Travel Issues Behind COVID-19

By Tsai Peiyi

  Summer vacation used to be a good time for people to travel abroad. However, this year,
influenced by COVID-19, almost every country is lockdown. People had nowhere to go. While millions across the world can only stay at home. Even so, there are some countries that are actually doing really well in controlling the epidemic. For example, Taiwan. Taiwan was almost the first country to do epidemic prevention measures against COVID-19. Nevertheless, the aviation industry and tourism industry of Taiwan still have a huge impact. 

Due to COVID-19, Taiwan banned transit travel on March 24, After that, the first quarter of this year, China Airlines and EVA Air are tragically lost. Not only the aviation industry took a hit but also the tourism industry.  COVID-19 has hit out against the operation of inbound and outbound travel agencies. During the recession, both industries announced the layoff of several hundred employees. Fortunately, the government had found this issue, the government launched a relief package for companies and employees. In addition, the government budgeted NT$ 13.4 billion for coupons and vouchers to help boost consumption. After a few months, the epidemic has been ebbing. Both the aviation industry and tourism industry have rolled out different schedules for people to travel in Taiwan during summer vacation. For instance, StarLux Airlines launched a "pretend tour abroad" to Dongsha Islands. The flight headed south along the coast of eastern Taiwan. It allows passengers to enjoy Taiwan's landscape from above. Also,  EVA Air and China Airlines have rolled out Father’s day schedules, which can have meals at the airport's VIP lounge before having afternoon tea on board the plane. 

Apart from airlines schedules, many people choose to travel to offshore islands. Taiwan's offshore islands are very beautiful, including Green Island (Lüdao) , Lanyu Orchid Island (蘭嶼), Kinmen (金門, Jinmen) , Matsu and Penghu archipelago. Here will introduce Taiwan's offshore islands. 

● Green Island (Lüdao, 綠島) 

Green Island, also known as 火燒島(Island of Fire), because it is a small volcanic Island. The administration belongs to Taitung County. Covering an area of 16 square kilometers.The largest and oldest known living coral population worldwide is stands 18 meters below Green Island. 

In Green Island, you can go to a hot spring in Jhaorih Hot Spring. Jhaorih Hot Spring is a rare saltwater hot spring in Taiwan. Also, you can go diving in the Chaikou Diving Area. Last, you can see the lighthouse. Everything here is romantic. 

● Lanyu, Orchid Island (蘭嶼)

Lanyu, which is located on the southeastern coast of Taiwan. Also called Orchid Island or Irala. Irala is named by Tao. Tao is the Taiwanese indigenous people who lived in Lanyu. Irala means sea. The average number of rainy days each year in Lanyu is 244 days. The rock on the island is volcanic tholeiite andesite and explosive fragments.

Lanyu is one of the best destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Lanyu is completely surrounded by numerous, unpolluted coral reefs and home to green sea turtles. There are 35 tropical plant species unique to the island. If you are a nature lover, you should go to explore this friendly and safe island. You will fall in love with it.

● Kinmen (Jinmen,金門) 

Kinmen, also named Quemoy, covering the total area of 151.656 square kilometres.      Kinmen is subtropical monsoon climate, the weather there is hot and humid. Actually, Kinmen is closer to China, it is located only about two kilometres east of the China city of Xiamen. 25% of Kinmen is national park. 

If you go to Kinmen, you have to go to Jincheng Township. Jincheng Township is the largest and oldest town in Kinmen. The Buildings and culture there are so vintage. There are many small roads that you will feel like walking in a maze. Also, you can found Shisa (風獅爺) in everywhere. There were many wars in Kinmen before. So there are a lot of historical remains about batteries, tanks and fighter aircrafts. If you are interested in war culture, you should come here.

● Matsu (馬祖)

Matsu is located  north of the Taiwan Strait. Total area is 29.6 square kilometers. Matsu is made up of 36 small islands. It is the smallest county in the free area of the Republic of China. 

Environment of Matsu is so great that you can watch Blue Tears at Beihai Tunnel from April to September. Besides, northernmost of Taiwan is in Matsu. People can take a photo and check in there.

● Penghu archipelago (澎湖)

Penghu archipelago is located on Taiwan Strait. Magong is the largest city, which is in the largest island. The largest island is also named Magong. The total area covered 41 square kilometers. Because of geography, national defense, military and strategic location is excellent. Since ancient times, it has been a relay station for contacts the Taiwan Strait, a fortress zone for economic and military rivalry with all parties. 

You can do a lot of things in Penghu. Ride a bike from Magong's Rainbow Bridge along the bicycle path beside the seashore. You will get perfect views across the water to Xiyu Island. The sea around Penghu is a saturated turquoise and the sand coral (so pack beach footwear). Besides, Penghu is famous for its local delicacies, the seafood there is  top-notch fresh. The best part of Penghu is the Penghu Firework Festival. The festival lasts three months, start from 9th July to third September. A lot of couples and families will come to Penghu during the firework festival.

As introduced above, we can know that Taiwan’s offshore islands are very beautiful. People who have been there will be highly recommended. However, too many people go to these islands. Therefore, these islands have lots of problems now. For example, park the car in a disorderly, heavy traffic, litter trash, blackout. Not only make residents annoying, but also ruin the environment. Hope that people who go to travel can remember to pay more attention to environmental issues. Also, don't make trouble for residents.