Taiwan Explorer: Lanterns, Lakes & Skyline Views - 9 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What experiences are included in the Taiwan Explorer tour?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment, a Local Living Moment with the Bunun Indigenous Tribe in Shuanglong Bunun Village, a Taipei Orientation Walk, a Half Day City Tour of Taipei (including Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and Elephant Mountain), a hike to the Rainbow Suspension Bridge, free time in Sun Moon Lake, free time in Tainan, an Anping Historic District Tour with a visit to Anping Fort, visits to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, free time in Kaohsiung, a visit to Jiufen Historic town, Golden Waterfalls, Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point, and Heping Island. You will also enjoy 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation on this tour consists of hotels for all 8 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators, requiring you to carry your luggage up stairs.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travellers.

• What are the age requirements to join this tour?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• Who will be leading our tour group?

  Your tour will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, along with local guides at specific locations. The CEO's role is to provide information, suggest activities, recommend local eateries, and ensure you have the best trip possible.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travellers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• What is the physical activity level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3 (on a scale of 1-5, where 5 is the most challenging). This implies a moderate level of physical activity which includes walks and some hikes like the one up Elephant Mountain and to the Rainbow Suspension Bridge.

• What should I know about local dress codes or cultural sensitivity?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. We recommend loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples or holy sites, please dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• What is the local currency, and how much spending money should I budget?

  The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). We suggest bringing US Dollars or Euros to exchange at the airport Bank of Taiwan counter. Spending money requirements vary per traveller for drinks, shopping, and tipping, so consider your own habits. We also recommend having access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is tipping customary in Taiwan during this tour?

  Tipping is customary but not compulsory. Recommendations for local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $5 USD per person per day is suggested if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include exploring Shilin Night Market, Ximending Pedestrian District, National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101 in Taipei; a Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour, Tea Plantation Visit, or Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry at Sun Moon Lake; Ten Drum Cultural Village or Chimei Museum in Tainan; and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum or Cijin Island in Kaohsiung.

• What modes of transportation will be used during the tour?

  The tour will utilize walking, the local Metro, Bullet Train, private vehicles, and local trains.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. You are responsible for booking your own flights.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We also strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects.

• What is the overall theme or focus of the "Taiwan Explorer" tour?

  The tour is designed to explore Taiwan's rich blend of tradition and modernity, featuring temples, lanterns, beautiful lakes, and impressive skyline views. It highlights cultural immersion, natural beauty, and city exploration.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour will be in hotels for all 8 nights.

• How many meals are included during the "Taiwan Explorer" trip?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch.

• What are some of the main experiences and highlights included in the tour itinerary?

  Highlights include a Welcome Moment with your CEO, a Local Living Moment with the Bunun Indigenous Tribe in Shuanglong Village, an orientation walk and city tour of Taipei (visiting Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and hiking Elephant Mountain), visiting the Rainbow Suspension Bridge, a tour of the Anping Historic District and Fort, marveling at the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas in Kaohsiung, and exploring Jiufen Historic town, Golden Waterfalls, Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point, and Heping Island.

• What modes of transportation will be used throughout the tour?

  The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods including walking, metro, bullet train, private vehicle, and local train.

• What is the maximum group size for the "Taiwan Explorer" tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Who will be leading the tour group?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you throughout the trip, and local guides will be utilized for specific sites to provide more in-depth knowledge.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  The tour has a physical rating of 3.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities include visiting Shilin Night Market, Ximending Pedestrian District, National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101 in Taipei; a full-day bike tour, tea plantation visit, or hop-on hop-off ferry in Sun Moon Lake; Ten Drum Cultural Village or Chimei Museum in Tainan; and Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum or Cijin Island in Kaohsiung.

• What are the age restrictions for participating in this tour?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12 years. The maximum age for this tour is 100.

• What are the arrangements for solo travelers?

  Single travelers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, as the tour is designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What currency should I bring, and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). It's recommended to bring US Dollars or Euros and exchange them at the Bank of Taiwan counter at the airport. Exchange rates fluctuate, so you can check www.xe.com for daily rates.

• How much emergency money should I have access to for this trip?

  It's recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects is also strongly recommended.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. It's advisable to carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. CEOs are prohibited from administering drugs. Please note that medical facilities may be remote at times.

• What are the recommendations for local dress during the tour?

  In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It's recommended to pack loose, lightweight, long clothing suitable for hot and humid climates. When visiting temples or holy sites, please dress respectfully, avoiding very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops.

• Is tipping customary in Taiwan and for the tour staff?

  Tipping is customary but not compulsory. Recommendations for local guides and drivers range from 1 to 3 USD per person per day. For your CEO, a guideline of $5 USD per person per day is suggested if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What should I know about safety and security on my trip?

  It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables like passports and cash. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels provide safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also recommended. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety concerns. Use good judgment for optional activities. At night, it's advisable to stay in small groups and use taxis. Avoid protests. Water-based activities should only be done with a guide and are at your own risk.

• Are there any strict rules or codes of conduct for participants on this tour?

  Yes, illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and possessing or using them goes against local laws and endangers the group. Exploitation of prostitutes is also contrary to the tour philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or using prostitutes.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to feel safe and comfortable throughout the trip.