Overview

Located deep in the South Pacific, Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The capital of the Island is Hagatna. It has a long history of European colonization, starting in the late 17^th century with the arrival of Spanish settlers. Although Spanish forces maintained a foothold in Guam for the next 300 years, American troops took over Guam during the Spanish American War in 1898. Like its neighboring country Philippines, Guam was also taken over by the Japanese during the World War II. But later it was regained by the American forces towards the end of the war in 1944. Since then, Guam has been annexed as a U.S. territory. Its economy is supported mainly through tourism and the U.S. military bases that are sparsely populated throughout the island.

Activities & Attractions

Guam has been a perfect tropical getaway for travelers who want to escape the swarmed tourist destinations of the other South Pacific Islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. Some of the popular attractions in the Tumon Bay region of Guam include San Vitores Martyrdom Site, Two Lovers' Point, and Joseph Flores Beach Park. When you are in the capital city of Hagatna, you must visit Plaza de Espana, Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral, Angel Santos Latte Stone Park, Fort Santa Agueda, and I Sengsong Chamorro Village.

You can plan your trip to Guam to coincide with the festive season so that you can witness few of the internationally renowned festivals. For instance, if you book your trip to Guam during the Halloween season, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Underwater Pumpkin Carving contest, where amazing prizes are offered to the best aquatic carvers. Due to the Catholic influence during the Spanish colonialism, fiestas are a celebrated activity, and most of the villages offer fiestas to honor various patron saints.

Do not forget to check out Guam's world-famous diving, where you can see the shipwrecks of the World Wars I and II.

Lodging

Lodging facilities in Guam are wide ranging. There are many five-star hotels as well as budget-friendly hotels and motels available on the island that can be booked in advance. Resorts along the beaches are a popular accommodation choice, so if you are looking for more family-oriented lodgings, try to book your stay in the middle of the islands of Maite and Mangilao.

Transportation

Guam is a relatively small island, so most of the hotels and resorts are only a few minutes' drive from the airport. You may choose to rent cars to experience the beauty of the island. Taxis are not as plentiful as in other popular tourist destinations. Most of the internationally well-known car rental operators also serve on the island. As Guam is a U.S. held territory, all transactions take place in dollars.