My Taipei (Virtual) Vacation

Here I lucratively planned a solo trip by researching a safe place for solo travel. This time I chose a Taipei because I have been there (even solo trip for a day) and wanted to take more of the experience I put on the bucket-list. Overall, Taipei is a safe city for women, families, friends, romantic (honeymoon trip), and even solo travelers.

I started by traveling abroad annually to enhance my learning experience needed for the cultural/social/economic perspective and improve my overall health.

If you decide to go to Taipei, what will you experience yourself?

I could experience myself with various seafood, street food, climbing up the Taipei 101 to see the astonishing view of Taipei (observatory deck), and exploring Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Besides seeing these important sights, I also have a night out with some of the hostelers to eat Taiwanese dinner, just when my friends/cousins went out to try out some varieties of foods, smells, and tastes. In July 2015, I took a day off to explore the sights on my own when my family was traveling there to see the sights. I also experience the tastes of Cassava and Spareribs Soup, along with some traditional Taiwanese dishes and cuisine. There are some English speakers, but people in Taiwan are much friendlier and helpful. Finally, it is easier for me to explore and get around Taipei since it is a safe city for solo travel.

If you aren’t traveling due to COVID-19, what are your options?

I created this itinerary and wrote this blog about Taipei’s solo travel immersive experience.

Here is the video I watched during the virtual tour of Taipei:

Taipei, Taiwan Virtual Tour

Based on the video, I am confident myself I need to embrace from the comfort zone to create this blog instead of traveling abroad amid coronavirus.

What is your trip plan if the COVID-19 pandemic did not happen?

I could have travel solo to Taipei, Taiwan, late August 2020 for 6 days.

Here are some pictures of my trip (Virtual Taipei Vacation).

1st row Left to Right: Raohe Night Market (饶河街观光夜市), Lover’s Bridge (情人橋) at Tamshi Fisherman’s Wharf (漁人碼頭), and the Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水福容大飯店).

2nd row Left to Right: Taipei 101 (台北101), National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), and Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf boardwalk – 漁人碼頭觀景平台.

3rd row Left to Right: Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence (臺北士林官邸), my selfie at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂), and National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine (國民革命忠烈祠(臺北忠烈祠)).

4th row Left to Right: Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Factory (Ceiling), Shifen Old Street (十分老街), and Jingan Suspension Bridge (靜安吊橋).

My Instagram post (@ipowerstravel):

My virtual vacation to Taipei.

My Itinerary (were to travel if pandemic did not happen):

  • Day 1 – Arrival at Taipei
    • Pass through the immigration process at the airport
    • Private Airport Transfer (KKday) to Dan Hostel
    • Checked in at the Dan Hostel (丹居青旅)
  • Day 2 – A whole new experience at Taipei
    • Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區) (Brunch at street food – NT$100)
    • National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine
    • Ximending Walking District (西門町徒步區) (I budgeted NT$7,400)
      • Grocery Shopping at JASONS Market Place (台北寶慶店) (I budgeted NT$1,000)
    • Dinner at hostel (from groceries)
  • Day 3 – 1st day with a group of female solo travelers
    • Drove to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf – Breakfast during the commute
      • Took a picture of the Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
      • Cross the Lover’s Bridge (Picture)
      • Took a picture of the Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf boardwalk – 漁人碼頭觀景平台
    • Drove back to Taipei for a fun, exciting must-see attraction/experience
      • Lunch (Din Tai Fung) together at the Taipei 101/shopping (Budgeted NT$1,500)
      • Climb up the Taipei 101 (Observatory) – Admission fee (NT$600)
    • National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院)
    • Vigor Kobo Pineapple Cake Tour
      • Taste the best piece of pineapple flavored cake, desserts, etc. (Brought a pineapple cake home)
    • Raohe Night Market (dinner together – we had Taiwanese soup) (Suggested budget NT$200)
      • Had a delicious dinner together (street food – different tastes)
    • Return the designated subway station or hotel/hostel for a good night’s sleep
  • Day 4 – 2nd day with a group of female solo travelers
    • Drove to Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) for excursion (Budgeted NT$150) – Breakfast during the commute
    • Shifen Old Street (Lunch as a group) (Budgeted NT$100)
      • Sky Lanterns with the group (Budgeted NT$100-200 based on colors)
      • Took a picture of Jingan Suspension Bridge
      • Cross the Jingan Suspension bridge.
    • Drove back to Taipei, and some return the designated subway station or hotel/hostel
    • Dinner at the Hostel
  • Day 5 – Chiang Kai-Shek
    • Breakfast at the hostel (Dan hostel doesn’t include breakfast – brought my own)
    • Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
      • Took some pictures, including my selfie
    • Wistaria Tea House (紫藤廬) for lunch
    • Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence – Admission fee (NT$100)
    • Shida Night Market (師大夜市) for dinner, met with locals and travelers (Suggested budget NT$150-200)
  • Day 6 – Departure! See ya, Taipei
    • Checked out at Dan Hostel
    • Private Airport Transfer to Airport
    • Check-in at the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (臺灣桃園國際機場) – Breakfast at the airport

What is your conclusion?

Since I will travel abroad annually, I felt confidence without worrying about my old memories from my bad experiences. I moved forward to my prospective future with my goal, ambition, and divine. I will do the virtual vacation for next year too.

Overall, vacations (including virtual vacations) boost mental health, especially during the pandemic.

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