The COVID-19 pandemic has brought international tourism to a grinding halt. It’s near impossible to leave Taiwan for recreational purposes. But if the government’s current plans go smoothly, then travelers from Taiwan could soon visit the Pacific Island nation of Palau.
People in Taiwan may soon be able to dive into these lush green waters and swim with the jellyfish. This is not Taiwan. It’s the Pacific Island nation of Palau–one of Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies. Long quarantines make international travel almost impossible during a global pandemic… But quick getaways with a shorter quarantine may soon be possible. How? Two words: "Travel bubble."
Taiwanese and Palauan officials are discussing a plan that would allow people to fly between the two countries with few restrictions. They began discussing the possibility last year, but now they are hashing out the details.
The agreement would allow both Palau and Taiwan to each operate eight flights a week between the two countries. For Taiwan, the national carrier China Airlines will be allotted six flights a week, and EVA Airways two. Palau Pacific Airways will operate the remaining flights, but may have to lease jets from Taiwan’s TigerAir. Only about 200 seats a day will be available in each direction.
The news may come as a relief to hard-hit travel agencies in Taiwan, but there are new hurdles to overcome. Before the pandemic, a four-day, three-night trip to Palau cost about NT$30,000 (about US$1,000). But, under the bubble those costs could increase as much as 66%. That doesn’t include travel insurance, which will cost extra if you want to play it safe.
Add a mandatory quarantine to the beginning and end of the trip, and travelers will really have to think about whether it's worth their while. But for those willing to pay the price, white sands and blue seas await.
