New Year’s in Budapest: Highlights of Eastern Europe (Plus)

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Travel Documents

• Passport: We recommendation that your passport is valid at least 6 months beyond the date you return home. For specific passport validity rules, you can refer to the US department of State, Government of Canada, or Countries consulate website.     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Germany without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
  Electronic Travel Authorization: Starting in mid-2025 U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before entering most European Union (EU) and Schengen Zone countries. This online application will require a small fee, and travelers will undergo a security check to determine their eligibility for entry. Check out our Help Center article for more information.
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

Flight Preparation Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is canceled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancelations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Berlin Welcome to Germany! Once you land, grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration.

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel.

Getting from A to B Transfers between cities are via bus, and can take anywhere between 2-8 hours. You’ll also receive a public transportation pass in cities where its needed. In any sense, we’ve packed a lot into your tour, so prepare for long bus transfers and lengthy walking (between 4-8 miles per day), especially when sightseeing.

It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans wifi/cellular data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time.

Staying Healthy While Traveling

Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after spending all day in the sun!
• Be Prepared: The most prepared travelers will bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a couple mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Safety While Abroad

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation and always have cash on hand.
• Avoid using taxis in Budapest, especially at night. Instead, you can use Bolt, a local alternative to Uber.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

The local currencies on this trip vary. Berlin and Vienna use the Euro, in Krakow it’s the Polish Zloty, Prague uses Czech Crowns, and in Budapest you’ll use the Hungarian Forint. Read on for more must-knows about money and tipping on your trip:

• When exchanging money for this trip, better rates are usually found overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but be wary of fees
• Budget around $80-$100 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities
  • Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour.
• Tipping etiquette varies in Europe from country to country, but for the cities you are visiting, it is common to leave a 5-10% tip if you received good service.
• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• For local guides, you should tip $1-$2 at the end of each experience.

Eastern Europe is dripping with contentious history, innovative art, beautiful scenery, grunge, and more. Prepare to experience an equal mix of medieval and modern culture while in Eastern Europe, and leave with a greater appreciation for all that this region of the world has to offer! Read below for more tips to help you live like a local:

• Take advantage of the museums, guided visits, and more on your trip; Eastern Europe’s history doesn’t speak for its present modern culture, but it’s important to understand the past events that transpired.
• Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Europe, especially Germany. Do not walk in the bike lane if you want to avoid being scolded by locals or bike bells!
• Avoid jaywalking. Similar to the bike lane, if you jaywalk you can expect to be scolded. Instead, abide by the walk signals and cross-walks.
• Sundays are a day of rest. Expect shops to be closed on Sundays, but you will find cafes, restaurants, and galleries are still open on Sundays
• In Poland, the old school locals will greet women with a kiss on the hand. Otherwise, expect a handshake when meeting someone new, a kiss on the cheek for acquaintances, and 3 kisses for family.
• Polish locals don’t ask questions or give answers they don’t mean. When you ask or are asked “how are you”, expect an honest answer!
• Unlike in Germany and Austria, it’s illegal to drink in the streets of Poland. Stay cognizant of this regulation.
• Smoking is still popular among locals, especially in Austria. Some places have designated smoking areas, but many do not.
• Many public restrooms require a small fee for use - hold on to your coins!
• When dining out, you may have to ask for the bill since waitstaff doesn’t proactively bring this - they don’t want to interrupt your meal!

The cuisine in Eastern Europe is no joke. Savory, sweet, and hearty, your stomach and your wallet will thank you (yes, it’s cheap too)! Read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicacies you must try:

• Apfelstrudel: This classic sweet treat is a drool-worthy combo of pastry, breadcrumbs, tart apples, and thick cream.
• Palačinky: Similar to pancakes or crepes, try a palačinky savory or sweet. It’s a win-win either way!
• Wiener Schnitzel: If you try one thing before you leave Austria, it has to be schnitzel. This national dish of breaded and pan-fried veal cutlet will not disappoint.
• Goulash: Goulash, a stew of meat and vegetables mixed with spices plus bread on the side, is especially popular in the Czech Republic - give it a try!
• Gołąbki: Otherwise known as a cabbage rolls, gołąbki is a Polish treat of cabbage leaves stuffed with savory minced meet and served over tomato sauce.
• Somlói Galuska: Try this trifle in Hungary - it’s a pile of sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. What more could you want?!
• Trdelník: Trdelník is best described as a grilled dough with sugar and walnut mix, but you have to see it to believe how beautiful and delicious it is. When in Prague, right?
• Pierogi: The Polish know how to do a pierogi. Pierogi is a dumpling that’s filled with either savory mashed potatoes, meat and cheese, or berries and cream.
• Beer: Weihenstephan Hefe Weissbier in Germany, Ciechan Pszeniczne in Poland, Pilsner Urquell in Prague, Dreher in Budapest, and Kellerbrauerei Ried Naturtrüb in Austria… and that is literally just to name a few.

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.