Celebrate New Year's Abroad

LONDON, December 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Thousands of Brits expected to choose holidays abroad over New Year celebrations at home

• Party capitals in Spain and Europe expected to prove popular

• Thomas Cook offer guide to best holiday locations for celebrations

This December thousands of Brits are expected to turn their backs on London's gloomy temperatures and over the top party prices. Instead, this New Year's Eve revellers will be heading abroad to the countless party destinations and resorts found overseas.

According to the travel experts at Thomas Cook, the best holiday locations for a New Year's party with a bang are set to include popular favourites such as Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Winter sun

It might be dreary back in old blighty, but there are still plenty of holiday destinations that can catch some rays of winter sun. While you might not get the perfect tan, these locations will have you back in your best party attire in next to no time.

The undisputed party capital of Portugal is the city of Algarve and the region knows how to host a real New Year's Eve celebration. Be sure to catch the fireworks display on the river front in Lagos or head down to the open air concert at Fisherman's Beach.

As the evening progresses, make your way along the endless rows of bars and clubs and dance your way into the early hours of the morning. When you're recovering on New Year's Day, be sure to head back outside for the blue skies and sunshine that the region offers.

Ski top fun

If there's one place that knows how to welcome in the New Year, then it's a party at the snow fields. Europe boasts some of the best skiing facilities in the world, with first class resorts catering to a range of budgets throughout France, Austria, Italy and Bulgaria.

When most people think of Italy holidays, pizza, pasta and the Roman Colosseum immediately spring to mind. However, with excellent ski resorts available in areas like Selva and Corvara, Italy is an excellent place to hit the slopes in the daytime with varied après-ski activities providing the perfect way to welcome in the New Year by night.

Spanish getaway

With their daytime siestas and late night socialising, the Spanish are renowned for their unique approach to partying. So, what could be a better way to welcome in 2013 than a New Year's holiday Spanish style?

Spain's holiday crowds disappear when summer ends, meaning winter tourists can enjoy cities like Barcelona, Seville and Madrid with the locals. If you have been meaning to book a Spain holiday, why not celebrate the start of 2013 with delicious tapas and salsa dancing at one of the country's famous nightclubs?

SOURCE Thomas Cook