Why You Should Travel to Asia

Should you travel to Asia? In short, yes! Asia is a beautiful content filled with hundreds of diverse cultures and traditions, some of which have survived thousands of years! From lion dancing to tet, there are so many things that you can experience throughout Asia. You can search the city of Seoul for a unique, new cafe to try or eat your way through Taipei’s many night markets. You should travel to Asia to expand your horizons and experience as much as you can.

Whenever I tell someone that I travel in Asia I almost always get one of these reactions, either “whoa that’s so cool” or “Why would you want to go to Asia?”. A lot of this comes from the idea that Asia is a poor continent (very much so not true!) and equate what happens in China or Vietnam to how the rest of the continent is. For example, many people in the USA confuse Taiwan and Thailand, making it harder to draw a distinction between the two despite being very different. Truthfully, Asia is a wonderful place filled with beautiful historic sites and tranquil natural wonders. From the natural mountainous terrain of Taiwan to the bustling metropolis of Singapore there are so many places to explore in Asia.

It is BEAUTIFUL

Asia is such a beautiful and diverse continent filled with gorgeous natural features. When you travel to Asia, you’re traveling to a place that is so beautiful that people spend years just exploring it! I had the opportunity to see most of Taiwan while I was there and even their libraries are stunning! Maybe you want to see some waterfalls, Shifen in Taiwan is the place for you. Or, maybe, you want to explore some graffiti art at the Ihwa Mural Village in Seoul. No matter what you do there’s a place for you!

Many Asian Countries are SAFE (especially for women who are traveling alone)

As a woman, I am very aware of the dangers of traveling alone, full or part-time. Growing up in the USA I always have to watch my back when I’m alone. I don’t walk alone at night in the city or travel on public transit after dark when I’m in the USA. It’s just something I’ve done for my entire life. I NEVER dealt with this in Taiwan or South Korea.

In fact, I traveled alone the entire time I was in South Korea and I could go out and drink without worrying about walking home by myself. It is the most freeing thing I’ve ever experienced. The only questionable moment I had the entire time was with some cult members, but they’re harmless.

Public transit is even safe even late at night. Most subways stop running after 12:30AM but you can take taxis or buses during the night usually. I have been out at 4 AM in Taipei and still felt safe.

Asia is CHEAP

I always tell people about how cheap Asia is. Food, even in expensive restaurants, can be much cheaper in Asia than in the USA.

In Taiwan, you can have a filling meal for under $3 a person or even go to a 5-star buffet for only $20 US. This is a fantastic option for anyone who really loves to eat and experience everything and anything. In Seoul, an average meal is only $6 US. Easily an affordable meal for anyone, especially if you’re an American. Asia has so much to offer other than food which makes it the perfect location for any visitor.

Activities can range from very cheap to expensive. If you’re into history, most historic sites in Asia are only a few dollars and are available to the public. In Tainan, I went to 3 different historic sites and only spent $10 ($300 NTD). In Seoul, the palaces have a pass that is only $10 US which is fantastic for visitors who love roaming ancient palaces. If you want to partake in art, you can visit a lot of art museums for very little.

The food is DELICIOUS

Food in Asia has no comparison. From night markets in Taiwan to hawker centers in Singapore, Asia offers so much in way of food. You can explore the streets of a country and find traditional food perfected by generations of study and practice.

My personal favorite night time activity is to go to a night market and eat all different types of food. From fried chicken in Taiwan to tteokbokki in Seoul there’s so much food out there to try. It’s such a cheap option and the food is absolutely amazing. There are some stalls that have been going for decades!

Public transit is convenient

Even in the smallest towns in Asia there is at least a bus or a train that travels through it. The accessibility is astounding. Coming from a car-centered country to one where more people take public transit is a big culture shift. No matter where you go there will be some sort of bus, train, taxi, or other mode of transportation.

In both Seoul and Taipei, transportation is so convenient that the general population doesn’t drive. You can easily get anywhere in the city without driving. I was listening to a podcast called the Daebak Show with Eric Nam, Eric is a well known K-POP star and if he’s taking the subway then it’s probably a safe bet that it’s fast and convenient! Add in the fact that it’s not that