Fiji Travel Guide
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It’s compelling how one place can elicit thoughts of tranquility, beauty, and escape, even when it’s a place that most of us have never even been. Just hearing the country’s name - Fiji - brings to mind images of sun-soaked beaches and tropical paradise, both of which are well-deserved and wholly accurate. Yet most people might be surprised to learn that within the perimeter of Fiji’s 300+ island archipelago rests a varied and rugged interior. Emerald hills are dotted with long extinct volcanic craters, massive waterfalls and sweeping views. An amazing blend of culture is also waiting to be explored, starting at the alabaster coastline and up into the mountain villages, across archaeological dig sites and into ornate Hindu temples.
The nicest time to visit is during the questionably named “Fijian winter,” which coincides with the dry season from May through October. This time is far more pleasant with lower rainfall, mild temperatures and humidity, as well as less chance of cyclones. These six months make up the peak travel season, when discount airfare to Fiji is extremely difficult to come by, and accommodation costs are at their highest (this holds doubly true for June/July). Fiji’s wet season starts in November and runs through April, with the second half of that period bearing witness to the heaviest rains. This is also when tropical cyclones and hurricanes are most likely to occur. Massive ones, however, are a pretty rare phenomenon in Fiji.
Fiji is rife with small and simple accommodations, many of which have “local rates” and will offer discounts that are huge if you simply book a room in person (or have a local do it for you) and give a legitimate local address and phone number. The city of Nadi is the tourism hub for the Fiji Islands. Here you can get all the resources you need to explore lodging options, hotels and resorts. Resorts in particular have seen a rapidly growing presence amongst the islands, due in large part to the success of such all-inclusive resorts as Turtle Island.
All your fantasies of sipping cocktails on white sandy beaches weren’t in vain, as there are more than enough beaches to indulge you on this one. Still, those who dream of a Fiji vacation with a little more mobility will enjoy the opportunities to swim, surf, snorkel, kayak awaiting them at virtually every beach shanty. You might even consider a healthy mix of the two, and have a soak in the tepid Yasawa waters. The family can head to the Mamanucas for a day trip or discover a remote hideaway in the Kadavu or Lomaiviti isles. Those who are a bit more consumer-minded can also shop for saris and sulu (native skirts/sarongs) before dining on the exotic curries and fragrant seafood which make up Fijian cuisine.
Fiji has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, shared taxis, and private taxis. Road travel tends to be a bit more dangerous than most will be accustomed to, and foreigners are generally advised to avoid travel by car. Buses remain your best bet, unless you are truly comfortable behind the wheel of a car in potentially sticky situations. Hop-on, hop-off bus passes are available and allow you to tour Fiji at your own pace for a fixed price. These are a somewhat more expensive way to travel, but often have inclusions such as tours and activities. Inter-island travel is offered through carriers like South Sea Cruises, who operate daily ferry transfers throughout Fiji’s Mamanuca Island resorts. Awesome Adventures Fiji provides daily ferry transfers out to the remote Yasawa Islands, and much like South Sea, is reasonably priced and have a good safety record. It’s worth noting that should you decide to rent a car, most rental companies forbid taking a car to another island without special arrangements, and will prosecute tourists who violate this clause in the contract.