Where should we go? Please help!

Hi everyone,

We are currently planning to do 6 weeks in the South Pacific. We want to do Air Pacific's Bula Pass to see two other countries apart from Fiji, where we will arrive and depart. There are so many places to see and we're becoming a bit lost in the research. We are looking to dive, snorkel/swim, check out natural sights (waterfalls/volcanoes) and any other interesting and unique opportunities... all on a budget. Where should we go? Tonga? Vanuatu? Please let us know the favourites and which places "tick all the boxes."

Also, does anyone know of a great place to kick back and relax in Fiji, low- to mid-range, beautiful.... somewhere to treat ourselves after a year and a half away from home?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ally

I think you've already made the best choice: Vanuatu & Tonga
These will give you a taste of Melanesian and Polynesian cultures at their most traditional, are easy enough to get around by flying, and have very diverse natural sights. Both countries have everything you've listed: volcanoes (very remote in Tonga though), beaches, diving, etc.
The only issue could be that Vanuatu is not as cheap as Fiji or Tonga - but it's worth it!

I guess a resort in the Yasawas should be OK for your Fiji relaxation - if you don't have a specific idea, Octopus on Waya seems to get only good reviews on this forum, though of course there are many others (often cheaper).

Consider Solomon Islands for some of the best diving in the world, and a traditional culture that is much less touched by tourism than places like Fiji.
Fast boats, much cheaper than flying, link Honiara with both the Western province and Malaita.

Hi I feel where you are coming from. There seems to so much info on the web these days. One website I found to helpful was http://vacationstofiji.com. It has some good general articles on stuff to do and activities. Me and my girlfriend went to fiji last year and found it such a tropical paradise. A couple of things you can't miss are fiji beautiful sunsets, crab racing on the beach with the locals and kava drinking. Good luck.

I agree with both Laszlo and Ozziegiraffe, my preference being Solomon Islands but Laszlo's suggestion might be more to your liking.