Reasons Why Taiwan Is The Place For A Solo Trip

Travelling solo is not as daunting as it sounds clearly because it is no more considered just an inevitable professional obligation, instead, this solo experience gives one a sense of adventure and boosts self-confidence like no other.

However, the freedom to go all out solo has its own set of irritants ranging from elements reeking of fraudulence, to sexual predators, who perceive women as soft targets and instigate unpleasant circumstances. It goes without saying that for this very reason, women seeking solo trips need to bear in mind a key aspect of ‘researching about the city/ country’ that they aspire to visit.

Let’s not go far away and begin with the Asian continent itself where the internet throws up ‘Taiwan’ in your search results more often than you’d realise. Yes, you read it right, according to a Skift Report, Taiwan ranked as the 3rd place among 'The 10 safest Asian countries for female travellers' list.

It is an island that has long been underrated but is slowly becoming a new hotspot for solo female travellers. The country looks like a miniature of a sweet-potato on the map with rich nature, friendly people, finger-licking gourmet food to choose from and distinctive culture.

Here are 5 big reasons why Taiwan should be on your next solo travel destination, ladies! It’s already on mine, especially after my informal chat with Dr Trust Lin, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, where I learnt not one but multiple reasons for women travellers, either solo or in groups to visit the country.

• As a solo female traveller, my number one priority is safety. The last thing I want to do is to be on guard at all times and not enjoy myself. So when I searched on the country’s safety parameters, I found out that according to the Global Peace Index, which measures countries based on their level of safety and peacefulness, Taiwan is in the top 25%. Dr Lin also told me that 75% citizens feel safe walking home at night and there are waiting zones and carriages designed specifically for female passengers travelling by train or MRT (Massive Rapid Transit) at night. 

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• Taiwanese are the friendliest: This one wasn’t very hard to understand because more than 80% of the population speaks English. While the main language in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese, most people know enough English to help you when needed. The youth of Taiwan know especially good English as they learn it in school and are always excited at the opportunity to improve their communication skills.
• Convenient and Cheap Public Transportation: Taiwan has an extensive public transportation network that can take you to most (but not all) cities, towns and attractions. As I wrote above, there are waiting zones and carriages designed specifically for female passengers travelling by train or MRT (Massive Rapid Transit) at night, so one doesn’t need the feel to stay indoors after the evening hours. Women travellers can freely roam around and reach their respective hotels without a worry in the world.
• Shopping: Of course you have day markets where one can shop, but your trip to Taiwan won’t be complete without a visit to a ‘Night Market’. Night markets are generally street markets that operate from 5 or 6 p.m. till midnight. They are the perfect places to immerse oneself in the local atmosphere and enjoy cheap eating and buying. 
• Not convinced yet? Having watched the screening of one of their multi-award winning aerial documentaries, titled 'Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above', it further solidified my belief in summing up that the country is equally exotic and gorgeous as is their culture.

Honestly, I’m sold on Taiwan, so I am getting on to Google to book my flights, what about you?