NEW YEAR'S EVE - Celebrations around the world

For most people no matter who or where they are, New Year's Eve is a time for reflecting on the past and making changes for the future. Whether it is to get a new job, lose a few pounds, do more community service, or find love, most people want to make a difference in their lives and they choose the beginning of the new year to make their resolutions. The new year is their symbol for a new start.

For other people, New Year's Eve is an occasion just to have a really good time in anticipation of the countdown to midnight. They just want to get dressed up and celebrate the start of the new year with food, drink, good times and good friends. They don't make resolutions and for these people, the new year is a continuation of what they do.

Whatever the reason, and, if you've seen the Ball drop once too often in Times Square, NY, check out some of CNN's picks of the World's best New Year's Eve Parties in the US and around the world. See and embrace how other people and cultures ring in the New Year. Maybe you can make your resolution and party while ringing in the New Year next year in one of them!

Check back in January for things to do on New Year's Eve in other parts of Germany and my recap at I travel for fun.