Arriving in Fiji on Christmas Day

Hello,

I'm undertaking a RTW trip from November 2013 to November 2014. My first stop is Peru for a month, then Fiji for a month, then several other countries before returning home. I've just got my flight details and it turns out that I'm arriving in Fiji at 05:35 on Christmas day after a 9 hour and an 11 hour flight - lovely!

Anyway, I was just wondering what your first moves would be? I was thinking of Staying at Smugglers Cover hostel before doing a bit of island hopping. My concerns are (1) that it will be difficult to get a taxi to the hostel as it's Christmas day; and (2) that it'll be too early to be checking in.

Is Christmas day a big deal in Fiji and therefore everywhere will be closed? Would the hostel make allowances for my early arrival?

I'm a 25 year old female from the UK and will be travelling by myself. Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

Edited by: Wheelz05

have a look at this link

http://www.fijitraveltips.com/fiji---transfers-from-nadi-airport.html

it shows you the transfer options from Nadi Airport

Smugglers Cover hostel will have a free transfer van and if not the link above shows you the options

this link

http://www.fijitraveltips.com/fiji---what-to-do-on-the-coral-coast.html

has a list of tour operators so you can take a look at what is on offer before you arrive to help you plan

Is Christmas day a big deal in Fiji

Sundays are a big deal in Fiji! On the other hand, if a flight is arriving on Christmas day I would expect the necessary infrastructure will be up and running to accommodate the arriving passengers.

If it was me, I'd check ahead of time with the hostel to confirm what the arrangements are.

I would also expect that at least some of the travel agents at the airport will be open. They will be able to help you out with on the spot arrangements of accom and/or travel connections.

Finally, as backup plan, I would keep in mind that there's a hotel literally across the road from the airport, about 500m from arrivals. At worst, I'd walk there, and wait out the holiday by the pool.

Your other concern, it being too early to check in, may be correct (my expectation) but is otherwise nothing to be concerned about, barely a minor inconvenience. At worst, wait around the airport until opening time of hostel or some other option. A coffee shop should be open.

Bula! Bula! Wheelz,

How exciting for you and your RTW adventure!
I have been visiting Fiji annually for 23 years because I have property in Savusavu. It is smart to question service availability during Christmas day in Fiji which is a very Christian nation. I would anticipate very few shops open on Christmas day. However, since you’ll be in Nadi and because most shops are owned and run by Hindis, there will probably be a few little shops (convenience stores) open. Their main prayer time is usually Friday evenings.

Also, Hindis dominate the taxi industry, so you should have no problem finding a taxi any day of the week. There is likely to be very little public bus service on Christmas day as is also true on Sundays. Sunday is definitely the quietest day of the week in Fiji, generally speaking.

Savusavu is a special little town on the bay on Vanua Levu. I highly recommend the very scenic 1 hour flight over to check it out. Or you can take a ferry for less money. But it takes 12-15 hours and they travel at night, so not much to see on the way.

Have a great trip!
ET
www.theultimateparadise.com

Thanks a lot everyone! That's all excellent advice. Much appreciated.