Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Planning a trip..advice needed please

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Samoa

I'm planning to travel to Samoa next May or June and plan to stay 10-14 days. I'm a single 58 year old woman and I will be travelling alone.
First I need to know is the months I have picked ok? I have been reading the forums and it seems to out of the wet season. I plan to stay in Apia for 2 days doing the tourist things..especially the art and craft markets. From there I'm not sure to go to Lolamunu (sp) area first for 5 days or to Savaii first for 5 days. There is so many nice places to stay in both areas that I'm totally confused so any recommendations would be helpful. I do want to walk the canopy treetops and see RLS musuem but I really want to be able to mix with the Samoan people and learn their culture. I will be flying from Brisbane, Australia so I'm not sure what time the plane lands....also does anyone know if there are any flights from the Gold Coast Airport, Coollangatta? Is Samoa a safe place for a middle-aged single woman travelling alone?
Many thanks

I am a similarly-aged woman, and feel the Pacific Islands are one of the safest parts of the world to travel alone, provided one respects local customs.
There are currently no flights out of the Gold Coast to anywhere in the Pacific except New Zealand.

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Some one posted that the canopy treewalk was no longer in operation, but you will not really miss much.
RSL museum and the walk up to his grave is worth doing, as is a walk out on the Peninsular in Apia to see all the monuments and Parliament buildings.

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Visited in June and never felt any safety issues. Stayed for 5 days at Taufua Beach Fales. Lalumanu and 5 at Tanu Beach Fales on Savaii. Beach Fales are fun, you meet lots of people in the communial dining hall. Toilet and cold showers are shared and basic. Valuables should always be left with the office as temptation may be too strong on occasions. Also stayed a night or half a night really at the Airport Lodge Motel. Easy transfers to a early morning flight. I would go to Savaii first as we nearly got stuck there with rough seas and wondered if we would catch our flight. We had a fantastic time. Be aware that they are changing the side of the road they drive on on 1 September. Expect Chaos!

Edited by: vbonnile

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Samoa is soooo fabulous and absolutely safe. Im also solo woman and contemplating booking to go back next month. You can fly from Sydney or Melbourne. Have fun!

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