New Year is an honest celebration, the anticipation of a fresh start, a new beginning, perhaps a new life - staying at home and watching TV, even in HD, doesn't really cut it.  For those resolved to get away there's still time to plan a party.  Here's where to go…

Antarctica:  Southern Hemisphere summer is the time, in fact the only time, for tourists to visit the frozen continent. Expedition voyages aboard ice-strengthened Russian ships depart the southernmost tip of Tierra del Fuego, often timed to allow New Year's Day landfall on the Antarctic Peninsula.  Vodka dreams after late night revelry are banished by a dip in part of the Southern Ocean warmed by an undersea volcano…

Berlin:  25-years since unification adds a further dimension to this New Year celebration.  As the clock counts down crowds of around one million are expected to build around the Brandenburg Gate.  Fireworks herald 2015, whilst two kilometres of stage performances, laser shows, party tents and food stalls stretch to the Siegessäuleon column, all in full swing till the early hours.  Ich bin ein Berliner just doesn't cover it…

Glasgow:  Less of a shopping festival than Christmas, Scots know how to celebrate Hogmanay, and nowhere sees the New Year in better than Glasgow.  Recent years have seen the George Square street party end at 10pm, but it's a neat and easy segue to the welcome warmth of any number of clubs and hotels for the final countdown.

Malawi: Overlooked by many, myriad Scottish links make this friendly country a strong contender for an African New Year. Though there may be some rain, Lake Malawi remains a popular destination for Malawians and foreigners alike, resort villages such as Cape Maclear attracting a party crowd to dance through the night on the shore of Livingstone's 'Lake of Stars.'

New York:  More than one million people crowd together in Manhattan's Times Square to celebrate New Year, and to be among them you'll need to stake your claim early - and stay put.  Free entertainment takes place across two stages, punctuated by a volley of fireworks on the hour, culminating in the famous 'ball drop' atop One Times Square's flagpole followed by a sustained barrage of fireworks.

Paris:  For once the Champs-Elysées is the place to be, crowds making their way from the Arc de Triomphe, taking in great views of the Eiffel Tower as the evening progresses.  Elsewhere, below the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Montmartre too has a party atmosphere, more relaxed but still crowded.  Across the city light shows have replaced fireworks but the effects are still stunning.

Rome: Early in the evening the Pope performs Papal Vespers and a Te Deum in St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, later visiting the square's nativity scene.  Elsewhere, Piazza del Popolo sees Rome's biggest New Year gathering, with classical concerts and live bands throughout the day.  However, crowds also congregate at the city's many famous landmarks; the Coliseum, Piazza Navona and around the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy.

Samoa:  Hooked on the New Year parties and want to experience the first and the last?  Visit the Pacific islands of Samoa and do it all twice…  Since 2011 Samoa and neighbouring American Samoa exist on different sides of the International Date Line, the former hopping across to Australian side, the latter sticking with its namesake.  What's a hundred miles for a party?

Sydney:  About as far away as you can get, few cities come close to the excitement and spectacle of New Year in Sydney.  Events centre on choreographed pyrotechnics launched from barges moored in the harbour - it's 'shock and awe', but in a good way.  Best pitches fill quickly, some are ticketed, and most are designated alcohol-free.

UAE:  In some ways sterile and contradictory places, the Gulf emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi work well for a good time and not a long time - ideal as a glitzy New Year splurge.  Top class hotels featuring outstanding fine dining restaurants and wellness spas are the norm, along with an embarrassment of glossy retail opportunities - just don't waste time looking for local culture.

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com