Five Tips for Planning the Ultimate Fiji Vacation

Fiji is a tropical oasis in the southern Pacific ocean. For Europeans and Australians, it often serves as the equivalent of a Caribbean vacation in a more convenient locale. North Americans are often attracted to its exoticness and crystal clear blue waters.

A well-planned trip to Fiji will create the opportunity for fun and relaxation without stress about an itinerary. Here are five tips for planning the ultimate Fiji vacation.

1. Choose Your Accommodations Carefully

Take time to research your accommodation options and don’t get fooled by crafty advertising. Many Fiji tourists book hostels with the thought that they’ll be more affordable than traditional hotel settings, only to find that there are nice hotels at reasonable rates. Others find that a night at a luxury Fiji resort is more accessible than they had originally thought and change their plans accordingly.

Shop around when looking at accommodations. Don’t just look at the cost, but also at what’s included. Some accommodations include meal and travel packages that make it easier to bounce from island to island while others boast lower rates while leaving you to fend for yourself.

2. Respect the Culture

While Fiji is a popular tourist destination, it’s also home to nearly one million people who value their traditions and cultural practices. One such tradition is the offering of a small gift when visiting a village. As many of the scenic attractions– swimming holes and hiking trails, for example– are the part of a small rural community, it’s expected that you’ll participate in a sevusevu (gift-giving ceremony) with the head of the village. Consider this your admission fee.

The sevusevu often consists of an offering of kava, a local root that can be sourced from any marketplace in the area. Some travelers choose to forgo this ceremony by traveling with a local guide. Conservative clothing is also appreciated by the Fijian culture and wearing a hat can be viewed as disrespectful in village settings.

3. Know How to Shop

One of the best things to do in Fiji is to attend the local markets and purchase fresh produce. Unlike some parts of the world, haggling at Fiji markets isn’t common practice. Pricing is very reasonable, and it’s expected that you’ll pay the listed price. It’s important to know that most things are sold in bulk and can’t be separated out, so don’t be surprised if you think you’re paying for one coconut and end up leaving with five.

4. Pack Wisely

Fiji is warm all year, with temperatures hovering around 64 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings during the cool season. Clothing for warm weather is a must, but as you will begin to acclimatize, bringing light outerwear is also recommended.

Sunscreen and bug repellent should be at the top of the list for traveling to Fiji, especially if you’ll be out exploring the rural areas. It’s also important to pack conservative clothing for traveling off your resort or outside your hotel room. You will want a hat as protection from the elements, but it’s integral that you remember to take it off in villages.

5. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is often put on the backburner for travelers heading to foreign locales. When traveling to Fiji, travel insurance is a priority. While the region is generally safe for travelers, anything can happen. When it does, you will likely be transferred to the mainland at your expense as the hospitals in Fiji are limited. Having a strong travel insurance policy will help cover this expense and ensure your continued health and well-being.

Traveling to Fiji is an unforgettable experience that offers luxury, adventure, and a worldly perspective of other cultures. Prioritize careful planning and respect when venturing to this incredible part of the world.