Bringing in 2009

Every New Year's Eve comes with the difficult decision of how best to celebrate the fresh start of a new year. Do you go out with your friends; have cocktails and nibbles then pay extortionate amounts of money to get into the most stylish nightclub in town? Do you head down to Leicester Square for the grand central London celebrations of fireworks and pickpockets? Or do you stay at home with the family and have a quiet night in watching Jules Holland, toasting the New Year with a modest glass of wine or even a mug of Horlicks? Here are a few classics and a few less conventional options that you may want to think about this year, especially if you fancy a change of scenery.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is world famous as every year 100,000 people crowd this stunning Scottish city's ancient streets in a communal (and somewhat inebriated) chorus of Auld Lang Syne and a spectacular pyrotechnic display at the stroke of midnight. For those travelling across Britain, the quickest and easiest way to arrive in the Scottish capital is usually to fly. Have a look for holidays on comprehensive travel websites such as TravelZoo.com for details on internal and external flights.

It's true that Edinburgh's New Year's Eve atmosphere is near impossible to beat, but if you would prefer something a little more demure and picturesque then why not consider the classy Swiss resort of Zermatt? Whilst other ski resorts may be tacky, full to bursting with too many tourists and the associated traffic and noise, Zermatt has retained its friendly village-like ambience and remains a relaxing and stylish destination. For those who hold a soft spot for Switzerland's incredible scenery, the Matterhorn is a treat not to be missed. For a special New Year treat, try taking a horse-drawn sleigh through the pretty Swiss streets.

For those with ambitious travel plans, Sydney could be the solution to your festive dilemma. This architecturally stunning city boasts a wonderful firework display accompanied by the beautifully sedate parade of ships on New Year's Eve itself, and all festivities aside, Sydney is a fantastically entertaining city for all the family to explore – making for a particularly adventurous New Year expedition.

Away from firework displays and snow showers, a particularly romantic New Year alternative could be found on the sunny Caribbean shores of Anguilla – a popular celebrity beach resort with infallible weather and secluded sandy landscapes. With an arsenal of popular beach activities, such as snorkelling and windsurfing, and some great places to eat and drink, this pricey option could be just the New Year you've been waiting for.

Whatever you decide, think outside the box this year and get away for a New Year to remember.