Travel Expo Series Report / Christmas, Honeymoon, and Year-End Holiday Deals Galore

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF) is set to kick off next Friday (11/11). This edition of the fair not only features an expanded scale, but also offers unbeatable travel packages from tourism bureaus and travel agencies to attract consumers planning trips for Chinese New Year, year-end holidays, or honeymoons. Shoppers looking to snag these great deals should check out the discounts on offer before heading to the fair.

Japan, which has consistently had the most booths at international travel expos, is offering attractive packages this time, such as Southeast Travel’s “Tokyo Player Free & Easy 5 Days 4 Nights” travel fair price starting at NT$10,900. Notably, Southeast Travel will select a “common name” each day — travelers with that name (same pronunciation, different characters allowed) can enjoy a NT$2,000 discount upon registration with ID. On 11/11 it’s Ya-Wen and Jun-Hong, 11/12 is Ya-Ting and Zhi-Wei, 11/13 is Xin-Yi and Jia-Hao, and 11/14 is Yi-Jun and Zhi-Hao. In Northeast Asia, the Korea Pavilion / Metropolitan Travel offers the “Five-Star Silver Double Snow Fantasy World Korea 6-Day Tour” starting at NT$12,800 (all 5-star hotel stays, no hidden fees, includes Nanta Show, all-you-can-eat meals, and half-price for kids), while Kangfu Travel is also offering a limited “Korea Ski, Everland, Caribbean Bay, BIBAP Bibimbap Show 5-Day Tour” with an on-site discounted price starting at NT$15,999 (tax included).

For spontaneous getaways to Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Pavilion is offering a 3-day 2-night trip for NT$8,888. For those wanting to experience the romantic atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Winterfest, San Duo Travel has a limited-time Christmas departure package: 3 days 2 nights staying at the 5-star Grand Hyatt Hotel, NT$15,900 per person (tax included) for double occupancy. For those planning New Year’s Eve, winter break, or Chinese New Year trips, Southeast Travel exclusively offers the “Shining Hong Kong & Shenzhen – Hong Kong Disneyland + OCT East 4-Day Tour,” departing on 12/29, 30, 31, at a special price of NT$14,800 (tax included). Want to ring in the New Year in London? Shan Fu Travel is offering a chance to join the world’s largest New Year’s parade with the British royal family for just NT$69,900 (tax included), with an extra NT$5,000 discount for the second person registered on-site.

With the marriage boom sparked by the Republic of China Centennial, travel agencies are jumping on the trend. Chen Guo Travel is offering a NT$5,000 discount for on-site wedding package bookings, plus chances to win NT$12,000 in travel vouchers and free stays at Hilton hotels through lucky draws. Looking for an unforgettable honeymoon? Lion Travel’s South American-themed tour “Once in a Lifetime – Argentina, Peru, Brazil: The Essence of the Mysterious Southern Trio 15-Day Tour” features a classic carnival itinerary, with a NT$19,000 discount for the second traveler. Or head on a safari in South Africa — Master Travel is offering an immediate NT$5,000 discount on South Africa tours booked on-site, plus a chance to win a 30-point naked diamond. Similarly known for its nature experiences, Malaysia is holding a NT$1 auction every day during the fair. The first 100 travelers to purchase packages during the travel fair will also receive NT$2,000 in instantly redeemable product vouchers.