Preparing for your trip

Package:

Hong Kong & Seoul Adventure, 2025-2026

Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!

Printed Oct 16, 2024. Please visit https://staging.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=2001 for the latest updates.

Checklist

	Item	Due
☐	Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date.	ASAP
☐	Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination	ASAP
☐	Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking.	Within 5 days of booking
☐	Make your final payment, if any balance is due.	See your invoice
☐	Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!)	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference.	After receiving your e‑tickets
☐	Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip.	by final payment due date
☐	Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry.	See below
☐	Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel.	Prior to travel
☐	Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you.	Prior to travel
☐	Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency.	Prior to travel
☐	Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket.	72 hours prior to travel
☐	Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available).	24 hours prior to travel
☐	Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime!	3½ hours prior to departure

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

Originating from

Passport

Departing

COVID-19

Hong Kong Entry Requirements

Advice from our partner Sherpa

South Korea Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter South Korea for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information.

Advice from our partner Sherpa

General Requirements & Guidelines

In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or air@friendlyplanet.com.

Flights & Tickets

For this package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Want to reserve specific seats?

That depends on the airline. You can usually request a window or aisle seat, and sometimes specific seat numbers (but not exit row and bulkhead seats) ahead of time. Many airlines now charge a fee for this, and such fees are not included in your package price. If you have a seat preference, let us know when you book, in the special requests section, or email us at air@friendlyplanet.com after you book. Then:

If your airline does not charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll happily pass along your seat request to the airline and confirm they received it (though we cannot guarantee it will be honored).

If your airline does charge a fee to pre-assign seats: We'll let you know. You'll need to contact the airline directly to request your seats after we have issued your flight tickets, and fees are payable directly to the airline.

If you do not request specific seats: The airline typically assigns them within 24 hours of departure. If you do not like your assigned seats, you may be able to change them, subject to availability, when you check in online or at the counter. Learn more about Advance Seat Reservations.

Want to request a special meal?

You can enter special meal requests when you book with an agent or complete your online registration, shortly after booking. We will relay your requests to the airlines and our representatives abroad, but we cannot guarantee they will be honored. Please double check meal requests with your airline 72 hours before departure, and with our representatives upon arrival.

Looking to earn frequent flyer miles?

You may be able to earn frequent flyer points for your flights. Contact the airline directly once you receive your tickets to enter your frequent flyer number in your flight record, or enter it when you check in. As you travel, check your tickets or ask the check-in or gate agent prior to boarding each flight to ensure the number has been entered properly. And just to be safe, keep your boarding passes and passenger receipt as proof that you have actually flown the miles you want credited to your account.

Interested in upgrading to business class or premium economy?

Cabin upgrades may be available on your flights. Ask us about price and availability when you book online, in the special requests section, or contact our air department after you book. Please note that our special contracted airfare rates generally do not permit upgrading with frequent flyer points, and that upgrade requests may incur change fees if tickets have already been issued.

Flight Schedule

You may review the sample flight schedule(s) below. This information is for general planning purposes. You will receive your actual flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Sample Flight Schedule for Main Tour

DEPARTURE
Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Flight Time
CX 879	San Francisco (SFO)	Hong Kong (HKG)	1:00 PM	6:55 PM (next day)	14.45 hrs
HONG KONG TO SEOUL
Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Flight Time
CX 410	HKG	Seoul (ICN)	9:25 AM	2:10 PM	3.45 hrs
RETURN
Flight	From	To	Depart	Arrive	Flight Time
CX 417	ICN	HKG	10:10 AM	1:00 PM	3.50 hrs
CX 870	HKG	SFO	1:55 PM	11:25 AM	12.30 hrs

Cathay Pacific's (CX) toll-free number is 1 (833) 933-2244.

Connecting Flights

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

Scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included with this package. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle. In most cases, private transfers are also available for an additional fee—contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the package start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. They will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag, not to exceed 44 pounds; one personal item such as a purse or camera bag; and one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If your trip includes domestic flights within your destination and/or travel by motor coach, your carry-on should also fit should also fit under your seat or in the overhead bins on those flights or coaches.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking over uneven surfaces and requires an average level of physical fitness.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.

The food in Hong Kong is mainly influenced by British and Chinese cuisine. The authentic wontons and dumplings are a must-try and the aromas of noodle dishes will certainly draw you in. You can find these delicious foods in the various market stalls and restaurants throughout Hong Kong. The desserts and pastries in Hong Kong must not be missed, particularly their bubble waffles and egg tarts.

Korean food is characterized by bold flavors and vibrant colors, with staples like rice, noodles, and an array of side dishes called banchan. Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish, is a cornerstone of every meal, adding a spicy and tangy kick. Grilled meats, such as bulgogi and galbi, are often prepared at the table, creating a fun dining experience. The cuisine emphasizes balance, with a mix of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory elements that tantalize the palate.

Non-included meals: Your guides will be glad to direct you to good restaurants that are both local to the area and inexpensive. While English may not be widely spoken in such restaurants, they normally have pictures of popular dishes displayed in their menu and you can point out your choice to the server. Your hotels while on tour will have several dining choices, from coffee shops to specialty restaurants. Average cost for lunch and dinner (not including drinks) in the shops in Hong Kong and Korea will be about $15 - $50 per person, per meal. Your hotels accept credit card payments for non-included meals.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Tipping

You will be traveling in the company of a professionals who are very committed to making your tour the dream vacation you are counting on. These people feel great pride in being given a chance to show foreign visitors their country. If your guide, driver and others with whom you are traveling are doing a good job, please take our suggestions for tipping seriously. Naturally, tipping is personal and voluntary, and if you have not received good service, your tip should reflect this fact.

The recommended amounts are as follows:

Guide: $15 per person per day
Driver: $10 per person per day
Porter: $3 per bag
Housekeeping: $3 per person per day
Restaurant staff: $5 per person
In Korea, tipping is not customary or expected, but a modest tip to the guide and drivers will be appreciated.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

Hong Kong Fast Facts

Overview	Population: 7.347 million Currency: Hong Kong dollar (HKD) Languages: Chinese and English Drives on the: Left Time zone: HKT (UTC +8)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	According to the Center for Disease Control, there are no requirements for travel to Hong Kong, but immunization against polio, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis are recommended. Be sure to take insect repellent! A note on blood and transfusions: RH negative and type O bloods are not commonly stored in China. There have also been problems with HIV contaminated blood supplies. Center for Disease Control
Weather	Hong Kong’s subtropical climate makes it fairly hot and humid year-round. Summer (June - September) is hot and humid with occasional showers and thunderstorms. This is the time of year when typhoons are most likely to occur, causing flooding and landslides. The temperature remains significantly cooler from October through February. Clear, sunny days make October-November the best time to visit.
Tipping	In most restaurants, a 10% service charge is added to the bill. If the service has been excellent, feel free to tip a little more. Taxi drivers don't expect to be tipped but it is the norm to leave any small change.
Money & Credit Cards	ATMs are located all throughout Hong Kong most commonly outside of banks and in shopping complexes and malls. Many major foreign bank cards and credit cards are acceptable, though many banks impose a fee every time you use a card at another bank's ATM. This fee can be higher for international transactions. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	Hong Kong is a well-known shopper’s paradise. From glitzy malls and upscale department stores to one-of-a-kind boutiques and charming street markets, Hong Kong offers a dazzling variety of goods. Shop for designer clothing, electronics, watches, jewelry, traditional Chinese handicrafts, leather goods and more. Top quality cosmetics are also a popular item to purchase in Hong Kong as they are duty free. Note that prices can vary greatly from store to store, so be sure to shop around.
Electricity & Power Adapters	220 volts. Plugs A, I & G. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit before your tour to Hong Kong. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.

South Korea Fast Facts

Overview	Capital: Seoul Population: 51.47 million Currency: South Korean won Languages: Korean Drives on the: Right Time zone: KST (GMT +9)
Health Precautions & Vaccinations	There are no vaccination requirements for travelers. The CDC and WHO reccommend the following vaccinations for South Korea: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. Center for Disease Control World Health Organization
Weather	South Korea has four distinct seasons. In spring, the temperatures are warm with little rain and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. Summer starts in June with a dreary rainy season followed by extreme humidity and high temperatures between July and August. Autumn is perhaps the best time to travel to South Korea as the temperature and humidity become more tolerable and the trees begin to change color. January and February are bitterly cold due to Siberian winds from the North but the Korean invention of ondol (floor heating) helps defrost any parts that froze outside. Winter is ideal for skiing or hot-spring hopping and snow is common.
Tipping	As a rule, tipping is not necessary anywhere in Korea, and is not practiced by locals, although bellhops, hotel maids, taxi drivers and bars frequented by Westerners will not reject any tips you care to hand out.
Money & Credit Cards	Most places in South Korea accept Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are very common, but most Korean ATMs don't accept foreign cards. There are many special Global ATMs around but they will will not accept your bank card unless you are with a major bank such as HSBC or Deutsche Bank. They can be found at Shinhan Bank, KEB banks, NH banks, airports, in areas frequented by foreigners, in major cities, some subway stations, and in many Family Mart convenience stores - most of the time indicated by the "Foreign Cards" button on the screen. Sometimes however even the Global ATMs may not accept your foreign card, so it is wise to have a second source of money for those times or to ensure your card is fully accepted. Be sure to stock up on cash before heading to the countryside or other remote areas. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad.
Shopping	The best items to shop for in South Korea are Ginseng, blue-jade celadon, handmade traditional costumes, paper kites, ceramic pieces that depict human emotions and electronics. At certain retail outlets with a "Tax Free Shopping" or a "Tax Refund Shopping" sign, you can obtain a voucher and get a large percentage of your taxes refunded. When you leave Korea, go to customs and have it stamped then go to the "Global TaxFree" or "Global Refund Korea" counters near the duty-free shops. To get a refund you must leave within 3 months of purchase. Bargaining is a common practice at outdoor markets but instead of stating a monetary amount, you would say, "ssage juseyo" which means "cheaper, please".
Electricity & Power Adapters	220 volts. Plugs C, F. Learn more about electrical standards around the world.
Cell Phones & Internet	Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad.
Did you know?	Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish, is so important in South Korean culture that it’s considered a national treasure. South Koreans eat it with almost every meal, and there are over 200 different varieties! South Korea is known for having some of the fastest and most reliable internet speeds in the world, making it a global tech hub. South Korea is one of the largest consumers of coffee in the world. Seoul is packed with coffee shops, and it's common to see locals spending time in cozy cafés. South Korea is home to five grand palaces in Seoul, the most famous being Gyeongbokgung Palace, which dates back to the 14th century. Taekwondo, one of the world’s most popular martial arts, was developed in South Korea and is a symbol of the country’s cultural heritage.

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.