Fiji

 

​Bula friends!  Let’s discuss all things Fiji and why YOU should make it your next destination. Fiji, an archipelago in the South Pacific, is known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, scuba diving, and smiling faces. As your certified Fiji Mataii Specialist, it's pure joy to help individuals, families, and couples explore Fiji: Discover Fiji’s beaches, palm-shaded trails, and vibrant coral reefs. With over 330 islands to explore, it’s a joy to help curate travel itineraries that immerse you in the Bula spirit. Fiji brings the best of island adventure and relaxation.

 

If you are a first-time traveler to Fiji, these travel tips will help you plan your next vacation.

 

Did you know that Fiji is the happiest nation on the planet? No, we're not just saying that. In fact, according to a survey by the Gallup International Association – where they interviewed a staggering 64,000 people from 65 countries worldwide – 93% of Fijians are either 'happy' or 'very happy' with their lives​. A healthy exposure to sunlight is believed to increase the brain's production of serotonin, and with Fiji receiving annual temperatures of 24.9 degrees Celsius on average, it's not a surprise that Fijians are in such good moods!

 

Visa Requirements: No visa is required for foreign nationals from the United States or Canada.

 

Flying To Fiji:  Fiji is always a fantastic destination to consider with a visit to Australia or New Zealand. For example, Fiji and Australia are ideal companions. You'll find short flight times and convenient flights to Fiji from Brisbane (3.5 hours), Sydney (4), and Melbourne (4.75), so you can easily combine these two iconic destinations. Live Well Travel highly recommends 5-7 days in Fiji based on what you want to see and do.

 

Fiji Culture:

• Social gatherings are a tradition that includes nightly kava drinking.

• Rugby is the national sport, and they are one of the best, winning the Rio 2016 Olympic Gold Medal for men’s sevens.

• The Fiji 7 Dollars Banknote was issued in 2022 to commemorate the Fijian Rugby 7s Bronze and Gold Medal Wins at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

 

Best Places To Visit:

• Viti Levu- The main island of Fiji. Most visitors fly into Nadi, a landing point for the other amazing islands. Check out Natadola Beach, the Coral Coast, and Cloud 9, and hike in the Koroyanitu National Park.

• Mamanuca Islands: Remember when Tom Hanks was stranded on that private island in Fiji in Castaway? This is the area where the movie was filmed. A 45-minute ferry ride away from Naid, it’s a great area to stay for a few nights.

• Yasawa Islands- Located 3-5 hours away by boat or an hour plane ride. The Yasawas are known for their stunning beaches. Check out the Blue Lagoon (Nanuyi Island), Coconut and Octopus Beach Resort

• Taveuni- The Garden Island is the third-largest island in Fiji. Taveuni is home to beautiful waterfalls and world-class scuba diving and has a much more laid-back vibe than the rest of Fiji.

 

Weather: The ideal time to visit is during the winter months, from June through August. Cyclone season is from February to April, so avoiding Fiji during this time is better. However, scuba diving is best in the summer because of less wind and ocean currents.

 

Fijian Language: Fijian is the national language. However, English is widely taught in schools from a young age and is spoken everywhere. Before your next visit, it’s essential to consider a few commonly used Fijian words:

Bula – hello
Vinaka – thank you

Vinaka vaka-levu – thank you very much
Andra vinaka – good morning

 

​Fijian Cuisine: Food in Fiji is farm-to-table deliciousness. Due to the abundance of ocean life, seafood is common everywhere you look. Dishes are typically prepared with coconut milk.

Lovo is a traditional method of cooking food in an underground oven. Food is wrapped in palm leaves, topped with banana leaves, and placed on hot stones. The food is then covered with blankets and sand and cooked for several hours. Lovo typically consists of chicken, kasava, and palusami (taro leaf). It is prepared for important events and gatherings.

 

Currency:  The national currency is the Fijian Dollar. As it stands today (continually fluctuating), FJD 1 = USD 0.47

 

Tipping: In Fiji, tipping is not a common practice and is not required. If you decide to tip, it will be shared among the employees of whatever restaurant or resort you are tipping.

 

Do I Need A Converter?:  Many hotels have USB ports, but please bring a Type 1 outlet (same as New Zealand, Australia, and China) with a current of 240v AC 50Hz. A simple adapter is OK for a phone, but if you use devices that use 110v, you will want to purchase a converter.

 

Are you planning a trip to Fiji? Reach out so that Live Well Travel can help plan your next adventure. We genuinely hope you have a wonderful time exploring Fiji!

 

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Empowering you to live well + travel!