How to Find Hotels in Fiji

In the dictionary next to the entry for "island paradise," chances are you'll find a picture of Fiji. With over three hundred islands (one hundred of them inhabited), Fiji is the quintessential tropical paradise. Think miles of white sandy beaches, azure waters, palm trees, and scenic backdrops right out of a swimsuit calendar, and you've got a pretty good idea of Fiji.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport

Know Your Destination

1. Take notice of the legacies of British rule. Fiji achieved independence from Britain in 1970, and still exhibits British language and customs, such as pharmacies labeled "chemist" and driving on the left side of the road.

2. Break up the very long flight. Fiji can be an 18-hour plane ride from the west coast of the United States. A popular solution is a stopover in Hawaii, or arriving from closer locales such as Japan or Australia.

Have an Undersea Adventure

3. See the world under the sea! The Fijian archipelago is surrounded by hundreds of miles of coral reefs that offer world-class snorkeling and scuba diving. The waters are warm and any wetsuits beyond a thin halfsuit are not needed, even in winter. Excellent visibility and thousands of species of exotic and colorful fish make for one of the world's most spectacular undersea landscapes.

4. Shop around. Numerous tour operators, dive schools, and undersea outfitters stand ready to offer vacationers a way to see the underwater sights.

Find Accommodations for Islands Big and Small

5. Stay at least the first night of your visit on Viti Levu, the largest and most populous island. The capital of Suva, a premier tourist destination in its own right, offers charming shops and first-rate accommodations. Nadi, on Viti Levu's western side, is the site of the main airport as well as transportation to other islands via either plane or ferry.

6. Book accommodations on one of the cruise ships that go from island to island for the best way to see the smaller and more exotic Fijian atolls.

7. Book accommodations by calling the Fiji Visitors Bureau Offices at 011 ([phone] from inside the US, 00 ([phone] from outside the US, or by visiting the link below in Additional Resources.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Getting your dive certification (required to dive safely and legally) from an official NAUI or PADI instructor before your trip can save you lots of time and money later.
• Flying in a plane immediately after diving can be highly dangerous. To be on the safe side, plan not to fly for at least 24 hours from your last trip underwater.