Cost: There is no shortage of cash machines that accept foreign cards. Beyond that, Taipei is a very large city with things in nearly every price range, but some tourists might find it to be on the expensive side compared with mainland China. Still cheaper than Japan, it's quite possible to get by on very little once you arrive in Taipei.
Ease Of Travel: Buses are a great intercity travel option. There are also several companies that run bus travel with more luxury and higher pricing to get from point A to point B.
Potential Safety Concerns: Petty theft. While the general crime rate in the rest of Taiwan is said to be increasing or staying the same, the crime rate in Taipei is actually decreasing. Taipei has a reputation of being very friendly and helpful to tourists of all kinds.
1. Taipei, Taiwan
Situated at the northern tip of Taiwan, Taipei is located on the Tamsui River. Taipei lies in the Taipei Basin.
What You Should Do While There: Check out the amazing night markets. Just imagine hundreds of street-food carts and pop-up stores all in a 10-block stretch. Experience the food, the fashion, the culture - all for a pretty decent price. If you're looking to escape the city buzz, Taipei has several amazing day hiking destinations right in the city. What else could you need?
2. Rome, Italy
It's nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts-what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?
3. Zermatt, Switzerland
Municipality in Switzerland
Zermatt, in southern Switzerland's Valais canton, is a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and Alpine recreation. The town of Zermatt (elevation: 1,620m) is set below the iconic, snowcapped Matterhorn peak. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, has upscale boutiques, lodging from luxurious hotels to modest chalets, and a lively apres-ski scene. There are public outdoor rinks for ice-skating and curling.
