruises, and swanky rooftop bars with stunning views and live music. It may be the most exciting place in the world to ring in the new year!

The New Year’s Eve celebration in Sydney is one of the biggest parties of the year. There are tons of free places to watch the fireworks, including Observatory Hill at Millers Point or Blues Point Reserve at McMahons Point on the other side of the harbor. You can also splurge on an upscale rooftop bar for the show or even an exclusive Sydney Harbour island.

Aruba

The New Year’s Eve celebration in Aruba starts early on December 28 each year. Of course, you can expect amazing fireworks displays across the island. There are also lively street parties and a fantastic party atmosphere. Aruba’s climate is an added bonus as you celebrate the new year. Aruba weather is reliably dry and warm and there is much less rain compared to other Caribbean islands.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro is home to amazing fireworks shows, extravagant parties, and other New Year’s Eve events. In addition, Rio has several spiritual and superstitious rituals which makes it a unique place to visit at this time of year.

While you’ll find incredible parties and people dancing the night away at the city’s best nightclubs and bars, the best party of the year is at Copacabana beach. Over two million party-goers flock to the sandy shores each year to watch the biggest fireworks in the city.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s main attraction for the New Year celebration is their “Silvester Party“. This shindig is one of Europe’s largest open-air parties. It takes place at Brandenburg Gate and draws nearly one million partiers each year. The party boasts live performances by German and international artists, light shows, DJ sets, and much more. Don’t leave before midnight or you’ll miss the spectacular fireworks show! The party does not even end there – it doesn’t officially end until 3 am!

Havana, Cuba

Cubans go all out in their NYE celebrations taking place throughout the island. Havana is the wildest place to party on the island. If you choose to celebrate New Year’s Even in Havana, Cuba, you can expect bustling lines to buy food and drink throughout the day. Come evening time, the whole city congregates in the bars and restaurants on the main street.

The firework display may be the visual focus of the night, but the warmth and hospitality of Cuban culture is the true highlight of any holiday in Cuba.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland offers a unique New Year’s Eve celebration with traditional bonfires. Icelanders take the New Year very seriously, and you’ll find several large bonfire parties throughout the city for the big night. Bonfires signify the “burning out” of the new year.

In the past, locals even burned their unwanted belongings on the night of the New Year. While most people no longer adhere to this tradition, they do use bonfires as a symbol to bring people together and light the way into the next year.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas offers a diverse selection of activities for your New Year’s Eve celebrations. You can spend your New Year’s relaxing on one of the island’s many unspoiled beaches, or, alternately, enjoy one of the most exciting and colorful New Year’s parades in the world – Junkanoo. Junkanoo is at its best in Nassau.

Junkanoo is similar to Mardi Gras celebrations but with the distinct local flavor of the Bahamas. The parade is completed with outrageous costumes, fireworks, and music that starts at around midnight and lasts into the morning.

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | New Year Celebrations Around The World

Call us today to speak to one of our Travel Specialists. You can reach us at 402-390-9291 or get started here. In addition, you can email us at info@enchantedhoneymoons.com.