New Year’s in Hong Kong: Urban Vibes & Cultural Gems City Experience

China is calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip.  The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes. 

You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you'll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you'll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations. 

Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country's immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels.

Visa Requirement:

U.S. citizens require a visa to enter China. The visa costs roughly $300 USD and requires you to mail your passport, so it's encouraged that you secure a valid passport shortly after booking. All other passport holders should verify independently whether or not a visa is required for entry.        

Passport validity:

• US passport holders must have a valid passport for at least 6 months past the end of your travels in China

Hong Kong is a city that grabs you by the senses and never lets go — a dazzling fusion of East and West, ancient rituals and modern marvels, all packed into one of the world's most iconic skylines. Wander through the vibrant streets of Kowloon, where neon signs and street markets burst with life, and seek out a little cosmic guidance from the fortune tellers at the legendary Wong Tai Sin Temple. Escape the buzz with a day trip to serene Lantau Island, where the awe-inspiring Big Buddha watches peacefully over misty mountains and sea — or bring out your inner kid at Hong Kong Disneyland, one of the most magical parks in all of Asia. And throughout it all, fuel every adventure with the city's true star: dim sum, from steaming bamboo baskets of har gow to pillowy char siu bao at a classic local tea house. Hong Kong is endlessly surprising, endlessly delicious, and utterly unforgettable.

Watch as the night comes alive for one epic New Year's party of music shows and a special light display across eight landmarks around the city center. Although New Year's Eve is widely celebrated globally on December 31st, this not the Lunar New Year, so the celebration may feel different than in other destinations.

You must be at least 18 years old to travel and our tours are designed for ages up to 35. Generally, the average age of our tours is 27. This is the time to experience the world and make travel a habit. Whether you're a student, a young professional, everyone deserves a break.

It depends on the country and specific tour, but groups generally average around 26 travelers. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.

Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed to build connections that will last a lifetime. You get to know the rest of the group through the EF Ultimate Break app before you even depart, and our EF Tour Director expertly helps the group get to know each other and bond during experiences like the welcome dinner, excursions, and throughout the tour. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here.

When you book flights with us you’ll get:

• The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
• One checked bag per traveler included.
• Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
• Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
• Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
• Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.

If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.

Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.

When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:

• Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
• Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
• Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.

We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.

For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center

When traveling to China it's important to prepare for a long travel day. Flying from the US, it is not uncommon to have multiple legs of your journey, up to 3. 

Generally, expect to depart your home gateway on day one in the in the evening. Given the time changes, you'll likely arrive in the afternoon or evening on day 2. Don't worry, activities won't start until the morning of day 3 to give everyone enough time to arrive. Direct flights to China are incredibly limited, as such you should expect 1-3 layovers. Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.

We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.

The local currency will be the Hong Kong dollar. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.

Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with you local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!
In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.

On Plus trips, you will be in a room with one other traveler unless a single room upgrade is purchased. Roommates are assigned randomly based on gender unless a specific roommate is requested in advance. You can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure.

China is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.  

Here are a few additional points:

• Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
• International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
• Transportation Safety: Japan's public transit system is incredibly efficient and reliable, though often very crowded. Keep your belongings close and stay alert. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.

You can learn more about our safety commitment here.

Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.

Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.  

We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.

When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.

Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.