Welcoming the New Year from West to East

New Zealand: The country that welcomes the first sunrise in the world

Known as one of the first countries in the world to welcome the dawn of the new year, New Zealand has an extremely vibrant and bustling way of preparing and celebrating this sacred moment, with a space filled with sound and light.

In the “windy capital” Wellington, the spectacular fireworks display in the center of Whareipo Lagoon at the exact moment of the New Year makes the whole sky here shine. Or in the north of New Zealand, you can go to Mount Mauganui and “rock out” at the colorful New Year parties. Meanwhile, in the south, the New Year party on Tahuna Beach has music performances, free dancing and many types of entertainment that especially attract young people. And if you are a lover of gentleness and depth with wine and snacks, choose Takaka Hill to welcome the New Year with friends and the people here.

Move: Currently, there are many airlines operating direct flights to New Zealand airports such as: Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines... departing from international airports such as Noi Bai airport, Tan Son Nhat airport and Da Nang airport.

Other notes: Fruit is on the list of prohibited items that visitors are not allowed to bring into New Zealand when entering the country.

Tour: Tourists can welcome the New Year in New Zealand with a 7-day, 6-night tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City by Vietnam Travel Company. Tour prices and departure dates are regularly updated on the website www.dulichvietnam.com.vn.

Japan: Where Eastern and Western cultures meet

Japan is one of the Asian countries that celebrates the traditional New Year on January 1st of the Gregorian calendar. Although the New Year is celebrated in the same way as Westerners, the New Year in Japan still retains the cultural quintessence and customs from ancient times.

The Western culture of Japan's New Year is reflected in the image of Tokyo streets filled with young people and foreign tourists eagerly awaiting the moment of transition between the old year and the new year.

The traditional Eastern culture is most clearly expressed through the preparation for Tet and the traditional customs that the Japanese still preserve to this day. These include performing osouji (the year-end general cleaning), hanging shimekazari (a decoration similar to the Tet pole of Vietnamese culture), decorating kadomatsu (similar to peach branches bringing spring to every home), writing Tet greeting cards, or giving lucky money envelopes to children... and especially going to the temple at the beginning of the new year to pray for peace.

Move: From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City there are direct flights to Japan.

Tour: You can experience the New Year in Japan with a tour from Saigontourist. Tour prices and departure dates are regularly updated on the company's website www.saigontourist.net.

Other notes: In Japan now there is free wifi, but registration is often quite complicated and the quality is poor. You should consider bringing or renting a wifi transmitter for your journey to explore Japan. Another problem is that Japanese power outlets are flat, so you also need to prepare a converter to make things easier when you arrive in this country.

France: Paris shines under fireworks

Known as the “City of Light,” it's no surprise that Paris is one of the most spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations in the world.

The streets of Paris are bathed in a sea of ​​champagne, people exchange kisses and chocolates for the occasion. The most special are the light show, fireworks at the Eiffel Tower and the party on the Champs-Elysées.

Move: From Vietnam, tourists to France have many options for airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Air France, Korean Air, Qatar Airways or Cathay Pacific. Flights from Vietnam to France often stop at Charles de Gaulle airport located in the city center, very convenient for traveling to other locations or cities.

Tour: You can refer to the New Year's Eve itinerary in Paris of Trans Viet travel company. Information about departure date and tour price will be continuously updated on www.transviet.com.vn.

South Africa: Cape Town celebrates the New Year with colorful carnival celebrations

For people in the “rainbow nation” – South Africa, New Year is a time for festivals, parties and music. It can be a party with relatives, a fun time with friends in big bars, bustling music clubs, or sometimes the carnival in Cape Town with many dancers parading on the streets with vibrant music and colorful costumes. Surely, South Africa will be an extremely wonderful and impressive experience in your “spring” journey.

Tour: You can refer to the 9-day, 8-night New Year's Eve tour in Cape Town and other cities in South Africa organized by Migola Travel. Details on tour prices and departure dates are regularly updated on the website www.migolatravel.com.

Other notes: If you need help during your trip, go to the nearest local police station. This will help you avoid any unpleasant situations that may arise.

Cuisine: Try to experience typical South African dishes during the festival journey, you certainly will not feel disappointed: dried game, curry bread bunny chow, toasted bobotie bread, traditional donuts koeksisters…

United States: Times Square - Love and happiness are all around us

For the people of the United States, welcoming the moment of New Year's Eve in Times Square is an experience that everyone wishes to have in their life. Times Square - known as the "crossroads of the world" with a system of bright, sparkling signs all day long and is a symbol of the New Year's Eve festival with the colorful crystal ball dropping ceremony at the moment of transition between the old year and the new year.

Despite the cold weather in the land of the stars and stripes, as long as we are surrounded by loved ones, family, and friends, we can immerse ourselves in the bustling, exciting atmosphere of the moment of the new year. That is wonderful…

And the new year has really come!!!

Other notes: Unlike other countries, in the US, tipping is very common when you use services. Tip at least 15% of the total bill or 20% if you are satisfied with the quality.

Tour: You can refer to the New Year's Eve itinerary of Lienbangtravel travel company for 10 days and 9 nights, departing on December 25, 2018. Detailed information is updated on the website www.lienbangtravel.com.

Phuong Ngoc