If you are thinking about joining guided Taiwan tours, well, let me try to convince you that you should forget this idea!
Through this website, I have talked to lots of people who have joined tourist tour groups to visit Taipei and other destinations around Taiwan, and I can assure you that if you could hear the complaints I’ve heard from them, you’d drop the idea right away.
Find out where to book cheap accommodation in Taiwan.
Some of the most common criticisms about organized tours in Taiwan are:
- The tour guide couldn’t speak English.
- The bus / mini-van came late to pick us up at the hotel.
- The driver was not driving safely.
- We were rushed from one sight to another, we didn’t have enough time to enjoy each attraction.
- The food we ate at restaurants was horrible.
- People were singing Karaoke on the bus.
- We were taken to gift shops to buy souvenirs between stops.
- The whole day was just rush, rush, rush, from one place to the next. We spent most time sitting on the bus, in traffic.
I could go on, but that’s not the point of this article. I am writing this to help you organize your own Taiwan tours. It is doable, easy, safe, and cheap. All you need to do is spend some time preparing your tour of Formosa.
Here are some links that might help you:
- Get your Taiwanese visa.
- Understand how to get around Taiwan.
- Check out the most popular destinations in Taiwan.
- Read about Taiwanese culture.
- Start your tour of Taiwan in Taipei City.
- Know some of the most important Chinese etiquette.
- Book your hotel rooms before you get to your destination.
Why tour Taiwan by yourself?
The question should actually be: Why not?
After living here for more than 11 years, I still don’t understand why Taiwan is not as popular as China, Japan, or Thailand? It really has everything! It’s got beautiful beaches, gorgeous mountains, a fascinating history, amazing food, colorful festivals, temples, museums… The list goes on… Just browse this website and you’ll see.
Some of the reasons why I suggest you tour Taiwan on your own are:
- You’ll have as much time as you want to visit attractions, museums, temples, markets.
- You’ll be able to eat at whichever restaurant you want and order whatever food attracts you.
- You’ll get to meet Taiwanese people.
- You’ll have a chance to talk to other travelers.
- You’ll be able to change your plans as you go.
- You won’t be stuck to a tight schedule.
- You’ll get a sense of adventure!
Taiwanese people are some of the friendliest folks out there and they’ll go out of their ways to help you if you’re lost or need anything.
Do it yourself! It’s really worth it.
No need to spend money to join Taiwan tours! Keep that money and spend it on good food, or a nice hotel room.