Samoa - advice needed please

ollybear22:00 UTC18 Feb 2008

Hi there
We (2 adults and one almost 3 year old) have flights booked for a 10 day holiday in Samoa in early May. I have a few questions that I hope someone will be able to advise me on. Firstly - will it be neccessary to book accommodation in advance? We were thinking of spending a few nights at Aggie Greys and hiring a car to drive around Upolu before going to Savaii. How much does car hire cost and is anywhere in particular recommended? My partner has a full NZ license but I am only on my restricted. Will I be allowed to drive?
We were considering beach fales on Savaii, but are they suitable for youngsters? Especially if they have only recently come out of nappies (ie what are the toilet facilities like?) Also there are so many opinions about which places are better would we be risking not having anywhere to stay if we rolled up to check them out first without a booking? Finally any absolutely not to be missed experiences for people who like the beach but don't want to spend all their time on it?
Cross posted in Kids to Go
Thanks in advance
Anna
P.S Thorntree has changed a bit since the last time I did this. Apologies if I've double posted this.

smandkjc20:44 UTC21 Feb 2008

Probably plenty of accommodation when you get there but Aggie Grey's can get booked out on festival weeks.
From memory a hire car was about 100/150 tala a day and the rental places are all much the same cost, some have newer vehicles.
You have to get a Samoa driving license from the local police, if you can drive here you can probably drive there.
Have not stayed in beach fales as they are too basic for us, your toilet may be shared and some distance away and not too clean either.
I would not book a fale just see if any are suitable when you get to Savaii.
Not to miss items, the blowholes on Savaii and hope there is a good sea running.
Give the treetop walk a miss.
We like the climb up to Robert Louis Stevensons tomb on Mt Vaeea and a walk out to the end of the peninsula at Apia to see the memorials, tombs and parliament buildings.
Our favorite is snorkeling at Palolo Deep.

wksamoa08:00 UTC23 Feb 2008

Do an early booking for Aggie's to make sure to have a point to start from. Further bookings are not necessary - you will always find a place to stay.

Car rental is about 150 Tala per day and both your licenses will work. There are several rental companies near Aggie's (turn right at the entrance and walk down the waterfront) who will provide you as well with the endorsement for your NZ licence.

You should see beach fales before you book them but that is a general advice. You do not have to worry at all about staying there with a young child. They are very suitable for that. It is all about the adult's idea about how basic an accomodation might be. Kids will certainly love it. Go to Lalomanu Beach on Upolu and to Manase in Savaii to have a choice.

Don't miss the blowholes in Savaii - I agree. But that's about it already. Relax and have fun!

Samoa - advice needed please Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea
ollybear22:00 UTC18 Feb 2008	Hi there We (2 adults and one almost 3 year old) have flights booked for a 10 day holiday in Samoa in early May. I have a few questions that I hope someone will be able to advise me on. Firstly - will it be neccessary to book accommodation in advance? We were thinking of spending a few nights at Aggie Greys and hiring a car to drive around Upolu before going to Savaii. How much does car hire cost and is anywhere in particular recommended? My partner has a full NZ license but I am only on my restricted. Will I be allowed to drive? We were considering beach fales on Savaii, but are they suitable for youngsters? Especially if they have only recently come out of nappies (ie what are the toilet facilities like?) Also there are so many opinions about which places are better would we be risking not having anywhere to stay if we rolled up to check them out first without a booking? Finally any absolutely not to be missed experiences for people who like the beach but don't want to spend all their time on it? Cross posted in Kids to Go Thanks in advance Anna P.S Thorntree has changed a bit since the last time I did this. Apologies if I've double posted this.
smandkjc20:44 UTC21 Feb 2008	Probably plenty of accommodation when you get there but Aggie Grey's can get booked out on festival weeks. From memory a hire car was about 100/150 tala a day and the rental places are all much the same cost, some have newer vehicles. You have to get a Samoa driving license from the local police, if you can drive here you can probably drive there. Have not stayed in beach fales as they are too basic for us, your toilet may be shared and some distance away and not too clean either. I would not book a fale just see if any are suitable when you get to Savaii. Not to miss items, the blowholes on Savaii and hope there is a good sea running. Give the treetop walk a miss. We like the climb up to Robert Louis Stevensons tomb on Mt Vaeea and a walk out to the end of the peninsula at Apia to see the memorials, tombs and parliament buildings. Our favorite is snorkeling at Palolo Deep.	1
wksamoa08:00 UTC23 Feb 2008	Do an early booking for Aggie's to make sure to have a point to start from. Further bookings are not necessary - you will always find a place to stay. Car rental is about 150 Tala per day and both your licenses will work. There are several rental companies near Aggie's (turn right at the entrance and walk down the waterfront) who will provide you as well with the endorsement for your NZ licence. You should see beach fales before you book them but that is a general advice. You do not have to worry at all about staying there with a young child. They are very suitable for that. It is all about the adult's idea about how basic an accomodation might be. Kids will certainly love it. Go to Lalomanu Beach on Upolu and to Manase in Savaii to have a choice. Don't miss the blowholes in Savaii - I agree. But that's about it already. Relax and have fun!	2