You probably haven't travelled in a while. It hasn't been safe, your job situation has been rocky, or maybe you have needed to stick around to take care of your family.
But with more and more of the world population getting vaccinated, some of us are looking to 2022 as the year to take the trip we have been dreaming of since COVID-19 first arrived on the scene.
I might be a little biased, but I think that you should visit American Samoa, a U.S. territory in the South Pacific.
This little collection of islands in the Pacific has been my home for two years now. As I prepare to move off-island in August, I want to share with you my top 5 reasons for visiting American Samoa.
1. It is the safest place in the world.
Seriously. As I am typing this, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in American Samoa. The island closed off the borders for the past year and a half, put out a widespread vaccination campaign, and rigorously tested people coming in on government-sanctioned repatriation flights.
Flights will be opening up through Hawaiian Airlines in August. With a negative COVID test, you can be on your way to this beautiful safe haven.
2. The marine life is unlike anything you've ever seen.
Thanks to the work of NOAA, the National Park of American Samoa, and the Coral Reef Advisory Group, American Samoa has beautiful, protected waters.
The coral reefs here are some of the healthiest in the world, and they are incredibly resilient in the face of global warming.
If you are a diver, snorkeler, or ocean-lover, a visit to American Samoa should be on your to-do list. The largest coral in the world is located in Ta'u, and there are some amazing snorkeling spots off the coast of the main island, Tutuila.
3. Samoan food will change your life.
Food is very important in Samoan culture. It is how you show love to your friends, respect to your parents, and empathy and celebration at major life events.
It is easy to feel like this entire island is edible, like you could pick it up and take a bite. The pineapples are sweet, the avocados are huge, and the island is covered in taro, breadfruit, coconut, and bananas.
There are roadside stands all over Tutuila selling Samoan food. If you make any friends while you are here, you are sure to be invited to Sunday toana'i (a big family gathering for lunch after church, normally). Eat your fill of food from the umu (traditional outdoor oven), take a long nap, and count your blessings.
4. You don't need a special visa to visit American Samoa.
Most digital nomads and remote workers know the struggle of wanting to stay in a place longer but being unable to because your visa will expire. For most of my traveling, I have gotten around this through student visas and work visas from teaching jobs (not anymore, though!).
If you are from the U.S. and you are looking for a base of operations in the Pacific without the visa application hassle, come stay in American Samoa. This island is a great jumping off point to Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand, and countless other islands in the Pacific.
5. The people of American Samoa are the best part of this place!
I've often believed that the best part of traveling and living in different places was that I was able to meet people from all over the world.
I can honestly say that the people I have met in American Samoa are some of the most amazing people on Earth. There are artists and musicians, a thriving small business community, and amazing scientific and ecological innovations.
Come visit American Samoa and you will understand what I mean.
Are you adding American Samoa to your bucket list?
If you are interested in learning more about visiting American Samoa, check back on my blog for more posts about this beautiful territory.
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