Taiwan: Your Dream Destination Just Got More Affordable!

Explore Paradise Without Breaking the Bank: Taiwan Tops the Charts as the Cheapest Travel Hotspot.

Good news, budget travelers! Taiwan has been crowned the most affordable travel destination globally, according to a recent recommendation from NerdWallet. This makes Taiwan an irresistible option for savvy globetrotters.

The San Francisco-based personal finance company highlighted Taiwan as the number one destination for budget-conscious travelers, citing the visa-free entry for US tourists and the incredible value for money. Imagine enjoying a delicious meal for under US$10! Transportation is also incredibly affordable, with bus rides in Taipei costing less than US$0.50 and subway rides starting at just US$0.60. The firm added that Taiwan’s public transport is remarkably easy to navigate.

Picture: Ann Wang, Reuters

Taiwan is a food lover's paradise, offering a vibrant culinary scene with inexpensive breakfast stalls and bustling night markets. Beyond the famous bubble tea, pineapple cakes, and the iconic Taipei 101, visitors can explore the natural beauty of Yangmingshan National Park and unwind in the hot springs of Beitou (北投).

Getting to Taiwan is easier than ever. US tourists can choose from flights offered by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, alongside three major Taiwanese airlines: China Airlines Ltd (中華航空), EVA Airways Corp (長榮航空) and Starlux Airlines Co (星宇航空). EVA Airways and China Airlines offer direct flights from several US airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

This positive recognition is welcome news for the tourism industry. Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) expressed optimism about expanding the tourism market in North America and Europe. Chou shared that they will continue to promote various tours for both groups and individual travelers to Taiwan and speed up the development of low-carbon tours.

To further encourage tourism, the "Taiwan the Lucky Land" [金福氣活動] initiative, which provides NT$5,000 to independent travelers through a free draw, will continue until September 30. Discounts for Taiwan Pass holders will also continue to encourage visits.

Individual travelers from overseas with a non-Taiwan passport who stay for three days to three months are eligible for the free draw. Group tours from overseas with at least four people and spending at least three days in Taiwan can receive incentives ranging from NT$5,000 to NT$50,000. The deadline for the incentive has been extended from June 30 to the end of November.