8 Amazing Last

Still searching for plans to welcome in 2018? It’s not too late to arrange a New Year’s Eve escape. You just need to figure out the best place to go. Gear up for the New Year with these trendy yet affordable locations that offer abundant holiday joy.

1. Durham, North Carolina

Venture south for mild weather while you say goodbye to 2017 at the stylish Unscripted Durham Hotel, with rooms starting at just $169 per night for the holiday. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with festivities (tickets priced between $39-$49) featuring entertainment in a lounge-style lobby, complete with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres; music from local DJ Guv’nor; and a tarot card reader for a glimpse into the future. During your stay, don’t miss the on-site all-day coffee shop and wine bar.

2. Orange, Virginia

Escape the crowds and savor a cozy experience in the charming town of Orange, Virginia, at the historic Holladay House Bed and Breakfast, which boasts nearly 190 years of history. Enjoy a refined New Year’s Eve much like our forebears—sort of. Reservations will be arranged for you at one of six local restaurants for a delightful dinner before celebrating the countdown and retreating to your restful room. With breakfast hours extended and checkout at noon, you can take your time in the morning. Additionally, if you book for three nights, you can save 25% on your third night with code HOLIDAY25 at checkout, making the total around $500. A fantastic rate for a stay just a few miles from James and Dolley Madison’s Montpelier estate, which you should definitely explore while visiting.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Looking to embrace the concept of hygge? Pronounced “hoo-guh,” hygge captures the essence of coziness and contentment, and you can find this spirit all around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Indulge in hot cocoa at a ski lodge, enjoy the warmth of a fireplace at a bed-and-breakfast, snowshoe by candlelight, marvel at the breathtaking Northern Lights, and relax at local spas—all without breaking the bank. Many outdoor activities are free or low-cost (11 state parks in Minnesota will host free guided First Day Hikes to kick off 2018), and nearby hotels and resorts often feature excellent winter deals, especially around New Year’s Eve.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

If you’re celebrating New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas, there’s no need to splurge on extravagant party tickets. The atmosphere is electric as crowds pour out of the casinos onto the Strip for a spectacular fireworks display while enjoying drinks (sidewalk drinking is permitted in Vegas!). You can find incredible deals, such as rooms at the 3.5-star Stratosphere hotel for just $163 a night, accessible via value hotel search sites like GoSeek.com.

5. Shenandoah Valley

Gather a group or plan a romantic escape with your partner through Allstar Lodging in the Shenandoah Valley. They offer various rental cabins, cottages, and vacation homes conveniently located near attractions, including Luray Caverns, George Washington National Forest, Shenandoah River State Park, and ample outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, snow skiing, and tubing. Couples can enjoy a cozy cabin starting at $125 per night, or if you’re with family or friends, rates can drop to as low as $50 per person for larger groups.

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

The Papa Noel package at Windsor Court in New Orleans provides discounts of up to 20% off the best available rate (beginning at $188) until January 6. Celebrate the arrival of 2018 at The Grill Room, where the expert culinary team offers a festive four-course meal for $95 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, featuring exquisite options like poached lobster, rack of lamb, and cranberry bread pudding. After dining, don’t miss the chance to unwind at the Polo Club Lounge with live jazz and a selection of fresh-start Champagne while you ring in the New Year.

7. Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Transform your New Year’s celebration into a fun-filled, family-friendly event in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where the Glenwood Springs Athletic Club will be open until 1 a.m. for the festivities. This alcohol-free gathering will host exciting activities like a handstand contest and ping-pong scramble at 7 p.m., followed by dive and cannonball competitions at 8 p.m. Other entertainment includes noodle relays, a game of Marco Polo, and friendly rounds of sharks and minnows. As midnight approaches, pool staff will distribute party favors and noise makers. Children under 12 ski free with the Ski, Swim, Stay package at Sunlight Mountain Resort, which includes a lift ticket, access to the world-renowned Glenwood Hot Springs pool, and arrangements at participating lodges starting as low as $99 per night.

8. Michigan City, Indiana

Your stay at the tranquil Serenity Springs woodland getaway promises a hands-free experience—totaling around $600 for the weekend—providing full-service accommodations in a secluded cabin. Enjoy a range of amenities such as a butler door with light switches that indicate service deliveries (food and surprises), carriage rides available for check-in and check-out, heated floors, cozy fireplaces, in-cabin massages, candlelit dinners with local restaurant menus, and personal outdoor fire pits, perfect for snuggling up in the evenings.