When To Visit
The best time to visit Fiji is during the dry season. From October to April, the weather is pleasant and cool. While it can get downright chilly at night, the daytime is usually warm and sunny. Tourists are best served by traveling during this period as most places and attractions will be quieter and less crowded. During the wet season, from May to September, it is best to avoid traveling to Fiji as it becomes very hot and humid. You may want to shorten your stay, or even skip visiting certain places if you experience extreme weather conditions. Overall, traveling to Fiji in the winter is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the country and the warm hospitality of its people. Due to limited internet access and busy schedules, many tourists don’t get to see much more than the popular places like Nadi and the surrounding area. Traveling to lesser-known places and taking a trip to one of Fiji’s iconic landmarks gives you a glimpse into the wonderful culture of the place and its people. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from October to April, when the weather is pleasant and cool. While it can get downright chilly at night, the daytime is usually warm and sunny. Tourists are best served by traveling during this period as most places and attractions will be quieter and less crowded.
Where To Stay
When traveling to Fiji, you’ll have a difficult time finding a hotel that accepts individual travelers. Most of the time, you’ll have to stay in one of the many Airbnb rooms or stay with friends and family. There are, however, a few 5-star resorts in Fiji that offer exceptional service and luxury in a tropical setting. If you’re looking for an alternative, consider Fiji’s beautiful historic buildings, which have been restored and now house unique, luxury B&Bs. If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, you can stay in a treehouse at one of the resort’s on-site hotels. If you want to be within walking distance of the beach, consider staying at one of the many little guesthouses located along Fiji’s famed golden shores. Another option is to rent a vacation property that is fully equipped with all the amenities you could need. If you’re looking for an upscale atmosphere, consider staying at one of Fiji’s luxury resorts.
What To Pack
You don’t need to pack much when traveling to Fiji. Depending on where you’re going, you may or may not need additional outfits. If you’re staying in a resort, you’ll most likely need clothing that fits the fancy vibe you’re going for. Apart from that, bring workout gear and hiking shoes, and make sure to bring your passport and visa. Some other things you may want to consider including are a torch, a whistle, parang, a mat for the halo, and a few games to play on your mobile phone (e.g., Snake and Whale, Panda Game, etc.).
Health
Fiji is a healthy place, but like any other place in the world, it can have its risks. When it comes to food, make sure to avoid anything that comes from a can or a bottle. These containers can retain high amounts of carbon dioxide, which can cause swelling in your extremities. The good thing is that you can easily prevent this by bringing your own reusable shopping bags when shopping for groceries, and avoid purchasing anything from a truck driver who stops by your place unannounced. While most food items are fairly safe to eat (e.g., fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, etc.), you may want to avoid feeding fish that you catch yourself, as they may contain mercury and other toxins that are harmful to the environment. Always cook your food thoroughly and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw fish and seafood.
Safety
Like any other place in the world, Fiji is not completely safe. Of course, you don’t need to worry about crime as much in Fiji as you would in a large city, but it pays to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Never leave your hotel room or public areas unsupervised, especially at night. Try to look for guards or cameras that can monitor activity nearby. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas or those that end in a cul-de-sac. If you feel unsafe, take a taxi home immediately, or find an armored car service that will accompany you to your destination (e.g., Hotel Aria or Sheraton).
Transportation
If you plan on traveling to other places besides Nadi and the surrounding area, you’ll need transportation. There is no other way to get around other than by foot or taxi, which you’ll have to arrange before you leave the hotel. If you’d like to travel by bus, you can take the main bus (to Nadi) or the bus for tourists (to other places). The best way to get around is by foot, whether you’re going to the beach or staying in town. You can also rent a bike or take a taxi at your own expense, if you’d like to explore the island on your own.
Other Tips
Make sure to visit the Fiji Islands Council (FIC) website (www.fic.gov.fj) for information on traveling to, through, and around the country. On the FIC site, you can download a PDF file that contains useful information like how to get a visa, where to stay, what to pack, and more. Another place you may want to visit is the Fiji Visitors Bureau website (www.visitfiji.com), which contains a comprehensive list of destinations, attractions, and things to do. On this site, you can access travel itineraries for destinations around the country, as well as read about the different types of visas you may need, and how to get them.
Island Hopping Adventure
If you get a chance, I would definitely recommend doing some island hopping. The islands are beautiful, and while many are very small, there are quite a number of them. The cost of a plane ticket is usually more than what the average Fiji visitor spends in a week on food and lodging, so it is definitely a luxury to be able to visit more than one island in a single day. For an extra fee, you can get a kayak or a canoe and go on the water to see more islands and their beauty. Make sure to hire a professional guide, as there are numerous dangerous animals on the islands (e.g., alligators, snakes, etc.) that may pose a threat to you if you are not careful.
Hopefully, this article served to educate you on some of the things you may want to know before heading off to this beautiful place in the world. Make sure to add Fiji to your travel bucket list, and if you get a chance, visit the wonderful country and its gorgeous people. You’ll have an experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
