Samoa in March 09

Hello everyone,

I will be travelling to and around Samoa in March 09 as part of my 'finished uni don't want to grow up yet' travels. I will be travelling there from NZ in early March and staying for a month. This is the last part of my trip and I think I may well be running low on funds. Can someone recommend somewhere to stay for the first night (I arrive at 2AM) or offer advise on sleeping in the airport?

I would like to experience the quiet, laid back Samoa away from bright lights and nightclubs and spend as little as possible really. I have budgeted £1,000 for the four weeks, will this be enough?

Also, since Samoa is relatively small, will there be enough for me to see and experience for a month?

Any help much appreciated!

I travelled to Samoa last year and probably wouldn't recommend sleeping at the the airport. I arrived very early morning and the transfer bus was waiting to take me to the resort. The airport is small and there isn't much seating like you would be accustomed to at the larger airports. I think your budget will be fine- we found coming from Australia everything was very cheap and we stayed at a resort.

I would recommend heading for Savai'i and the ferry which is a short trip away - things start early in Samoa and the ferry is at 6am - then I'd return and do Upolu. We had the time of our lives by heading to American Samoa - no u don't need a visa - and touring the island (1-2 days) then flying to Ofu - which is paradise on earth...Accommodation ranges from AUD$80-100, food is cheapish and local buses are an experience but peter out by the afternoon - they are really cheap and you just wave them down. I'd take a broad spectrum antibiotic - infected coral cuts, dysentery, are common. Take your snorkel and flippers too.

1000pounds for 4 weeks is heaps. thats equivalent to ~4000tala (1000per week). if you are looking for a relaxing quiet break you have lots of low to mid range options to work into your budget. There is enough to do and see in four weeks. Id spend 3 of those on upolu, the main island, perhaps spend some time in the capital (apia) to visit the attractions in that vicinity, which can all be reached by bus/taxi. (such a 'papase'ea sliding rocks/RObert louis stevenson museum &grave- grave is a bit of a hike but its a pleasant course up and down the mountainside. museum is interesting if you're into history and antiques) the markets are an experience, intersting to browse. lots of places to stay i would suggest checking www.samoa-hotels.ws to see actual prices. would recommend heading out to the beaches which are further out of town (1-2hr bus ride) but you can stay in your own beach fale, meals are included at most places,snorkel and tan to your hearts delight and enjoy some local entertainment. would defintiely recommend savaii, its a short ferry ride across to salelologa wharf, but the island is pretty and laid back. people are more into the traditional ways here. not too many decent resturaunts though, if you stay at a beach you pretty much eat what they give you which may be so so. however nice little hotel just out of town- we stayed there as a base and explored the island from there- got great food, good variety , reasonable rates quiet and private, helpful staff- they are called the savaiian hotel.their website is www.savaiianhotel.com. you can catch a bus from the mainroad (20m walk from hotel) that circles the island. they have nice local tours as well. lots to see in savaii- blow holes/freshwater pools/swimiing with the turtles. best to book ahead with all your accomadation though, especially if you stay at a beach fale as they tend to get crowded at times.
hope this was helpful