As a world-class holiday destination, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands offers no shortage of delights to entice all types of visitors. Travelers can enjoy exploring the many picturesque beaches scattered throughout the islands or indulge in scuba diving, snorkeling, and other exciting watersports activities on Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Pagan. There’s also the vibrant nightlife that can only be found here, best experienced by visiting some of the excellent bars in CNMI. Heading for a night out on the town? Here are a few tips that can help you have a safer, more enjoyable experience:
Choose a More Relaxed Establishment
Visitors to the Northern Marianas are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to grab a drink. You can head down to your hotel’s cocktail lounge or see how the locals live it up at a neighborhood sports bar or pub. There’s also the option of dancing the night away at a club or holding a private sing-along party at a karaoke bar.
Do note, however, that clubs in CNMI tend to get packed, especially during the weekends. The number of people and the frenzied activity in them can make it harder to keep track of your belongings or keep your wits about you. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, you may want to opt for an establishment with a more mellow atmosphere instead.
Don’t Go Out Alone
Though the CNMI is relatively safe for tourists, stepping out on your own after dark may not be the best idea. Going out alone, especially if you plan on drinking, can make you an easy target for people with less-than-honorable intentions.
That said, use common sense whenever you have to step out at night. If possible, don’t leave your hotel room or any establishment unless you’re accompanied by a friend or someone that you trust. There’s safety in numbers, and it drastically reduces your potential risks, especially if your senses are already compromised.
Keep an Eye on How Much You’re Drinking
Being on holiday in a place as beautiful as the Northern Marianas can be exhilarating. But when you’re having the time of your life, it can be easy to get carried away. However, it’s just as important to know your limits when it comes to liquor and to never go over them. The last thing that you want is to lose control of yourself, especially if you’re in a foreign country.
Generally, it’s a good idea to eat dinner before heading out to hit the bars. This will help slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. You’ll also want to stay hydrated throughout the night, as this will prevent you from experiencing a hangover the next morning. Finally, always keep an eye on your drink, and never accept one from anyone that you don’t know. Don’t be afraid to say no or walk away from a situation if something triggers your instincts or makes you feel uncomfortable.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Before heading out, make sure to tell someone you trust where you’ll be for the night. Generally speaking, this is a wise safety practice that you shouldn’t forget to do, whether you’re on holiday or not.
This holds especially true for solo travelers. Should anything untoward happen to you while you’re out and about, the person you’ve notified will have an idea of your location and should be able to alert the authorities for assistance, if necessary.
So make sure to inform a friend, a relative, or even a staff member at your hotel about where you’re going before heading out for the evening. Another way to let your loved ones know your location at all times is to turn on the geotagging or geolocation feature on your mobile device. Doing so can also help you find the device if you happen to misplace it at some point.
Always Have a Plan to Get Back Safely
It can be challenging to figure out an exit plan after you’ve already had a few drinks. That’s why it’s best to figure out how to safely return to your accommodations after you’re done for the night.
Though you may think that you’ll be fine with your usual ride-sharing or ride-hailing services, keep in mind that the ones that you’re accustomed to may not be available in the Northern Marianas. Thus, we recommend getting in touch with a reliable local taxi services company and booking a cab in advance. It’ll also be much more convenient than trying to hail a taxi off the street at an odd hour.
With a bit of common sense and forethought, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the CNMI’s nightlife to the fullest. Remember: in case of an emergency, the Marianas Visitors Authority strongly recommends dialing 911 to get in touch with the appropriate services.
