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Over the course of a year, I went from not being able to find Taiwan on a map to calling it home. I’ve since been back many times, and with every trip, I’m more convinced that it is the best country for solo travelers.
This small island off the coast of China has always been a hidden gem in the travel world, but travelers from around the world have begun to discover it in recent years, in no small part due to its popularity with ESL teachers.
Now that the country has reopened, travelers are rushing back, and Taiwan is welcoming them with open arms. They’re even taking extra steps to entice travelers, including by offering a lottery that visitors can apply for to win smart cards preloaded with cash to spend on travel throughout the island.
Taiwan has a vibrant culture with something to offer every traveler, from a bustling city experience to stunning beaches in every direction, hiking trails in lush forests, award-winning food, and experiences that can be found nowhere else.
But why is now a particularly good time for solo travelers to visit?
Street Food Or High-End Restaurant — The Food Is Phenomenal
The food scene in Taiwan is enough to entice anyone to make a trip, and it changes on a near-daily basis. As the birthplace of bubble tea, it’s no surprise that you can get a glass of the classic milk tea with tapioca pearls, a passion fruit tea with lychee jelly, or any combination you can dream up for just $2 USD.
Taiwan is also famous for its night markets and street food, and stalls all around the island serve a variety of tasty snacks like pork buns, deep-fried sweet potato balls, and shaved ice with fresh fruit. And we’re not talking just any street food–over two dozen Taiwanese food stalls are on the Michelin map for 2023!
While pork, chicken, and beef are staples in traditional Taiwanese dishes like Thee Cup Chicken or Beef Noodle Soup, there has been a marked increase in the number of vegan restaurants in the country in the past few years. And as a country with a strong Buddhist tradition, vegetarian cuisine has always been accessible.
21st Century Conveniences
If you’re a solo digital nomad looking for a new hub, Taiwan really can’t be beaten for convenience.
It’s culturally acceptable, and even encouraged, for locals and travelers alike to set up shop on their laptops in most cafes around the island, and free and fast wifi is easy to access.
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Furthermore, if you are looking for a place to work remotely long-term, Taiwan offers a unique visa, the Gold Card. Although it’s not strictly a digital nomad visa (it actually allows you to find a job within the country, as well), it does apply to people working remotely, and it grants them residency, as well.
There’s Something For Everyone
Whether you’re looking for a lively urban experience, an outdoor adventure, or relaxing on stunning beaches, Taiwan truly has something for every traveler.
As an island country, Taiwan is ringed with beaches, and the mountains in the middle of the island have hikes for novice and advanced adventurers alike.
The thermal activity on the east coast means that post-hike or swim, you can treat yourself to a dip in a natural hot spring or an overnight stay at a luxurious hot spring hotel.
And if you’re a solo traveler looking to meet others, larger cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung offer a variety of ways to connect with other people.
From expat meetups in local bars to language exchanges in coffee shops, there’s no shortage of ways to meet people.
Communication Is Not A Problem
While it’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases in the local language where you’re visiting if you’re not already fluent, you don’t need to worry about the language barrier in Taiwan if you speak English.
Many Taiwanese people speak English well, and you’ll likely find that a friendly smile and willingness to engage in charades will also do the trick.
Although you may find navigating a little bit tougher if you venture out of the cities, most signs in Taiwan are in English and Chinese, and many public announcements, for instance, on the subway, are in both languages, as well.
It’s Easy To Navigate
It’s remarkable how much there is to explore in such a small country. You’ll find that you can get from the capital city of Taipei, in the north, all the way down to Kaohsiung, a city in the south of the island, in under 2 hours on the High-Speed Rail, while a traditional train may make that journey in a still-reasonable 3 or 4 hours.
Within cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, in addition to public bike rentals, there are incredibly efficient and clean subway systems that make it easy to explore the cities.
Taipei also has a subway line that connects to the international airport, making the transfer into the city when you arrive an absolute breeze.
It Won’t Break The Bank
In contrast to other cities in the region, like Singapore and Tokyo, Taipei is quite affordable. Along with your $2 bubble tea, you can get a meal from a food stall for $3 to $5, while a nice dinner out may run up to $30 or $40.
Of course, if you’re looking for a truly lavish experience, Taipei offers that, as well! For most travelers, though, Taiwan is considered an affordable destination, especially if you choose to explore outside of Taipei.
It Is One Of The Safest Countries In The World
Perhaps the number-one concern of solo travelers is safety, and in Taiwan, you can put your fears to rest. Both Taipei specifically, as well as the country as a whole, consistently rank among the safest locations in the world.
Speaking from personal experience, I felt far more comfortable exploring solo in Taiwan than I have in other places.
The safety statistics combined with the modern infrastructure and accessibility in English make it one of the most convenient and enjoyable countries I have traveled in.
Add on the delicious food, variety of experiences, and the easy possibility of meeting up with others, and you have one of the best countries for solo travelers!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com