Family Travel Aug/Sept

We are looking at Fiji as our first stop on a RTW trip with five children ages 2,7,10,12 and 14. We have both been there before but it was a long time ago. We have a few questions:
1) We were planning to be there starting in mid-August but I have noticed that this is school holiday time in Fiji. How much would this impact budget accomodation and travel? Would it be necessary to book everything in advance? Our preference would be to book the first couple of nights then see what happens from there.
2) When I look at rooms/bures I notice that many are listed as accomodating 6 people. How flexible is this ie- the seventh person is a two year old.

3) At the moment we are not planning to visit the Yasawas or Mamanucas. The resorts look lovely but would be pretty expensive by the time you include transport, accomodation and meal plans for seven. Instead we are looking at the larger islands and would prefer to spend time hiking, swimming and just hanging out rather than organised tour type activities. We hope to mostly use bus and ferry transport with some taxi if needed. We have used both before and are aware of some of the cons (crowding and "flexible" timetables)

4) We will be carrying full camping gear (tents, mats, sleeping bags, cooking utensils) with us for our next destination and were planning to leave it in storage at Nadi. Would it be at all useful to carry any of it with us or will we be fine without? Would camping be an option. I have noticed that it is available at some resorts.
5) Would a three week stay be too long, too short or just right?
Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Taking 4 children under 12 on holiday, good for you, I would never have managed.
If you check under www.fijirealty.com you will find Villas for vacational rental in Pacific Harbour.

I live in Pacific Harbour and these villas are great especially for a family. Check it out and I'd be happy to answer more
questions if you are interested.

consider staying in a village. we just got back from satying in a village and it was awesome! cheap, great food, great people and so much to do.

1) Not much. Fijians rarely go to stay at places where tourists do.

2) I'm sure it would be no problem to "squeeze" that 2 yo in.

3) Note that once at a budget resort on thew island, rates for nights not yet booked from the mainland can certainly be negotiable!

4) Hardly worth the tiny savings.

5) Too short!!! :-)
But it is about three times as long as most tourists stay, so not too bad.

I haven't spent much time in Fiji, but in most countries (particularly the kid-friendly ones) a 2 year old can stay free. If you require extra bedding then there may be an additional charge, or, just make do with what they provide.

Bula Bula - I am married to a Fijian and lived in Fiji for a number of years. Fiji is one of the friendliest and safest countries to travel. Firstly - they do provide luggage storage at Nadi airport. You need to go down to the end near Domestic departures and you can store luggage there. If you want a really great holiday definately go to the outer islands. I would recommend staying in backpackers and book all dorm beds. Have a look at Sunrise or Coral View in the Yasawas - Kuata or Waya Lailai and also Walu Beach. It will truly be money well spent as there is plenty of snorkelling, walks, fishing & village trips. On the main island you can catch local buses cheaply. From Nadi to Suva approx. FJD$20 and then from Suva to Nadi via the Kings Highway FJD$20. This is my favourite as it is not very touristy. On the Coral Coast and great place to stay is Mango Bay or Uprising Resort. On the other side a superb place is Volivoli Beach Resort and not to expensive. When you arrive in Nadi & before your departure flight there is a great backpackers on the beach called Aquarius. Another good one is Skylodge. Let me know if you need further info. S: debra.baleilevuka

I can't believe anyone can recommend Walu Beach, located on a horrible stretch of coast with no beach!
That and the even more horribly located Funky Fish on the same island got curses from most people talked into booking into them (I know many who paid for several nights but left after the first), and are a real proof (if any is needed) that Lp authors who described them so positively in the guide only ever saw their websites!

Both of these are fine resorts but in horrid locations.
No need to go to such places in a country like Fiji which has lots of gorgeous beaches!

consider Danny's Village Homestay on the main island of Viti Levu

easy to get to by bus from Nadi Airport and lots to do there

pictures at this link

http://www.fijihomestays.com/guests-photos