Expand your horizons to include home.
BY NICOLE ALPHONSO
Don’t let a recession stop you from traveling. As a matter of fact, take this opportunity to get to know home a little better. Sure, it’s not like experiencing new lands, but you’ll be surprised how unknown your hometown can be until you look at it through a tourist’s eyes. Here are 5 ways to broaden your horizon on the home front.
5
HOST A PARTY IN A HOSTEL
If you’re away from home for New Year’s and feeling a little home sick, put together your own little gathering with other wanderers, who are also away from home. Spend some time with those new friends you now call family. Make it easy on yourself by throwing a potluck, where you ask all your guests to bring a dish, or order takeout from that favorite nearby local restaurant. I’m sure the hostel management will be more than willing to join and help with the celebrations. If you haven’t had the chance to be overseas in awhile, there’s nothing like bringing a couple of travel lovers to a nearby hostel and partying it there. Don’t forget to invite those who are away from home. You’ll have a New Year’s, you’ll never forget.
4
PLAY CARD GAMES WITH THOSE AROUND YOU
Rent a hotel room or a hall and arrange a poker night. Have some friendly gambling to make the money back you pay on the hall. If not, have everyone pay an entrance fee, which allows you to make the money back you spend on the room or hall. It’s advisable to find out in advance if the hotel or motel will let each guest bring alcohol into the room. You can keep the game friendly by playing for pennies or candy or even make it into a drinking game if you wish.
3
BOOK A CRUISE
If you happen to be somewhere in Eastern Europe on New Year’s Eve, book a River Cruise. This is one of the most luxurious ways to ring in 2009. Dine like royalty while you enjoy spectacular river views whether it be historical or popular destinations or just the moon shining off the peaceful water—weather permitting. Sailing to the destinations that cannot be reached by land is a new experience and is slowly growing in popularity with many young travelers.
2
GO TO A BEACH
If you’re kicking off 2009 in a warm climate then going to a beach might be your best bet. With the company of your friends at the beach, you can organize a small get together: have a BBQ, play some games and ring in the New Year with family, friends and the nearby locals.
1
WATCH THE BALL DROP—AGAIN AND AGAIN
Depending on what time zone you’re in, you can celebrate New Year’s every hour by watching celebrations in other time zones on television. You could even serve food or have decorations with an international theme in your hostel. And don’t forget; the joy of watching the beautiful fireworks. Watching the sky dazzled with a variety of fireworks is no wonder a breathtaking site. If you feel up for it, you can be the one to host a firework display with the help of your travel buddies or companions. Just be sure you know what the local laws are regarding fireworks.
New Years Eve doesn’t always have to revolve around drinking and you don’t always need your closest family and friends to have the best time. But whatever you decide to do, have a great time and look forward to the promise of a new year. iT!
Nicole Alphonso works as a travel agent. She has traveled to many countries and is very passionate about wandering.
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