Hello, this is Ron.
In this blog, “Future Atlas by Ron,” I write realistic travel diaries of the places I have visited based on my experience of traveling to more than 15 countries, as well as my impressions and insights from my travels.
I usually travel on my days off while working full time in Tokyo, and I am active in my efforts to share the charm of international travel with everyone.
To enjoy your trip to Guam to the fullest, advance preparation is very important.
In this article, we have compiled a list of key points to ensure a smooth trip, including airline and hotel reservations, car rental arrangements, tour applications, and the purchase of a SIM card that can be used locally.
👇The entire trip and cost details can be found in the [Guam Trip Summary Article]
1. Flight booking
Guam is accessible by a 3.5-hour flight from Japan.
It is recommended to book air tickets one to three months in advance. In this article, I booked a round-trip ticket on United Airlines’ official website one month before departure for about $336 per person.
👉 [United Airlines Official Website – Booking]
👉 [United Airlines Flight Experience Review]
2. Hotel booking
As with airline tickets, hotels should ideally be booked one to three months in advance.
The “Guam Reef Hotel” where we stayed in this article is a 10-minute drive from the airport, with 24-hour check-in, free parking, and an infinity pool.
Reservations were made through Agoda and we had a pleasant stay.
👉 [Agoda – Guam Reef Hotel Booking]
👉 [Guam Reef Hotel Accommodation Review]
3. Car Rental booking
Rental cars are convenient for sightseeing in Guam. You can drive a car with only a Japanese driver’s license.
It is safe to reserve a rental car at least one month to several days before departure. In this article, I booked a Hertz rental car through the qeeq.com comparison site two months in advance for about $110 for two days.
👉 [QEEQ – Click here to book a rental car]
👉 [Click here for a summary of tips and precautions for driving a rental car in Guam]
4. Local Tour booking
Local tours are a great way to efficiently explore Guam’s nature and tourist attractions.
In this article, we booked the “Mystic Cave Pagat Cave Trekking Tour” through Veltra one week in advance. A set plan including a rash guard, marine shoes, and refreshments is convenient. There is a possibility of rain, so it is safe to book as soon as you know the weather forecast.
👉 [Veltra JP – Pagat Cave Tour Reservations]
👉 [Pagat Cave Experience Review]
5. Restaurant booking
For popular restaurants and dinners with shows, early reservations are a safe bet.
In this article, I booked a BBQ dinner with fire dancing at Hotel Nikko Guam through Veltra or the hotel’s official website.
👉 [Guam Gourmet Guide]
👉 [Veltra JP – Sunset Beach BBQ Reservations]
6. Customs Declaration Preparation
It is recommended to complete Guam Customs declaration on the web within 72 hours prior to departure to facilitate entry.
👉【Customs Declaration Online Form】
7. Prepare SIM card
We recommend that you purchase an eSIM or SIM card before departure in order to have a good local communication environment.
In this article, we purchased a 4-day unlimited plan from Airalo for $9. eSIM can be used immediately upon arrival without the need to replace the SIM.
👉 [Airalo – eSIM details and purchase here]
List of Things to Bring on Your Trip to Guam
It is no exaggeration to say that the comfort of your trip is almost entirely determined by your advance preparations.
In this article, we would like to introduce some items that we actually went on our trip and felt “I am glad I brought” or “I wish I had bought these items locally.
🌴 Clothing and Fashion
- Swimsuits
Guam’s ocean is truly beautiful and you will definitely want to get in! Don’t forget it for the beach or hotel pool. - Summer clothes (short sleeves, shorts, etc.)
Basically summer all year round. Airy clothes are comfortable. Restaurants and rooms are air-conditioned, so a light jacket is a good idea. - Sunglasses and hats
The sun is very strong, so protecting your eyes and head is a must. It will also look good in photos. - Folding umbrella (for both sunny and rainy days)
For protection against squalls. It may rain suddenly, but it usually stops soon.
☀️ UV Protection
- Sunscreen
Ultraviolet rays are stronger than in Japan. Many products with high SPF are sold locally, so it is possible to procure locally. For those with sensitive skin, it is recommended that you bring your own from Japan.
🔌 Electronics related
- Mobile battery
Required as it is easy to run out of charge when using Google Maps and camera while sightseeing. (There is no such place as a charging spot in Guam.) - A-type conversion plug
Japan is the same A-type and 110V compatible, so you can use it as it is (but be careful with high power consumption items such as hair dryers).
🧳 Documents and essentials
- Passport
Absolutely necessary, of course. It is a good idea to have a copy with you (in case of theft or loss). - Driver’s license (for those renting a car)
Japanese citizens can drive with a Japanese driver’s license. Don’t forget to bring it along with your passport. - E-ticket (airline ticket) and hotel reservation confirmation
Basically you can use your smartphone, but it is convenient to print out a paper copy in case of emergency. - QR code for customs declaration
Take a screenshot of the QR code issued when you registered in advance so that you can present it immediately. When returning to Japan, you should also apply for “Visit Japan Web” to ensure smooth passage upon your return. - Credit card
Most stores in Guam are cashless. Therefore, there is no need to withdraw cash. - Overseas Travel Insurance Certificate (if necessary)
If you have an insurance policy attached to your credit card, it is a good idea to check the contents in advance.
💡 Supplemental: What you can buy locally
- Souvenir shops and ABC stores have everything you need.
- Water, drinks, and daily necessities can be bought cheaply at supermarkets
- A wide variety of sunscreen and aftercare products
Finally
To ensure a pleasant trip to Guam, it is important to plan these advance preparations in advance.
In particular, early reservations for airline tickets, hotels, and rental cars will save you money. Reservations for popular local tours and restaurants are also recommended.
Pre-purchasing SIM cards is recommended rather than purchasing them locally, which reduces the risk of communication problems.
Please take a look at the summary article as well!
＞＞【Travel to Guam Summary Article】
🔗 Related Links
- [Summary of tips and cautions for driving a rental car in Guam]
- [United Airlines Flight Experience Review]
- [Guam Basic Infomation]
- [Frequently Asked Questions Q&A]
- [Detailed cost information]
- [Travel Diary of Day 1] [Coming soon]
- [Travel Diary of Day 2] [Coming soon]
- [Guam Gourmet Guide]
- [Guam Shopping Guide]
The atmosphere of this trip and what I felt on the ground is left in a video on
YouTube.
Rather than a record, I would be happy if it could be a trigger for someone else’s journey.
▶︎ YouTube ‘UYUTABI’ channel here
コメント