Planning a trip to Fiji? A Beginner's Guide

Planning a trip to Fiji? A Beginner's Guide

With so many accommodation, flight, activity and transport options to choose from, it’s no secret that planning a holiday can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner. Luckily, Fiji is a destination that has such a wide range of high-quality options suitable for anyone from kids, to couples, backpackers and large groups of friends.

To help you plan your holiday, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to planning your trip to Fiji, with insider information sure to make your holiday one to remember.

Find an inclusive package:

One of the best ways to remove the stress of planning a holiday is to purchase a high value package deal with plenty of inclusions. A good Fiji holiday package should include accommodation, flights, airport transfers and some other perks such as vouchers, food inclusions, wi-fi or water sport hire. With all of this included, you will be able to enjoy your holiday without having to think about the necessities and worry about saving too much spending money. If you’re new to planning holidays, deals like these might seem too good to be true. However, rest assured; it’s only because travel companies can buy flights and accommodation in bulk, which in turn allows them to sell it to you at an affordable price.

Which islands to visit:

Fiji is an archipelago made up of 330 islands, so, naturally, it will be difficult to pick which island you want to visit. While it can be tempting to hop between as many islands as possible, as a beginner, it’s a better idea to stick to just a couple of islands but plan them well.

The largest Fijian island is Viti Levu, which is where the main international airport is, as well as the capital city, Suva. Just off Viti Levu you will find Denarau, home to all the big-name hotels and resorts, making it perfect for those seeking family fun and social interaction. Next is the Yasawa Islands, the ultimate destination for activities such as snorkelling, hiking and diving. The most popular chain of islands in Fiji are the Mamanuca Islands, a group of 20 islands featuring large hotels and intimate resorts. With some of the islands having featured in seasons of TV show "Survivor", the Mamanucas are a must visit, offering a mix of party life and peacefulness. While any of these islands will host an amazing holiday, for first time travellers, we recommend Denarau purely for convenience, variety and price.

When to visit:

Luckily, Fiji is one of those destinations that has the perfect climate all year round, with the average temperature being 25-30 degrees Celsius. Due to this, it makes for an enjoyable visit even in the offseason. For beginners who might want to steer clear of crowds and explore at their own pace, we recommend visiting any of the islands from late October through to early November when school holidays are over, which is when beaches and resorts will be less crowded. During this time, accommodation and flights are generally more affordable, which is always a bonus.

Things to do:

One of the best things about a Fijian Holiday is that no matter what you like to do while on holiday, there’s something for everyone. Fiji is the perfect place to immerse yourself in their vibrant culture, relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, test out some delicious local cuisine or try your hand at surfing some of the world’s best waves. If you’re travelling as a couple, Fiji is one of the most romantic destinations in the world, with many activities designed specifically with couples in mind.

Budget Tips:

Whether you’re on a budget or not, it’s always helpful to have some money saving tips up your sleeve to avoid overspending in a foreign place. One of the best budget tips is to use public transport as much as possible. Similar to here in Australia, taxis are very expensive in Fiji, with prices starting at around $3.50 AUD and escalating very quickly. On the other hand, busses in Fiji are the most affordable option, only costing a couple of dollars, which will take you all the way around the island.

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