​I love Christmas. It’s one of my favourite times of the year for many reasons! However, as I get older, I’m more aware of the adult love-hate relationship with the Christmas holiday. There’s so many things that make Christmas one of the most special holidays of the year, but at the same time, there seems to be some pretty obvious deal breakers that take away from the festive feeling during the Christmas season.   

​Culture shock is a concept that comes up often for travelers and is something that everyone should be aware of when visiting an unfamiliar place. Is it a real thing? Sure it is! Having just got back from Taiwan, I can confidently say that I experienced culture shock several times through-out the trip. It wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a thing.

​Can someone please explain to me why you need to take 10+ snaps of the exact same photo of you smiling with a [insert iconic attraction/landmark/food/animal/etc. here], where your face taking up 80% of the picture anyways? You know what you look like, your family and friends know what you look like. Can you really make that smile 10 different ways and appreciate whatever that thing in the background was you were trying to get in the photo with you? This post asks: Why do people take so many selfies while traveling?

Many of my friends and family are aware that I just returned from a short trip to Taiwan. Below is my itinerary summary and a few comments/tips if you’re planning a trip of your own! I was lucky enough to be invited to stay with a friend, and decided to make the most of the trip by seeing as much as I could of the island (within reason of course). Taiwan is often referred to as Ilha Formosa (beautiful island), and it truly is.