Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Who wouldn't want to ring in New Year's Eve on a beach? And in Rio, the atmosphere is even more carefree than usual. Copacabana Beach hosts a fireworks show for more than two million attendees, many wearing white as a symbol of good luck for the new year. And in typical Rio style, the party starts mid-afternoon and goes into the wee hours of the morning. For vacation packages and other information, check out the Brazil Ministry of Tourism website.

(Photo: iStockphoto)