When asked why my family chose Taiwan for our spring break getaway, I hesitated, realizing the answer could easily revolve around the country’s legendary beef noodle soup. Having traveled to Taiwan multiple times for business, my husband often reminisced about a particular noodle stand, which undoubtedly influenced our decision. However, a tantalizing bowl of noodle soup alone wasn’t enough to justify the expense of four trans-Pacific tickets.
By the end of last year, a new partnership between Alaska Airlines and Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines opened avenues for us to make this trip feasible. With 75,000 points per person, we secured our round-trip tickets for the spring break holiday, diving headfirst into planning a family adventure that would surpass our expectations.
An Airline Experience to Remember
As we prepared for the 13-hour flight, I felt some trepidation. Yet, stepping onto the Starlux Airlines plane was refreshing. The boarding process was seamless, especially for families. My children adored the spacious in-flight entertainment options, while I relished the cleanliness and comfort of our seats— complete with real silverware and gourmet meals. With dishes like pomelo, Jin Xuan tea, and cocoa nib gelato, I found myself wishing for longer flights just to savor more.
Choosing the Right Accommodations
Upon landing in Taiwan at an early hour, we immediately hopped on a high-speed train to Tainan. Rather than book an extra night at the hotel, I strategically planned our itinerary to maximize our morning. After indulging in local breakfast noodles and discovering a festive celebration at a temple, we were fortunate to check in early at our hotel.
Highlighting family amenities, I meticulously searched for hotels that featured pools and central locations. We ended up at Silks Place Tainan, which cost 15,500 Chase points per night for all four of us. Although this saved us money initially, we quickly grew fond of the brand, which resulted in a splurge for our final nights at Silks Place Taroko.
The hotel’s family-friendly amenities were a hit with my daughters, who loved zip-lining around the rooftop patio, swimming, and enjoying the kids’ club. I cherished moments of respite while sipping coffee from Django next door, marveling at the fun-filled atmosphere.
Exploring Taiwan’s Natural Beauty
After a delightful few days in Tainan, we ventured north to Taipei, experiencing the renowned Alishan Railway and searching for fireflies. Our choice for accommodation in the capital was the Sheraton Grand, entailing a modest cost of 26,000 Chase points per night for a room accommodating four. When our friends departed, we decided to explore outside the city, seeking relaxation amidst nature.
Shifting gears, I focused on Taiwan’s stunning East Coast. Silks Place’s new location was an enticing option. A splendid experience awaited us despite the $550 per night rate, covering meals and transportation, and proving worth every cent.
To make the most of our budget, I utilized Klook, an app that offers a range of discounts on everything from massages to train tickets. It proved particularly beneficial for securing tickets to Taipei 101 and various attractions, creating an efficient travel experience.
Adventuring Through Taroko National Park
Due to past earthquakes, much of Taroko National Park had limited accessibility, but we were pleased to discover that it had reopened shortly before our visit. We utilized the hotel shuttles that transported us through breathtaking marble gorges, ultimately leading us to our lodging.
During our stay, we explored numerous trails, including one that led to the remains of an indigenous town. The children played at the hotel’s kid zone, delighting in innovative play structures. The welcome relaxation on the rooftop pool with spectacular views was a highlight for both kids and adults, who marveled at the stunning surroundings.
One playful evening, we watched a film from the pool deck, and our indoor adventures at the playful pool filled with rubber ducks captured the children’s hearts. They had a blast while I foraged for one of the best cups of coffee in my life, reaffirming the joy of this vacation experience.
Ultimately, my husband introduced our daughters to the fabled beef noodle soup stand he had often praised. Having finally tasted it, I understood his enthusiasm! Additionally, one unexpected perk of using points for our flights was discovering that we could still earn points on these tickets. This means we are already on our way towards planning our next trip back to Taiwan.
