I have some of the most interesting tour clients! I’ve launched this blog to share their stories–starting with a special group from Annapolis, MD. (You can meet others on the testimonials page and on my Youtube channel) Videos of their adventure are coming soon!
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“re: relocating…..could you direct me to how would I find out more about that?…If there is a website that would be a one-stop-shopping for this kind of information (a “SO YOU WANT TO LIVE ON SAIPAN” sort of site), that would work perfectly.”—recent email
That’s typical of the inquiries I’ve received over the past 10plus years. And, it just so happens I do know of such a resource! So, just in case you or someone you know are considering relocating to Saipan, CNMI and have questions:
(a) I have a Saipan Living Relocation Guide and a companion website at https://www.saipanliving.com that answers questions about cost of living, health care, entry requirements, taxes, lifestyle and more! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XDCxH9
(b) I have growing series of “Saipan Living” as well as “Relocation Q&A” videos on the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel! Here are some recent topics:
Everybody on board! Featuring
“Ngang upwe Fen Ekkepen”
by Tboi featuring Honeyboii, an artist from
Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Check out: https://soundcloud.com/braddah-tboi
@ApauHawaiiTours asked, “How do locals feel about outsiders moving to Saipan?” I’m not “local,” but here’s my take:
Click watch on Youtube, then the “Notify Me” button so you don’t miss it in your time zone! Relocating? Retiring? Or simply curious about life on Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands? Well, this is your chance to ask me anything about life on Saipan! I’ll be taking your questions live as well as answering questions that have already been asked in the comments section! This will be fun, informative, includes some business ideas for entrepreneurs and might be helpful for someone you know who’s relocating, but can’t make the livestream! Don’t miss it! Wednesday, Oct 25, 2023 at 11:00am Saipan time (ChST: Chamorro Standard Time)
That’s 9:00pm Tues Oct 24 in New York City
6:00pm Tues Oct 24 in California
I compiled 42 (i.e., ALL) the tour reviews I’ve received on Google, ToursByLocals and TripAdvisor/Viator, and gave CHATGPT the following task prompt:
BACKGROUND: My name is Walt Goodridge. I am a tour guide. I offer personalized, customizable, all-day World War II tours, “Saipan in a Day” tours, and “Tinian to Hiroshima tours” as well as trekking and adventure tours on the islands of Saipan and Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. I wish to create a compelling value proposition for advertising and marketing my tours based on what satisfied customers have actually said. Following are all the reviews I’ve received for my personalized, all-day tours of the islands of Saipan and Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands. Each review starts with a “Customer: Name” followed by tour details in some instances, and the actual review (some are multiple paragraphs; each new entry begins with “CUSTOMER.”
TASK: Please analyze the reviews and provide:
(a) 10 descriptive words that appear frequently
(b) 3 to 5 benefits or value that are frequently alluded to or addressed by the customer
(c) 3 to 5 compliments that are given by the customer
(d) Any other benefits and themes that YOU identity that could be used to craft an overview of my tours’ unique selling proposition
(e) an 80-100 word overview of my tours (less than 450 characters)
CHATGPT:
Based on the reviews, here is an analysis:
(a) 10 Descriptive Words:
1. Knowledgeable
2. Informative
3. Personalized
4. Flexible
5. Enthusiastic
6. Accommodating
7. Engaging
8. Attentive
9. Comprehensive
10. Memorable
(b) Benefits/Values:
1. Personalized Experience: Walt tailors tours to individual interests, ensuring a unique and customized experience.
2. In-depth Knowledge: Walt’s extensive knowledge provides a deeper understanding of Saipan’s history and culture.
3. Flexibility: He is flexible in adjusting the itinerary based on customer preferences and requests.
4. Insider Access: Walt offers access to private collections and arranges special visits, enhancing the tour experience.
5. Comprehensive Experience: Customers cover a wide range of historical and cultural sites, maximizing their time on the islands.
(c) Compliments:
1. Knowledge and Enthusiasm: Customers consistently praise Walt’s depth of knowledge and passion for the subject matter.
2. Flexibility and Accommodation: Walt’s willingness to adapt the tour to customer preferences is highly appreciated.
3. Engaging Conversations: Guests enjoy the meaningful and engaging conversations with Walt, adding a personal touch to the experience.
4. Attention to Detail: Walt’s meticulous planning and attention to detail, including timestamped itineraries and post-tour updates, are valued.
(d) Additional Benefits/Themes:
1. Personal Connection: Walt’s willingness to share personal stories and experiences creates a more intimate and enjoyable tour.
2. Rare Insights: Customers appreciate the opportunity to learn about Saipan’s history from someone who has lived elsewhere and now calls it home.
3. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences: Walt takes guests to places that larger tour groups may not have access to, providing a more unique and exclusive experience.
(e) Tour Overview (80-100 words):
Discover Saipan with Walt Goodridge, your knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Enjoy a fully personalized tour tailored to your interests, whether it’s exploring World War II sites, immersing in nature treks, or delving into Saipan’s rich cultural history. Walt’s flexibility ensures your itinerary reflects your preferences. Gain rare insights from someone who’s embraced Saipan as home after an adventurous journey. With access to private collections and off-the-beaten-path locations, you’ll experience Saipan in a way few can. Engage in meaningful conversations, capture stunning memories, and leave with a comprehensive understanding of this beautiful island.
Walt
Excellent! Thanks!
ChatGPT
You’re welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your tours, Walt!
You can check out the actual reviews below, but if you actually wish to request a tour, contact me directly (www.discoversaipan.com) to save on cost:
(a) TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60716-d8818668-r510130398-Discover_Saipan-Saipan_Northern_Mariana_Islands.html
(b)Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=discoversaipan
(c) ToursByLocals: https://www.toursbylocals.com/TBL/WebObjects/ToursByLocals.woa/wa/reviewsFancybox?guide=13181
Here’s how I typically combat laptop screen fatigue…Saipan style!
Kim and her son made a special trip from Massachusetts to Saipan to experience my “WWII Pilgrimage/Search for Amelia” tour and the “Tinian to Hiroshima” tour the next day. Here’s what she said the moment she got in the car for Day 2’s adventure!
I’m not American. I’m NOT a US citizen. I don’t vote. I’m NOT “left wing” or “right wing,” conservative or liberal, Democrat or Republican. I have no ideological agenda to push. I’m not an activist. Here’s what I thought about the movie and the surrounding “controversy.”
[Saipan Living] Where are YOU at 6:00am on an average day? Well, I was testing my GoPro’s stabilization function during one of my early morning beach runs on Saipan, so I can improve future videos! Let me know what you think:
I recently dropped off a donation to the Saipan Humane Society in the name of Relic Hunter Fabian Indalecio (with special thanks to recent Saipan visitors, Jim & Barbara Foster).
While there, my friend, volunteer and animal-lover, Yumiko Naka Brundidge, stepped out of the operating room, saw me and invited me to observe a spaying being performed by Whitney Collins, a visiting, volunteer doctor from Missouri by way of Costa Rica. This impromptu interview gives a little insight into the stray dog/cat situation on Saipan, how you can help if this is something you care about, and how your donations of money and/or gifts to the organization are utilized. (Contact information is in the video description)