The process of getting a visa can be an utter pain especially when it is all that's getting in between you and your wanderlust. We understand how difficult it is for us Indians to travel around with many so-called 'wishlist' destinations that require a visa. Don't sweat it though, we do have some good news for you. The Indian passport allows you to travel to several countries with either visa-on-arrival or visa-free. Here is a list of countries where you can venture off to to put a cherry on top of your New Years celebration.
Samoa
This island nation in the Pacific doesn't require Indians to get a pre-approved Visa, however, you can only stay in Samoa for upto two months. Consisting of two islands, Savaii and Upolu, the tiny nation is a favourite of many adventure junkies. From beautiful beaches to fishing fanatics, there is much to do here. Visit the Piula Cave Pool which happens to be a gorgeous seaside pool beneath the historic Methodist Chapel offering a picturesque view of Samoan nature. You can also go to the Alofaaga Blowholes from where you can witness lava formation and catch a glorious sight of the dynamic Pacific. If neither of those interest you, imagine yourself sitting beneath the night sky on the Samoan beaches as you enter the new year before the rest of the world. Not such a bad way to spend your New Years, eh
Ecuador
Moving along the Pacific and enter the Americas. Not only will you be in a whole new continent, but you'll also be almost a day behind Samoa. With a capital city that has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ecuador offers a pleasant mix of exotic greenery and cultural renaissance. Exploring the capital of Quito can be a task with it being a majorly unexplored territory, but we recommend you start from La Mitad del Mundo. In other world, the Middle of the World, this is where a monument stands tall marking the passing of the equator. On the other hand, if you are an adventure lover you can climb the active volcano Cotopaxi or trek into the crater lake Quilotoa. Better yet, trek across the highly-active Alpine Volcanoes. Find the scenic crater lake and make your New Year experience a treat.
Dominica
The first Caribbean island on this list, Dominica (not the Dominican Republic, don't get confused) is a treat for the nature-admirer in you. Marvel at the extraordinary Boiling Lake, the second largest hot lake in the world, or make your way to Ti Tou Gorge where you can swim as light filers down high cliff walls of a scenic gorge. Make it a special New Years and let the moonlight at midnight strike you in the gorge as you enter 2019 with a comforting swim.
Jamaica
Home to Reggae music and swashbuckling West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle's, it is a treat to visit the island of Jamaica. With its non-visa policy added to its breathtaking natural beauty, this Caribbean nation is an ideal location to celebrate the first day of 2019. From the Dolphin Cove, a marine park where you can interact with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in their natural environment to the Blue Mountains where you can catch a spectacular glimpse of the rugged landscape, Jamaica is ready to give you the perfect start to your new year.
Mauritius
Located off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is an incredibly beautiful island nation. With its alluring beauty, there is a simple yet elegant magnificence about the place that merely can't be put into words. I would personally recommend a visit to the Flic-en-Flac, a seaside town on the western Mauritian coast. The white-sand beaches of this little town lined with casuarina trees are home to numerous water sports and sublime lagoons. Also, remember to take a trip to the scenic Tamarind Falls, a series of seven cataracts located on the Rivière Tamarin.