journeyPod’s 2008 New Year’s Guide

Gearing up for the big night that’s just two weeks away and you still don’t have any plans? Looking to ring in New Year’s 2008, but don’t have the slightest idea on where to go or what to do? Check out journeyPod’s list of the biggest, hottest and coolest spots.

We’ve scoured the events – from coast-to-coast – and here are some ideas to help ring in 2008 in style – one champagne glass at a time:

Rio, Brazil: Nearly 2.5 million partygoers (dressed in all-white) head to Copacabana Beach on December 31st to celebrate the Fiesta de Lemanja! Ever wonder what it feels like to party on New Year’s, barefoot and on powdery sand? Check out the party and fireworks here!

Las Vegas, Nevada: Here’s a destination where you can’t go wrong! With each and every venue having something exciting going on – there will be no shortage of things to do or places to see-and-be-seen. The top three parties to consider: The James Bond-themed New Year’s Eve party at Jet Nightclub (at The Mirage), New Year’s at Tao with by Mariah Carey (located in The Venetian); and New Year’s at Pure, hosted by Pamela Anderson (at Caesars Palace).

New Orleans, Louisiana: The famous Bourbon Street is alive and well on New Year’s. journeyPod recommends starting the night off at Pat O’Brian’s , pre-gaming with one of their famous (and strong) Tropical Isle Hurricanes and then heading over to Jackson Square to watch the big ball drop.

New York, New York: Since as early as 1906, hundreds of thousands gather on what’s usually the coldest day of the year to watch the famous New Year’s Eve Ball descend from atop One Times Square. journeyPod recommends skipping the cold and making some reservations at one of these indoor hotspots: BLVD, Cipriani and The Grand!

Prague, Czech Republic: Ready to try absinthe and party the night into oblivion? Then Prague is your destination for New Year’s Eve. Chateau Rouge – a local favorite – attracts most of the population on this eve!

Sydney, Australia: We’ve always known that the Aussies can party – but New Year’s is truly the best time to witness this! Bungalow 8, Club Home and The Establishment are putting on some awesome events for the greatest night of the year!

Amsterdam, Netherlands: In a city where anything goes… Amsterdam is the best place for the hottest nightlife. Even the most jaded of characters will be easily impressed with Amsterdam offers on New Years Eve – The Mansion, Club Panama and Supperclub are the places to be!

London, England: If romance is on your mind for New Year’s – then taking a dinner cruise on the river Thames. Most Londoners gather around Big Ben to watch the ball drop and then merrily sing the “Auld Lang Syne” on their way back to a nearby pub. Looking for something more? Check out Space 24, The Chelsea Football Club and Platform 12 NYE – all of which will certainly provide a jolly good time. Oh, and for good luck- don’t forget to kiss a bobby (a local policeman) at midnight!

Miami, Florida: Celebs flock down to Miami on December 31st in hopes of warmer weather (and of wearing that strapless black dress). From the drag queens and Latinas, to the models and fashionistas – its difficult not to have a fun time in South Beach! To ring in the New Year, celebrate at Sky Bar, Sagamore Hotel or Mansion.

Venice, Italy: For the lovebirds – what better way to rekindle the romance than to float into the New Year? Gondolas and private boats fill the Venetian canals as the impressive fireworks light the sky. Enjoy music and food in St. Marks Square as the Italians celebrate “La Festa di San Silvestro“. Feeling daring? Then follow the locals with a jump into the freezing water at Lido Beach in the wee hours of the morning. That’s one way to fight the New Year’s hangover!

Bangkok, Thailand: Think you have what it takes to celebrate New Year’s three times a year? In Bangkok, the Western New Year’s is celebrated on December 31st at Bangkok’s Central World Plaza with astounding fireworks and rockin’ live music by Thai musicians. The hotspots Q-Bar, Supperclub Bed and the Shangri-La Hotel are also expecting a large number of guests on this hot night. For more… come back between mid-January and February when Thailand celebrates the Chinese New Year in Chinatown; in April, the centuries-old tradition of Songkran is celebrated with a 3-day carnival, costumes and other festivities.

Edinburgh, Scotland: Celebrate “Hogmanay” (the Scots word for the last day of the year) for four days with the locals over lagers and live music. Recognized as one of the “largest street parties in Europe” – enjoy mesmerizing firework displays from Edinburgh castle and follow the Royal Bank Street parade as it marches down Princes Street. Fancy staying indoors? Then pub-crawl your way down any one of the busy streets of Edinburgh to celebrate – we’re sure you’re bound to find something interesting!

Thinking of hosting your own soiree? Consider this:

Size: First decide on whether you’re in the mood for a dinner party (10-12 guests) and a full-blown affair (20+ guests)

Food: For a smaller gathering, organize a formal multi-course meal; for the larger party – pick small appetizers, a selection of cheeses, a caviar n’ champagne bar and great desserts.

Location: It’s all about location! Here are some ideas: hotel penthouse, private house in the country, rooftop space.

Staff: You know you can’t have fun as the “host” – so why try?! Hire a staff for easy serving and clean up. And a bartender is a must!

Music: Holiday entertaining is tough enough without having to play DJ too! Fortunately, our friends at MixMailer.com simplify holiday entertaining – having created the perfect mixes for all holiday parties. If you’re looking for more than just “Auld Lang Syne”… download these mixes, tee them up on your iPod, and keep on doing what you were doing!