Celebrating 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 sunrise of the new year, New Zealand prepares and celebrates this sacred moment in a vibrant and lively way, with an atmosphere filled with sound and light.

In the windy capital of Wellington, a spectacular fireworks display at Whareipo Lagoon at the exact moment of midnight illuminates the entire sky. Or in northern New Zealand, you can head to Mount Mauganui and party hard at vibrant New Year's celebrations. Meanwhile, in the south, New Year's Eve parties on Tahuna Beach feature live music, freestyle dancing, and many other forms of entertainment that attract young people. And if you prefer a more tranquil and contemplative atmosphere with wine and light snacks, choose Takaka Hill to welcome the New Year with friends and locals.

MoveCurrently, many airlines operate direct flights to New Zealand airports, including Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines, departing from international airports such as Noi Bai Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport, and Da Nang Airport.

Other notesFruits are on the list of items that tourists are prohibited from bringing into New Zealand upon entry.

TourTourists can celebrate the New Year in New Zealand with a 7-day, 6-night tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City, offered by Vietnam Travel. 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. Although the New Year coincides with that of Westerners, the Japanese New Year still preserves the cultural essence and customs from ancient times.

Western cultural influences in Japan's New Year celebrations are evident in the images of Tokyo streets filled with young people and foreign tourists eagerly awaiting the transition between the old and new year.

Traditional Eastern culture is most clearly expressed through the preparations for the New Year and the ancient customs that the Japanese still preserve today. These include performing osouji (a thorough year-end cleaning), hanging shimekazari (decorations similar to the New Year's pole in Vietnamese culture), decorating kadomatsu (similar to cherry blossom branches bringing the spring colors to every home), writing New Year's greeting cards, giving red envelopes to children… and especially visiting temples at the beginning of the new year to pray for peace and good fortune.

MoveThere are direct flights to Japan from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Other notesIn Japan, there is now free Wi-Fi, but registration is often quite complicated and the quality is poor. You should consider bringing your own or renting a Wi-Fi hotspot for your trip. Another issue is that Japanese electrical outlets are flat, so you should also prepare an adapter to make things easier when you arrive in the country.

France: Paris ablaze under a sky of fireworks.

Known as the "City of Lights," it's no surprise that Paris is one of the cities in the world that celebrates New Year's Eve in the most spectacular way.

The streets of Paris were bathed in a "sea" of champagne, with people exchanging kisses and chocolates specially prepared for the holiday. The highlight was the light show and fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower, followed by a grand celebration on the Champs-Elysées.

MoveFrom Vietnam, travelers to France have many airline options such as Vietnam Airlines, Air France, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. Flights from Vietnam to France usually land at Charles de Gaulle Airport, located in the city center, making it very convenient for traveling to other locations or cities.

TourYou can check out the New Year's Eve Paris itinerary offered by Trans Viet travel company. Information on departure dates and tour prices will be continuously updated on www.transviet.com.vn.

South Africa: Cape Town celebrates the New Year with vibrant carnival festivities.

For the people of the "rainbow nation"—South Africa—New Year's is a time for festivities, parties, and music. It could be a celebration with family, a joyful time with friends in lively bars and music clubs, or sometimes a carnival in Cape Town with dancers parading through the streets to vibrant music and colorful costumes. Certainly, South Africa will be an incredibly wonderful and memorable experience on your New Year's journey.

TourYou can check out the 9-day, 8-night New Year's holiday experience tour in Cape Town and other South African cities, organized by Migola Travel. Details on tour prices and departure dates are regularly updated on the website www.migolatravel.com.

Other notesIf you need assistance during your travels, please seek help from the nearest local police station. This will help you avoid any unpleasant situations that may arise.

CuisineTry experiencing South African specialties during the festival; you certainly won't be disappointed: dried game meat, bunny chow bread curry, bobotie toast, traditional koeksisters...

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

For Americans, witnessing the New Year's Eve transition in Times Square is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Times Square, known as the "crossroads of the world," boasts a dazzling array of signs that sparkle all day long and is a symbol of the New Year's celebration, marked by the release of the sparkling crystal ball at the moment of transition between the old and new year.

Despite the freezing weather during the harsh winter in the United States, as long as we are surrounded by loved ones, family, and friends, and immersed in the lively and exciting atmosphere of the transitional moment, that is truly wonderful…

And the new year has truly arrived!!!

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

TourYou can refer to Lienbangtravel's New Year's tour itinerary: 10 days and 9 nights, departing on December 25, 2018. Detailed information is available on their website www.lienbangtravel.com.