Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Peaceful Locations

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

In recent years we have enjoyed holidays in Sri Lanka, Zanzibar and most recently the Andaman Islands. We love quiet locations, superb beaches, good snorkelling (preferably from the beach) and although of an age when comfort becomes more important, we avoid the huge impersonal resort centres, preferring smaller, clean and comfortable hotels with private bathroom.

We enjoy flora and fauna and seeing something of the local life and sometimes doing absolutely nothing on a quiet beach!

Havelock Island on the Andamans was paradise for us and we are now considering the Pacific Islands for later this year – Fiji, Cook Islands, other suggestions? The area is unknown to us at the moment. Also any suggestions on the most economic way of reaching there from the UK?

Many thanks.

Fiji, the Cooks, Samoa, Tonga---all have very peaceful areas, usually away from the main population centers.

I'd suggest you get a copy of David Stanley's South Pacific Handbook, and read it from cover to cover. Several places will stand out, and then you can narrow your search from there.

Most can be reached via LAX on RTW tickets. But going from East to West and VV is getting difficult in the SP. So, plan your trip with that in mind.

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My suggestion is Micronesia! Especially Federated States of Micronesia . (FSM)
My favourit island in FSM: Kosrae! The beaches here are very good (well, maybe not superb...) snorkelling is nice, you will meet a small handfull of tourists at the most, people are friendly and there are a couple of unpretencious but comfortable places to stay.

The most economical way to get there from UK probably would be a Round-The World ticket from Skyteam. (Continental is the only airline serving all the major islands) I went to the FSM via Manila/Honolulu. (from/to Europe)

[http://www.visit-micronesia.fm/index_e.html]

Regards
eflatjan
[http://www.pbase.com/bolla49]

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I have the perfect place for you. Ha'apai Tonga.

Stay at Sandy Beach Resort

Quiet location clean accomodation snorkelling right off the beach. Nice management and staff. Absolute paradise!

http://www.sandybeachresort.de/

Bonus: check out the exchange rate!

All the best

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