Traveling to Taiwan in July

Hey, everyone!

I am a teacher in South Korea, and we have one week off in July for summer vacation. I want to go to Taiwan - it is not too far from me (2.5 hour plane ride!), an affordable plane ticket, and it boasts a lot of natural beauty as far as I can tell.

I am looking for any advice you might be able to give in regards to sites for booking train/bus tickets from Taipei airport (or at least checking out schedules); places to see; where I can find places to stay (especially in the more removed and natural areas); what costs I should expect; any tips or warnings or ANYTHING really

I'd love to rent a bike and explore their new trails. But are bikes easy to transport on buses and trains?

A few things about me and my objectives on this trip:
-My job is quite taxing, so I am looking to go to one or two areas with a lot of natural beauty. I need to relax somewhere pretty, while also checking out another country!
-I am a female traveling alone.
-I am not a shopper, so no need to recommend good shopping areas to me
-I am pescotarian (the only meats I eat are fish and seafood)
-I am unfortunately gluten intolerant (horrible, right?!)

Thank you so much! Be well!!

I lived in Taipei for about a year back in 2008, and I have to say, it is absolutely beautiful and easy to navigate. I admit I always took a taxi from the airport, but I am positive it is easy to take other modes as well. Taiwan has truly excellent and reliable public transportation and it is always on time. One thing I'd emphasize is the bullet train, which you can take to other parts of the country that are more lush and remote.

If you want to relax, go to Sun Moon Lake. Here is a guide http://www.myseveralworlds.com/2010/10/ ... moon-lake/

and here are some photos: http://www.bemytravelmuse.com/sun-moon- ... -pictures/

Just outside of Taipei city is Yang Ming Shan, which is a beautiful mountain with an amazing vista of Taipei city.

If you want to bike, you can do so in Taroko Gorge, another area of natural beauty in central Taiwan.

Take the bullet train if you want to get out of Taipei city. Otherwise, Beitou is another area you can get to using the Taipei MRT system, where there are hot springs.

Lastly, you will have no problems finding seafood and maintaining your pescetarian diet on this island! I am unsure about gluten, but with so many different kinds of cuisine in Taipei, you can surely find something delicious and within your dietary restrictions.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Happy to help where I can.