From Eclipse Plans to Taipei: How a Rerouted Trip Changed the Way I Travel

In 2017, I thought I had the perfect vacation lined up.

Chris and I had been planning for over a year to watch the total solar eclipse from a friend’s retreat house, smack in the path of totality. Flights? Booked. Goggles? Packed. Anticipation? Sky-high.

Then, two days before departure, we got a call: there was a staffing emergency with one of our events in Indonesia, and they needed us—fast. Canceling our long-awaited trip felt like such a loss. But after a few deep sighs and a reframe, we made a decision: if we had to go to Southeast Asia anyway, we’d carve out a new kind of adventure on the way home.

We booked an EVA Air ticket with a built-in Taipei stopover—and what we found in Taiwan was unforgettable.

Taipei Wasn’t Our Plan. It Became the Highlight.

I had no expectations for Taipei. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. But in just five days, this vibrant, welcoming, and surprisingly easy-to-navigate city gave us everything from culinary surprises to peaceful coastal views.

We rode the MRT across town, marveling at how spotless everything was. I’m not exaggerating—at one point, we caught a breakfast attendant flipping chairs over to wipe their legs. Another time, someone was polishing the handrails on the train. Taipei clearly takes pride in its spaces, and it shows.

We wandered through night markets, browsed shops in quirky neighborhoods, and took in the sweeping skyline from the top of Taipei 101. We even spotted someone wearing an In-N-Out Burger shirt in the subway, which made this California girl do a double-take.

One of my favorite stays ever was our boutique hotel, which had a whimsical tea theme and a cozy international vibe. Turns out, we were staying right in the international district—something we didn’t realize at first. We encountered all kinds of food (not just Taiwanese!) and chatted with English speakers from around the globe. Every corner felt like a new discovery.

And then there was the coastal drive to the Yin Yang Sea. Hiring a local driver turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. The striking contrast of dark and golden water was just one of many unexpected joys we stumbled upon.

A Reminder for My Travel Style—and My Clients'

That trip taught me something I carry into my work every day: some of the best travel memories aren’t the ones you plan. Yes, structure matters. But so does space—room for spontaneity, curiosity, and whimsy.

When I help my clients plan immersive trips, I try to strike that same balance. A thoughtful foundation with enough breathing room to let magic happen.

Taipei reminded me how much a short trip can hold. In less than a week, we experienced:

• A sleek, affordable mass transit system

• A unique boutique hotel stay

• Local eats and international flavors

• Nature and coastlines

• City views and countryside drives

• A mix of guided, solo, and spontaneous exploration

If that’s not a well-rounded destination, I don’t know what is.

Taipei Now: More Reasons to Go

Since our visit, Taipei has only grown in its appeal. According to recent reports, the city is becoming a magnet for design lovers, foodies, and culture travelers. With new hotels popping up (including some from brands like Kimpton and CitizenM), a renewed focus on green public spaces, and its status as one of Asia’s most open-minded and progressive cities, Taipei is more ready than ever for global travelers.

It’s also an ideal stopover if you're traveling to Southeast Asia or Australia—and EVA Air still makes it easy to include a few days there without extra airfare.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Afraid to Reroute

Would I still love to see a total solar eclipse? Absolutely.

But would I trade that missed moment for the vivid, whirlwind adventure we had in Taipei?

Not a chance.

What About You?

Have you ever had a trip surprise you—in the best way—or teach you something you didn’t expect? I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment and tell me where you went and what you learned. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when plans change.

Want to see more of our trip photos? Click here for our Facebook album.

Rerouted to Taipei

Rerouted to Taipei