Palau 🇵🇼

Home to about 18,000 people across just 180 square miles, Palau is one of the world’s smallest countries—and one of its most beautiful. Its Rock Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore by boat, take a scenic flight, or dive among world-class coral reefs. Palau is in Micronesia, near Guam, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. Koror’s airport (ROR) connects directly to several cities across Asia and Oceania.

Palau is generally safe, but watch for petty theft. Expect tropical weather and heavier rain in June and July. To protect the reefs, only mineral sunscreens are allowed.

Prices are mid-range: hotels start around $60 a night and meals cost about $10. In Koror, many places are walkable, and tour operators often provide free pickups. Renting a car offers more freedom to explore.

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