IMPORTANT INFORMATION: *An additional 2% applies to amounts paid by credit card. Prices are correct as at 11 OCT 2011 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, fees and taxes. All prices are ‘from’ prices based on low season travel (11OCT11-20NOV11, 16JAN12-31MAR12). Availability is limited. Prices are per person twin share and do not include any charges, fees and taxes payable directly to third parties. Offer ends 20NOV11. These star ratings are Taiwan’s hotels’ views, not official ratings. Max 4m~6m validity applies. Max 4 days permitted in TPE. Packages are non-refundable. Other conditions apply – contact us for more details.

Taiwan - Unusual Stopover on the way to Europe

Getting to Europe is an arduous slog if you don't stopover at least once on the way. For most Australian travelers, this means spending a few days in the likes of Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, or Dubai.

That's fine if you want to visit those destinations, but for frequent flyers and those who want to visit somewhere a little different, there are other options. By taking a punt on more obscure airlines or being prepared to add a few hours to the trip, here are some relatively untouched destinations that you can stopover in.

Taiwan

To most of us, little is known about the island formerly known as Formosa aside from the "Made in Taiwan" label on toys and electronic goods.

Those of us who hazard to guess a little more tend to see Taiwan as a heavily industrialized, urban state. Sure, this applies to the capital Taipei, but the clue is that the Portuguese called it Ilha Formosa — which means beautiful island. Much of it is undeveloped wilderness, crammed with towering mountains. Once out of the cities, Taiwan is a bit of an outdoor-lover's playground.

And for those with a shorter timeframe, Taipei itself has a few cool quick fixes. Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world until the Burj Dubai topped it, and the National Palace Museum hosts an enormous collection of ancient Chinese artefacts and artworks.