Top 10 Things to Do in Guam (For a 3-Day Itinerary or More)

Guam is a small tropical island vacation spot in Micronesia that’s arguably overshadowed by its widespread ‘neighbors’ similar to that of Hawaii or Indonesia — however what plenty of vacationers don’t know is that it’s the closest U.S. soil to Asia and that it’s undoubtedly a hidden gem of kinds. (Things to Do in Guam)

From its pristine sandy seashores to its wealthy Chamorro historical past, this US territory gives an array of actions, sights, and cuisines that may cater to only about any form of traveler. In truth, I’ve been to this magical island two instances now and I nonetheless can’t get sufficient of it!

If you’re from Asia, a direct flight to Guam can solely final for under 3.5 hours; as such, it’s an simply accessible getaway.

A number of Japanese and Koreans truly regard Guam as a high favourite once they’re searching for a tropical escape, and it’s simple to see why as a result of Guam is really a treasure trove of quite a few island actions. Rest assured, the throng of vacationers right here isn’t too overwhelming, so you’ll usually end up having fun with an entire stretch of seashore all for your self — which is, naturally, an incredible factor!

Spanning about 549 sq. km, additionally it is a pleasure to drive via the island as you’re taking it simple to go to varied key spots. If you ask me, that is my high favourite must-do when on the island.

Overall, it might sound daunting at first to plan the proper Guam itinerary however fret not! With the assistance of this put up that’s based mostly on my experiences, you possibly can simply slender down the highest issues to do in Guam in order that regardless of should you’re planning to go to for just a few days (or extra), you’ll be taking advantage of your journey!

» Quick Travel Planning

Top Things to Do in Guam

1. Go beach-hopping everywhere in the island

As an island that’s blessed with a year-round tropical local weather and lengthy coastlines, Guam is a paradise for seashore lovers! Let me show you how to take out the guesswork from determining the highest locations to see by testing the checklist under:

TIP: A majority of the japanese seashores are perfect for swimming because of its calm and shallow waters which can be attributable to outer reefs that break the surf. (In distinction, excercise warning when exploring past the reef as a result of it may be treacherous because of riptides and such).

• ★ Tumon Beach: This is arguably probably the most well-known seashore in Guam and arguably probably the most iconic too! After all, it’s positioned proper in the primary downtown space of Tumon which is the middle of the island. The better part? It has shallow waters so it’s typically idyllic for snorkeling and swimming — even for many who can’t swim! It can be lined by the island’s finest luxurious motels, however don’t let this truth forestall you from exploring the entire of the seashore; in spite of everything, it’s a public seashore so you might be free to discover nearly wherever.
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• Gun Beach: Located simply north of Tumon Beach, it is a good spot that’s tranquil and scenic. If you’re up for a hike, there may be even a well-marked cliff path on the northern finish of the seashore. Otherwise, take out your snorkeling gear and discover the close by reef (when you have a scuba diving license, that is additionally an important spot to discover!). And as soon as the solar units, it is a good spot to remain in for grand views (if not, you can too view it from the close by Two Lovers Point).
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• Gab Gab Beach: This is a fantastic stretch of sand that’s lined with tall palm bushes; sadly, until you already know somebody who has a navy ID, it’s unattainable to enter on condition that it’s positioned inside a navy base. It’s a bummer, I do know! But it helps to say it right here simply in case you would possibly know somebody in Guam who can grant you entry.
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• Family Beach: [link] A pleasant stretch of seashore discovered inside Apra Harbor which can be nice for swimming (simply be careful for some scuba divers!).
  • On your means right here, don’t neglect to drop by Emerald Valley which is a fantastic waterway with turquoise-clear waters! You’ll discover plenty of fish right here in addition to water snakes and sea urchins. It’s not excellent for swimming however the view is wonderful.
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• Shark’s Cove Beach: If you’re up for a brief hike (lower than 1km), this secluded seashore is famed for snorkeling — don’t fear, there aren’t any sharks right here! So pack your protecting water footwear and head to the trailhead that begins on the northern tip of Tagachang Beach.
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• Taga‘chang Beach: As remote as Shark’s Cove, this seashore that’s towered by 2 cliffs generally is a good respite from the crowds should you’re up for it!
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• Mushroom Rock Hila’an Beach: Past Tanguisson Beach is Hila’an which is a protracted stretch of white sandy seashore that’s coupled with some distinctive mushroom rock formations!
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• Ypao Beach: If you need a substitute for the bustling better a part of Tumon Beach, simply head on over to its different finish which is that this Ypao Beach. If you’re fortunate, you would possibly spot a neighborhood music pageant or a neighborhood village social gathering that’s being held within the close by Ypao Beach Park. That being stated, it is a excellent place to go to if you wish to maintain a picnic with household or buddies given the pavilions with tables which can be discovered everywhere in the park.

2. Rent a automotive, drive together with your high down, and go to some sights exterior of the town

Guam is an absolute pleasure to discover in a rental automotive! It offers you the liberty to decide on your individual route, and additionally it is the best strategy to navigate your self via the entire island’s sights.

To date, there are a selection of dependable rental automotive firms which you can select from however I extremely advocate Hertz! I acquired my automotive rental from them and the method from pick-up to drop-off was completely hassle-free.

TIP: If you’ve gotten the funds, I counsel getting a convertible automotive to benefit from the cool breeze in addition to to maximise the attractive sceneries throughout your drives!

To jumpstart your journey for the highest issues to do in Guam, you possibly can try the next sights:

CENTRAL TOUR

• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica: A beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral that was constructed on the island’s first Catholic church that was inbuilt 1669. Today, it enshrines the picture of Santa Marian Kamalen, the Patroness of Guam.
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• Governor’s Complex: The Governor Ricardo J. Bordallo Complex, often known as Adelup Point, gives nice coastal views and another constructions such because the Latte of Freedom (meant to embody the energy of CHamoru tradition with the form of the latte stone) and Lone Sailor Statue (a commemoration of the function of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard in Operation New Life).
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• Fort Apugan (Santa Agueda): This is the one surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña and it supplies commanding views of the Philippine Sea and different northern cliff strains.
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• Latte Stone Park: Officially referred to as the Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park, it is a park that’s finest identified for its set of eight historic latte stones.
  • Latte stone or latte is a uniquely-shaped pillar that was used as constructing help by the traditional Chamorro individuals. Nowadays, this latte stone is seen as an iconic signal of Chamorro’s identification.
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• Plaza De Espana: This was the placement of the Governors Palace throughout Guam’s lengthy interval of Spanish occupation, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a result of 3 constructions that may nonetheless be seen in its expanse: the 3-arch gate (Arsenal), the azotea, and the Chocolate House.
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• Guam Museum: If you desire a style of Guam’s historical past, that is the most effective place to go to and it’s discovered excellent in entrance of the Plaza De Espana.

NORTH TOUR

• ★ Ritidian Point: As the northernmost level of the island, it’s a part of the 1,203-acre Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Though you possibly can’t precisely swim right here (because of robust currents) you possibly can nonetheless benefit from the white seashore in addition to its well-maintained trails: Nature (1.25 miles), .75 Latte Loop (.75 miles), and Ritidian Caves (.5 miles). You can do the hike by your self however I might counsel giving the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (671-355-5096) a name forward of time to schedule a guided tour so that you could benefit from the expertise.
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• Mangilao Golf Club: Located on the east of Guam, this course ought to be excessive up in your high issues to do in Guam particularly if you’re a golfer! After all, the Mangilao Golf Club ranks among the many high 100 programs on the earth and it has been designed by grasp Robin Nelson.
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• Pagat Cave and Point: The path to the cave is nicely marked by pink ties across the bushes and although it’s quick, it helps to notice that it might get pretty steep. Nevertheless, you’ll be rewarded with a cool swim in a pool of pure contemporary water contained in the cave. Don’t neglect to climb to the opposite aspect of the cave the place you’ll discover the scenic Pagat Point which opens up a view of the ocean and surrounding rocky coast.
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• Ague Cove: Found within the village of Dededo, Ague Cove is a hidden gem that’s well worth the hike when you have the time! However, as it’s positioned on non-public property, it’s a should to contact the proprietor beforehand who’s Mr. Jesus Pangelinan ((671) 477-9269). It additionally helps to notice that you need to train warning always whereas going via the path as it may be steep and rocky.

SOUTH TOUR

• Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that is the fourth of 4 Spanish fortifications that protected the bay in Umatac. Nowadays, it has been made right into a park and you will discover a number of cannons right here in addition to a preserved bunker.
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• Sella Bay Trail: This is a moderately-challenging hike that takes you Sella Bay after an hour-long hike. You’ll be rewarded with scenic overlooking views and a picturesque bay as you undergo lush greenery.
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• Talofofo Falls Resort Park: For a small entrance payment, you possibly can take pleasure in considered one of Guam’s hottest waterfalls the place you can too take pleasure in a spread of different actions similar to using a cable automotive, visiting a historic museum, and lots of others!
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• Talofofo Caves: Famous for showcasing remnants of the indigenous Chamorro as evidenced by petroglyphs and work on the partitions, I counsel exploring these caves with a information.
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• Tarzan Waterfalls: Yet one other must-see waterfall on the island and it may be simply reached with only a quick hike. Make positive to pack your swimsuit so that you could take pleasure in a swim after the stroll!
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• Valley of the Latte Adventure Park: If you wish to mix journey with schooling, this journey park is a should in your Guam itinerary! Other than a number of reveals of Chamorro historical past, you’ll additionally get to take pleasure in quite a few thrilling actions similar to an Adventure River Cruise (Guam’s solely inland boat tour), a Kayak Adventure Tour, carabao rides, and lots of others.
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• ★ Inarajan Pools: A preferred spot for each locals and vacationers, you’ll completely love the pure system of swimming holes discovered on the shore. You’ll even discover a tall diving platform in addition to a number of different picnic facilities to benefit from your drive-by.
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• Waterfall Valley: This is a superb newbie’s hike that leads you to five lovely waterfalls that vary from 8 ft as much as 25 ft. If you ask me, it’s excellent for households who would love a jungle journey that’s mixed with a number of dips in freshwater swimming pools.
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• Cetti Bay Overlook: Cetti Bay is a geological delight on condition that it’s an space the place you will discover a series of a thousand foothills which can be part of Guam’s Territorial Seashore Park. It’s a simple drive to this viewing spot to the south of Guam.

3. Visit the statement deck at Two Lovers Point

If you ask me, Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) would possibly simply be the topmost identified vacationer attraction on the island; plus, as one of many 4 National Natural Landmarks of Guam, it’s undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in Guam!

This is a brief drive from Tumon Beach and for a small entrance payment of solely $3, you possibly can entry the 368 feet-high statement deck that grants you an incredible view of the coast and its turquoise waters. The website additionally features a present store, the Two Lovers statue, and a sister bell that’s related with different “Lovers Points” in locations similar to these in Japan.

The story behind this attraction, nevertheless, is a timeless but bittersweet story of everlasting love. As legend has it, through the Spanish period, there lived a rich household and their oldest daughter was organized to be married to a Spanish captain — naturally, she was distraught and so she ran away. She then met a younger man from a humble Chamorro household and the 2 fell in love instantly. Upon studying of their relationship, the daddy demanded that she marries the Spanish captain; collectively together with a number of Spanish troopers, they pursued the 2 lovers up till they reached the excessive cliff above Tumon Bay. With nowhere else to go, the lovers tied their lengthy black hair collectively in a single knot and leaped over the steep cliff and into the roaring waters, ceaselessly intertwined in life and in demise.

OPERATIONAL HOURS: 7AM to 7PM

4. Indulge in a meals journey spree and store for souvenirs

As the island’s #1 present, the Taotao Tasi present is certainly one of many high issues to do in Guam!

Since 2015, this beachfront 150-foot stage has been backdropped by probably the most gorgeous sundown views whereas lovely performers and hearth dancers entertain audiences from everywhere in the world. With designers and producers (a few of which have labored with the well-known Cirque du Soleil), you’ll be taken via an exhilarating present as you be taught the island’s treasured previous in music, dance, and storytelling.

The icing on the cake? The entrance payment comes with a scrumptious buffet BBQ banquet! For cocktails, go and provides their Corona-Rita and TaoTao Maolek a attempt.

TIP: For the most effective charges, e-book on-line as we speak!

6. See wealthy and colourful marine life

In case you don’t know, Guam can be famed for having among the finest snorkeling and scuba diving spots on the earth! So if I had been you, you shouldn’t miss the chance to discover the island’s underwater scene.

• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
  • For snorkeling, you possibly can take your choose from any of the seashores that I’ve listed above underneath #1 for the highest issues to do in Guam.
  • For scuba diving, you possibly can try this checklist. Apra Harbor can be a typical favourite should you’re desirous about exploring historic shipwrecks from the 2 world wars.
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• Dolphin Watching: Try your luck and spot some spinner dolphins! You can avail of this tour from locations such because the Guam Bikini Island Club.
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• SeaTREK Experience: Ever wished to expertise strolling on an ocean ground? In this institution, you possibly can! It’s principally a helmet-diving exercise that’s excellent for anybody since you don’t want any swimming or diving expertise. To save your spot, it’s finest to e-book on-line.
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• Underwater World Guam: At the Guam Aquarium Complex, you’ll be capable to stroll via a see-through tunnel that’s 7 ft huge and seven ft tall, permitting you to get a better have a look at completely different underwater species. To save your spot, it’s finest to e-book on-line.
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• Fish Eye Marine Park: As another, you possibly can try this underwater observatory! Other actions which you can attempt are the Eco Snorkeling Tour, Dolphin Watching Cruise, and Island Cultural Dinner Show.

7. Hike Mt. Lamlam

As a few of you would possibly already know, Guam is well-known for its strategic navy place and multi-colonialism with the final 400 years marked by 3 completely different powers particularly Spain, USA, and Japan. If you wish to be taught extra about its previous, see right here.

Otherwise, in fact, because you’ll already be in Guam, make it considered one of your high issues to do to go to these websites with a purpose to be taught extra concerning the island’s wealthy historical past!

• Pacific War Museum: Marine Corps Vietnam War veteran John Gerber established this museum and it accommodates varied reveals associated to the navy within the Pacific theater of World War II with a concentrate on the USA Marines. As such, should you’re a world battle buff who’s desirous about studying extra about what occurred in Guam throughout such a time, then a cease at this place is a should!
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• Magellan Monument: Erected in 1521 to commemorate Guam’s first contact with the western world which is thru the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan. Back then, Magellan was touring underneath the order of the Spanish Crown to navigate the entire globe (additionally looking for spices), when he arrived in Guam by probability. Nowadays, there’s a robust festive ambiance within the surrounding Yuma Tak village each March 21; it’s referred to as Remembrance Day and it marks the touchdown of Magellan.
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• War within the Pacific National Historical Park: As a multi-unit protected space established in 1978, this honors the bravery and sacrifice of those that have participated within the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Here you will see that a mess of former battlefields, gun emplacements (just like the spot referred to as Piti Guns), trenches, caves, and historic constructions.

9. Treat your self and revel in tax-free procuring

One of the highest issues to do in Guam is unquestionably to discover its vibrant tradition, however greater than this, do you know that it has particular tax-free offers for guests?

So if I had been you, it’s best to make the most of this — come and store right here until you drop within the variety of retail manufacturers and procuring facilities and expertise duty-free procuring! Some locations you shouldn’t miss out on are:

• Tumon Downtown Area: Splurge and deal with your self to the variety of high-end manufacturers discovered right here similar to Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and extra.
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• Micronesia Mall: Guam’s greatest duty-free shopping center with over 130 retailers, boutiques, and eating places.
• Guam Premier Outlets: Built again in 1997, you will discover quite a few American manufacturers right here similar to Ross Dress for Less, Tommy Hilfiger, and extra.
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• Kmart: Open 24 hours a day, it is a huge grocery store the place you will discover a variety of merchandise, produce, and many others. (e.g. be careful for the aisle showcasing quite a few completely different varieties and flavors of Spam — that being stated, do you know that Guam is the most important client for Spam? This is why it’s no marvel that you just’ll discover distinctive flavors being bought right here similar to Spam tocino, black pepper, and garlic amongst many others.)
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• Agaña Shopping Center: Has over 100 shops and eating places with a very good mixture of native and USA manufacturers.
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• DFS/T Galleria: If you’re searching for extra luxurious manufacturers to buy in, that is one other place that ought to be excessive in your high issues to do in Guam!

10. Try different thrilling actions

The enjoyable doesn’t cease whenever you’re on the islands! As considered one of your high issues to do in Guam, it’s best to try the variety of different exhilarating actions that you are able to do which aren’t restricted to riverboat cruises, kayaking, flyboarding, and lots of others.

For the highest trusted exercise suppliers that you need to try, they might be:

• Guam Bikini Island Club: This is your one-stop marine leisure sports activities membership positioned within the south of Guam! They have quite a few choices which you can select from that are delightfully packaged. We tried their Bikini Island Tour which was a 5-hour bundle jampacked with a number of actions: dolphin watching, jetskiing, snorkeling, banana boat trip, and tremendous screamer trip — it was the easiest way to finish our weekend getaway!
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• Guam Adventures: Established in 2019, this firm is trusted for giving the most effective thrilling experiences together with ziplining, snorkeling, paddleboarding, Go Karting, mountain biking, mountaineering, and off-roading (I personally tried their offroad ATV journey and it was superior!).

TIP: If you’ve received the time, it’s best to try the abandoned tropical island of Alupat which is simply off Tumon Beach (entry is thru the Onward Beach Resort). In truth, it’s much less than simply 1,000 ft from the shore so that you cna kayak, jetski, or swim your strategy to it (simply observe warning particularly when swimming!). Once there, you possibly can lay out a picnic to benefit from the sandy cove.

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Guam Travel Guide

» Best Time to Visit

Guam enjoys a tropical local weather with little seasonal temperature variation (25° to 32°) and uncommon damaging typhoons — therefore, it is a perfect vacation spot at any time of the 12 months! If you’re seeking to go to throughout its warmest instances, it’s best to come round May or November. If you wish to keep away from possibilities of rain or typhoons, come any time throughout its dry season (although it helps to say that even when it does rain, it can usually solely occur for a short while in a day!).

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» Getting in to Guam

By air. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport  (GUM) is the one business airport to and from the island, and it’s discovered just a few kilometers from Tumon. The airways that primarily fly to the island are United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, Eva Airways, and Philippine Airlines.

In order to seek out the most effective flight offers out of your level of origin, I like to recommend searching via Skyscanner.

From the airport, I don’t counsel taking a taxi as a result of they’re far costly. Since public transportation isn’t obtainable from the airport, what I might advocate is to rearrange a non-public switch, do a automotive rental, or e-book a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

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» Visa for Guam

Entry necessities for the island are the identical as these of the USA. To date, there are over 40 nations eligible for visa-free entry into the USA so long as you apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on-line earlier than departure. If you’re not a citizen of any of these nations, you have to to use for a USA visa.

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» Where to Stay (Guam Accommodations)

To seek for the most effective resort lodging in Guam at the most effective costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Booking.com. But should you’re fairly desirous about renting comfy homes or flats, it’s best to search via AirBnB.

See right here too for the checklist of the BEST motels in Guam.

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» Guam Currency

United States Dollar (USD / $) is Guam’s official forex, on condition that it’s a USA territory. In the occasion that you just wish to change your native cash for USD, I extremely advise that you just do NOT change your cash on the airport because the charges there are usually not aggressive.

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» Cost of Travel in Guam

You ought to anticipate to journey to the Philippines with a median every day price of about USD $90~ per individual on a funds, or at the least $200~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation on actions, excursions, motels, and extra. (Values under present low-budget to medium-budget ranges solely).

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» How to Get Around Guam

By strolling. This is simply excellent if you’re exploring the primary districts of Hagåtña and Tumon; nevertheless, strolling across the island isn’t advisable because of vehicular site visitors and lack of sidewalks.

By bus. There are buses obtainable, together with the Tourist Shopping Buses that make stops in most motels in Tumon (it prices $4 for a one-way ticket and $12 for a every day cross).

By taxi. Taxis are sometimes costly on the island however another could be a Stroll automotive (Guam’s model of Uber).

By automotive. This is the BEST strategy to go round Guam and I extremely advocate it as a result of driving a automotive gives you extra freedom and adaptability. For this, I counsel getting a rental automotive from one of many automotive firms which can be already discovered on the airport (for me, I received my automotive rental from Hertz).

TIP: When you’re mapping out your day-to-day route, simply use Google Maps as a result of it can present intimately the quickest route you are able to do.

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» Safety in Guam

Guam is a secure vacation spot to go to and there may be little crime on the island; actually, the Chamorro are one of many kindest and warmest individuals you’ll ever meet, so solo vacationers don’t have a lot to fret about on this wonderful nation!

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» Helpful Chamorro/CHamoru Phrases

The native’s native language is Chamorro (CHamoru) however English is the frequent language in Guam. Nevertheless, it might assist impress some locals when you already know a Chamorro phrase or two!

Hello: Håfa adai! (Hah-fuh-day)
How are you: Håfa tatatmanu hao? (Hah-fuh-tah-taht-mah-noo-How?)
Thank you: Si Yu’os Må’ase’. (C-zu-oohs-Muh-ah-seat)
You’re welcome: Buen probechu. (Bwen-pro-bet-sue)
Goodbye: Adiós. (Ah-Deh-Oss)

Good morning: Buenas días. (Bwenas-Dee-as)
Good night (see you tomorrow): Esta agupa’. (eh-stah-ah-goo-pah)

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Other Guam F.A.Q.

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Booking Essentials

TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck the costs with different widespread journey insurance coverage suppliers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)!

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However, take observe {that a} journey insurance coverage’s affordability sometimes means lesser protection; so please at all times make sure that you learn the wonderful print with a purpose to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the best match for you and your journey!