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Perfect Itinerary:
For sheer volume and variety of wildlife, Poe believes Palau is simply the best diving destination in the world. Nonetheless, diving isn't the only attraction. Snorkeling, sea kayaking and mountain biking opportunities abound. Also, the history and culture of Palau are worth investigating. If diving is the focus, Poe advises that visitors obtain advanced certifications before going in order to take full advantage of dive spots. Day 1 Travelers arrive in the evening via Honolulu and Guam to the capital, Koror, and transfer to the Palau Pacific Resort. This mainstay still offers the best accommodations, in Poe's view. “Palau is notoriously limited in the cuisine department, with the exception of sashimi,” he said. “The resort has a decent kitchen and changes the theme nightly. So travelers won't go hungry.” Couples can also dine privately on the powder-white beach. Day 2 In the morning, clients check in with their dive operator to arrange dives for the next day. Afterward, they can get acquainted with Palau by making stops at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center and Belau National Museum in Koror. Poe also recommends a visit to the Palau International Coral Reef Center and Aquarium. Day 3 Morning and afternoon dives are scheduled; the afternoon dive includes a lunchtime snorkel stop at Jellyfish Lake. This inland freshwater lake contains countless jellyfish that have evolved to become “stingless” due to lack of predators. Poe also recommends a night dive at a World War II shipwreck. Day 4 Morning and afternoon dives are scheduled. For nondivers, snorkeling is an option. A thrilling alternative is to go flightseeing over the spectacular Rock Islands. Travelers can stop at the island of Angaur and tour by bicycle to see World War II relics and fabulous beaches. Day 5 Travelers depart Palau in the afternoon or just after midnight, depending on their preference. “Divers should know it is advisable to decompress for 24 hours prior to flying,” Poe said. He recommends that clients take a guided sea-kayaking excursion to the Rock Islands to ensure that they leave the appropriate amount of time to decompress before flying. The Perfect Itinerary is an example of an itinerary an agent crafted his or herself, not available anywhere else, but can be duplicated by other agents to sell to their clients. *Photo Copyright Kevin Davidson - KD Photo, Koror www.kd-photo.com
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Tony Poe, director of marketing and public relations at Little Rock, Ark.-based Poe Travel, designed a five-night itinerary to Palau, a destination where he once lived (or lounged) for four months. Poe has been noted in National Geographic Traveler magazine for his expertise on Palau.