When it comes to family travel, transportation and itinerary planning are the most challenging tasks! It’s hard to balance having fun as a family and managing costs. This article recommends family shuttle services as a convenient and cost-effective option, while also providing recommended destinations in Taiwan for family trips. It helps you plan a smooth family vacation, ensuring both enjoyment and safety!
1. Professional Driver
When traveling with a large family, more vehicles and seats are typically required. If you choose to drive yourself, you need to find multiple drivers (which is not easy) and arrange multiple cars. Most families don’t have large vehicles, and driving yourself may lead to problems such as unfamiliar roads, difficulties in following each other, and exhaustion from long drives.
Family shuttle services can provide multi-seat vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz Vito, which can accommodate up to nine passengers, solving the seating issue at once. The shuttle driver is very familiar with the road conditions and can not only drive safely but also avoid congested routes, allowing all family members to relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about the fatigue and stress of driving.
2. Customizable and Flexible Itinerary
With shuttle services, you can discuss the desired destinations with the driver in advance. The driver will help plan the most suitable routes and itinerary based on your needs. This arrangement allows you to enjoy the trip without worrying about the details of the itinerary.
During the shuttle service, the itinerary can also be adjusted flexibly based on real-time situations. For example, if there are changes in weather, tourist crowding at attractions, or if the time spent at a location exceeds expectations, you can easily communicate with the driver to add, reduce, or change destinations, ensuring that every moment of the trip is enjoyable without any pressure.
3. Door-to-Door Pickup
★ Save Time and Effort
Taking public transport with the elderly and children is often not as pleasant as expected. Some routes require walking, and with elderly family members, children, and luggage, it can be exhausting.
Opting for a family shuttle service solves this problem, as the driver will pick you up directly from your doorstep. This allows elderly and young family members, who may not handle walking well, to save energy and time during the entire trip.
★ Itinerary Distance
Family members may not always live in the same area. A shuttle service can coordinate multiple pick-up points. You can be picked up directly at your doorstep and dropped off at your home after the trip, avoiding the hassle of meeting up at different locations and ensuring a seamless journey.
★ Avoid Luggage Hassles
Starting and ending a trip by dragging luggage around is tiring. A shuttle service can load and unload luggage directly at your home, saving you from the physical effort.
4. Experienced Driver Insights
Relying solely on Google to estimate travel time doesn’t account for unexpected factors like finding parking, temporary road closures, or crowds at attractions. Experienced drivers, however, are familiar with these common issues and can anticipate and navigate them effectively.
Drivers often accompany you at popular attractions, offering insights about the locations, helping with photos, and sharing local history and stories along the way, which adds to the enjoyment of the trip.
5. More Cost-Effective
The main concern for many people when not choosing a shuttle service is the cost. However, the shuttle service industry in Taiwan is highly competitive, and prices have become more affordable while the quality continues to improve. For example, James Shuttle’s premium Mercedes-Benz Vito (9-seater) costs around NT$6,000 for 10 hours. If the shuttle is filled with 8 people, the cost per person is only around NT$700.
When you add up the cost of public transportation tickets, fuel for multiple cars, safety concerns, driver fatigue, and the exhaustion of walking for elderly and children, the savings from not using a shuttle service are not as significant as they might seem.
Family Travel Planning Tips
Itinerary Planning: Not every destination will please both adults and children. Places that the elderly enjoy might not be liked by kids. It’s best to discuss the trip’s itinerary in advance and communicate thoroughly to ensure everyone is happy.
Booking Services: Popular vacation accommodations and attractions are often fully booked during holidays. It’s advisable to book accommodations and tickets in advance to avoid the hassle of not finding availability or facing long lines when buying tickets.
With a large family traveling, there are many tasks to handle. It’s helpful to divide responsibilities among family members, such as someone in charge of transportation, another person handling accommodation, someone else researching dining options, and others looking for attractions. This division of labor helps reduce the pressure on one person and makes planning the trip much easier for everyone.
- When traveling, food is important. Hygiene, safety, and taste are all key factors. During family trips, it’s essential to consider the dietary habits and preferences of every family member (such as vegetarian or non-vegetarian), to avoid any food-related issues that could affect the travel experience. For example, elderly family members with weak teeth may struggle with hard foods, while children who are sensitive to spice should avoid restaurants that serve extremely spicy dishes, such as Sichuan cuisine.
Transportation makes up half of the journey. In Taiwan, if you’re planning to visit major cities and explore specific attractions, high-speed rail (HSR) and the metro are good options.
However, if you’re heading to Taiwan’s countryside, small towns, or suburban areas, it’s recommended to hire a shuttle with an experienced driver. As mentioned earlier, family shuttle services offer professional drivers, door-to-door pick-up, and flexible itineraries, making it especially suitable for larger family groups.
Family Travel Planning Tips
- Avoid scheduling too many attractions or activities in one day as it will exhaust everyone!
- Ensure that each day has enough rest and free time, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy. Family travel is about leisure and enjoyment, not a race!
- Don’t make decisions on the itinerary unilaterally. Discuss the plan, especially considering the preferences of the elderly!
- Take into account the different needs of various age groups, particularly children and seniors, as their stamina differs from adults!
- Bring necessary medications, especially for family members with special health needs.
- Travel insurance is easy to purchase online, so consider adding extra coverage for added peace of mind.
- While smartphones and navigation systems are convenient, don’t depend on them too much. It’s also nice to have an experienced family shuttle driver to guide the way!
- Avoid relying solely on online information; ask locals for recommendations, as you may discover even better places to visit!
- Before departing, make sure to check the weather conditions at your destination. Prepare appropriate clothing and gear, and consider whether special events might result in large crowds. Is it suitable for your family?
- Maintain good communication throughout the trip to ensure everyone is aligned with the plan and avoid misunderstandings.
- Remember to value each family member’s opinions and feelings, resolving any issues promptly to keep the trip harmonious and enjoyable.
Family Travel Recommended 7 Destinations
Taipei Yangmingshan
Yangmingshan, near Taipei, is a popular family destination with its spectacular volcanic landscape, vibrant flowers, and relaxing hot springs. Family members can hike together, enjoy fresh air, and beautiful mountain views, and even have a picnic in the serene nature. The trails are perfect for parent-child outings, offering a chance to enjoy local flowers and plants along the way, making it one of the top family travel spots in Taipei!
New Taipei Jiufen and Shifen
Jiufen is known for its unique mountain town views and nostalgic old streets, creating a scene straight out of a movie. Families can stroll along Jiufen’s cobbled streets, taste local snacks, and enjoy shopping. Shifen, with its sky lantern release, is another unforgettable experience. The whole family can write wishes and send them into the sky, adding a sense of ritual and romance to the journey.
Yilan Jiaoxi and Luodong
Jiaoxi, famous for its hot springs and delicious food, is a great place for families to relax. Family members can enjoy therapeutic hot springs and unwind from the travel fatigue. After dinner, head to Luodong Night Market to enjoy local snacks. During the day, explore the natural beauty of Luodong, visit farms or parks, and let the kids experience the joys of rural life.
Changhua Lukang
Lukang, a historic cultural town, offers a chance to explore ancient temples like Longshan Temple and Tianhou Temple, experiencing rich traditional culture. Strolling along the quaint streets and savoring local traditional snacks offers a double delight of culture and food. It’s a perfect family travel destination for both education and entertainment.
Chiayi Alishan
Alishan is famous for its magnificent sunrises, sea of clouds, and ancient trees, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Wake up early to watch the sun rise from the sea of clouds, a sight that will leave everyone impressed. The trails in Alishan are perfect for family hiking, with rare plants and towering trees, offering an extraordinary experience in nature’s grandeur.
Nantou Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, is known for its tranquil scenery and rich indigenous culture. Families can cycle around the lake, enjoy beautiful lake views, and take a boat tour to admire the stunning surroundings. Visit Wenwu Temple to learn about the local history and culture. In the afternoon, enjoy the local Assam tea, offering both a relaxing and fulfilling experience.
Taitung Brown Boulevard
Brown Boulevard is famous for its vast fields and peaceful environment, making it an ideal location for family bike rides and enjoying rural landscapes. Cycling through the lush rice fields with the family allows everyone to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature. It’s also a perfect spot for photos, whether it’s under a clear blue sky or at sunset, offering an unforgettable experience. When you’re tired, enjoy a picnic in the fields and savor leisurely time with your family. If you’re traveling to eastern Taiwan, this is a must-visit family destination!
Common Family Travel Questions
Ready for Your Trip?
Here are some common questions for family travel planning to help you plan more carefully and ensure that the whole family enjoys the trip to the fullest!
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