Fiji first time for oldies (well not that old) backpacker

Hi guys,
Just bought a return ticket to fiji for both of us..
Do not have the Lonely Planet guide to Fiji (as we live in a pretty rural area..with one book store).
Didnt even know Fiji had all these islands (....feel really silly really after knowing it).
I am trying to get as much as possible from reading various blogs.

We are not in snorkelling, maybe will probably put a toe in the water and thats it. Not in too much shopping either.. Just like to have a look, see the markets, eat different food...

Any tips what to do for 7 days for a couple close to late 40s.
Would love to stay in a backpacker .. has to be a private room with ensuite and close to centre.

How many days should be spent in Nadi?
How do we go to Nadi to different island (no idea).. I know there is a cataraman..
I know I should do it all by myself but feel bit stressed out at the moment (havent had a holiday for quite some time..a long time).
Much appreciated ..to y'll
Maya

Hi Maya---
I wouldn't spend more than a day in the Nadi area. As far as cities, Suva is a bit more attractive and has a little more to offer. But you should get out to one of the islands for a few days, maybe in the area near the Beachcomber (Mamanucas) or the Yasawas, a bit further.

Not sure when you are going. but you might want to buy a copy of the LP or the Moon guide to Fiji via Amazon or other websites, and they will be mailed to you.

If you prefer attractions on land to beachy experiences, you should probaly spend most of your time exploring the larger islands, notably Viti Levu (where both Nadi and Suva are) and Ovalau (great for history and hiking).
This could fill your week easily.

And do try and get a guidebook - I found the Moon one better.
If it's too late to order it online now, buy one upon arrival in Fiji!

Essentially there is the mainland islands and island groups. In seven days you can do a slice of both. Depends on what time you arrive in Nadi but I'd be getting out of town soon on a morning (or ask about a less common afternoon boat) Yasawa Flyer (the high speed cat which does a daily milk run to the upper beautiful Yasawa Island group). I'd go to Beachcomber Island (arrange to get on the 4.30pm boat leaving from Vunda??) and stay a night or 3 here which is great, you can try the famous big dorm (or for a little more privacy ask for the smaller dorms) or pay the bucks and get a beachside bure/hut. It's promoted as a party island cause it has a live band but it's pretty low key really. Then I'd get on the Yasawa Flyer and head to Octopus Resort which is a little more upscale than many other places (Western Management) and has a great feel and great food. They also have dorms or bures. Search out both websites and pre book both places. I've stayed at Beachcomber many times and love it, I did as suggested above and including Octopus Resort a few weeks back. It's a great holiday: it's cheap, the Fijians are wonderful, you'll meet a whole lot of interesting folks from all over and you feel so far away from home. Enjoy!

Considering your interests, it might be better to skip the small island 'resorts', since there's relatively little to do there except water sports. I'd give Nadi about 2 hours. Nearby Lautoka is a more interesting town to visit.

But an even better way to spend your week would be to combine Suva with Ovalau island, as already mentioned above.

A good budget/'backpacker' place to stay in Suva would be the South Seas Private Hotel. It has a couple of private suites at the back of the hotel, facing a nice garden area.

The Royal Hotel in Levuka (Ovalau) would give you the necessary accom in an unusual old colonial hotel. If you want a bit of time at a small island resort, you can go over to Leleuvia island.

I've got some photos of these places on my BLOG.

I should mention that Leleuvia has been 'upgraded' since my visit, and the private bures would be better than what one or two of my photos imply.

The Yasawa Flyer goes daily to the yasawa group. You can book it online. As a 40 something traveller I can assure you that you will love the yasawas. I have been visiting Fiji for twenty something years and find it a perfect place to visit. I was last in the Yasawas two years ago (on Waya Is). I stayed at Adi's place, next to Yalobi village where I was visiting freinds. Maybe this resort is a little down market but I have heard that there are others which should be just the ticket. Just getta hold of the LP Fiji book and look up the budget resorts in the yasawas and take your pick. Easier to ring rather than use the net.

Good luck with your travels

Andrew