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Guam & Saipan: My Week-Long Island Adventure! 🏝️
Hey everyone! I noticed there's not much buzz about Guam and Saipan here, so I'm stoked to share my one-week trip to these islands! Get ready for some island vibes!First Things First: The US Visa 🛂
Let's talk about the US visa for entry. I see a lot of questions about how difficult it is, with some saying, "It's the hardest visa to get!" But honestly, I don't think so! In my opinion, the US visa is the EASIEST visa to obtain compared to other countries that require a visa. Why? You only need to fill out the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and attend the interview. European visas, or even Taiwan's visa, require tons of documents, translations, and notarizations. The simplicity of the process already earns it a perfect score!My Visa Experience: A Few Tips! 😉
When I first applied, everyone told me not to waste my money. They said I wouldn't get approved because I was young, single, had a regular job, and no assets. Even managers were getting rejected! But guess what? I passed on my first try! They didn't ask about assets or bank accounts (but bring them just in case!). I think the key is **CONFIDENCE!** Just be honest and answer confidently. If possible, answer in English, even if the interviewer starts in your native language.What if You Get Rejected? 💔
People often say that if you get rejected and your application remains unchanged, don't reapply. But I know many friends who reapplied a week later (with the same application) after being rejected the first time, and got approved by a different interviewer! I've heard that they decide 70-80% of your approval before the interview, but I don't believe it. Everyone fills out the DS-160 similarly (unless you're on a blacklist or violated the law). It's just name, occupation, family, kids. Income is optional, and you don't need to provide financial documents or a travel plan when submitting the form. So, I think the interview is the most crucial part.Important Tip! ☝️
If you state you plan to stay a specific number of days, stick to that plan! Don't stay too long, even though they often allow you to stay for six months upon entry. You might have difficulty renewing your visa, and they may require another interview and potentially reject you. I initially said I'd stay for three weeks, but I ended up exploring 27 states for over three months! So, during my renewal, they asked why I stayed longer. I wasn't thrilled with the interviewer's attitude, so I replied that maybe he was used to the US because he grew up there, but it was my first time and everything was new and exciting! I showed him my album of photos from 27 states with National Park stamps. He was impressed and said it was the first time someone had told him how beautiful the US was, and he believed it. Another time, I got called in again for staying too long. I said I had just quit my job and had free time to travel. They asked if I had a job now. I said I was a freelancer and could work online or on-site, so I could travel for extended periods. "OK, Have a nice trip." **Just be honest, and you'll be fine!** **Apply yourself!** Don't use a service; they just fill out the form for you and charge excessive fees.Back to Guam & Saipan! 🏝️
I transited through the Philippines and arrived in Guam first. If you're interested in history and historical sites, you should visit. But there aren't many glamorous photo spots. These islands rely on tourism, mainly from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. And wherever there are Chinese tourists, you know the drill: Chinese investors, hotels, restaurants, karaoke... it can get a bit noisy and chaotic. You'll see many convertibles painted pink, blue, and yellow for tourists to rent and take photos. Guam has many big hotels like Westin and Sheraton. I stayed in Airbnbs for under $100/night. In Saipan, I couldn't find an Airbnb, so I booked a hotel with a very Japanese name, thinking I'd get Japanese service. But it was a bait-and-switch! No one spoke English or Japanese; it was all Chinese! The facilities were severely outdated. I rented an SUV to camp by the beach or sleep in the car, but there were no camping spots on either island. Public toilets weren't great either. Also, I felt the feng shui wasn't good. I got goosebumps everywhere. 😟 The sea is very clear, but be careful swimming because of the coral and limestone. Bring snorkeling gear! There's also a dive spot, but it was too crowded with Chinese tourists.Guam: Things to See 👀
Besides the soldier memorials and B-52 remnants, there are:- Fort Santo Angel
- Talo Fo' Fo' Falls + Yokoi Cave (named after a Japanese soldier who hid in the cave during the war and stayed there for 28 years until hunters found him)
- Wildlife Conservation Area
- Two Lovers Point (where tourists buy padlocks to attach)
