Travel
A Literary Cyclist’s Journey: Hualien’s “Coastal Bicycle Path” Embracing the Pacific
Hop on a bike and set off from the Hualien Cultural and Creative Park. Ride straight along Zhonghua Road, passing through Gongyuan Road and Jinghua Street. The surroundings gradually shift from the densely populated city center to the fresh, faintly salty breeze that begins to drift in, while the view opens up wider and wider... In just about 20 minutes from the urban area, you’ll arrive at a section of the Two Lakes Bicycle Path that offers sweeping views of the azure Pacific—the “Coastal Bicycle Path.” And yet, it takes only around 20 minutes from downtown to get here.
Airplane mode in tears: Qantas allows phone use during takeoff and landing
Can we finally say goodbye to airplane mode? Qantas and Virgin Australia on the 26th allowed passengers to use phones and other electronic devices during the flight, even during takeoff and landing!
Want to sit with your friends or family on a flight? Bloggers share 10 top tips
Have you ever had this experience: you board a plane to travel from one city to another, and a passenger with their young child asks if you’d be willing to switch seats. You smile and agree, allowing the father and child to sit together. Not only do you receive their thanks, but you might even get a small snack as a token of gratitude to satisfy your cravings.
96 of the Best Brunches in Taipei – Don’t Miss “Mrs. Pi’s Sandwich”
Every dish at Cat’s Delicious Dream is meticulously crafted by the owner, nicknamed Boss Pi—Ms. Li Pingping. Being a mother herself, she pays special attention to the nutrition and healthiness of her meals, and is very particular about ingredient selection. For instance, the eggs used extensively in the dishes are carefully chosen as “natto eggs” from chickens fed with natural natto bacteria feed. These eggs not only contain the nutrients of natto but also have a more elastic texture than regular eggs.
YouBike Launches at MRT U-Li'an Station – Convenient Bike Ride to Beitou Sports Center
Taipei City YouBike announced the launch of the "MRT U-Li'an" station on August 30, 2014, which is conveniently connected to the Beitou Sports Center Station, making it easier for citizens to access sports facilities.
Iceland's Bardarbunga Volcano Travel Alert Raised to "Orange" – Avoid Non-Essential Travel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 28th that due to frequent earthquakes near Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano, the travel alert level for the area has been raised to "orange" starting today. The rest of Iceland, excluding this area, has been upgraded to a "yellow" alert.
“Airport-type duty-free stores” to enter Tokyo — exempt from consumption tax and tobacco/alcohol taxes
For some people, shopping at airport duty-free stores while abroad is a real delight. And the exciting news is that these “airport-type duty-free stores,” which exempt you from consumption tax, tobacco tax, and alcohol tax, will soon make their debut in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 2015.
Slowly savor the charm of Tainan at Wuman Restaurant, where meals taste like home-cooked goodness
Opened in 2013, "Wuman" originally started as a homestay. However, the owner wanted to offer travelers a more complete and home-like experience. With the owner’s mother being an excellent cook, they decided to set up a dining area in April this year. From neighbors in the nearby residential area to travelers visiting Tainan from afar, everyone can enjoy meals that taste like they’re cooked at home.
Hungary to launch second 'Orient Express' — a $900,000 journey
The classic European 'Orient Express' route is no longer limited to London–Venice alone. Hungary’s national railway company recently announced the launch of a five-star luxury train traveling between Hungary and Iran, making the dream of riding an Orient Express come true for many rail enthusiasts.
Scoot loosens rules – you can still use phones and tablets during takeoff and landing
Scoot announced that starting September 1, 2014, it will relax restrictions on the use of mobile electronic devices on board. From takeoff to landing, passengers will be allowed to use portable electronic devices to watch movies and listen to music.
Cultural and creative industries move into Japanese-era heritage buildings, transforming the fate of Tainan’s Shennong Old Street
Visiting Tainan’s Shennong Street is like stepping into a historical time tunnel. In the early days, this place was known as Beishi Street and is the most well-preserved old street in Tainan City. These old buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty or the Japanese colonial period. Due to property rights issues, renovating them all at once was not easy, which is why they were able to be preserved. With the introduction of cultural and creative as well as artistic industries, people have been given the chance to rediscover Shennong Old Street.
Sold 66,000 BBQ Pork Buns in a Month – Asia’s Largest Tim Ho Wan Officially Opens in Taipei
After a one-month trial operation period, Tim Ho Wan’s first Taiwan branch from Hong Kong officially opened this morning (August 28). Tim Ho Wan founder and head chef Mak Kwai Pui, along with head chef Leung Fai Keung, were also present in Taiwan to preside over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event featured lion dance and drum performances, creating a lively atmosphere.
A light travel experience to the “Iron Triangle Trio” – the hidden gem stations of Qiding, Zaoqiao, and Tanwen
On the 28th, Zhunan Railway Station launched the “Iron Triangle Trio” activity, inviting the public to take a light trip to the three lesser-known nearby stations – Qiding, Zaoqiao, and Tanwen – all close to Zhunan Railway Station. These hidden gem stations offer a rich railway culture and beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can also hunt for event stamps at the three stations; those who collect two or more stamps can exchange them for a collectible railway postcard at Zhunan Railway Station.
€10 per hour — Let Paris’s “street friends” take you to hidden gems not found in books
Who really knows a city best? For Paris, France, the answer might be those often regarded as the “scourge of the city” — the homeless. If you’re tired of the same old sights from travel guides, this alternative “homeless-guided tour” might just show you a different side of the City of Light.
From Bagan to Yangon, viewing the land where Buddha once walked from a bird’s-eye perspective
From Yangon to Bagan, it was an overnight bus that carried me along at a slow and bumpy pace; from Bagan to Yangon, soaring tens of thousands of feet above the sky, I viewed the land where Buddha once walked from a bird’s-eye view.
Outbound group tour prices fluctuate in autumn: Japan and South Korea cherry blossom tours see up to 4,500 yuan increase
As the crisp autumn weather arrives, many travelers choose this as an ideal time to embark on trips. Whether it’s admiring the fall foliage in Japan, South Korea, North America, or Canada, or heading to the Southern Hemisphere to enjoy spring scenery, these options are all popular choices. Various factors contribute to fluctuations in travel prices across regions. To help consumers understand the latest travel price trends, the Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China today (August 29) released reference prices for group tours from October to December.
A must-visit yakiniku specialty spot for meat lovers—huge portions and tender meat
These past few days, my friend said they wanted to celebrate my birthday, so they took me out for a big meal. This time, we chose to dine at Kyuu-nichi Miso Yakiniku N, which is pretty close to the National Museum of Natural Science and not far from Yutorito Yakitori. Who knew there were so many Japanese restaurants around the museum area?
Visiting the Bloody Elizabeth: The Slovak Castle Stained with Virgin’s Blood
In the small town of Cachtice in Slovakia, a centuries-old abandoned castle stands atop a hill, exuding an eerie and sinister atmosphere that makes you feel as if you've stepped onto the set of a Gothic horror film. The notorious serial female killer — Countess Bathory "Elizabeth" — died on August 21 over 400 years ago.
Harry Potter Hidden Tip: Add 100 Yen for a "Frozen" Butterbeer
Since its July opening, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan has attracted countless fans. Popular spots include Ollivanders and Honeydukes. The park’s most famous treat, "Butterbeer," is a must-try. For an extra 100 yen, your Butterbeer can be upgraded to the hidden "Frozen Butterbeer," which is even more refreshing.
The Taiwan International Travel Fair officially opened on August 29 — Japan’s autumn foliage tours are in high demand
The 2014 Taiwan International Travel Fair runs from today (August 29) to September 1 at Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, featuring exhibitors including major travel agencies, tourism offices of various countries stationed in Taiwan, county and city governments, hotels and homestays, as well as food and souvenir vendors, totaling 500 booths.