How to Find Cheap Hotels in Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands are a series of nearly 30 postcard-beautiful coral atolls making up over 1,100 mostly uninhabited islands in the western region of the Pacific Ocean. While now an independent nation, the islands were an American Trusteeship in the years after World War II, and the U.S. conducted over 60 nuclear weapons tests--including the largest it ever detonated--here. The Marshalls attract visitors for deep-sea fishing and spectacular diving. One of its atolls, Bikini, lent its name to a popular form of ladies swimwear; however, no one is now allowed on the atoll because of nuclear fallout.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet access for making reservations

Find Cheap Accommodations in the Marshall Islands

1. Book accommodations in the Marshall Islands by calling the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority at 692-625-6482 or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Consider a visit to Kwajalein atoll, a short plane ride from Majuro and home to a United States missile testing facility. Secure advance U.S. permission to stay on the island that houses the facility itself, but visitors are welcome to stay at nearby Ebeye Island. Hotels average under $100 per night and the region affords some of the most desirable diving and deep-sea fishing conditions in the world.

3. Think about renting a boat in Majuro. All manner of vessels are available, and give you the opportunity to combine cheap accommodations on the water with the mobility of traveling between the Marshalls' many islands. Look into the option if diving or fishing brought you to the Marshalls.

4. Check into guest cottage rentals on some of the more remote islands. For the adventuresome traveler, this option provides cheap accommodations with access to special diving and fishing sites.

5. Reserve a room in any of Majuro's standard Western-style hotels. All offer rates for the budget-minded traveler of under $100 per night. You might have to sacrifice an ocean view--but then again, no one is ever more than a few minutes from an ocean view in Majuro.

Arrange Travel to the Marshall Islands

6. Schedule a flight on one of the several international carriers that service the International Airport at Majuro, the Islands' capital and largest city. From Majuro, shuttle flights depart for other destinations within the islands.

7. Consider booking passage on a cruise liner to the Marshall Islands. Several lines make regular but infrequent stops here.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't apply for a visa if you carry a U.S. passport. However, other visitors should contact the Marshall Islands embassy in their home countries.
• Expect to pay a $20 departure tax for all flights.