15 days in Northern Mariana Islands, Guam & American Samoa Itinerary

An archipelago of 15 islands north of Guam, Northern Mariana Islands remains best known for its tropical weather, excellent scuba diving, and sobering historical reminders of World War II. Originally settled by the Chamorro people, the seemingly remote archipelago has endured a surprisingly turbulent history thanks to its strategic location in the South Pacific. Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521 and claimed the islands for the Spanish, but since then the archipelago came under successive German, Japanese, and finally U.S. rule. A holiday in Northern Mariana Islands typically involves lazing on pristine beaches, enjoying succulent tropical fruits, and scuba diving among the many impressive offshore shipwrecks.

Indigenous, Spanish colonial, and American influences are all visible during a vacation in Guam, a Pacific island that forms part of the Mariana Archipelago. First settled by the indigenous Chamorro people centuries ago, the island was "discovered" by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521-- Spanish colonial powers eventually settled the island in 1668. Today the island is a U.S. territory, with many mainland U.S. citizens choosing to visit Guam as a visa-free way to enjoy the Pacific. Tourism in Guam focuses heavily on the island's picturesque beaches, extensive diving opportunities, and indigenous culture and history.

Visit American Samoa, a land made up of five volcanic islands and two coral atolls, for a holiday as adventurous or relaxing as you want to make it. The untouched landscape supports an abundance of protected wildlife, and many tourism businesses are locally owned, operated, and sustainable. The islands' numerous cultural heritage highlights give visitors a sense of the spirituality and calm that native inhabitants have maintained for millennia. Traversable by land and sea, this unincorporated territory of the United States offers many new perspectives on a fascinating culture and environment.