Where to go in South Pacific 10 days in February

Hello

I can’t see to find answers to my questions on the forum – so here I go. I’m at the very early phases of planning a trip. I have about 10-12 days to visit a south pacific island in February – probably about Feb 11 – 22.

Is this toward the end of the wet season?

I am an experienced traveller, would be on a $30-40 a day budget and would be looking for backpackers or the like (I’ve noted that the travel scene is not like SE Asia) but I am looking for one island – anywhere in the South Pacific – that
1. is relatively untouristed
2. still has traditional culture (ie hasn’t been overrun by foreigners)
3. possibly a sustainable tourism project ??? that runs tours -
4. has trekking opportunities –

5. are there any festivals in the south pacific in this period.

I figure that there are loads of places with good snorkelling and beaches – that’s a given in the south pacific, isn’t it? I don’t mind a bit of tough travel/discomfort (ie on local boat or bus from a major city) if it means that I get to a chilled ‘gem’ of a place at the other end.

Hope this isn’t a too broad of an ask…

Krissie, Tonga has to be the place for you! I know it is my choice. It is the least touristy of the South Pacific that you can get to on a regular sized aircraft! Your budget there will be no problem. You have choices of island groups to pick from. The Haapai group stands out for me, not toursity at all and there are islands you can walk to at low tide (check out Uoleva). A real 'Tongan' experience, hanging out and fishing with locals. There is trekking and exploring on other islands (Eau) and of course many quiet beach spots.
This year for me is my big South Pacific trip, im looking forward to Tonga the most, I think it will remind me of the San Blas Archipelago in Panama- lots of culture and plenty of relaxed, inexpensive things to do. I will keep an eye out for you as, i think i get there Around Feb.1. if i only had a couple of weeks, this is where I would go. I, like yourself have been to Asia and a few other places, so im kind of guessing that this is the place for you. You have it figured out when you said That you dont mind going through some uncomfortable travel to get to the great place at the end! Most of my best travel experiences have been just like that. Good luck in your search,
Sincerely Yours,
Chris from the frozen tundra of western Canada
Bekuami@yahoo.com

"I think it will remind me of the San Blas Archipelago in Panama- lots of culture and plenty of relaxed, inexpensive things to do"
Boy are you in for a surprise!

Thanks for the "advice", Harry. Way to contribute! You gotta love those guys who get on these forums and just waste everybody's time. Well Done.

Oh, Chris... So you hadn't met the "in house" kook yet?

There's one on every branch.

If trekking is a priority for you, then you should do some reading up on the Fijian islands. Taveuni, for example. Or Ovalau. Or the central highlands of Viti Levu. Don't make the mistake of overgeneralizing about the whole country based on the existence of a a few tourism enclaves..

But you also won't find many 'backpackers' in these places either -- they're tourists too..

I have some photos on my BLOG

I don't think Chris 71 has researched Solomon Islands at all. Many different cultures, and you can get there on a 737.
I have contact information for a tour guide for Malaita, and lots more, but suggest you check out the FAQ and other threads, if you might be interested.
Also look at http://exploringsolomons.wikispaces.com it has lots of suggestions for the sort of travel you are interested in.

hi - thanks for the responses so far - and sorry for the boxes in the message, i did try to edit them out... and what... I cant see your responses as I write??? TT4... grrr...

I did spend a quite long time reading the FAQs and surfing the web prior to asking my questions - but didnt really get any of those questions answered.

I am, for example, very interested in hearing about any sustainable tourism projects on the different islands.

thanks for the responses so far... your comments are appreciated.

Chris-I know the Caribbean and have been to Tonga as well-except for religion dominating some people lives there are no similarities at all.

Oh Yes Palm trees but they are a different type.

Great. Another class comment by "Harry".
It would be no point explaining the simularites of Tonga and The San Blas Archipelago of Panama.
Lets just add me to Islandboi and the huge list of people who think you are the Nutjob of this branch.
Im sure im not alone in the group of readers that are thinking, "I cant believe that people like this "Harry" even exist).
i wish you luck in the search for the right Psychiatrist.

It's a good idea to arrive in Tonga - and other Pacific Islands - relaxed. I have found that islanders do not respond very well to impatience and verbal agressiveness.

Chris71-Please Note.

I have been to both places.

You haven't.

I win!

Edited by: Harry_Chorpita