Travel
Robot bartenders and bumper cars at sea — 9 top cruise innovations in 2014
Taking a cruise is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel globally. Visiting multiple countries in one trip and enjoying top-tier cruise facilities are experiences that flying simply can’t replace. In the past, cruises offered little more than shows and dining spaces, but today’s cruise ships boast technology-driven amenities that are beyond imagination. Below is a report from U.S. media outlet USToday highlighting cruise features. Next time you have the chance to go on a cruise, be sure to take these opportunities to experience them.
Free pineapple cakes and chocolates for you to enjoy! Taipei Tourism Passport coupons help you save while you explore.
The Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism released the 2015 edition of the "Taipei Pass Taipei Tourism Passport" brochure on the 19th. With the coupon, you can exchange for 11 Taiwan-themed gifts such as pineapple cakes, hydrangea tea, and iron-rich crackers without any additional purchase. Additionally, you can access over NT$30,000 in discount vouchers from 94 merchants, covering food, accommodation, and tourist attractions.
Daxi Bursting Beef Pie — The steaming, rich aroma is irresistible and keeps you coming back for more
Back when I lived in Daxi, my go-to takeout was probably Er Mu Yuan. Because it was close to home, whenever I craved something, I’d just walk there to eat. I hadn’t been here for about three years, but passing by the Daxi Interchange that day reminded me of that great taste, so I immediately headed over for a nostalgic meal.
Top 10 Most Desired Travel Destinations of 2014: Hualien's Liushitou Mountain and the Arctic Take the Crown
A well-known domestic travel group held a voting campaign where "Liushitou Mountain’s Golden Needle Flower Sea" in Fuli, Hualien—known as Taiwan’s Little Switzerland—and the “Arctic” topped the list as the most desired domestic and international travel destinations among netizens, respectively. The organizers also conducted votes on three major themes: “The Most Insightful Independent Travel Guide,” “The Most Impactful Lifestyle Documentation,” and more.
![[Poll] Where do you want to ring in the New Year? 80% of netizens choose the City Government’s New Year’s Eve countdown party](https://www.howtotrip.net/travel/pic/20171201/27d1257380558755a31694b7b32e99c0.jpg)
[Poll] Where do you want to ring in the New Year? 80% of netizens choose the City Government’s New Year’s Eve countdown party
As 2015 is approaching, many people have probably already planned where to celebrate New Year's Eve on December 31, 2014. Recently, ETtoday EBC conducted a "2015 New Year's Eve Destination Survey," and the results showed that over 80% of respondents plan to attend New Year’s Eve parties hosted by local county and city governments, with Taipei City taking the lead at 30%. Meanwhile, nearly 50% of those not attending countdown events said they would spend New Year’s Eve at home.
The cute craze sweeps through Xinyi District！The irresistible Aranzi Cafe
Taipei’s Xinyi District has so many delicious afternoon tea options to choose from. If you’re planning to hang out with your besties, Pingzi recommends taking Exit 2 of Taipei City Hall MRT Station and heading straight up the escalator at Hankyu Department Store to the 4F. This Aranzi Cafe is an absolutely adorable little shop that girls will go crazy for.
The world’s longest underground river: an 8-kilometer dark cave holds a “natural condom”
The rise in popularity of Palawan in the Philippines comes from its title as the “best island in the world,” but this place is even more astonishing than travelers imagine. A winding river hidden deep in the mountains, stretching 8 kilometers, is the “world’s longest underground river” and has been designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site; as visitors drift deeper into the mountain rivers on wooden rafts like characters in a wilderness reality show, they even discover a massive natural “condom”?
“Taipei’s Back Garden” Features a Red Heart-Shaped Lake — Looks Like a Strawberry Cake from Afar
As the year draws to a close and Christmas approaches, this year the Taipei City Department of Urban Development has specially decorated the Twin Hearts Lake in the Baishihu Community of Neihu, known as “Taipei’s Back Garden,” with multicolored poinsettias to celebrate the holiday season, offering the public a chance for a romantic red-themed light trip over the weekend.
The “Lady of Taiwan Railways” Transforms into a Cruise-Style Train to Welcome the First Light of the New Year
The CT273, an iconic steam locomotive known as the “Lady of Taiwan Railways,” now has a new way to charm travelers. On the 19th, Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) announced that starting from January 1, 2015, the CT273 will operate as a cruise-style train, taking passengers on a scenic journey along the North-Link Railway. Its very first trip will whisk travelers straight to the east coast to witness the first light of the New Year.
Crullers with pandan sauce!? A unique taste you can only find in Thailand
Crullers with pandan sauce — although pandan leaves are one of Thailand’s famous local products, the combination of crullers with pandan sauce is something I’d never seen before. The unique pairing and flavor were truly astonishing...
A feast for the eyes and taste buds: The must-order rose sashimi at Yitian Izakaya
Because I occasionally live in different cities and have a habit of staying up late, I always find some favorite late-night snack stalls in every place. Actually, it’s getting harder to get a table at popular late-night eateries that stay open later these days. I don’t know why there are so many people like me who stay up all night, but this 【Tokyo Yitian Izakaya】 on Haitian Road in Tainan is one of those places I occasionally crave and am willing to queue up for when I’m back home...
Winter Solstice is here！Come to the "Yilan Hot Spring Festival" and enjoy 2,000 free servings of glutinous rice balls
As Winter Solstice approaches, the ongoing "Winter Love Yilan Hot Spring Festival" will hold a Winter Solstice glutinous rice ball event at Jiaoxi Theater on the 21st. The event will also feature fun competitions such as glutinous rice ball scooping, with winners receiving rewards like hot spring inn vouchers.
Cash flow problems strike again as two travel agencies in Yuanhe and Fuxia suddenly shut down, leaving 1,300 travelers' holidays in ruins
Another travel agency goes bust! The “Yuanhe Travel Agency” and “Fuxia Travel Agency” in Taipei City have unexpectedly ceased operations due to poor management starting from the 19th, leaving over 1,300 travelers unable to go abroad as planned. The Tourism Bureau stated that these two are affiliated businesses, and their financial difficulties arose from personal bank loans and unpaid debts to other industry players, prompting them to voluntarily report that they could no longer operate.
Stick to healthy, natural magical curry & enjoy free refills of rice and curry
What kind of curry shop can stand firm in the Taipei Main Station area for 11 years? Located on B1 of Caesar Park Hotel, Magical Curry insists on using natural spices to make its curry sauce—rich in flavor but not overly spicy. If you can’t get enough, you can add more rice and curry sauce, making it very popular among students.
Local Exclusive Alert！10 Weird Hidden Fast Food Items You’ve Never Heard Of
Have you ever walked into a local 7-11 while traveling abroad and found that the items for sale are completely different from those in Taiwan? Beyond 7-11, many global chain stores actually offer some “local exclusive” surprises.
A Superb Collection of Breakfast Spots in Tainan That’ll Fuel Your Morning!
At 5 a.m., just finishing an all-night karaoke session at Cashbox and dragging my tired body home, I thought—what better time to swing by Xiaolin Road for a bowl of “Liuqian Beef Soup.” Those who haven’t tried it often hesitate upon seeing the place, looking surprised. But once that rich, savory beef broth hits their lips, they end up finishing the whole bowl and then holding it out to ask the owner for a refill.
Celebrate Christmas with Tangyuan (sweet rice balls)! The Yingge Ceramics Museum makes two wishes come true in one go.
As the end of 2014 approaches, followed by the Winter Solstice and Christmas, the Yingge Ceramics Museum will hold a Neighborhood Festival on December 20, inviting the public to gather and enjoy tangyuan together. In addition, there will be Christmas activities for everyone to participate in, hoping to bring warmth during the cold winter.
Experience the Spirit of Japanese Bushido: Kaohsiung’s “Budokan” Reopens to Recapture Its Former Glory
You don’t have to go all the way to Japan to experience the martial spirit of Japanese bushido — you can now feel it right here in Kaohsiung. The Qishan Budokan, an 80-year-old historical structure, was destroyed in a mysterious fire in 1994 but has finally been restored to its former appearance today (the 21st).
Free WiFi and Luggage Storage – The Shinsaibashi Multi-Function Traveler Service Center Has Opened
Dotonbori, home to the iconic Glico Running Man signboard, and the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street have long been popular spots for shopping and gourmet food among visitors to Osaka. To better serve travelers, a new Kansai Traveler Service Center has now been established here. It offers not only free WiFi but also luggage storage, one-day pass sales, and answers to all kinds of travel-related questions!
Kaohsiung’s "Lee’s Trading Company" sells food? It serves healthy, locally-sourced brunches.
Even Google isn’t all-knowing—sometimes you need to use the secret trick of “asking friends.” A netizen recommended Lee’s Trading Company in Kaohsiung, which doesn’t look like a restaurant at first glance. But after a quick search, I found out it’s actually a super popular brunch spot that serves wholesome, healthy meals made with fresh, local ingredients—just my kind of food. I usually go right when the place opens, but that day I overslept. Plus, it was Saturday—their busiest meat day—and as a result, I ended up waiting in line for a while.