Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Few nights are as stressful in the planning as New Year's Eve, or Hogmanay, as the Scots call it. All year, we think it will be the biggest, funnest, wildest party, then suddenly Christmas is here and we realise we've not actually booked anything for Dec 31, and panic sets in.
If that's you, and you don't mind flying by the seat of your pants, then consider Edinburgh, Scotland, the home of Hogmanay. The pocket-sized city's celebrations have always been staggering, and this year, with all the snow, IF you can get there then the place has a fairytale look and feel. Except colder, and way darker.
A lot of sites are pointing last-minute party-goers in Edinburgh's direction: this nice little roundup is from The Telegraph. It suggests parties to attend, places to stay and tips.
But vitally for us, the city's LGBT scene is thriving and exciting, with some very serviceable websites for the partygoer.
And if you're looking to avoid hotels, there are some great websites such as Dickins, offering top-notch local owners who let out their places during holidays.
If you do go, have fun, wrap up warm and learn the words to Auld Lang Syne, which you WILL be singing, tears running down your cheeks, at midnight!