2012 Getaway Guide: 10 Travel Ideas Coming Your Way

Written/Compiled by Wei Ruiwei | Source/Mook Editorial Department

“No Travel, No Life!” Life without travel can be so dull. With 2012 here, what’s your travel goal for the new year? Just sightseeing is so last season—Up！ “Experiences” are what it’s all about. Maybe you can follow the travel ideas below and start getting ready to go！

1  Experience Farmhouse Life in Hokkaido

Heading to Hokkaido? Just strolling through Otaru, soaking in hot springs in Hakodate, eating local food, or enjoying the flowers around Biei and Furano isn’t quite cutting-edge enough. Why not spend some time staying at a farm and soak in the local vibe—help the farmer feed the lambs, milk the cows, dig up potatoes... chat together. That’s what makes the best travel memories...

[Recommended Farms]

Yorkshire Farm: www.york.co.jp

Country Inn Milky House: www.niseko-milky.com

Tsuru Apartment: www.tsuru-apartments.com

Natural Sha: www.powers.ne.jp/jinensha

2  Treasure Hunting in Singapore’s Old Streets

Beyond the usual tourist spots like Orchard Road, Little India, and Sentosa, if you’re looking for something different, head to Singapore’s old streets. It's like how foreigners love seeking out local flavor when they visit Taiwan. So explore areas like Chinatown—including Pagoda Street, Temple Street, and Tregganu Street... Though also a Chinese community, there’s a distinct Southeast Asian lifestyle, including unique “Singapore-style” architecture. It’s worth savoring this familiar yet refreshingly different old street vibe！

[How to Get There] Take the MRT Northeast Line, get off at Chinatown, and enter Pagoda Street via Exit A to begin your stroll.

3  Ride a Harley Through the Australian Desert

Visiting the world’s largest monolith, Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), and experiencing Aboriginal culture aren’t exactly unique anymore. Since you’ve come all this way, why not embark on a Harley desert adventure！ Let a cool biker take you speeding across Uluru’s red earth at 90 km/h. The refreshing air mixed with the scent of wild red sand creates a unique landscape you’ll see through the chemistry of speed and nature！

[Sign-Up Info]

Uluru Motorcycle Tours: www.ulurucycles.com

4  Dive Into the World of Angry Birds

The globally popular Angry Birds—if you’re crazy about the game, collecting character cases, or buying merchandise, why not actually go to Finland? Experience the architecture, art, and lifestyle that inspired such creativity. You might even find some unexpected new inspiration that could change your life！ And if the real Angry Birds theme park is ready by then, you can be among the first to check it out！

[Travel Info]

No Schengen visa is required for Finland right now, but there are no direct flights—you’ll need to transit through Hong Kong, Bangkok, or other cities. For more info, contact a travel agency or the Swedish Trade Council Taipei Office (which handles visas for both Sweden and Finland). Phone: 02-2757-6573