It was the quintessential trip of a lifetime. In March 2019, I embarked on a journey to the Federated States of Micronesia (“FSM”). I imagine there are many who have never heard of this marvelous island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean. Serendipitously, I learned of FSM one fall day in 1994, as I watched Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? with my younger sister. The show was turning us into budding geography enthusiasts and it had become one of our favorite after school pastimes. Hearing the name of a country I’d never heard uttered until November 1994, and viewing the idyllic images of cobalt, turquoise, and cyan waters was enough to etch FSM in my mind and ignite a decades-long love affair with the country. This post sheds some light on why I think more people should experience the splendor of FSM!

Although I learned of FSM in 1994, I didn’t start researching how to get there (in earnest) until 2009. At the time, I believe Continental Airlines was the only US airline with travel routes to FSM. I recall the round trip economy class flight prices hovered around $1,700, and it would have taken at least 30 hours of travel time to reach FSM, if not more. While I wasn’t able to visit FSM in 2010, I remained undeterred and told myself, “You’ll get there someday.” Fast-forward to 2018, I began researching travel to FSM again. This time, United Airlines was the main US airline with routes to FSM – Continental had since merged with United – the economy class round trip flights were in excess of $2,000, and that price didn’t factor in inner-island flights. To say the least, the trip would be a substantial financial investment and require a hefty time commitment given the multiple time zones I’d need to cross before setting foot on FSM soil. Yet, I remained determined to visit the number one destination on my personal travel wish list.

Over the course of many months, the skeletal structure of my trip began to form. My initial considerations revolved around: (1) deciding when to visit and for how long, (2) researching visa and vaccination requirements, (3) determining which of the four island states to explore since FSM is spread out over many miles of the Pacific Ocean, (4) assessing my trip budget, (5) weighing flight and accommodation options, and (6) generating lists of attractions and activities. As with most of my searches (travel or otherwise), I started with Google.com and found a myriad of resources that served me well before my trip. First, I stumbled upon Climates to Travel (https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/micronesia), which helped me settle on March 2019, as an ideal time to visit FSM based on average temperatures and anticipated precipitation levels sourced from historical data. Second, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/), cleared up my visa and vaccination questions, respectively. Third, the FSM Vistors Board website (http://www.visit-micronesia.fm/index.html) not only served as an excellent resource for historical and cultural information for FSM, but also supported my efforts to assemble initial lists of accommodations, attractions, and activities for each state I decided to visit. I cannot underscore enough how valuable and insightful the information is on the FSM Visitors Board website. Without it, I’m not sure I could have designed the trip of my dreams! Later, I relied upon Tripadvisor.com and Booking.com to refine my accommodations list by FSM state and peruse hotel reviews. Lastly, since United Airlines provides flights from Newark, New Jersey to FSM and has Island Hopper flights to facilitate travel between the four states, I decided to book flights directly through the airline. FSM is so far from Newark that I ended up amassing enough miles during my trip to move into United Premier Silver status!

As I reflect on my voyage to FSM, I can’t help but feel a tremendous sense of gratitude.  During that trip, I had the privilege of laying eyes on breathtaking natural beauty and I encountered some of the most benevolent souls I’ve ever met.  I query whether any of that would have happened if I hadn’t watched “‘E. Pluribus Steal ‘Em” (the Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? episode that introduced me to FSM)…. Below you’ll find some of my favorite photos from my 17-day expedition to the states of Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Chuuk.  Regrettably, I wasn’t able to visit FSM’s westernmost state of Yap, but I hope to get there someday.

Need help planning your next vacation? Contact me at theknowledgeabletourist@gmail.com!