We'll Tell You - A&W Couple's Blog

ABBEY:  During our Taiwan trip, we stayed in several hotels across different destinations. Each one offered something unique, from convenient city access to relaxing hot springs and even a historic forest retreat. Our first stop was Check Inn Taipei Main Station. The hotel is only a few minutes away from both Taipei Main Station and Ximending , making it a convenient base for exploring the city. We arrived much earlier than the official check-in time, but the staff kindly stored our luggage so we could start our Taipei adventure right away. By the time we returned, the city lights were already on. The room was quite compact, which is common for city hotels, but the hot shower had strong pressure and was exactly what we needed after a long day exploring Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area . It was simple, comfortable, and perfect for recharging. Our next accommodation was Hotel Pin Jiaoxi, located in the famous hot spring town of Jiaoxi . Upon arrival at the station, a ...

ABBEY:  I admit that the first time I saw the Taiwan railway network map, I was completely intimidated. Like most train maps, it looked like a plate of spaghetti. Lines everywhere, different colors, unfamiliar names. I was so confused that I closed my laptop and decided to deal with it another day. Haha. But once I took the time to understand how Taiwan’s train system works, it became one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel around the country. If you are planning a Taiwan trip and feeling overwhelmed by MRT, TRA, and HSR, here is how I understood it and how we managed to navigate everything smoothly. Taiwan’s train system is mainly divided into three types: MRT, TRA, and High Speed Rail (HSR). The MRT is the metro system within cities like Taipei. It is clean, efficient, and tourist-friendly. For MRT rides, we used an EasyCard, which you can tap in and out of stations. It can be topped up at machines inside the station, but do note that top-ups are cash only. The Ea...