Taiwan (1 Viewer)

[ren hoek]

We're going to Taiwan for a week, staying in Taipei.  Heard it's amazing several years ago and have a friend that lives out that way.  Any pro tips for international travel?  I've never been on a flight this long.   

I got a chargebank for the long flight and a book to read.  Ordered some sort of compression socks or something too, and a little Lonely Planet Taipei pocket guide.  Also reserved a portable Wifi router at the airport for the trip.    

I know yall are international men of mystery who travel the world on the reg, spill the beans! 

 

[whoknew]

Bring something to help you sleep. I don't know what works for you - how strong you need. But Benadryl or ambien or something like that.

And then depending on how sensitive a sleeper you are - a mask and/or ear plugs. 

ETA: Also Immodium. That's a long trip. You don't want to have to go.

 

[simsarge]

Bose headphones. You'll want to be able to hear whatever tunes or movies you have. Don't rely on the airline's.

Bring your own movies/TV shows. Again, don't rely on the airline's. 

Check out what type of electrical plugs Taiwan uses and get a couple adapters beforehand. 

Check your wireless carrier about service over there. 

Bring an extra book in your carry-on. If the one you bring stinks, you have a backup. 

Make sure your passport is ready to roll. 

Bring tums. You'll be likely eating stuff you never ate before and unless you have an Anthony Bourdain stomach you might need it. 

A smart phone translator might be quicker and easier than thumbing through a book. 

 

[GroveDiesel]

You can easily get SIM cards in Taipei pretty cheaply if you want.

There are 7-11s everywhere and you can get a lot of basics that you may need there (including pre-paid SIM cards).

A lot of people in Taiwan (major cities at least) speak at least some English as it's a required class in school. It's often a source of pride for those that can and they love to show off/practice, so typically you can find someone to help if you need it. This is especially true in hotels, etc. One of the things that was great is whenever we wanted to go somewhere, we'd go to the hotel front desk and tell them where we wanted to go, they'd call a taxi and give us something with our destination written in both English and Mandarin for the driver as well as something for the return trip.

There are lots of great parks/hikes just outside Taipei.

The taxi rides can be slightly terrifying. Their road "rules" are definitely not like ours, but you'll begin to understand why so many of them have a hard time adjusting to driving here.

The national museum is not to be missed. Simply amazing and the greatest collection of Chinese artifacts/art in the world since the nationalists "stole" the artwork when they fled from the Communists.

The mixture of super modern and super ancient in Taiwan is fascinating. And if you take a high speed train ride through the country, the contrast of super modern cities with mostly poor rural mountainous areas and rice paddies is pretty amazing as well.

Definitely take advantage of the night markets. Really cool stuff being sold and some awesome food if you're adventurous.

 

[D_House]

You’ll have a blast. Street food at the night markets in Taipei gets a second from me. Taipei is huge with lots to explore.

Day trips to Taroko gorge and Yilan  hot springs are also worthwhile.

 

[ren hoek]

Thanks folks @whoknew @simsarge @GroveDiesel @D_House 

There are toilets on international flights, correct?  I'm no stranger to ####ting on airplanes.  

Lot of great tips here- the national museum sounds incredible.  So do the gorge and hot spring.  

Thanks again yall 

 

[Terminalxylem]

Bring something to help you sleep. I don't know what works for you - how strong you need. But Benadryl or ambien or something like that.

And then depending on how sensitive a sleeper you are - a mask and/or ear plugs. 

ETA: Also Immodium. That's a long trip. You don't want to have to go.

Melatonin is probably a better choice for sleep. Even if it doesn’t work on the plane, it’s good for jet lag.

If the flight is over 6 hours, make sure you get up and walk a bit.

Make a laminated copy of your passport photo/ID page, put it in your suitcase and forget it.

Get Hep A vaccination, and possibly others depending on your itinerary.

And yes, international flights have toilets. Don’t constipate yourself for fear of using them.