Travel
Even Slam Dunk’s characters couldn’t bear to say goodbye – Enoshima’s most beautiful light display “Shonan Jewels” debuts
The winter light festival “Shonan Jewels,” the most popular event on Enoshima known for its Slam Dunk railway and Cat Island, officially lit up on the evening of the 29th. From now until February 1, 2015, visitors can enjoy the dazzling lights glowing in the darkness.
Taiwan Ranks Among Top 10 Emerging Travel Destinations; Taipei Named No. 4 for "Great Food and Fun"
Taiwan has made the list again！A British travel website recently released its 2015 ranking of the world’s top 10 emerging travel destinations, with Taipei securing the 4th spot thanks to its "great food and fun" appeal. From Beitou Hot Springs and Shilin night market delicacies to beef noodles and Wufenpu shopping, all have been highlighted by international websites as must-visit spots for foreign tourists.
Water cups are actually the dirtiest thing in a hotel room — 5 secrets about "housekeeping and hotel cleaning" you didn't know
When traveling abroad, no matter how messy your hotel room gets, it always magically returns to a clean and tidy state by the time you return in the evening — all thanks to the unsung heroes behind the scenes: housekeeping staff. According to a report by US media outlet US Today, it not only debunks common misconceptions about housekeepers but also reveals some insider truths about the hospitality industry.
The University of Geneva is bathed in golden yellow—“seasonal limited” autumn travel in Europe
What’s the best season to visit Europe? Many might think the warm summer is the ideal time, but autumn travel in Europe can also reveal a unique kind of beauty. At the University of Geneva in Switzerland during autumn, it’s the season when ginkgo trees turn yellow. Looking across the campus, golden hues are scattered everywhere, complementing the desolate charm of fall and offering an exceptionally poetic atmosphere.
Cathay Pacific launches super value early bird fares – discounts on 35 cities
Looking for cheap flights? Check this out！Cathay Pacific and Dragonair have launched a special early bird promotion starting today, available for two or more travelers. Selected discounted fares are offered for 35 cities. The booking window runs from December 1 to December 31, 2014, with travel dates from March 4 to March 31, 2015, and April 14 to June 17.
Taiwan-South Korea Tourism Exchange Reaches 1 Million Visits in November
Taiwan and South Korea achieved 1 million mutual tourist visits in November this year (2014)! The Tourism Bureau stated that Taiwan-South Korea tourism exchanges have officially entered the "million-member club," and with this momentum in the global tourism trend, the bilateral tourism exchange will continue to surge toward the next million.
Long-haul flights take off with 777s！ China Airlines' 777-300ER departs for Los Angeles today
777 begins nonstop long-haul service！ Starting December 1, China Airlines will operate the Taipei–Los Angeles route with its new 777-300ER aircraft, offering 40 fully flat-bed seats in Premium Business Class, 62 spacious seats in Premium Economy Class, and 256 seats in Economy Class, accommodating a total of 358 passengers.
A Whimsical Tainan Homestay: Bringing Fairy Tales into Every Room
Yay-hoo！Remember when I last took everyone to the whimsical Tainan homestay, Dili Cottage? I really loved their cute, vivid, and cozy environment. Unexpectedly, in September this year, the owner opened “Dili Cottage Second Branch,” located on Section 1, Lin’an Road, Tainan City — not too far from the first branch and also close to delicious street food spots!“The most amazing thing about Dili Cottage Second Branch” is that they’ve brought fairy tales right into the rooms—like Snow White...
2015 Korea Shopping Festival Kicks Off – Discounts Up to 70% Off & Special Hotel Deals
Korea’s largest shopping and sightseeing festival, the “2015 Korea Shopping Festival,” officially launched on December 1. Running for 84 consecutive days, the event features 135 participating businesses with over 28,000 outlets offering discounts as high as 70% off.
A retro industrial-style coffee shop in Tamsui with hundreds of square feet of cozy space
Tamsui has always been a great spot for Taipei residents to unwind. Just a short metro ride away—no more than a few minutes—you can escape the concrete jungle and arrive at a place where you can enjoy mountain views, ocean vistas, and sunsets. That’s why, even though it’s often bustling with visitors, it remains a popular leisure destination for locals in northern Taiwan. After strolling along Tamsui Old Street, when you’re tired and want to take a break, finding a café to sit in is a great choice. This time, I discovered P Café located on Zhongzheng Road on Tamsui Old Street...
A romantic date spot for couples — The Izu Lover's Cape "Bell of Love" rings three times to seal love
When it comes to Lover's Cape, many people think of Guam. But in Japan, there is also a “Lover's Cape Nature Park” by the Doi Gold Mine Beach on the western coast of Izu, Shizuoka. Just a short walk along the entrance path leads you to the “Bell of Love” and the “Bell of Gold,” where couples can ring the bell three times to witness their love. In addition, from the observation deck of the Bell of Love, you can enjoy a distant view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay, making the reputation of the “Shizuoka Lover's Cape” increasingly well-known!
News Flash / V Air's Bangkok-Chiang Mai 3-day tickets on sale 10,000 one-way tickets with tax for NT$520
Since the launch of V Air’s “Most Epic Maiden Flight – You Set the Price” online campaign on November 21, it quickly garnered over 200,000 participants within 10 days, achieving a first in Taiwan’s low-cost airline history where the inaugural flight discount price was determined by netizens. This resulted in an ultra-low fare of NT$520 (one-way, including fuel surcharge) for the inaugural flights to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Japanese 7-Eleven outlets cash in on tourism boom; to sell various duty-free items next year
To attract foreign travelers' spending, Japanese convenience store 7-Eleven began offering tax-exempt deals at two of its stores—one in Asakusa, Tokyo, and another in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto—from yesterday (the 1st). In recent years, an increasing number of department stores and supermarkets in Japan have introduced duty-free services, but this marks the first time convenience stores have joined the trend.
A three-Michelin-starred chef makes a guest appearance at Passerina Restaurant — a meal costs NT$15,000, and bookings are filling up fast
A dinner costs NT$15,000 here. This is for the “Burgundy Three-Michelin-Starred Guest Chef Banquet” hosted by French restaurant Passerina, featuring guest chef Eric Pras, a three-Michelin-starred chef from the Michelin Guide, who is in Taiwan for a limited time. The event runs from December 3 to December 7, with a total of 10 seatings over five days. Lunch is NT$12,500 per person and dinner is NT$15,000 per person. The bookings were fully reserved after just one and a half months of opening reservations.
Los Angeles to Tokyo in just 6 hours? New jetliners spark a revolution in air travel
Tired of the discomfort of long-haul flights? A new wave of aviation revolution is quietly underway. According to the UK's Daily Mail, two newly developed jets in the United States are focused on breaking the speed barrier for commercial aircraft, reducing transatlantic flight times from New York to London from 7–8 hours down to just 3 hours — and Los Angeles to Tokyo in just 6 hours.
Travel to Aowanda to See the “Maple” Scenery – Forestry Bureau Promotes Eco-Friendly Tourism That Saves Time and Money
To make it easier for the public to enjoy the stunning autumn foliage at Aowanda Forest Recreation Area, Nantou Bus has specially arranged shuttle buses that run on holidays, offering a more convenient transportation option. The Forestry Bureau has also selected multiple transportation and accommodation providers to join the service, giving the public access to discounted and high-quality travel experiences.
Taiwan's tourist arrivals hit a new record as the 9 millionth visitor arrives at Taoyuan Airport this afternoon
Following the milestone of 8 million international visitors to Taiwan last year (2013), Taiwan’s tourism industry has once again set a new record this year (2014). At 3:45 p.m. on the 2nd, the 9 millionth visitor to Taiwan, Mr. Law Tik-pui from Hong Kong, arrived at Taoyuan Airport on an EVA Air BR868 flight. Deputy Director-General Chang Hsi-tsung of the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications presented a lion dance performance and bouquet on-site to express Taiwan’s warm welcome to tourists, and invited him to attend the official welcoming press conference tomorrow.
China Airlines flight attendants' desk calendar features Chen Qiaoen & Co., highlights “warm smiles”
China Airlines' 2015 corporate desk calendar makes its grand finale debut. With six themed photos centered around the airline’s “warm smiles,” the calendar showcases the friendly and safe corporate culture of China Airlines through the smiles of its six calendar ambassadors. In addition to spreading positivity, the corporate calendar also integrates charitable efforts as part of the company’s social responsibility. China Airlines has specially prepared a calendar giveaway initiative to infuse a philanthropic element into the desk calendar.
The first cold front arrives, bringing 12.7°C in Tamsui and “rain mixed with snow” on Hehuanshan
The first cold front of winter arrived on the 2nd. The Central Weather Bureau stated today that abundant moisture led to snowfall starting at 6:25 AM on Yushan, accumulating 0.5 cm, while Hehuanshan also began experiencing “rain mixed with snow.” The strong continental cold front brought a chilly start to the day across Taiwan, with Tamsui recording the season’s lowest temperature of 12.7°C, followed by 13.3°C in Xinzhuang, Taoyuan, and 13.5°C in Yilan, Hsinchu, and Wuchi.
Overseas tour prices surge during winter break and Chinese New Year; Japan the most expensive with hikes up to NT$20,000, South Korea at least NT$3,000
Tour group prices always see the steepest increases during the winter break and Chinese New Year holidays every year. The Travel Quality Assurance Association of the Republic of China today announced reference prices for tour groups from January to March next year, with winter and Chinese New Year trips to South Korea and Southeast Asia rising by over NT$3,000, and trips to Japan starting from an increase of NT$5,000.