And if you do have plans to travel abroad during the Chinese New Year, please be prepared to pay more than usual, especially for tour packages to Europe and Japan, the prices of which are on average more than 20,000 NT dollars higher than the previous year.

Due to the recovering economy and Taiwan's new visa-waiver status for Schengen nations, many consumers are planning trips to Europe this winter.

Many are disappointed to find, however, that increased demand has resulted in soaring prices.

The Travel Quality Assurance Association's recently-published group fare prices for January to March next year shows that international travel fares have risen for all regions with the exception of South Korea, which has been affected by widespread anti-Korean sentiment in Taiwan.

Fares have risen 20,000 NT for Japan, 13,000 NT for the U.S., 25,000 NT for Europe, and 10,000 NT for New Zealand.

The price hike for Japan fares is being attributed to the recent appreciation of the Japanese Yen, and a five-day trip to Japan during Chinese New Year now costs as much as a group fare rate to Europe.

The TQAA is reminding the public to keep an eye on prices and says that low prices may not include all fees. To prevent disputes, consumers should always ask for receipts upon payment.

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