New Year 2026 travel: Five ideal resorts for winter vacation

According to Natalia Yakymenko, the demand for New Year trips grows every year, and an increasing number of people want to celebrate the holiday in warm countries.

"For many of our clients, holiday tours have become a good tradition. People want to celebrate the New Year in warmth, in picturesque places where they can experience the holiday atmosphere in a new way. The most popular destinations are those that combine comfort, nature, and vivid impressions," the expert emphasized.

Phu Quoc: Most beautiful sunsets

In the heart of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam lies Vietnam's true tropical gem, Phu Quoc Island. Once a quiet region of fishing villages, it has now evolved into a modern resort with an international airport, luxury hotels, a sea cable car, and countless locations for a perfect vacation.

What to see:

• The Sun World cable car is the longest in the world, stretching almost 8 km over the sea. It connects Phu Quoc with Hon Thom Island, where visitors can enjoy Paradise Beach, a water park, and restaurants.
• The Kiss of the Sea Show in Sunset Town is an open-air evening multimedia show featuring fire, lights, fireworks, and music by Queen and ABBA. A ticket costs around $40.
• Ho Quoc Pagoda is a sacred site carved into a cliff with a sea view. Sunrise here is a moment of absolute silence and harmony.
• Local product farms are black pepper plantations, coconut honey production, and pearl farms offering tastings and souvenirs.

Local cuisine

Phu Quoc is a true paradise for seafood lovers. Fish, shrimp, crab, and squid are so fresh that they often arrive in the kitchen straight from fishing boats.

Don't forget to try Vietnamese classics, such as pho, bun cha, and banh mi, which feature the distinctive notes of lime, cilantro, and ginger.

And be sure to visit the Duong Dong night market, where the aroma of seafood blends with music and the glow of street lanterns. A hearty dinner for two will cost about $10-15, and the portions are generous.

Kenya: New Year safari and ocean coastlines

Kenya is the ideal destination for those seeking to combine beach relaxation with an unforgettable safari. December is the high season, characterized by warm, dry weather that provides excellent visibility in national parks.

What to see:

The closest national park to the coast is Tsavo East. It is worth choosing a two-day safari with an overnight stay inside the park (for example, at Voi Resort) to witness the savanna sunrise and sunset. The park will delight you with large populations of elephants, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and, of course, you will encounter the king of animals, the lion.

Local cuisine:

Be sure to try samosas (fried dough with filling), fresh fish, Swahili coconut dishes, and fruits that ripen right before your eyes.

Vacation on Phu Quoc Island (photo: Wikipedia)

UAE: Sparkle, comfort, and celebration 24/7

The United Arab Emirates is a place where modern luxury meets a magical Eastern atmosphere. Everything shines here: skyscrapers, beaches, fountains, shopping malls, and even the mood of tourists. In the Emirates, every day feels like a small celebration, and every walk is like a scene from the movie.

What to see:

• Burj Khalifa, where the sky feels closer than anywhere else, plus the incredible fountain show that dances to the rhythm of music.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum where the architecture itself is a work of art.
• A desert safari, racing across the dunes, then dining under the stars, feeling the gentle desert breeze.

Local cuisine:

Arab hospitality in the UAE is not just food; it is a refined way of life. In a country where luxury has become the norm, gastronomy turns into a true ritual of pleasure. From the moment you step into a restaurant, you are greeted by the aroma of spices, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger.

Here you can try the author's interpretations of traditional dishes in restaurants with panoramic views, dine on the rooftop of a skyscraper under the stars, or enjoy gourmet cuisine right on the grounds of a five-star resort.

Date delicacies, meat dishes, fresh seafood, and fragrant cardamom coffee are served with the elegance that the finest Emirati hotels are renowned for.

Restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are a story of their own:

– Venues with world-famous chefs,
– Futuristic interiors,
– Menus that blend Middle Eastern traditions with modern gastronomy.

Every dinner here becomes an event.

Malaysia, Langkawi Island: Exotic, tropics, and tranquility

Langkawi is an archipelago of more than 90 islands surrounded by emerald waters. It is suitable for both active travelers and those who seek silence and maximum relaxation.

What to see:

• The cable car and SkyBridge offer fantastic panoramas of the jungle and mountains.
• Langkawi Geopark is one of the most unique nature reserves in the region.
• The islands of the archipelago are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Local cuisine:

Malaysian cuisine is an explosion of flavors, featuring dishes such as laksa (a spicy noodle soup), nasi lemak (coconut milk rice with sauces and sides), fresh tropical fruits, satay (meat skewers), and an abundance of seafood.

New Year in Malaysia will be unforgettable (photo: Wikipedia)

Tenerife: European winter with a summer mood

Tenerife is the warmest island in Europe in winter. It offers a comfortable climate, volcanic beaches, diverse landscapes, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure.

What to see:

• Teide Volcano is the main natural treasure of the Canary Islands.
• Volcanic beaches of Costa Adeje.
• Historic towns of La Laguna and La Orotava.

Local cuisine:

Canarian cuisine is renowned for its papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with a salty crust) with mojo sauce (typically a red or green sauce made from peppers, garlic, and olive oil), fresh fish, goat cheeses, and local wines.

"These destinations are chosen for their combination of nature, warm climate, and festive atmosphere. Langkawi is ideal for a quiet beach vacation, while Kenya and Phu Quoc are for those seeking adventure. The UAE is ideal for those seeking comfort and entertainment, and Tenerife is a great option if you want Europe but with summer weather. All these countries will be among the leaders in New Year travel in 2026," Natalia Yakymenko explained.

Tenerife Island is exactly what you need for New Year's (photo: Wikipedia)