How to Find Cheap Hotels in Samoa

Halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand lies a group of islands called Samoa. These islands are home to volcanic mountains, brilliant sandy beaches and lush vegetation. A great place to visit, the islands have been inhabited for over 1,500 years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Debit/credit card to book accommodations

Learn About the Culture

1. Consider wearing a lavalava, the traditional Samoan wrap-around, when you are visiting the villages.
2. Prepare for time to slow down and forget about your watch. Samoans display a casual attitude toward time and an hour early or late is considered perfectly acceptable.
3. Change back into lightweight casual clothes when you leave the beaches. Swimsuits are not proper attire in town in this culture.
4. Learn some of the official language, Samoan. Common sayings include Talofa/Malo (hello), Fia Ai (I'm hungry), Fa (goodbye) and Fa'afetai lava (thank you).
5. Sit down when on a local bus because standing is against the law. Prepare to sit on someone's lap or have a stranger sit on yours.
6. Take a few minutes to pray or respect others who do by remaining quiet when the daily bell or conch shell tolls for the 20-minute afternoon prayer time.

Travel to Samoa

7. Catch a direct flight from the U.S to the Faleolo International Airport through Los Angeles. The flight takes about 10 hours.
8. Call ahead 2 days prior to your arrival by yacht. This allows the Samoa Port Authority to prepare for your arrival in Apia.

Pick Your Cheap Accommodations

9. To book accommodations, contact Samoa Tourism Authority at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
10. Go really cheap with budget hotel or motel accommodations in the $10 to $20 per night range.
11. Check into a local hostel for another low-cost option. Prices range from $15 to $25 per night.
12. Choose a cheap hotel along the beach in Samoa for between $25 and $40 per night. There are just a handful of hotels in this price range to choose from. You may even find complimentary breakfast included.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare for the mosquitoes with a good insect repellent and/or longer clothes.
• Drink bottled water on your trip, not tap water.
• Exchange currency for the Tala (WST) used on the islands.
• Watch out for cone shell stings, which can be as bad as snake bites.
• Centipedes may look cute but they pack a nasty bite. Wear shoes to protect your feet.
• Save money for a departure tax of around $40 WST per person over the age of 12.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.