Taipei and Lanyu (Orchid Island) have been named among the world's top travel destinations for 2026 by EverydayGlow, a lifestyle and travel platform, which ranked Taiwan prominently in its annual global list. The selections challenge the conventional perception of East Asian tourism as dominated by Kyoto and Seoul, highlighting Taiwan's distinct urban energy and indigenous cultural heritage as key draws for international visitors.
Why Taipei Is Drawing International Travelers Away From Seoul and Kyoto
EverydayGlow cited Taipei's combination of democratic openness, a thriving independent music scene, and inclusive social culture as distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other major East Asian capitals. The platform described Taipei as among the most welcoming capital cities in Asia for international visitors.
Accounts shared by foreign travelers point to four recurring strengths that have driven Taipei's growing international reputation.
Street food culture ranked prominently, with night markets in Shilin and Raohe frequently cited as essential culinary experiences. Multiple visitors described the food scene as a primary reason for return visits.
The proximity of urban infrastructure to natural landscapes drew particular attention. Travelers noted that mountain hiking trails such as those on Xiangshan are accessible within approximately 20 minutes from central Taipei, an arrangement that several visitors described as unusual and appealing by global city standards.
Public safety and transit reliability also featured heavily in traveler accounts. One solo female traveler stated she felt comfortable walking alone after midnight, describing Taipei as offering a level of personal safety she had not experienced in comparable cities. The Taipei Metro received consistent praise for cleanliness, punctuality, and network coverage.
Convenience store infrastructure — specifically the density and service range of 7-Eleven and FamilyMart outlets — was highlighted as a distinctly Taiwanese urban feature, with travelers noting that bill payments, parcel services, hot food, and quality coffee are all available around the clock at most locations.
Travelers also noted that Taipei offers a favorable value proposition, with high-end dining available at costs significantly below comparable experiences in London or New York. Yangmingshan (陽明山) National Park, which features volcanic terrain and sulfur vents within the greater Taipei area, was described by several visitors as a substantially underrated attraction.
Lanyu Island Gains Recognition as a Sustainable and Cultural Destination
Lanyu (蘭嶼), a volcanic island off Taiwan's southeastern coast and home to the Tao (達悟) indigenous people, was recognized by EverydayGlow as a standout island destination for travelers seeking experiences outside mainstream tourist circuits.
The platform and visitor accounts highlighted the island's traditional tatala canoes and semi-subterranean dwellings — architectural forms developed specifically in response to the island's climate and topography — as expressions of the Tao people's cultural depth. Unlike heavily developed island resorts elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, Lanyu has retained a pace of life that several travelers described as unhurried and authentic.
The island's appeal aligns with a broader international shift toward sustainable tourism. One visitor described Lanyu's sunsets as among the finest encountered anywhere in Asia and noted the absence of light pollution as enabling exceptional nighttime stargazing. Multiple accounts characterized the island as a destination for digital detox, citing the absence of chain commercial outlets and the dominance of natural soundscapes.
Travelers with diving experience in the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef described the deep indigo water surrounding Lanyu — commonly referred to as "Lanyu Blue" — as visually distinctive. Night tours offering sightings of the Lanyu scops owl (蘭嶼角鴞) and coconut crabs in their natural habitat were cited as highlights of visitors' broader Taiwan itineraries.
One traveler summarized the contrast between Taiwan's two featured destinations by stating that Taipei represents the future, while Lanyu represents the soul, and that visiting both is necessary to fully appreciate what Taiwan offers.
Slow Travel and Sustainability Reshaping Global Tourism in 2026
EverydayGlow's broader 2026 rankings reflect a documented shift in international travel preferences away from high-volume, multi-destination itineraries and toward extended, immersive stays in single locations. The platform noted a growing preference among travelers for renting accommodation in rural settings for weeks at a time, or combining remote work with travel in destinations such as Bali.
Sustainable tourism practices have become an increasingly significant selection criterion, with travelers showing preference for accommodations involved in land restoration and local guides affiliated with indigenous communities. Destinations such as Bhutan, which enforces a high-value, low-impact tourism model, and Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, were cited as examples of locations redefining luxury through environmental accountability.
In this context, Lanyu's preservation of indigenous culture and natural environment positions it favorably within the sustainable travel segment, while Taipei's efficient infrastructure and accessible nature continue to attract urban travelers seeking density and convenience within the same trip.
