Travel
It's a rare trip, so you want to indulge in delicious food? But high-calorie foods during travel can be scary.
A recent report from the UK's Daily Mail revealed high-calorie foods commonly consumed while traveling. Many people might think that since it's a rare trip, they should definitely try the local cuisine. However, this mindset may not be entirely correct. Exploiting travelers' psychology, these low-quality, high-calorie foods continue to flood the market. Gaining a lot of unhealthy weight over a seven or eight-day trip— is it really worth it?
JAL Promotion Extended: Round-Trip Flights to Japan for New Year’s & Snow Viewing from Just ¥8,500
Japan Airlines’ earlier promotion on popular Japanese travel routes launched in May was well-received, and now the offer has been extended. Tickets issued from now until November 30 can enjoy the lowest fares with no fuel surcharge. The promotion covers travel dates up to December 31, 2017 (excluding January 20–February 7, March 23–April 5, and June 25–August 26, 2017). Round-trip flights from Taoyuan to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya start from just ¥8,500.
Saving the tourism industry: The Tourism Bureau to launch an expanded domestic travel program in mid-October
With a significant drop in Mainland Chinese tour groups severely impacting the domestic tourism industry, the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced that it will allocate approximately NT$100 million in mid-October to encourage travel agencies to launch domestic travel packages through differentiated subsidies. Special additional subsidies will be provided to counties and cities hit hardest by the decline in Mainland Chinese visitors, aiming to help Taiwan’s travel industry seize the opportunity for transformation.
Riding from Taichung to Beppu, Japan: Taiwan-Japan Cycling Routes Partner to Promote Bike & Hot Spring Tours
Following the announcement at this year’s “2016 Taichung Hot Springs Festival” that a regular charter flight from Taichung to Beppu Airport in Japan would commence on September 15, the Taichung City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau has recently teamed up with the Bicycle Research and Development Center and cycling groups to visit Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, to propose an alliance between Taichung’s “Dongfeng Bicycle Green Corridor–Houfeng Bicycle Path” and Japan’s “Yabakei Bicycle Path.” This collaboration aims to expand exchanges beyond hot spring tourism to include cycling travel.
South Korea’s popular Andong jjimdak brand, Fengchu, to hold trial sales on October 13th — on-site queuing only
The trial sale date for “Fengchu,” the top Korean brand of authentic Andong jjimdak, has been confirmed. Fengchu’s official Facebook page announced today (the 3rd) that trial sales will begin on October 13th. Since it’s a trial period in October, reservations are not accepted — customers must line up on-site. As for bookings in November, the official will announce details later.
How to Cycle Around Taiwan? Travel Books and Apps Help Make Your Dream Come True
The annual “Taiwan Cycling Festival” series of events will kick off on October 8, and the most eye-catching offerings are the “Bicycle Round-the-Island Travel Book” and the “Round-the-Island Cycling Dream App,” both developed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Institute of Transportation over two years. These resources compile the Route 1 Island-Circling Network and an 11-day cycling itinerary, allowing the public to realize their dream of cycling around Taiwan with just a book or an app.
Limited autumn scenery: Vast orange persimmon-drying fields become a rustic Taiwanese beauty
When it comes to autumn foods, besides the mouthwatering, plump and rich crabs, sweet and delicious persimmons are also an essential seasonal treat. Soft and chewy fresh persimmons, once ripe, can be dried into tasty dried persimmons. The traditional persimmon-drying process, captured from above by aerial photographers, showcases the classic charm of Taiwan.
8–10 plump oysters · Tianjiwu’s newly customized Oyster N< Set Meal
Japanese cuisine adjusts ingredients according to the season. Renowned for its use of seasonal produce, Tianjiwu has launched a special Oyster N< featuring domestic oysters as the star of the autumn menu. To highlight the joy of enjoying a hearty bite of oysters, Chef Yoshihara, the head chef from Japan, uses 8–10 or more juicy oysters in each bowl of rice. The oysters are coated with a thin batter mixed with green onions to make crispy mixed tempura. The set also comes with hot dashi udon for dipping. The set meal is priced at NT$360.
Gudetama Restaurant Begins Soft Launch on October 8, Online Reservations Open on October 5
The highly anticipated themed restaurant “Gudetama Chef – Gudetama Five-Star Chef Restaurant” will begin its soft launch on October 8. The official announcement also states that online reservations will open at 11:00 AM on October 5. The reservation period is from October 8 to November 30. Online reservations must be made and prepaid via EZTABLE.
The world’s largest origami exhibition is in Tainan！Starting October 5th, it will redefine your idea of origami.
The world’s largest origami exhibition is in Tainan！The Chimei Museum’s new special exhibition “Paper Miracle—Origami Art and Science” opens on the 5th. With works from over 20 countries and 63 participating organizations, the exhibition features nearly 400 pieces. Don’t think of origami as just dull artwork—this special exhibition will showcase the geometric beauty of origami, integrating fashion, aerospace, and medicine all in one, giving you a whole new perspective and revealing origami’s endless possibilities.
The Sole Survivor of War: "Wat Si Saket" and Its Unringable Bell That Draws Visitors
When it comes to must-visit attractions in Laos’ capital, Wat Si Saket is definitely on the list. With a history of nearly 200 years, Wat Si Saket is currently the only temple in Vientiane that was spared from the ravages of war. It not only served as a hiding place for tens of thousands of Buddha statues, but also features a bronze bell standing near the entrance of the main hall. Legend has it that the bell only rings when touched by someone with a special connection, making it a unique experience for visitors.
Only once a year！EVA Air’s online travel fair kicks off on the 5th with flights to Okinawa from just NT$3,888
EVA Air’s annual online travel fair officially begins at 00:00 on October 5th！This year’s theme, “Play Big with One Ticket,” features limited-time super deals to as many as 60 flight destinations, surpassing last year’s 35% discount with unbeatable fares starting at up to 46% off, and will draw the highly anticipated “Unlimited Flights for a Year” grand prize for four consecutive weeks.
Tokyo and Seoul travel package for just 11,000 NTDs only — Cathay Pacific’s 1+1 Half-Price Combo Deal
No need to wait for a travel buddy to enjoy discounted fares — Cathay Pacific / Dragonair launches the Freedom Travel Pass, featuring 50 carefully selected global cities. Mix and match short-haul and long-haul routes as you like, and instantly get up to 50% off the original fare. Achieve two dream trips with just one person’s effort!
Seoul International Fireworks Festival Kicks Off in 8 Days, Featuring K-Pop Stars to Light Up the Han River Night Sky
The annual Seoul International Fireworks Festival (서울세계불꽃축제) is back again this year. On the evening of October 8th, over 100,000 dazzling fireworks will illuminate the night sky over Seoul’s Han River at Yeouido Hangang Park in Yeongdeungpo District. This year’s fireworks show will feature performance teams from Japan, Spain, and Korea, along with appearances by famous K-pop stars such as B1A4, I.O.I, and Mamamoo, who will take the stage alongside the fireworks to light up Yeouido Hangang Park.
Just 10 minutes from the airport – Experience French-style romance in a tropical Laos oasis
As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang not only preserves intact traditional Lao culture but also exudes French romantic charm in every corner due to its colonial past. The Luang Say Residence, located just a 10-minute drive from Luang Prabang Airport, feels almost entirely embraced by a jungle oasis. Its rooms, housed within Lao-style architecture, feature elegant and vintage French designs that instantly captivate visitors with their tranquil ambiance.
Donuts Go Trick-or-Treating: Krispy Kreme Launches 5 Halloween Limited-Edition Treats
Halloween is just around the corner, and this year Krispy Kreme has unveiled five limited-edition Halloween-themed doughnuts. The lineup includes four spooky designs — Frankenstein, a mummy, Mr. Pumpkin, and a one-eyed little monster — plus a colorful Purple Sweet Potato Delight inspired by Halloween hues. All designs except the one-eyed little monster will hit stores on October 5, while the one-eyed little monster launches on October 26.
Taiwan goes crazy for Ippudo Ramen – mass-market stores to launch instant Ippudo Ramen packs first
It was just recently reported that Ippudo Ramen will make its debut in Taiwan in the fall of 2017. Carrefour has secured official authorization and will sell instant Ippudo Ramen and Ippudo Cold Noodles in Taiwan from October 5 to October 18. A nationwide limited quantity of 7,000 boxes (each box contains 5 packs) is available, with each priced at NT$699.
New late-night snack options in Kaohsiung: sweet cotton candy grilled cheese toast and crispy pickled egg pancakes
Night owls have a new spot to hang out for meals... Hot and delicious food is available even late at night. This alleyway late-night snack spot offers a variety of Hong Kong-style dim sum, crispy egg pancakes, fried snacks, cotton candy grilled cheese... A diverse selection to satisfy your cravings—both savory and sweet, it’s simply delightful！No need to settle for convenience store fast food when hunger strikes in the middle of the night XD
Tainan boasts over 600 types of street food — The Tainan Food Festival kicks off on the 9th, showcasing true "kung fu"
The "2016 Tainan Food Festival" will run from October 9 to December 1, with this year’s theme centered around "kung fu." The event will feature five major series of activities, and will incorporate pork floss into a popular real-life escape game, allowing visitors to explore Tainan’s food culture from unique perspectives.
Viral among 45,000 netizens who follow it religiously — the ever-crowded “Nuofu” rice cake
In small steaming cups and bowls, crystal-clear sesame oil rice cakes are served. Gently pried apart with chopsticks, the aroma of wine wafts through the air. The owner learned the craft from their grandmother and was determined to pass on this “exclusive old-time flavor.” They started peddling around the streets on an old bicycle, and everyone who tried it couldn’t stop praising it. Word-of-mouth spread quickly, making it wildly popular. To date, its Facebook page has amassed 45,000 fans and continues to grow.