One of the greatest things about our Asia trip is the luxury of time. We wanted to take it slow, only planning to see a handful of countries. But even two months in, more often than not, we already wished we had more time. This was especially true for travel in Taiwan. What began as annoyance at missed expectations had receded into the background of familiarity. I enjoyed a coffee in the afternoon instead of first thing in the morning. I stopped noticing the blur of scooters passing by. And how important are sidewalks anyway? Our days were filled with fantastic coffee, delicious desserts, and chaotic night markets. We felt like we had settled in to this small country. If it weren’t for the increasingly oppressive heat and humidity, perhaps we would have just kept traveling in Taiwan …
So now I wrap up my five other posts on our five weeks of travel in Taiwan with this video. I hope you are inspired to experience this lovely island country for yourself.
Why is Travel in Taiwan So Underrated?
Everyone wants to go to China. No doubt because the mainland has lots to offer. We are spending four months there for a reason. The Forbidden City and the Great Wall are amazing sites that you’ll never forget. But Taiwan makes a strong impression on every level. Its food, of course, but also its people, its nature, and its cities. Taiwan feels like a special discovery in a way that China is too big and famous to ever be.
What’s more, Taiwan is easier to visit with visa-free entry for citizens from over 40 countries. And for those who have been to the mainland, Taiwan is a fascinating contrast. After all, it’s a free country. Moreover, Taiwan is amazingly affordable for a developed nation. The average daily cost for the two of us was less than $100/day, almost the same as Hong Kong. So not to sound like an advertisement, but please go. The locals will be happy to welcome you.
But for us, our five weeks in Taiwan are over. We left with our incredible memories along with a strong desire to improve our fledgling Chinese. Next up: Shanghai, China.