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Taichung Travel Guide: What to See, Do, & Eat for a First Time Visit
Welcome to my Taichung Travel Guide – this guide is especially helpful for those that are spending a quick weekend in Taichung. Or if you are just visiting for the first time and want to hit the main attractions, eat great food, and explore this colorful and vibrant city! Taichung is not only the birthplace of Bubble Tea but it is also known for its pleasant weather, artistic neighborhoods, delicious night markets, fascinating museums. From walking around the iconic Rainbow Village to trying Bubble Tea at Chun Shui Tang, Taichung offers a nice mix of city atmosphere, relaxing spaces, rich culture, and amazing food. **This post contains affiliate links. If…
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Touring the Pinglin Tea Plantation from Taipei: Taiwan’s Tea Capital
About an hour drive from Taipei you’ll find yourself in Pinglin District, Taiwan’s tea capital. Surrounded by lush hills, breathtaking scenery, and Shihding Ciandao Lake (Thousand Island Lake), Pinglin is one of the best day trips from Taipei. Pinglin District is known for its Tea Plantations and high quality Baozhong tea, which is a type of oolong tea. Tours of Pinglin Tea Plantation offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Taiwan’s tea culture, participate in a tea ceremony and sample tea, visit the Pinglin Tea Museum, and take pictures at a tea plantation. If you are a tea lover or like me, just interested in the experience and seeing…
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My Honest China Airlines Review: What it’s Like Flying Economy
China Airlines, not to be confused with Air China is the flagship carrier of Taiwan. China Airlines is a 4-Star Airline according to Skytrax and offers a blend of modern comfort, great service, and connections all over the world. China Airlines flies all around Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. China Airlines has become my go to carrier lately. I’ve flown them around Asia, to Australia and New Zealand, to Germany, and the United States and have had nothing but positive experiences. Of course, I fly economy and want to write this honest China Airlines review based on my experiences with the airlines. Hopefully this post is helpful if you…
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What to do at Taoyuan International Airport During a Layover
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is the main airport and gateway to Taiwan, plus it is one of the best airports for travelers coming to Asia. Taoyuan International Airport is known for its efficiency, amenities, atmosphere, and excellent connectivity. I’ve visited Taiwan seven times now and have traveled through Taoyuan International Airport at least a dozen times now and it remains my favorite airport in terms of spending layovers, things to do, and overall flight connections. Whether you have a short to long layover at Taoyuan International Airport or are beginning your Taiwan adventure, this post is all about Taoyuan International Airport and how to traverse through the airport or spend…
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Battle of Okinawa: WWII Sites Around Okinawa to Visit
When you think of Okinawa, you probably think of beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and its unique culture. Today, Okinawa is a peaceful sub-tropical island that was once involved in one of the most intense battles of WWII. For visitors that love history or have a deep fascinations and passion about WWII, there are many WWII Sites Around Okinawa that are a must visit, some easier to explore then others. I am by no means an expert when it comes to Okinawa’s WWII history, there are others in Okinawa that are far more qualified to talk about the history and sites around Okinawa. But I love exploring all things Okinawa, which…
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Okinawa Food Guide: Discovering the Island’s Must Try Dishes
This is post 19 of 19 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Visit Zamami Island, Okinawa from Naha Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves…
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Visiting Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
The Jomon Prehistoric Sites are a collection of archaeological sites found in Hokkaido and the Northern Tohoku region (Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures) of Japan. There are 17 unique sites that make up the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Settlements, earthen mounds, stone circles, intricate pottery and figurines, are all hidden treasures of the Jomon people, a hunter-gatherer culture that dates back over 10,000 years. Learn more about the Jomon Prehistoric Sites, its people, and the locations I visited while touring specific sites in Northern Japan. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page,…
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Why You Should Stay at a Ryokan When Visiting Japan
If you are looking for an authenticate experience, then staying in a Ryokan Hotel in Japan is as genuine as it gets. Ryokan hotels are traditional Japanese hotels that offer a unique experience that will certainly be a highlight from your trip to Japan. Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a cultural experience that typically includes meals, a Yukata to wear, hospitality, and an onsen (public bath). I’ve stayed at several Ryokan hotels throughout Japan and want to share my love of Ryokan hotels with you. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor,…
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Visiting Japan’s 12 Original Castles
There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles. There are only 12 original castles in Japan and I’ve visited them all. This post explains what makes a castle “original” and gives a first-hand account of my visits to Japan’s 12 original castles. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout…
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Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport: Eat, Sleep, and Explore
For many travelers, the idea of a long or overnight layover sounds miserable. However, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea can be a wonderful place to have a layover. There is plenty to see, eat, and do in the airport. For those that have an overnight layover at Incheon Airport or a longer layover and are itching to experience some of the Korean culture, might I suggest leaving the airport. Just a couple subway stops away is Unseo Station in the Jung District of Incheon. Here you can experience Korean nightlife, eat delicious food, and even stay in a nice hotel, all without going directly to Seoul or getting…
