Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Fiji each year. Apart from providing a sun-kissed halfway point between Australia and the Americas, it’s also home to no fewer than 333 tropical islands. That means more white sandy beaches, coral reefs and untouched forests than you poke a stick at. Or should that be a snorkel?
What’s more, Fiji offers pretty much any holiday experience you can dream up, catering to a range of budgets and desires. Stay in five star resorts, backpack from one hostel to another, camp by the beach or book into a locally run guesthouse. It’s up to you. And your wallet, of course.
High-end Luxury
For many tourists, a visit to Fiji is all about relaxing – about taking a well-earned break from the frenetic pace of modern working life. Why not? It’s the perfect place for stretching out on the sand, drifting to sleep under a palm tree, taking a dip in a crystal clear lagoon, sipping cocktails by the pool and losing yourself in your favourite author’s latest book. No business calls, stressful meetings, deadlines or alarm clocks. In fact, Fijians pride themselves on their relaxed attitude to schedules, which they’ve dubbed ‘Fiji time’.
To that end, many travellers opt to stay at resorts in Fiji. One of the most popular is the Radisson Blu, situated on Denarau Island. It’s a stunning resort, where the private rooms and suites mingle with impeccably landscaped tropical gardens, swimming pools and a golf course. If you really want to amp up the luxury level, then request a private balcony and/or water views. For extra space, ask for a one- or two-bedroom suite. Booking a package in advance means that, as soon as you step off the plane (and into that glorious Fijian sunshine!), everything is taken care of – from airport transfers to poolside cocktails.
Backpacking
For those who don’t have the budget or inclination to book five-star, backpacking offers a different kind of experience altogether. Even though Fiji’s tourism industry is primarily marketed as resort-driven, there are plenty of other options, including hostels, campsites and low-budget guesthouses run by locals. Getting off the beaten track can be a lot of fun. Local buses and boats mean that it’s easy and inexpensive to travel overland and from one island to another.
Shopping and Eating
Apart from the obvious – hanging out at the beach, eating coconuts – what else is there to do in Fiji? Shopping, eating, drinking, dancing: the list is actually endless.
In both the capital, Nadi, and many other major centres, there’s a wide choice of shopping experiences, from air-conditioned malls to local markets. Buy yourself a sarong, a bottle of scented coconut oil or a selection of beautifully crafted wooden trinkets.
There are dining options for any budget, from stalls selling street food, to cheap diners, to fancy restaurants. Fiji’s diverse society means that local fare, delicious Indian curries and international dishes are all available. One important tip: wherever you decide to eat, be sure to try some freshly caught and cooked seafood at least once.
Cultural Experiences
Fijians are famous for their powerful singing voices, infectious drumming rhythms and mesmerising dances. Cultural displays and shows form an important part of the tourism industry. So do spend at least one night immersed in local music. Many resorts host their own cultural performances. But if you’re on a backpacking adventure, you’ll also find them in various bars and venues. Be warned, though: there’s every chance you’ll be asked to get up, don a lei and learn some new dance moves. Don’t be shy!
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
Throughout her Pacific travels, Jennifer has uncovered some great tips and tricks that tourists must read before they travel.