Have you booked that trip for New Year's Eve yet? Please don't tell me you're just going to do the standard hanging out with family and friends at home? Why don't you just bite the bullet and travel to some place you have never been?. I know of a brilliant place for a New Year's Eve celebration. That place is Edinburgh in Scotland. So what happens there I hear you ask? It is home of the annual Scottish New Year's festival, Hogmanay. I am hear to tell you that Hogmanay is a fantastic experience and a must-do for everyone on New Year's Eve. Whether it is the people, the food or the party itself, if you just get off your butt and book a trip there you will have a brilliant time. Did I tell you that the word Hogmanay means the "last day of the year" in Scottish? Well I guess not, but anyway, Edinburgh is easily one of the best places to welcome in the New Year. Personally I think it is not only the best in the UK but easily the best in the world.
Many theories have been brought forward to explain the origin of the word "Hogmanay". The most notable theories explain that the word has Flemish, Scandinavian, or Anglo-Saxon origins. Nevertheless, what is the origin of Hogmanay celebrations? Historians believe that the Hogmanay celebrations are deep-rooted from the Vikings who treated the eve of the New Year with special interest.
Having personally experienced the New Year's Eve celebration of Hogmanay in Scotland, I can confidently say it is a breath-taking event. The fireworks in the night skies, the dancing and the music among others give you everything you are looking for in a New Year's Eve. For a moment it felt like I was on a different planet and just wanted the party to continue. I was particularly surprised with the large number of people who attended. I'm thinking there were over 250,000 partygoers from all around the world. I was there with an American friend, Mike, and you could see the smile and happiness in his face at how awesome the night was.
So have I convinced you yet? You're worried you wont get accommodation? Well you don't need to worry too much, just take my advice and book as early as you can. Even though there are plenty of accommodation options in Edinburgh, particularly affordable hotels and hostels, it is always a good idea to remember to book early as you can to make sure you get the best prices. Mike and I got a wicked deal at this flash 5 Star Hotel, called the Sheraton Grand Hotel. It was really central and located not far from the famous Edinburgh Castle, which is pretty much in the middle of the town. But not everyone can afford 5 star I know, but hey we only got that deal because we planned ahead and booked early for the full 4 nights. So that is more of a recommendation for you to get into and book ASAP. I can highly recommend the Sheraton Grand Hotel, it was just a fantastic place to stay. The services were amazing and the staff super enthusiastic for the New Year. This helped us have an amazing time for the 4 day Hogmanay festival.
When you book and go make sure you try some traditional Scottish foods whilst you're at Hogmanay. The cold night means that the food should be served hot and even though it isn't for everyone, you should give Haggis a try. Ok, I will admit that it isn't for me but maybe just give it a go for yourself and see what you think. If you like sweets make sure you get some shortbread, as I had plenty of shortbread and it was the best I have ever had. There was plenty of different drinks on offer at Hogmanay, but of course Scotch whisky is the drink of Scotland. Scotch is not only enjoyed in Scotland but across the world. I actually think Scotch is my new favourite spirit! I just love really good Scotch now once I have had the taste of the good stuff.
There are so many tour groups out there that organise Hogmanay tours as well. So if you aren't the type to book stuff yourself, and if you want to go with a tour group, then do a search on the net and Im sure you will find one that will suit your budget and needs. Also, if you're looking at travelling with a whole group of people then you should definitely hook up with a Hogmanay tour group. Travelling as a group can be the best experience.
There was plenty of things happening at Hogmanay, but there is nothing like singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight in the country where the song originated. It really was an amazing experience.
Hogmanay offers a magic way for you to kick in the New Year in style. You definitely will not regret it.
Many theories have been brought forward to explain the origin of the word "Hogmanay". The most notable theories explain that the word has Flemish, Scandinavian, or Anglo-Saxon origins. Nevertheless, what is the origin of Hogmanay celebrations? Historians believe that the Hogmanay celebrations are deep-rooted from the Vikings who treated the eve of the New Year with special interest.
Having personally experienced the New Year's Eve celebration of Hogmanay in Scotland, I can confidently say it is a breath-taking event. The fireworks in the night skies, the dancing and the music among others give you everything you are looking for in a New Year's Eve. For a moment it felt like I was on a different planet and just wanted the party to continue. I was particularly surprised with the large number of people who attended. I'm thinking there were over 250,000 partygoers from all around the world. I was there with an American friend, Mike, and you could see the smile and happiness in his face at how awesome the night was.
So have I convinced you yet? You're worried you wont get accommodation? Well you don't need to worry too much, just take my advice and book as early as you can. Even though there are plenty of accommodation options in Edinburgh, particularly affordable hotels and hostels, it is always a good idea to remember to book early as you can to make sure you get the best prices. Mike and I got a wicked deal at this flash 5 Star Hotel, called the Sheraton Grand Hotel. It was really central and located not far from the famous Edinburgh Castle, which is pretty much in the middle of the town. But not everyone can afford 5 star I know, but hey we only got that deal because we planned ahead and booked early for the full 4 nights. So that is more of a recommendation for you to get into and book ASAP. I can highly recommend the Sheraton Grand Hotel, it was just a fantastic place to stay. The services were amazing and the staff super enthusiastic for the New Year. This helped us have an amazing time for the 4 day Hogmanay festival.
When you book and go make sure you try some traditional Scottish foods whilst you're at Hogmanay. The cold night means that the food should be served hot and even though it isn't for everyone, you should give Haggis a try. Ok, I will admit that it isn't for me but maybe just give it a go for yourself and see what you think. If you like sweets make sure you get some shortbread, as I had plenty of shortbread and it was the best I have ever had. There was plenty of different drinks on offer at Hogmanay, but of course Scotch whisky is the drink of Scotland. Scotch is not only enjoyed in Scotland but across the world. I actually think Scotch is my new favourite spirit! I just love really good Scotch now once I have had the taste of the good stuff.
There are so many tour groups out there that organise Hogmanay tours as well. So if you aren't the type to book stuff yourself, and if you want to go with a tour group, then do a search on the net and Im sure you will find one that will suit your budget and needs. Also, if you're looking at travelling with a whole group of people then you should definitely hook up with a Hogmanay tour group. Travelling as a group can be the best experience.
There was plenty of things happening at Hogmanay, but there is nothing like singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight in the country where the song originated. It really was an amazing experience.
Hogmanay offers a magic way for you to kick in the New Year in style. You definitely will not regret it.
About the Author:
FOMO Travel, the events and festival travel specialists, has developed a new site that provides an extensive array of information and advice for New Year's Eve in Edinburgh for Hogmanay, including travel options, travel tips, party spots and other activities.
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