The blue lagoons and mountain backdrop make the Fiji islands synonymous with Paradise. Travelers booking flights to Fiji encounter miles of white-sand beaches bordered by coconut palm trees, blue lagoons as far as the eye can see, and colorful reefs that feed any scuba-divers soul. Fiji boasts a tropical climate year-round, which makes it a great place to visit any time of year.
Fiji is made up of 322 islands and is one of the more developed economies of the Pacific islands. Fiji is highly dependent on tourism for revenue, so visitors to this island paradise can be certain they’ll encounter friendly faces and fun times.
Unlike some other high-tourist islands, Fiji caters to all budgets. Travelers can book Fiji flights and accommodations that range from deluxe five-star resorts to no-frills-added hostels catering to the younger generation.
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Fiji enjoys a typical tropical climate, with a trade wind blowing across the islands to cool things down during most of the year. Maximum summer temperatures average 88F, with the winter average not far different at 84F. Rain can be expected at any time of year. The driest months are April, May, June and October.
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Peak season:
The weather is good on Fiji throughout the year, even in the wet season. Peak season is determined more by the departing country. For Fiji flights from North American and Europe, prices tend to rise around the Christmas time.
Off season:
Cheap flights to Fiji and discounted hotel accommodations can be found in February-March, which is usually the rainy season, though this is still a pleasant time to visit.
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The fastest way to travel between the islands is to catch a plane. Domestic Fiji flights are available from the national carrier, Air Fiji, which has about 65 departures every day to 15 islands, and Sun Air. Most domestic Fiji flights depart from Suva.
Ferries and other boats also offer many services between the islands. Travel is slow, but usually relaxing and it’s a great way to the see the country.
To travel within an island, the cheapest option is to take a bus. Roads are often filled with potholes, suspension on the buses is bad and they often have no windows. Unsurprisingly, buses have become known as “rattlers”. You can normally just hail a bus when you see one and it will stop and take you on to the next town. There are no “express” routes, so if you’re traveling a long distance, be prepared to stop everywhere along the way.
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- With 330 islands, and, of course, the sea surrounding them, the underwater life in Fiji is nothing if not varied. Diving is popular, but snorkeling is also highly-rated, even by professional divers. The clear waters and many shallows mean you can see much simply from the surface. Remember to cover up, either with a T-shirt or lots of sunblock: time can disappear while you’re floating around staring at fish and it’s very easy to get burned.
- The wonderfully-named Garden of the Sleeping Giant is located close to Nadi. These landscaped gardens were created by Raymond Burr in the 1970s and are home to an impressive collection of orchids. Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, the peaceful gardens are rarely busy and you can spend many hours wandering in the shade.
- The Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple in Nadi is the largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere.
- For a relaxing day trip, head out on a boat and go sailing. Cruises operate to the Yasawa Islands and the Mamanuca Islands. Alternatively, charter your own boat and explore the area.
- Nowadays thoughts of Fiji evoke a South Pacific paradise of beaches, but once the first association was rather more gruesome. To find out about the country’s cannibalistic past, visit the Fiji Museum in Suva. Located in the idyllic Botanical Gardens, some of the exhibits inside are a little more macabre. The collection includes artifacts from the past 3,700 years related to the islands. The cannibal section includes the forks they used as well as accounts from missionaries about their activities. Perhaps best to visit after lunch…
- A sulu is similar to a sarong: a long piece of material which is wrapped around the waist to form a kind of skirt. They are worn by all Fijians, men and women, for all occasions even business.
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Nadi (NAN) is 5 miles north of Nadi town on Viti Levu island and is where most international flights arrive. To/from the airport: Taxis and buses are available (journey time – 20 minutes). Facilities: 24-hour bank/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, 24-hour bar, restaurants, 24-hour left luggage office, tourist information, post office and car hire.
Suva (SUV) is at Nausori, 9 miles from Suva (journey time – 30 minutes), and is the hub for internal flights. To/from the airport: Taxis and car rental. Facilities: Parking, duty-free shop, snack bar, and car hire.
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United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required. On arrival a visitor's permit can be obtained for a stay of up to four months.
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