Advice wanted on travel experiences with 6 month old baby.

We are planning a quick trip to Fiji in late March, maybe around the 7 day mark. It is my last ditched effort at a holiday before returning to work from maternity leave.

The trouble is that we are intrepid travellers who prefer to 'wing' it with little baggage and plans. But now having a 6 month old baby I figure I should play it safe. I was thinking of just booking a resort - I have been looking at a package that does the flights and accommodation at the the Outrigger resort on the Lagoon at Sigatoka.

My question is "is it easy to leave the resort and get around the island and are there things to look at that can be easily achieved in short trips? We need to have a base for bub to get regular sleep. I would be happy to stay somewhere and just go shopping at markets - are there markets on the island?

I realise that people who read thorntree don't do resort holidays! Any words of wisdom are appreciated. Or if you have another destination in mind that would suit I'd appreciate that too.

thanks:)

It's a fine idea but don't expect too much in the way of markets.

Find a reliable cab driver and you'll be right.

Intrepid traveller meets upscale resort? Its not an easy mix. In my expereience the people who enjoy resorts are not hatching their escape plans even before they arrive!

I have stayed near the Outrigger and visited the resort. You will be offered lots of excursions by the hotel, but if you want to travel around on short trips independently your options are limited. Sigatoka town is nearby and does have a small market and some low-key shopping, but nothing particularly memorable. There are regular buses travelling along the coast road near to the resort but the only place within reasonable travelling distance is Nadi which is very tourist oriented. The buses will go through to Suva but its too far for a day trip. The hotel will have organised village visits you could go on.

If you want to see a bit more perhaps you could spend a few days at a resort, then travel along the coast to Suva. Catch a plane there to Levuka and spend a few days there.

Levuka has old-style charm. Its easy to walk around the town and there are locals who organise walks and village visits. The most up-market accommodation is at Levuka Homestay. Theres no beach in town though there are becahes out of town and islands nearby that you can travel to. Its a small island so even if you take a trip you can easily get back home to put baby to sleep.

In terms of a Pacific alternative am wondering if New Caledonia might suit you more - my suggestion would be to spend half your time in Noumea, the other half at Oure lodge on Isle des Pins.