Spending New Year’s abroad has become a growing trend among Japanese travellers. Short-haul destinations like Seoul, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur are especially popular because they’re easy to reach, full of festive energy, and rich in local culture.
Whether you’re planning for yourself or as a couple, this guide highlights five of the best destinations to welcome 2026 with fireworks, local festivities, and unforgettable food. You’ll also discover convenient stays with Travelodge Hôtels Asie, where comfort, accessibility, and warm hospitality meet.
Key Takeaways
🎆 Celebrating New Year’s abroad offers cultural discovery and new experiences.
🎉 Seoul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Hong Kong each provide unique festivities.
🏨 Travelodge Hotels Asia offers convenient, centrally located stays near key attractions.
📋 Book early to secure great rates and availability during the busy holiday period.
🍜 Enjoy local traditions, food, and fireworks while starting your year on an inspiring note.
Why Travel Abroad for New Year’s?
More Japanese travellers are choosing to celebrate overseas to experience something refreshing, memorable, and different.
Some crave the warmth of tropical weather, while others want to see how other cultures ring in the New Year. 年末年始 海外旅行 (New Year Overseas Travel) is also an excellent way to bring in the New Year, with a new experience symbolising a new life and a new hope for the coming months.
Plus, with modern accommodations such as Travelodge Hôtels Asie, travelling has never been more accessible. Magical travel moments are no longer limited to luxury hotels. You can count on an accessible location, free Wi-Fi, and leisurely amenities like a fitness center and swimming pool, even on a budget.
With attractions and experiences close to train or subway stations, you’ll be connected to much of the action.
Top 5 New Year Getaways Abroad
Each of these five destinations offers its own way to celebrate the year’s end. From spectacular fireworks to local traditions.
#1 Seoul, South Korea: City Celebrations and Sunrise Moments
If you’re heading to Corée du Sud for your year-end getaway, Séoul offers the perfect blend of tradition and excitement. Only an hour from Incheon International Airport, Seoul provides a stellar tourist experience of what South Korea has to offer.
The highlight of New Year’s Eve celebrations is the Cérémonie de sonnerie des cloches de Bosingak, where crowds gather to count down to midnight as the bell tolls 33 times to welcome the new year. Tour N de Séoul and the banks of the Rivière Han are popular spots to catch fireworks lighting up the winter sky.
The next morning after the festivities, locals gather for the first sunrise of the year, called hae-ddeum (해뜸). Symbolising renewal and hope, it’s one of the most cherished New Year’s traditions in South Korea, and Seoul locals have a few favourite spots for it: Namsan et Inwangsan.
Namsan prepares a more festive atmosphere for hae-ddeum, whereas Inwangsan’s festivities are more tranquil.
After the celebrations, there’s still a full agenda waiting for travelers:
🍲 Travellers can warm up with hearty Korean dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup) or spicy budae jjigae (Korean hotpot).
🍱 Travellers may visit Gwangjang Market pour bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (mini seaweed rice rolls).
🛍️ For shopping, travellers can head to Myeongdong, where they can find everything from cosmetics to street food within a short walk of major subway stations.
🏯 Travellers may visit Palais Gyeongbokgung ou Palais Changdeokgung to see Korea’s royal heritage and traditional architecture.
Seoul travellers can get around with the Seoul Subway. The Myeongdong Subway Station is within walking distance of the N Seoul Tower, a Lotte Department Store, and several guest houses and hotels.
If you’ll need a 韓国ホテル (Korean Hotel), stay at Travelodge Myeongdong Euljiro ou Travelodge Dongdaemun, both within walking distance of vibrant shopping malls and temples.
For a ソウルのホテル (Seoul Hotel), look no further than Travelodge.
#2 Singapore: Fireworks, Food, and Festivities
Singapore’s tropical weather provides a warm, festive escape for locals who may be tired of winter holidays. While Changi Airport in and of itself is a tourist destination, rivalling even the architecture of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, there’s more to explore upon touchdown.
In Singapore, New Year’s Eve celebrations are an explosion of colour and sound. The Compte à rebours de Marina Bay is world-famous, featuring fireworks reflected in the bay’s calm waters and a festive concert at The Float @ Marina Bay (now named NS Square).
You can also enjoy live music and light shows at Clarke Quay, one of Singapore’s most vibrant riverside destinations, famous for its scenic nightlife, dining, and entertainment.
Another exciting detour is Route du Verger, a vibrant 2.5-kilometre stretch lined with luxury boutiques, trendy cafés, hotels, and entertainment hubs. For travellers, it’s a shopping paradise that comes alive at night.The Night Safari is an excellent showcase of nocturnal animals, offering family-friendly, engaging activities in the late hours.
If you prefer daytime adventures,
🏝️ Sentosa Island offers a scenic view of the ocean, much like Cape Town.
🌏 The island also offers world-class attractions, such as Universal Studios Singapour, and beaches like Palawan Beach.
🌳 Take a relaxing walk at Jardins de la Baie. Located right beside Marina Bay Sands, this world-renowned tourist spot is a must-visit for travellers seeking lush greenery and futuristic, sustainable architecture.
🖼️ Check out the Musée national, the country’s oldest museum, founded in 1887.
🥡 Enjoy delicious food à Quartier chinois ou Petite Inde.
A シンガポールのホテル (Singapore Hotel) is known for its cleanliness and service. Still, Travelodge Harbourfront stands out for its great location, providing easy access to key train stations, including Esplanade MRT Station and City Hall Station.
#3 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Skyscrapers and Street Parties
Kuala Lumpur offers a warm-weather celebration perfect for those escaping Japan’s winter chill.
New Year’s Eve in the city is all about spectacular fireworks and lively street parties. The main event takes place at Parc KLCC, where the Petronas Twin Towers illuminate the skyline as fireworks explode.
Over at Bukit Bintang, the streets fill with live performances, confetti, and late-night food stalls.
During the day,
🛍️ You can shop at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur ou Lot 10 Shopping Mall,
🍛 Explore the local cuisine through street food favourites like satay, nasi lemak, or roti canai.
🏘️ Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malacca. The former trading port’s historical landscape, featuring a mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, makes for a lovely historical stroll.⛩️ Go to the Grottes de Batu for a cultural journey, immersing yourself in Malaysia’s rich heritage.
For accommodation, guest houses abound, as well as plenty of choices for a マレーシア ホテル (Malaysia Hotel). However, Travelodge Bukit Bintang is a top pick.
Located in the shopping district and only a short walk from nightlife areas, it’s praised for offering great value and exceptional service, far better than what you’d get from other “cheap hotels.”
#4 Bangkok, Thailand: Street Festivals and Temple Visits
In Bangkok, the New Year’s Eve celebrations are some of Asia’s liveliest.
CentralWorld hosts one of the biggest countdowns, featuring fireworks, concerts, and vibrant street parties.
Along the Rivière Chao Phraya, bars and restaurants liven the riverbed. The river also reflects the fireworks overhead, making for a breathtaking celebratory view.
The morning after, you can:
🛕 Visit temples such as Wat Arun et Wat Pho to make merit for the new year.
🚣 Explore floating markets like Damnoen Saduak, where colourful boats sell tropical fruits and souvenirs.
🥘 Don’t miss the chance to try authentic Thai food, from pad thai to mango sticky rice, available almost everywhere.
Bangkok has a well-planned urban layout. You can stay near the main transport hubs and city centres and still explore everything the city has to offer.
We recommend using the BTS Skytrain, the country’s central transport system, to get around. You may also use ride-hailing apps, such as Grab.
Travelodge Sukhumvit 11 offers a good location close to nightlife, dining, and shopping. It’s often described by guest reviews as one of the best hotels for modern comfort with easy access to public transport. Guests love the outdoor pool, fitness centre, and reliable free Wi-Fi, making it ideal for both short visits and longer stays.
#5 Hong Kong: Skyline Fireworks and Festive City Vibes
Hong Kong welcomes the new year with one of the most stunning city skyline fireworks displays in Asia. Port de Victoria lights up with music-synchronised fireworks during the New Year’s Eve celebration, drawing crowds from all over the world.
Beyond the fireworks, Hong Kong has a rich itinerary for both first-time and seasoned travellers.
🥡 Explore Temple Street Night Market. Here, you’ll find claypot rice, seafood dishes, noodle soups, egg waffles, stinky tofu, and many more local delights. You’ll also come across fortune tellers, palm readers, and street performers.
🚡 Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. It’s a 25-minute cable car journey stretching 5.7 kilometres across Lantau Island. It offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings: from mountains and sea to cityscapes and airport runways.
🏯 Visit the Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. The island offers a refreshing escape from the skyscrapers of Central Hong Kong. It’s covered in lush mountains, hiking trails, and coastal villages, making it ideal for outdoor lovers.
🧋 Visit Macau. It’s just an hour away by ferry, offering casinos, heritage streets, and Portuguese-style cuisine. As for the scenery, you’ll see cobblestone streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and colonial architecture in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hong Kong’s local cuisine also shines through widely available street food and kiosks. You can enjoy a wide variety of food choices, such as dim sum, egg tarts, and wonton noodles, on every corner.
As for lodging and accommodation, Travelodge Central, Hollywood Road puts you right at the heart of the action. This small hotel in the city centre offers private rooms, air conditioning, free wifi, and good breakfast options.
It’s within walking distance of art galleries, cafés, and major attractions.
Travel Tips for a Smooth New Year Getaway
Here are five excellent travel tips that ensure a smooth, memorable getaway, not only with the destinations we’ve listed, but anywhere you go.
Book Early for Better Rates
Source: https://www.travelodgehotels.asia/offers/11-meets-black-friday/
Anything you could book in advance, whether it’s your airfare, your accommodation, or even your restaurant reservations, book them ahead of time.
✈️ Flights. To secure the best airfare, book your flights 2–3 months in advance. Prices rise quickly around the holidays.
🏨 Hotel Room. Most hotels also allow advance booking and early check-in. You’d want to book your accommodation in advance, as prices are expected to rise with demand. Other hotels provide fixed prices per night, but they can be a headache to book during peak seasons.
🎏 Attractions and Experiences. While most tourist attractions offer fixed rates, some may have variable rates that fluctuate in response to demand. You’d want to book your attractions during non-demanding days for the best rates.
🍳 Restaurants. If you have a restaurant you’d like to visit, make your reservation ahead of time as well. This will prevent headaches and potential rate increases on the day of your visit.
Most of these services’ rates go up during busy seasons, such as the New Year. So, you’d want to have already booked before demand hikes.
Note Currency Exchange and SIM Card Options for Each Destination
Each country has its own currency and mobile providers. Exchange yen for won, ringgit, baht, or Hong Kong dollars ahead of time, and pick up local SIM cards for easy connectivity.
Tips for Getting Around
Public transport is efficient in all five cities. Use subway stations, MRT stations, or ride-hailing apps like Grab for convenience. Always check timetables for New Year’s Day, as transport services may start later than usual.
Prioritise Convenience and Peace of Mind
With crowds and festivities everywhere, flexibility is key. Choose hotels close to main attractions and transport links, like those offered by Travelodge Hôtels Asie, to save time and enjoy your holiday with ease.
Observe Cultural Etiquette
Be respectful when visiting temples or shrines. Dress modestly, remove your shoes where required, and refrain from loud conversations. Tipping is appreciated in some cities but not mandatory, but it’s best to check local customs before dining out.
Start the Year Right: Celebrate 2026 Across Asia
Celebrating New Year’s abroad offers the best of both worlds: excitement and renewal. Whether you’re watching the sunrise in Seoul, enjoying tropical nights in Singapore, or joining street parties in Kuala Lumpur, these destinations promise lasting memories.
For comfort and convenience, book a stay with Travelodge Hôtels Asie. We have hotels across Asia, within a convenient distance of various tourist attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants. We connect you with Asia’s most exciting cities, allowing you to experience the best each country has to offer.
It’s the perfect way to begin 2026!
Questions fréquemment posées
Do Asian Countries Celebrate New Year’s Like Japan?
Yes, but each has its own traditions. Many hold Western-style countdowns on 31 December, abiding by the Gregorian calendar. While some also observe the Lunar New Year later in the season.
What Precautions Should Travellers Take During The Holiday Rush?
Book early, allow extra time for transport, and stay aware of crowd control measures at major countdown events.
How Far In Advance Should I Book Flights And Hotels?
Ideally, 2–3 months before New Year’s Eve, as popular hotels and flights fill up fast.
Are There Any Visa Requirements For Japanese Travellers Visiting These Cities?
Japanese passport holders can typically visit these five destinations visa-free for short stays, though it’s best to confirm with official embassy websites before travelling.
