Trip Preparation

Passport

• Americans with a valid U.S. passport can travel to Micronesia without a visa.

Climate

• Think tropical (7 degrees North of the Equator), think warm and humid.
  
• Cement buildings, corrugated roofings, and paved roads (for the most part) results in much warmer temperature on the main island of Chuuk. The outer islands will be a little cooler with the constant light breeze.

Clothing

• Micronesians are modest people. Thighs, yes, thighs are the ultimate test of modesty. On the main island of Chuuk, most men wear pants; women wear skirts. Island print shirts (Hawaiian shirts) is considered the business wear. T-shirts are definitely the way to go. Men need to pack a pair of long pants for the official clinics and functions, but mostly dress shorts are appropriate; women skirts or longer dress pants. Gym shorts are definitely inappropriate.
  
• On the outer island of Houk (visit website), the culture there is very traditional. Everyone is topless with some teenagers wearing T-shirts for sun protection and yes, styles. Houkese do NOT expect visitors to "go native." Whatever you wear on the main island will be completely fine. Leave your long pants at the hotel.

Food

• The restaurants at the hotels cater mostly to divers and government officials. So the menu range from the basic burgers to some flair of Asian (Japanese and Filipino) recepies to buffet styles. We'll bring store-bought food with us to Houk. Unfortunately, there's no Starbucks...yet.
• On Houk, the support team of Vid & Desha will be in charge of preparing our meals. Being that there is no electricity, most people cook over open flames or on kerosene-fueled stoves. We will ship out to Houk our food.

Language

• English is the official business language. Most hotel employees speak English. Translators will be needed on Houk. Venture out and learn a few Chuukese phrases.

Currency

• The hotel will accept major credit cards for dining, rooms, dives. Everywhere else...bring cash.

Diving

• The wreck diving on Chuuk is one of the best in the world. Bring your dive card, but you will also need a Chuuk dive permit which the dive shops can produce for you upon arrival. All equipment can be rented.