Fiji - should I stay or should I go?

Hello all

My friend and I are starting a big trip in Fiji - using this as a wind down from our city life before continuing to NZ, Oz and SE Asia. We'll be backpacking but I'm not 18 (nearer the big 3-0) and need some advice from Fiji experts!!

I'm flying into Nadi and will have about 2 weeks there.....which islands are a must?!
Would love some paradise beach action but a few days and I'll be bored of that! :)

I would have loved to have got to The Cooks too but flights are hideously expensive...

Thanks for any island, budget accommodation and or activity pointers!

Thanks so much
Elena

Sorry to hear that you couldnt find flights into Rarotonga that wont break the bank! Did you look into flying from LAX directly into Rarotonga? Air New Zealand operates this service and it is very reliable, plus the inflight service of this carrier is one of the best there is. From Rarotonga you can continue to Auckland and then visit Fiji after your tour of NZ. Alternatively arrive Raro on Air Tahiti from Papeete.

The backpackers hostels/facilities and beaches around Rarotonga are especially beautiful. Very easy to move around the island by bus or hire scooters.

Thank you Lagoon, it just sounds amazing! Sadly, flights are already booked London - LAX - Nadi....si Fiji it is.

No have to think of the best way to spend two weeks there.

The Cooks are TOP of my list next time! :)

Come on, there's nothing sad about that - 'lagoon' tries hard to send everyone posting on this forum to the Cooks, but there is a reason why Fiji is the most popular country in the South Pacific with visitors. It offer a lot of diversity, and the best value for money in the region.

There are too many possibilities in Fiji to list in reply to your rather vague question... may I suggest looking into a guidebook (I know many hate this advice, but it's serious) or reading through existing Fiji posts on this forum to narrow things down first?
There are lots of posts replying Qs similar to yours, eg what to do other than sit on beaches on a limited budget.

There is something to say for both, although I agree with Laszlos thoughts on Fiji.

I have been to the Cooks and Fiji two years ago, also as a starting point for a 7 month trip to the same destinations as the OP. In a few days I'll be on my way to Fiji again for a month. Wouldn't mind going back to the Cooks, but would not stay on Rarotonga and head straight to Aitutaki or one of the other islands. Flights there are not cheap though.

FWIW I can recommend the Yasawa Islands, in particular Waya and Nacula. Beautiful beaches, good snorkelling, lovely people, village visits and all kinds of activities are on offer in the resorts. If you stay in a dorm it's very doable; for around 55 euro a night including three good meals you stay in a very nice resort.

The real differences between the Cook Islands and Fiji are:

Fiji is a relatively large country and the Cook Islands are one of the smallest in land mass. However in total area, including the ocean between the islands, the Cook Islands are one of the largest countries in the South Pacific tropics.

Fiji's people and culture are Melanesian/Indian and the Cook Island's are Polynesian.

Fiji has a very developed tourist industry compared to the Cooks which is significantly less developed.

The Cooks are cleaner, safer and have less crime than Fiji.

Both are beautiful Island destinations worthy of anyone's time wanting to have a great SP experience.

Both require getting as far away from the respective International Airports in order to experience what the country is really like.

That being said, I prefer the Cooks because I enjoy less touristy and less crowded places. IMHO the Cook Islands offer a more authentic and less contrived visitor experience than does Fiji. But that's just me.

I've been to both places. I prefer the Cook Islands.

Thank you all for such great responses.....all set for Fiji and I of course am armed with Lonley Planet guide book so will do more rsearch.
Yasawa Islands,Waya and Nacula seem to come up a lot when asking people so I'll look into those.
Thanks again
Elena

I know many Fijians (natives of Fiji) who choose to live and work in the Cook Islands because they can maintain a better standard of living and productive lifestyle compared to their homeland, so it cuts both ways. Besides the Cook Islands is not simply about Rarotonga. There are 15 islands in the Cook group and most visitors only reach Rarotonga, with a few making it to Aitutaki as well.

Beyond these localities there is a wonderful world of exploration around the other considerably undeveloped islands. Why shouldn't I discuss the Cook Islands in these forums? This is a travel blog site and if I believe that other travellers can benefit from visiting a beautiful destination that I am well familiar with, there is every good reason for me to share information to assist other travellers like Elena.

"there is a reason why Fiji is the most popular country in the South Pacific with visitors. It offer a lot of diversity, and the best value for money in the region."

Indeed!!!

" Why shouldn't I discuss the Cook Islands in these forums?"

OP specifically stated that she was going to Fiji as the Cooks was too expensive-you countered with a load of spam/nonsense that had no bearing on her inquiry.

You need to learn how to temper your enthusiasm so as not to further injure your already shaky credibility.

Also while the racial mix of native Fijians is largely Melanesian there's a strong argument to be made that the culture is largely Polynesian.

Edited by: someone who knows what he's talking about.

Well, hardnose.... there's no denying that authentic Polynesian nations with their outstanding natural beauty, smaller populations, vibrant cultures, clean, safe environments standing alongside democratic governance are what discerning travellers seek out.

As Eleni has said, the Cooks are TOP of her wish-list for next time.

authentic Polynesian nations with their outstanding natural beauty, smaller populations, vibrant cultures, clean, safe environments standing alongside democratic governance

LOL!

How silly can a biased poster get???

"clean environment" - sure, Tonga in particular is known for that! LOL

"safe environment" - well, Samoa is an excellent example of 'safeness'. No other Pacific nation got so many warnings on this forum about theft by resort owners preying on their guests' belongings.

"vibrant cultures" - sure most can put up an erotic dance show, but in real life, Polynesia is the most westernized corner of the Pacific, and most Polynesian nations have more of their people living overseas in NZ, the US etc than back home. Those remaining at home also top the World list for obesity (along with Micronesia), thanks to a breakdown of traditional lifestyle and a preference for western junk food.

"democratic governments" - only 3 of the Polynesian 'countries' are independent, the rest remain some form of territory of NZ, France or the US

"are what discerning travellers seek out"

Far more visitors opt to seek out Fiji than any Polynesian nation.

There would have been nothing wrong with discussing the Cooks in a thread that asks about them (this one did not), but even then, at least no nonsensical praises should be made.

Biased for sure - being Polynesian!!. Love the Cook Islands and Niue - both are charming destinations located in the heart of Polynesia. Quality tourism not quantity.

Laszlow... in the interests of putting your comments and criticism of the Cook Islands in perspective, please tell us... how many times have you visited the Cooks?

So Lazslo.... Just perhaps an isolated incident like this may well prevent you from visiting any part of Polynesia ever again?? No worries! Take care and be safe.

It is a well known fact that Cook Islanders are amongst the most hospitable and giving people in the world. Every nation retains its biases as you well know, hardnose. What is most obvious from this thread is how much you and Lazslo take delight in putting another ethnic group down even though you appear to have had little experience or interaction with any Cook Islands people, beyond what you can source from media-hype. An insensitive reaction, but one which Cook Islanders have learnt to deal with, and from a very tiny minority, among the many wonderful visitors who appreciate what we offer to guests.

Everywhere you will encounter an individual who has not fitted well into the local scene. Identifying one person alone does not represent the experience for every other foreigner living in that country. How biased is your singular point of view I conjecture?

I wish you well

Cook Islanders also eat dogs! Not the warm fuzzy culture depicted by Lagoon. I don't believe Fijians do. Personally I found the Fijians much more friendly and welcoming

Be mindful about what you have heard or indeed witness with your own eyes. No country can lay claim to being blemish-free or blameless in society, including Fiji and Australia of course! Best stay away from the Cook Islands in future to play it safe with the local food servings Wauchopegirl!!

Edited by: lagoon

i didnt know they eat dogs in Cook islands. If i go to Rara can i buy some? Will it be at island feasts like in a hangi? Nothing wrong in eating dog if food is short.