Visa-Free USA Travel Prep Series ~ Recommended Fun for Independent Travelers by AIT Officials

By Wei Ruyu, Interview & Report

 

With the American Institute in Taiwan announcing that Taiwan has been nominated as a candidate for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, both governments and the public are optimistic about the possibility of an official announcement opening visa-free travel in the near future—making it a great time to start planning a trip to the United States. But with such a vast continent, how can you explore beyond the typical package tours arranged by travel agencies? Gregory Harris, Chief of the Commercial Section at the American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Branch and a frequent traveler between Taiwan, the U.S., and major Asian cities, shares some of his favorite spots in his home country—including Michigan, where he lives with his wife and children, Washington state where his mother and family reside, and Guam.

 

Mr. Harris says that most people associate Michigan mainly with Detroit’s auto industry, but the state actually boasts many beautiful natural landscapes perfect for a vacation. He recommends the town of Holland in western Michigan, named after the many Dutch immigrants who settled there in the early days. The annual Tulip Time Festival in May attracts many visitors, and the nearby beautiful lakes are ideal for boating and other water activities. Summer is the best season to visit—it’s not too hot and quite cool, making it a very comfortable travel destination.

 

Additionally, eastern and western Washington state offer different sceneries and characteristics. The east side is great for visiting wineries, strolling through vineyards, and wine tasting, or heading to Leavenworth, a traditional German-style village, to experience the unique lifestyle of German immigrants in America. On the western side, Seattle is an international city full of art and culture. The University of Washington is also located here, and fans of the movie *Sleepless in Seattle* will likely find scenes from the film familiar. There are also rainforests in the nearby suburbs, which are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Mr. Harris says that Washington is a city that values environmental protection, and biking around is a great way to explore and immerse yourself in the local pace of life. Just within Washington state, you can enjoy diverse travel landscapes and atmospheres—it’s a fantastic place.

 

As for Guam, it gives Mr. Harris the dual feeling of returning to the U.S. while also taking a vacation on a Pacific island. His favorite spot is Tumon Bay, which is also an ecological reserve where you can enjoy diving and observe a rich variety of marine life. He says Guam is great for renting a car to drive around the island, freely arranging visits to night markets, shopping malls, beaches, parks, and other attractions according to your mood. He also recommends trying the local Mexican cuisine, and notes that Guam’s KFC even sells a type of indigenous red rice, which is worth a try.

 

Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton officially submitted a request to the Department of Homeland Security to grant Taiwan visa-free status; President Obama also called for simplifying the visa application process to boost tourism. It is expected that once Taiwan becomes a visa-waiver country, visitors will be able to enter the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days for business and tourism purposes. People might as well start planning their U.S. trips now, and go as soon as the visa waiver opens.

 

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