Mommy Helena Travels

Author: Mommy Helena

Taiwan 8-Day Solo Travel Itinerary 🇹🇼 (First Time + Budget + Full Guide)
🧡 My First Solo Trip to Taiwan

Traveling alone for the first time felt scary… but choosing Taiwan made everything easier 🇹🇼✨

It’s safe, efficient, and honestly one of the best places for a first-time solo traveler.

For 8 days, I explored night markets, cafés, mountains, and city views—and in this blog, I’m sharing my full itinerary, budget, and tips 💸

Watch full video here

Planning your Taiwan trip too?
I listed all the hotels, tours, and activities I personally recommend here 👇

Mommy Helena’s Kreator Shop

Taiwan Travel Essentials

Before anything else, here are the basics:
- 📶 SIM card / WiFi – super important for navigation
- 🚇 EasyCard – for MRT, buses, convenience stores
- 💵 Currency – New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)
- 🚕 Transport – MRT is very easy to use
Easy Card

Airport

Train station

🎟️ I booked my SIM, airport transfers, and tours here 👇

Klook

WHERE I STAYED

For this trip, I stayed in Ximending—super convenient and lively area.
- Tomorrow Hotel
Perfect for food, shopping, and easy access to everything.

Room

Bathroom

Lobby

✨ You can book the same hotels (or similar ones I recommend) here 👇

Tomorrow Hotel

Rainbow Hotel

FULL 8-DAY ITINERARY

🌈 DAY 1: Arrival + Ximending

Arrived in Taipei, checked in, and went straight to explore

📍 Ximending

Night market food, street shopping, and city lights—perfect first night ✨

Street food

Xing Fu Tang

Rainbow walk

DAY 2: Taipei City Highlights
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Taipei 101
- Xinyi District
Chiang ksi shek

Liberty arch

Taipei 101 view

Cafe shots

🎟️ This is exactly how I booked my Taipei tours and skip-the-line tickets 👇

👉 kreator

🌿 DAY 3: Wulai + Nature Day
- Wulai
Scenic train

Old street

Waterfall

Scenic shots

DAY 4: Taichung Day Tour
- Flower farms
- Miyahara
- Chun sui tang
- Rainbow village
- Gao mei wetland
Piano at flower farm

Ice cream

Milk tea

DAY 5: Maokong + Taipei Zoo
- Maokong Gondola
- Taipei Zoo
Starbucks at ximending

Maokong gondola

Ice cream

Taipei zoo

🌊 DAY 6: North Coast Tour
- Yehliu Geopark
- Jiufen
- Shifen Waterfall
Jiufen

🛍️ DAY 7: Free Day + Shopping
- Ximending
- Taipei 101 Mall
✨

Plan your full Taiwan trip here 👇
👉

✈️ DAY 8: Departure
- Last meal
- Airport
✨ If you want a stress-free trip,
I already listed all the hotels, tours, and must-book experiences I used 👇”

👉 klook

💸 Budget Breakdown

Here’s a rough estimate:
- Flights: ₱
- Hotel: ₱
- Food: ₱
- Tours: ₱
💸 Want discounted tours?

Book here 👇
👉 klook tours

Solo Travel Tips (From Experience)
- Taiwan is very safe—even at night
- Transportation is beginner-friendly
- People are helpful
- Perfect for first-time solo travelers
FINAL THOUGHTS

“Taiwan will always be special—it was my first solo trip, and it gave me confidence to explore more of the world 🌏✨”

🧡 Plan your Taiwan trip with my trusted picks 👇

👉 Mommy Helena’s Kreator Shop
May 6, 2026
Trip.com 5.5 Mega Sale 2026: ₱555 Flights, Hotel Deals & How to Book (Philippines Guide)
P555 flight?

₱555 flights? Yes, you read that right 👀✈️

If you’ve been following my travels—from Hong Kong to Taiwan and Vietnam—alam mo na I always wait for deals like this before booking my trips.

And right now, it’s one of the best times to plan your next adventure because Trip.com’s 5.5 Mega Sale is LIVE.

Tripcom 5.5 Mega Sale

Trip.com 5.5 Mega Sale (May 5–10, 2026)

The sale runs from May 5 to May 10, 2026, and it includes major discounts on flights, hotels, and travel bundles.

Perfect if you’re planning local trips or international getaways this year

Longshan Temple

Flight Deals

Planning your next trip? Check out my full guide: “8-Day Taiwan Itinerary (My First Solo Trip)

🔗

✈️ Flight Deals from ₱555 (Philippines)

Here’s what caught my attention:

✔️ One-way flights from ₱555 ALL-IN
Routes include:
- Manila to Boracay
- Manila to Cebu
- Manila to Hong Kong
- Manila to Taipei
- Manila to Hanoi
✔️ Roundtrip to Sydney for ₱9,999 ALL-IN via Philippine Airlines 😳

✔️ Flight coupons up to 8% OFF (valid until May 10)

🏨 Hotel Deals from ₱555/Night

If you’re more into staycations or hotel deals, this is also worth checking 👇

🏨 Hotels start at ₱555 per night during flash sales

⏰ Flash sale times:
- 12:00 AM
- 12:00 NN
- 4:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
- 9:00 PM
📍 Special hotel deal days:
- May 6 – Boracay hotel deals
- May 7 – Hong Kong hotel deals
💸 Extra Discounts & Bundles

Want to save more? Here’s where it gets even better:

✔️ Get up to ₱2,000 OFF flight & hotel vouchers
✔️ Bundle flights + hotels and get up to ₱3,000 OFF
✔️ Extra hotel vouchers up to 10% OFF

✔️ Attractions & tours with Buy 1 Get 1 deals

My Personal Booking Tips

If you want to maximize this sale, here’s what I personally do:

✔️ Book early — especially during midnight flash sales
✔️ Be flexible with dates — cheaper fares appear on off-peak days
✔️ Compare flights vs bundles — sometimes mas sulit ang package
✔️ Set alarms for flash sale times ⏰

🔗 How to Book

Ready to book your next trip? ✈️

👉 Click here to check deals:
https://bit.ly/TRIPWITHMOMMYHELENA

🎥 Watch My Full Video

Want a full walkthrough + booking tips? Watch here:

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to travel—this is it ✈️

With flights as low as ₱555 and hotel deals starting at ₱555/night, this sale is perfect for planning your next getaway—whether local or international.

Don’t wait too long though… deals like this sell out fast 👀

See you on the next adventure 💛

Travel Deals, Philippines Travel, Budget Travel, Flights Promo, Hotel Deals, Trip.com
May 6, 2026
🇭🇰 Ultimate Hong Kong Travel Guide: Must-Visit Attractions
Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a booking through my links. Thank you for supporting my content!

Hong Kong Disneyland Castle

Planning your trip to Hong Kong? ✨
This ultimate list covers the top attractions, scenic views, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss—perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a complete Hong Kong experience.

Hong Kong Skyline

Places to Visit in Hong Kong

THE BIG ATTRACTIONS

Perfect for fun, adventure, and unforgettable experiences

📍 Hong Kong Disneyland
📍 Ocean Park Hong Kong
📍 Ngong Ping 360

✨ Tip: Book tickets in advance to skip the lines.

🎟️ Hong Kong Disneyland Park tickets here

🎟️ Ocean Park Hong Kong tickets here

🎟️ Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car tickets here

Hong Kong Disneyland

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

LANTAU ISLAND

Peaceful, scenic, and spiritual escapes away from the city
- 📍 Tian Tan Buddha
- 📍 Po Lin Monastery
✨ Best paired with Ngong Ping 360 for a full-day trip.

Tian Tan Buddha

Po Lin Monastery

BEST CITY VIEWS IN HONG KONG

Don’t miss these iconic skyline spots
- 📍 The Peak Tram
- 📍 Sky Terrace 428
- 📍 Hong Kong Observation Wheel
✨ Go before sunset for the best views.

The Peak Tram

Sky Terrace 428

👉 Book your Peak Tram tickets here

Hong Kong Observation Wheel

👉 Book your Observation Wheel tickets here

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY SPOTS 📸

Aesthetic places you’ll love (and most are FREE!)
- 📍 Monster Building
- 📍 Nan Lian Garden
- 📍 Chi Lin Nunnery
✨ Perfect for photos + relaxing walks.

Monster Building

Nan Lian Garden

Chi Lin Nunnery

CITY LIFE & CHILL SPOTS

A mix of culture, shopping, and laid-back experiences
- 📍 Avenue of Stars
- 📍 K11 MUSEA
- 📍 Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
- 📍 Kowloon Park
- 📍 Kennedy Town
✨ Great for slow exploring after a busy itinerary.

Avenue of Stars

K11 Musea

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Kowloon Park

Kennedy Town

✨ Tip: Book in advance to skip long lines.

👉 I booked my tickets through Klook—super easy and instant confirmation:

🎟️ Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket

Planning Your Hong Kong Trip?

Make your trip smooth and budget-friendly by booking in advance 👇

🎟️ Activities & Tours (Agoda)
Use code LENAGODA for up to 5% OFF

🏨 Hotels (Agoda)
Use code HELENAGODA for up o 10% discounts

🏨 Hotels (Klook) MOMMYHELENAKLOOK

✈️ Flights
Check Tripcom for the best deals

📌 Save This for Your Trip!

This guide is perfect if you want a well-balanced Hong Kong itinerary—from theme parks and city views to hidden gems.

💡 Affiliate Disclosure

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a booking through my links or use my codes. This helps support my content and allows me to continue sharing travel guides like this. Thank you for your support!

Final Travel Thought

“Travel isn’t about checking places off a list—it’s about experiencing moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.”✨

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April 30, 2026
Giant Sleeping Cat at Hong Kong International Airport (Before It’s Gone!)

“A Moment to Purr”

Don’t miss this when you land at Hong Kong International Airport

“A Moment to Purr” is a soft, cozy welcome waiting for you right at the arrival hall—and it’s one of the cutest things you’ll see as soon as you arrive in Hong Kong 💕

WHAT IS IT?

Located inside Hong Kong International Airport, this oversized sleeping cat has been catching the attention of travelers for its cute, calming vibe.

✨ Bonus: You can even get a FREE printed souvenir photo to take home!

Free printed photo

WHERE TO FIND IT

You’ll find it inside the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport

Meaning you can see it right after landing—no need to go far or look for hidden spots.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO NOW

This is a temporary installation, so it won’t be there forever 👀

If you already have a trip planned, make sure to:
✔ Stop by after arrival
✔ Take your photos early
✔ Enjoy it while it’s still there

WATCH MY EXPERIENCE

Watch my actual visit here 👇

https://youtu.be/nwsxVurkYD4

TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO

Make your Hong Kong trip smoother by preparing these in advance 👇

Get your Octopus Card for easy transport, shopping, and dining—super convenient especially from the airport

Book your flights early with Tripcom if you’re looking for budget-friendly fares

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things—like a giant sleeping cat—that make travel more memorable

If you’re arriving in Hong Kong soon, don’t skip this cute stop… you might miss it if you wait too long.

Having your Hong Kong trip soon?

Book your hotels on:

Agoda – code HELENAGODA (redeem here)

Klook – code MOMMYHELENAKLOOK (redeem here)

Activities

Agoda – code LENAGODA (redeem here)

GetYourGuide – Code: 𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀5 (5% OFF first booking) download and install app here

Travel smart, travel with style ✈️

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April 29, 2026
Kowloon Park Hong Kong: Free Flamingos Spot in Tsim Sha Tsui 🦩
Looking for a free hidden spot in Hong Kong?

Kowloon Park is a peaceful escape right in the middle of the city—featuring gardens, walking paths, and surprisingly… pink flamingos 🦩

I accidentally discovered this place on my way to the train—and it ended up being one of my favorite quick stops.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

On my way to the train station, I passed by a park and noticed people going in. Out of curiosity, I checked the sign… and it was Kowloon Park.

I actually had this on my itinerary for one reason—the pink flamingos 🦩

The park is actually huge—way bigger than I expected.

📍 Where is Kowloon Park?

Kowloon Park is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, just a few minutes walk from the main road.

Nearest MTR:
- Tsim Sha Tsui Station
- Exit A1 or A2
🦩 Flamingos in Kowloon Park

One of the highlights of Kowloon Park is its flock of flamingos.

Flamingo are usually seen near the pond area, and yes—they’re real!

It’s honestly surprising to see them in such a busy city, which makes this spot feel extra special.

What to Expect

The park is huge and perfect for a quick break from the city.

Inside you’ll find:
- open green spaces
- ponds and fountains
- shaded walking paths
- a quiet and relaxing atmosphere
There’s even a McDonald’s inside if you need a quick snack.

How Much Time You Need

You can explore Kowloon Park in:
- 30 minutes (quick stop)
- 1–2 hours (relaxed walk + photos)
Entrance Fee

FREE entrance

🦩 WHERE TO FIND THE FLAMINGOS

They’re actually not far at all.

From the entrance, it only took me a few minutes walk to find them.

If you’re short on time like me, you can easily visit this spot without exploring the whole park.

I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy this quick stop, but it turned out to be a nice break from the busy streets of Hong Kong.

I’d definitely come back here next time to explore more of the park.

kowloon-park-flamingos-hong-kong.jpg

QUICK TIPS
- Visit in the morning for fewer people
- Combine this with Tsim Sha Tsui itinerary
- Wear comfy shoes—it’s bigger than expected
- Perfect for: Quick stop / relaxing break
If you’re exploring Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is one of the easiest free spots you can add to your itinerary.

It’s peaceful, unique, and perfect for a quick reset from the busy city.

WHERE I STAYED IN HONG KONG

During this trip, I stayed at Mini Hotel Causeway Bay—a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay in a central location.

📍 Easy access to MTR, shopping areas, and attractions.

👉 Book your stay here:
🏨 Mini Hotel Causeway Bay on Klook
🏨 Mini Hotel Causeway Bay on Agoda

TRAVEL DISCOUNTS

✨ Planning your Hong Kong trip?

Here are my trusted booking platforms:

Agoda Hotel – HELENAGODA
Agoda Activities – LENAGODA
Klook – 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐘𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊

👉 GetYourGuide
Download the GetYourGuide app and get 5% off your first booking

Code: 𝐖𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐀5

📲 FOLLOW MY TRAVELS

Follow my travels, tips & hidden spots:

👉 TikTok: Mommy Helena
👉 Instagram: mommyhelenaph
👉 YouTube: Mommy Helena

⚠️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.

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April 29, 2026