On Tuesday night at 7pm, I finally returned to my apartment in Brooklyn from a nine-day excursion through the beautiful islands of Palau. Well, six days were spent in Palau, the rest were traveling. To be honest, I had never heard of Palau before I went, and now having been there, I can’t understand how it has remained such a hidden treasure for so long.

As part of Micronesia, this archipelago of islands is literally a paradise of wonder and full of history for such a nation of small, beautiful islands. Gaining its independence finally in 1994, Palau was explored by the Europeans, ruled by Spain, sold to Germany and invaded by Japan. Many artifacts from World War II remain, lying in decay and nestled within the beautiful tropical scenery. It is hard to imagine that such an atrocity took place in such a beautiful environment. Sunken war ships and rusted cannons quietly whisper stories of horror and despair while nature slowly chafes away at the evidence.

Palau is made up of only about 25,000 Palauans, as most have left to work or serve in the States. A big issue now with elections coming up is how to get Palauans to return or stay to help their own country. With a minimum wage of about $2.50 per hour and the influence of television and video games, it is hard to convince them to stay. However, the small population leaves a beautiful, naturally preserved cluster of islands filled with the most spectacular variety of fish, animals, coral and habitats.

Jellyfish Lake is a fresh/saltwater lake in the middle of a limestone island. Filled with nearly 11 million jellyfish, this lake once had an outlet to the ocean. Over time, the lake became closed off from the ocean, isolating the jellyfish from any predators or even prey. Having no need to defend themselves, the jellyfish slowly evolved, losing their stinging tentacles, leaving them completely harmless to human contact. The lake itself is more dangerous to tourists as it contains sulfide, and diving deeper than two minutes would result in suffocation. But a tourist can happily snorkel in this lake surrounded by 11 million pulsating organisms that approach you like curious little puppies (even though they have no brains). The jellyfish feed off of algae inside their membranes, leaving them completely dependent on the sun.

For scuba divers, Palau is a paradise. I had never been so close to so many sharks while scuba diving and snorkeling. One of my favorite dive sites was the Ulong Channel, filled with a variety of corals and marine life to observe as you drift along, following the current. Helmet Wreck was another favorite, as it is the remains of a Japanese ship. Helmets, bullets and saki bottles lay untouched, almost frozen in time.

Six days allowed me to get a taste of what these beautiful Pacific islands have to offer. I can only wait for another opportunity to return!

 Courtney Centeno, Account Executive

 *  Global Traveler remembers and honors all those who were affected by the attacks of 9/11 — those who lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center and in the Pentagon, the heroes on United Flight 93, the rescue workers,  the families who live with the losses of 9/11 every day, and many more. And for those who continue to fight for our freedom, thank you.

As I am writing this, it is 7 am on Thursday morning, and after 2 full days of traveling, I finally arrived at the Palau Royal Resort last night with my press group and received a complete, full night’s sleep in a real bed! On Monday, I flew from Newark Airport to LAX and had a very pleasant stay at the Sheraton Gateway Monday night. Since I had some time to relax before my 15-hour journey to Palau on Tuesday morning, I tried to stay up to alter my time clock, so I wouldn’t be so “off” when arriving in Palau. One thing I should have remembered from my journey to the Philippines is that it doesn’t matter how much you prepare or even sleep on the plane; after a 20-hour trip you will be EXHAUSTED no matter what!

Although arriving in Palau at night kept us from seeing the beautiful islands when we landed and the scenery while driving to our resort, I was happy to have nothing on my itinerary but SLEEP when I got to my hotel room. In the morning, I was greeted by the warm, humid tropical air and the sun rising just behind the palm trees. I could wake up like this every morning. The Palau Resort is beautiful and very accommodating, just as I had expected. I was very pleased with the amenities, as everything was provided so that one wouldn’t even need to bring toiletries, except deodorant. On top of that, there was two of everything! Toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, shaving cream, dental floss, toothpicks, lotion, shampoo, conditioner and hair comb.

While traveling, I will be reviewing everything from hotels, flights, restaurants, scuba diving, snorkeling and various tours. Our itineraries are jam-packed. Today is our dolphin tour! I am very happy to be here and review everything you global travelers will need to know about Palau! Who needs fall, winter or spring? Let summer prevail!!

-Courtney Centeno, account executive

I read an article this morning at New York Times online about the benefits of traveling to the Caribbean this summer. Prices are substantially lower than the peak season (January-March) and although the months of June - August are slightly warmer, it’s still not as hot as some of the hottest days we have already experienced here in the States. Some hotels and resorts have cut their prices down by about 60%; and even with airfares rising, Caribbean packages are including cheaper airfare.

Even islands seem to be “on sale” as the Caribbean is becoming more aggressive with bringing more tourists in during the slower, off-peak season. Personally, I have always enjoyed the summertime for travel. Yes, as a former student, most of my travels took place during the summer because I was on break, however, seeing a touristy place minus all the tourists can make all the difference. Ok, maybe there are threats of hurricanes, but at least you won’t be sharing any white sand with Joe Schmoe and his family. And, if you enjoy water sports like scuba diving, you won’t have to wait for all the good dive spots! I personally don’t like ascending after a dive to find myself surrounded by dozens of outriggers. It makes the experience less personal and special.

I traveled last summer to Utila Island, an island off of Honduras in the Caribbean Sea - known as the “cheaper” and “more laid-back” version of its neighboring island, Roatan. Although the island seemed dominated by scuba diving instructors, the tourist level was at a low and I had this feeling as though the island were “mine”. While it’s great to meet other tourists and travelers, it’s also important to own your vacations and experiences.

-Courtney Centeno, account executive

Embassy Suites is having a contest to come up with clever new doorhangers for its rooms–creative ways to say “Go away, don’t bother me.” I found some of the samples obscure: “I’m resting up for the manager’s reception” doesn’t, to my mind, meet the criteria of being “clever, outrageous and intriguing.”  “Unless you have an omelet, do not even think about knocking” is a little clearer, but not roll-on-the-floor-laughing material. They do seem to need help, which is why we discuss the contest in the upcoming Sept. 18 edition of eFlyer.

It also reminds me of a story of my own. I was on a junket to the deluxe and private Hotel Hana Maui at the end of the Hana Highway in Maui. We arrived in a small plane from Honolulu just before dinnertime and had little time to get acclimated before we were due to meet up in the restaurant. I was pointed to my room, which was actually a beautiful suite, with tiled floors and surrounded by greenery. There were all sorts of arrival gifts scattered around the room–flowers on the dresser, a fruit basket on the coffee table, wine on a side table.

 I quickly unpacked my suitcase, which had been delivered to my room before my arrival, grabbed a dress and some sandals, ran a brush through my hair and stuck one of the flowers behind my ear. The neckline was a bit bare, but I figured we’d probably get “lei’d”–as we had been, frequently, in Honolulu and on previous visits. Just in case we didn’t, however, I grabbed a pretty necklace of brown-and-white seashells dangling from a knob, thinking it would remind me to show my appreciation for all the gifts.

I met up with the other journalists in the lobby of the hotel and headed on into the restaurant–no leis in sight–but was greeted with broad smiles by the hostess who showed us to our seat, and by the waiter who took the drinks order. Finally we were joined by the PR person and the hotel manager. One of them said, “I hope all you found your rooms to your liking and enjoy your gifts.” I felt they were looking rather pointedly at me, and I thought that I somehow had helped myself to something that wasn’t mine, but the moment passed. Afterward, I managed to gain the PR person’s ear and said, Did I do something untoward? She smiled and told me–you probably guessed–that I was wearing the hotel’s “do not disturb” sign around my neck.

–Mary Hunt, editor, eFlyer

I just returned from a long Labor Day weekend sailing around Martha’s Vineyard on the Shenandoah.

Vineyard Haven was filled with tourists and summer residents on Labor Day. There were not quite as many as in July and August, but there were enough to make it still seem like summer vacation time. We could not sail in our no-auxiliary-powered boat on Labor Day because it was too windy (gusts up to 35 knots). So we cruised the town along with all the other Labor Day visitors.

The next day dawned bright and breezy enough for us to sail, so off we went. We spent Tuesday night anchored off Naushon Island and then sailed back to Vineyard Haven on Wednesday.

The change in Vineyard Haven from Labor Day to Wednesday was like night and day. On Wednesday afternoon when we set foot on terra firma again, there were extremely few summer visitors about. In fact, even many of the boats moored in the harbor had departed, so the town seemed deserted and a bit lonely. The stores, galleries, cafes and ice cream parlors were still open, but with only a few customers wandering about.

The Black Dog Wharf, which is at the heart of Vineyard Haven’s waterfront, seemed forlorn without the visiting yachts, sailboats, sailors and boat-loving groupies that usually throng the area. There was an end-of-summer sadness about the place.

We all complain about crowds at summer destinations, but the truth is they often bring life and energy to a town or tourist attraction. Humans are social animals and thrive on the presence of other people. People bring life and energy to wherever they go, be it a museum, the Acropolis, the Champs-Elysee or Martha’s Vineyard. So I’m going to stop complaining about crowds. However, I will still complain about heavy traffic.

-Dick Evans, vice president