The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, or CNMI for short, is on the rise as the Pacific region’s next big tourist destination. First-time visitors to the Northern Marianas may be excited about lounging around on the beach, hiking on verdant nature trails, or going on tours of historical sites. But what are the other activities that they can look forward to?
If you’re headed to the Northern Marianas for the first time on vacation, e-yellow pages pioneer CNMI Phone Book has some great recommendations for you. Here are the five best activities you should do in order to enjoy what Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and other locations in the Northern Marianas have to offer. Buckle up and get ready for an awesome first visit to CNMI!
Get Active
A vacation is the best time to let loose, but you may want to exercise, test your limits, or engage in healthy competition with your companions. Either way, CNMI is a great place to enjoy sports, especially those that take place outdoors. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to appreciate the islands’ natural beauty.
You can get your pulse racing and conquer your fear of heights by doing something adventurous like skydiving in CNMI. Or, if you enjoy the ocean, you can go diving in the waters around the Northern Marianas. Beginners and licensed divers alike can visit one of CNMI’s dive shops for some diving lessons, to get equipment, or to discover upcoming diving-related activities. On the other hand, those who still want to enjoy a businessman’s sport while on vacation can find a golf course in CNMI. This is where you can swing, drive, and putt to your heart’s content.
Go Shopping
Perhaps Guam is considered the shopping capital of Micronesia, but CNMI isn’t far behind. There are equally great deals to be had when you go shopping in CNMI.
The Northern Marianas have a wealth of shopping centers, outlets, budget groceries, and markets that you can visit on your first time here. These are where you can go to buy candies, chocolates, clothes, accessories, jewelry, perfumes, electronics, and souvenirs to take back home.
Go on a Food Crawl
Any newcomer to CNMI should bring an empty stomach because you can find some seriously good food within the islands. Some dishes can be found only in particular islands, while others—like seafood and tasty Chamorro barbecue—are more ubiquitous.
You should definitely go on a food crawl to sample native Chamorro cuisine or your favorite international foods at one of CNMI’s restaurants. And for dessert, breakfast, or socials at any time of the day, you can while away the hours at a Northern Mariana café.
Enjoy the Nightlife of the Northern Marianas
Once the sun sets, some parts of CNMI go to sleep. But other parts come alive at night, allowing visitors to get a taste of the Northern Marianas’ easygoing, memorable nightlife. This is definitely something that you and your companions should check out on your first visit here!
You can hit one of CNMI’s bars for drinks, as well as live music or karaoke. You and your companions can also engage in a friendly game of billiards or two in a Northern Marianas pool hall. Or, you can all dance the night away in a CNMI nightclub, where the vibe is more laid-back and less stuffy than in many other tourist destinations. Just don’t come back too late if you have a lot of other things to do the next day!
Kick Back and Relax
If you arrived in the Northern Marianas simply to take a breather and escape the world, you’ve come to the right place. The islands are the perfect place to wind down and take it easy. There are many activities to do if you want an adrenaline rush, but just as many if you want the opposite: peace and relaxation.
After a leisurely day at the beach, you can pamper yourself with a massage at one of CNMI’s massage parlors. Or, you can get a full spa treatment in a Northern Mariana spa. These activities will have you sighing in contentment and already planning your next trip to the islands in your head.
Last Tips for First-Time Travelers in the Northern Marianas
Now that you know which activities you can do during your first visit, here are a few more suggestions for an easy, stress-free CNMI trip.
Find Easy Ways to Travel
When you get to CNMI, you’ll find that transport isn’t difficult to secure. You can call a car rental or taxi service in CNMI to get you to where you want to go. But for a much easier time, plan your routes and call your transport services ahead.
Book What You Can in Advance
Your trip may be a little less fun if you’re contending with long lines or unclear activity schedules. To prevent that from happening, book what you can in advance. For example, call a restaurant you intend to check out to see if you can reserve a table. Schedule your tours or sports lesson at least days ahead. Your trip will be all the better with a little extra planning.
Get to Know the Local Community
One of the highlights of your trip will be meeting the locals of the Northern Marianas for the first time. CNMI residents are known to be especially warm and accommodating. As visitors, don’t forget to reflect that goodwill to them. Be friendly, courteous, and respectful to every local you meet.
The tips above will ensure that you have an awesome first time in CNMI. What activity are you looking forward to doing the most?
