Travelling to Taiwan takes relatively little advanced preparation, as there are no serious challenges compared with other Asian destinatio...
Travelling to Taiwan takes relatively little advanced preparation, as there are no serious challenges compared with other Asian destinations. The big cities are easy to get around, roads are signed in English, and transport is comfortable and affordable by western standards. In addition, there are now visitor centres inside most major train stations, airports (and now high-speed rail stations), with English - and Japanese - speaking staff to help with bus transfers, hotels and the like. There's even a helpful 24-hour tourist hotline (0800011765) you can call anytime you need help.
For the budget traveller, more and more hostels and campsites are opening, the former often by well-travelled, English-speaking Taiwanese. The proliferation of B&Bs and swanky hot spring resorts finally gives those on a higher budget options beyond sterile midrange hotels or generic 5-stars.
Adventure travellers will be happy to discover that the old permit system for climbing high mountains has been relaxed, maps are easy to find, and there are now many sources of good clear information about outdoor activities.
WHEN TO GO
People often remark that Taiwan has no seasons, but in reality you must take the time of year into account when travelling. In general, autumn (September to November) is best, as conditions tend to be warm and dry, air pollution is at a minimum, and prices lower. Visiting in spring (March to May) is a crapshoot: it can be clear and dry, or wet and grey, or even blighted by a sand-storm from China. Sometimes you get all three conditions in one day.
Summer (June to August) is a great time to visit the east coast, especially for outdoor activities, but be aware of typhoons, which can hit the island from June to October. Summer is not a good time for travel to the outer islands as they are crowded with tourists and flights and hotels are difficult to secure. Try October to November when rates have dropped but the weather is still great. The cities are always hot and sticky in summer.
Beach lovers can swim comfortably anywhere from May to October. But if you want to swim in winter, head south, not southeast.
Avoid travelling during the Chinese New Year holiday as the entire country pretty much shuts down. Some good holidays not to avoid, however, include Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and the Matsu Pilgrimage.
In general, July and August, Saturday nigh, and Chinese New Year are considered high season and accommodation prices are often double the off reason rates. Outside touristy areas, however, there is little change in price from month to month (only perhaps weekday and weekend.
COSTS & MONEY
A bed in dorm room will cost from NT300 to NT400 on average, while a room in a hotel your mother might find acceptable starts at NT1200. Campsites average NT200 per person if you have your own tent. Consider B&Bs if your budget is NT2000 to NT4000 a night as they are much better value than most midrange hotels. Top-end hotels are overpriced in general (even the tourism board thinks so), especially when full rates are charged. The corollary is they are often good value in the off-season.
The typical lunch or dinner might cost NT80 to NT250. A bowl of noodles or dumplings costs NT40 to NT50 but is not usually enough to be considered a meal. Realistically, backpackers should budget NT200 to NT300 a day for food and water; those on a higher budget, NT500 to NT1000. Breakfast tends to be cheap, NT40 for an egg sandwich and a soy milk drink, and many hotels, including budget ones, include it free.
For the budget traveller, then, basic expenses could run from NT400 to NT600 a day. For the greatest savings, hit resort areas midweek and areas that have dorms or campgrounds on the weekends. Adventure travellers, such as cyclists and hikers will spend little except on food and water (and some tansport), as you can usually camp in the mountains or on the beaches for free. Midrange travellers should budget for at least NT200 per day (bases on double occupancy as hotels charge by room, not person). For those opting for resorts and western style meals, NT3000 to NT5000 a day (again, based on double occupancy) is a good start.
Source: Lonely Planet Taiwan
Source: Lonely Planet Taiwan
0 comments:
Post a Comment