WOW what a brilliant trip! I just landed this afternoon from a direct flight Tokyo to Chicago. It seems like I have been gone for about 3 weeks but in reality it was only 11 days, 14 flight segments, and 19,000 miles! I have brief summary of all the places I visited in this trip but I will be sharing stories, photos and details from the trip in the coming days and weeks.
Kauai: Amazing! Loved it! This seems to be Hawaii’s best kept secret or it was until now. I highly recommend a visit to this gorgeous island.
Honolulu: I visited Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. I seemed to be one of the very few American tourists as the city was full with tourists from Asia spending hundreds actually probably thousands of dollars at everywhere I looked.
Republic of the Marshall Islands – Majuro: Amazing aerial views! The airport for all of these stops was an oversized and glorified bus station but was able to purchase some handmade crafts.
Republic of the Marshall Islands – Kwajalein: Not allowed to leave the aircraft. US Miltary base with some crazy missile testing things going on here.
Federated States of Micronesia – Pohnpei: Absolutely gorgeous aerial views even with the rain! It is apparently one of the wettest places on earth. The airport had free wifi and TV was playing an NBA basketball game.
Federated States of Micronesia – Chuuk: They saved the best for last in regards the aerial views! This island has many tourist for diving and snorkeling here including many WWII remnants which became famous after Jacques Cousteau visit.
Guam: Unless you are part of the US Navy there is not much here for visitors. I was only there for one day and got to cover most of the highlights.
Palau: PARADISE! It is a major scuba diver mecca with incredible and diverse dive sites. You can even swim with jellyfish that have lost the ability to sting you.
South Korea – Seoul: OMG! I cannot believe the Incheon Airport! The services they offer are incredible including onsite cultural programs, gardens, free relaxation room and showers.
But wait there is more….they offer FREE tours for passengers who a transfer of 2 hours or more. They have a variety of options ranging in duration from 1 to 5 hours with transit services right outside the airport doors waiting for you. Are you transferring from a warm climate and it is cold outside? No problem they even have jackets you can borrow for your tour! In case that is not enough at the end of the tour our guide gave everyone a small free gift; makes you want to schedule an extended transfer in Seoul. Right?
Japan – Tokyo: 24 hour stopover I was able to get into Tokyo check out a few sights and get back to the airport with no major issues. Thanks to the lovely Japanese lady who could see I was struggling to find my way to the Narita Express platforms when the only thing in sight was shops and restaurants.
I was inspired during this voyage and identified some great topics for future posts. If you ever have any topics that you would like to see discussed here just send your suggestions to 1girlwhotravels@gmail.com and I will add it to the queue.