Guam - The Undiscovered Gem of Micronesia

Perhaps every mainland American's dreamaccommodations are second-to-non on Guam, but
vacation is to visit the Islands of Hawaii. Whobe prepared to pay for them. There are not
wouldn't want to see the beautiful sights of thischeap hotels on this island. Along the Western
American paradise? But there is another Americanbeach is a strip of gorgeous luxury resorts filled
island that few people know of. That is the Islandwith every amenity you can imagine. Most of
of Guam.Located in the islands of Micronesia,these resorts have beachfront property with their
Guam is tucked between Asia and Hawaii in theown private beaches for guests. Or, if you prefer,
Western Pacific Ocean. It is a tiny island-only 32you can skip the salt water and take advantage
miles long and 8 miles wide. You could drive theof the pool or water park that the hotel
whole perimeter of the island in about two hours.owns.Don't be surprised if you are witness to a
Just like Hawaii, Guam is surrounded by coralwedding or two during your stay on Guam. Guam
reefs and gorgeous white beaches. Lushis like the Las Vegas of Micronesia when it comes
rainforests boast colorful flowers and denseto weddings. Many Asian couples come to Guam
vegetation. Beautiful waterfalls are around everyto be married in a beachfront chapel. In fact,
corner. The water in the ocean surrounding themost of the resorts have a chapel to be used for
island is crystal clear and you can easily spotthis purpose.What is there to do on Guam? Well,
colorful fish darting among the coral. The climateone day of your visit should be spent simply
on Guam is typical of paradise-the temperaturedriving the perimeter of the island. This serves
hovers around 80 degrees year-round.Guam is antwo purposes. First, it will allow you to get your
American territory, so there is no need to worrybearings on the island and second it will give you
about currency exchange or language barriers.an appreciation for the vast cultural variety on the
One thing you won't find on Guam, however, is aisland. Be sure you stop at a few waterfalls on
myriad of American tourists. It is a popular resortthis tour. Plan at least two days to spend on
location of Southern Asia, but somewhat unknownwater activities. Snorkeling, scuba diving,
to Americans. When you arrive on Guam you feelsubmarine tours, boat rental and swimming are
as if you have entered another country, withoutjust some of the activities you can do on the
the hassles of changing your money or dealingwater. One thing you should not bring to Guam,
with language translation. It really looks like Hawaii,however, is your surfboard. The waves on the
but with an Asian flair. Everywhere you look youisland are not large enough for surfing. One
will see Asian touches, specifically catered to theinteresting cultural attraction on Guam is the
Japanese who frequent the beachside resorts.Chamorro village. Located along the beachfront,
You quickly forget that you are still on Americanthis area provides a place for local Chamorro
soil!The native people of Guam are the Chamorroartists and chefs to pedal their wares. This is a
people, who have their own culture and language.great place to sample the local cuisine. Also, if you
One fun thing to do in Guam is to explore theenjoy history, plan to spend a day touring the
culture of the Chamorran people. OtherWorld War II monuments and memorials. Make
nationalities include Filipino, Pacific Islanders,sure you catch a sunset on the beach during your
Chinese, Japanese, Europeans and many otherstay!The best time of year to visit Guam is during
Asian nationalities. It is a truly racially and culturallythe dry season, which runs from January until
diverse island.One of the most striking attributesMay. The island is composed of tropical rainforests
of the people of Guam is their friendliness.and averages around 80 inches of rain a year, so
Nowhere will you find a more hospitable people.keep that in mind if you plan a trip in the rainy
The reason for that is obvious as you tour theseason.Guam is truly an undiscovered paradise to
island. The only industry on Guam is tourism. Theythe American tourist. The island will provide you
do not have factories or agriculture. They basewith a taste of Asia with a touch of home. When
their entire economy on making touristsplanning your next dream vacation, keep this tiny
comfortable. Hafa Adai is the local greeting andgem in mind!
you will hear it wherever you go.Hotel