Fiji Travel Tips
Keep in Mind...
- You'll switch days When you fly to Fiji, you'll be crossing over the north-to-south International Date Line. Adjust your watches and phones to reflect the jump ahead.
- Skip the cities You didn't come to Fiji for tourist traps or grimy cities, so stick to the islands' best attributes—the world-class resorts on beautiful shorelines.
- Drink some kava This intoxicating drink, made from the yaqona root, is a favorite among locals. But some travelers warn that it can make your lips go temporarily numb.
With its turquoise waters, glittering sands, and luxe resorts, Fiji is similar to many other tropical getaways. Likewise, the set of 333 islands caters to lovebirds of all kinds, and we do mean all kinds: 2011's Bachelorette, Ashley even spent some time here with a few eligible beaus. Plus, adventure-seekers, like surfers and divers, appreciate the archipelago's decent waves and coral reefs. But Fiji differs from other sultry destinations in its otherworldliness. Since it's more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand's North Island in the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji affords you the delectable feeling of seclusion. You'll be as far from reality as possible when you're sipping Fiji Bitter Beer and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Fijian customs will make you feel a million miles away too: Ever tasted the dizzying kava drink? Or watched men defy fire and walk across scalding stones without burning their feet? If not, it’s about time you did.
How To Save Money in Fiji
- Visit in the low season So what; there might be scattered showers! Visiting between the months of November and April can save you a lot on airfare and accommodations.
- Look for package deals Your two largest expenses will be your flight and your hotel room. But you can find some great discounts if you book both at the same time.
- Stick to one isle Transportation costs for island-hopping can add up, so conserve your currency by sticking to just one of Fiji's gorgeous islands.
Fiji Culture & Customs
Although Fiji's official language is English, you will endear yourself to the friendly Fijians by learning a few words of their native Fijian tongue. "Bula" (pronounced mboo-la) is "hello"; "vinaka" (pronounced vee-nah-kah) means both "please" and "thank you"; and "moce" (pronounced mow-they) is "goodbye."
Right now, American currency (USD) is worth about double that of the Fijian dollar (FJD). Keep that in mind when you're planning your travel budget.
There are two safety concerns to keep in mind when visiting this tropical paradise: earthquakes and bug bites. Because Fiji is located in an area of seismic activity, earthquakes (that in turn cause tsunamis) are a possibility (albeit a very rare one). The more common threats are insects. During rainy season, visitors should also be aware that they can contract the dengue fever from infected mosquitoes. Make sure you are sufficiently covered in bug repellent, especially at night.
Plan Your Trip to Fiji
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