| terrio_oloogalin11:01 UTC29 Jan 2010 | HI, (Have copied this to the Oz board too) I'll be arriving in Oz on a WHV in April, and as I'm there for a year, would love to take a few weeks out at some point to go to Pacific Islands. Are there any times of year when it is cheaper to fly there from Oz? Any tips on where I should fly from? Any advice gratefully recieved cos this is a part of the world I know nothing about! Thanks guys!
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| ozziegiraffe11:40 UTC29 Jan 2010 | It does depend on which country you are considering - there are quite a few countries, and they are quite diverse, including Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian cultures. It would probably be a good idea to do a bit of research first - this website is a good place to start. However, as a rule of thumb, avoid Australian school holidays, as this is when many Aussies travel, and also islanders studying in Australia and New Zealand return home for holidays, so the planes tend to be busier, and it is harder to get cheap fares. Some countries are closer to Brisbane, for example, all flights to Solomon Islands from Australia fly out of Brisbane. Others (eg Fiji) have flights from both Sydney and Brisbane. Some (such as Cook Islands) require flights through New Zealand, which are available from a number of Australian cities.
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| smandkjc22:58 UTC30 Jan 2010 | Air New Zealand offer flight and accommodation specials to the islands from time to time. Generally its the flights that are discounted rather than the accommodation but they do combine with some resorts. I would just watch the papers when you get to OZ , or check Air New Zealand's website frequently and register for specials.
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| ozziegiraffe09:44 UTC31 Jan 2010 | You will probably get cheaper (no frills) flights with Pacific Blue from Australia.
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| raro09:22 UTC15 Feb 2010 | I'd avoid traveling to the islands from about Dec 10 to Jan 15. This is when islanders return home from Oz and NZ. flights are expensive, and full months in advance.
Weather is also humid Nov to April If that might be a problem, go in May to October, lot cooler, but still hot enough to swim. also less rain May to Oct.
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