10 Fiji Travel Trips You Should Know Before You Go
So, you’re planning on a trip to the beautiful archipelago of Fiji, a must-visit destination on many bucket lists because of its exotic nature, relaxed ‘Fijian time’ and pristine beaches, swaying palm trees and cool clear waters.
Situated in the South Pacific, Fiji on average is visited by more than 360,000 Australian tourists each year. This quintessential South Pacific paradise has more than 300 islands to choose from with plenty of tropical attractions and fun things to do. It’s no wonder Australian’s love this place.
Another thing Australians love about Fiji is that its just a quick plane ride from the east coast, about 4 hours so cheap flights to Fiji are always easy to find online, without putting a big dent in the budget.
Whether you’ve been to Fiji before or it’s your first time we’ve got some great travel tips for you, to ensure your Fiji adventure is next level.
Situated in the South Pacific, Fiji on average is visited by more than 360,000 Australian tourists each year. This quintessential South Pacific paradise has more than 300 islands to choose from with plenty of tropical attractions and fun things to do. It’s no wonder Australian’s love this place.
Another thing Australians love about Fiji is that its just a quick plane ride from the east coast, about 4 hours so cheap flights to Fiji are always easy to find online, without putting a big dent in the budget.
Whether you’ve been to Fiji before or it’s your first time we’ve got some great travel tips for you, to ensure your Fiji adventure is next level.
Our Top 10 Travel Tips
1. Get used to “Fiji Time”. Yes, its true Fiji really does have its own pace. Locals will extensively use and fondly mention the phrase “Fiji Time” as things in this part of the world happen at a much more sedate pace than what you would be used to. But, hey isn’t that’s what an ‘island vacation’ is all about?
From tours often running a little off schedule to people leisurely walking on the street, it all adds to the relaxed atmosphere this place has to offer visitors and is what so many people love about Fiji, besides the warm friendly locals. 2. If you see men and women walking around the island with machetes, don’t be alarmed. It’s normal to see locals using traditional tools such as this and for muscly men casually walking down the road carrying one. At first, you will probably do a double-take, but in Fiji there is no need to feel threatened as he or she is most likely a farmer. Simply, smile and say Bula. Oh and by the way you’ll say Bula a lot in Fiji. |
3. Be wary asking Fijians for directions. Fijians are known for being vague when giving directions and the term “that side” will most likely mean vaguely in that direction with no real clue as to the actual distance. It could be 10 metres away or 50 metres away, but remember you’re on “Fiji Time”. Actually, in the Fijian language non verbal cues play a much larger part in communication in daily like. So be aware that gestures such as raising your eyebrows may be different from your own culture. In Fiji, raising your eyebrows once can actually hail a taxi from the other side of the road. You probably think I’m pulling your leg right now, but its true.
4. You’re likely to experience a kava ceremony, but you probably won’t like it. A kava ceremony is a welcoming ceremony that involves a traditional drink. It is an important cultural and social custom and is made from the bare root of a pepper tree. It tastes like muddy dish water, well it did to me and it left a mild tingly sensation in my mouth, which I wasn’t to fond of. But, when in Rome… as they say. Firstly, you clap once with a cupped hand, drink in one gulp, then clap three times. You will typically sit on the ground when partaking in kava, but like any cultural experience it is always good to give them a go and not one you are likely to forget anytime soon.
5. In Fiji, Sunday truely is a day of rest, so don’t expect too much to happen. If it’s Sunday, most likely everyone is in church. Most Fijians are of the Wesleyan branch of Christianity, so many services, shops and activities don’t operate on Sunday. Locals will tend to get dressed up for church and services can go on for hours. Another religion to be aware of in Fiji is Rugby. If there is a game on don’t expect to see anyone in the streets, shops open and tools down. Fijians will get together in one location to watch the game and if it is an important game, such as the world championships, then expect any celebrations to go on into the next day if they win.
4. You’re likely to experience a kava ceremony, but you probably won’t like it. A kava ceremony is a welcoming ceremony that involves a traditional drink. It is an important cultural and social custom and is made from the bare root of a pepper tree. It tastes like muddy dish water, well it did to me and it left a mild tingly sensation in my mouth, which I wasn’t to fond of. But, when in Rome… as they say. Firstly, you clap once with a cupped hand, drink in one gulp, then clap three times. You will typically sit on the ground when partaking in kava, but like any cultural experience it is always good to give them a go and not one you are likely to forget anytime soon.
5. In Fiji, Sunday truely is a day of rest, so don’t expect too much to happen. If it’s Sunday, most likely everyone is in church. Most Fijians are of the Wesleyan branch of Christianity, so many services, shops and activities don’t operate on Sunday. Locals will tend to get dressed up for church and services can go on for hours. Another religion to be aware of in Fiji is Rugby. If there is a game on don’t expect to see anyone in the streets, shops open and tools down. Fijians will get together in one location to watch the game and if it is an important game, such as the world championships, then expect any celebrations to go on into the next day if they win.
6. Like in Australia, tipping is not expected or encouraged, but it is welcomed. It is a great way of showing your gratitude so if you have a memorable experience or service, go ahead and tip. It will be extremely appreciated. 7. Make sure you have cash on you when yo leave the resorts. If you’re like me then you usually just tap and go. Not in Fiji. Your resort will take MasterCard and Visa for almost anything, however when you venture beyond the walls of your resort you will want some cash handy for public transport, local markets, taxis, and food stalls to name a few. 8. If you are planning on visiting or staying in a village, bring a gift. It is custom in Fiji to bring a gift or “sevusevu” when you visit a village. The gift is usually given to the chief and it is usual to give kava roots, which you can easily get at the markets. |
9. If you’re an avid traveller throughout Asia you are already familiar with the rules around drinking the local water. In Fiji most water is safe to drink, but some water might not agree with you especially if you have a sensitive stomach. The main towns and cities have treated water systems, however the water on some islands is most likely from a local spring or is rainwater. To avoid spending a lot of money on expensive bottle water, consider packing a water bottle with a filter. The tap water in resorts is generally always safe to drink, but the staff will warn you if it isn’t.
10. Lucky last, travel to Fiji is great all year round as there isn’t much of a winter at all in the island paradise. In saying that you will find great deals in the off seasons and shoulder seasons, not to mention you’ll avoid the crowds. The rainy season is between late November and April and the peak season is between July and September because many Australians want to escape their winter. If you travel in the other months you’ll skip the over-booked resorts and you will be able to travel more spontaneously. Fiji is an incredible place to visit because of the white-sandy beaches, abundant nature and wildlife, stunning coral reefs, as well as cultural and adventure activities to partake in. The islands offer some gob smacking scenery and if you love golf, why not head to Toberua Island Resort where you can try your hand at reef golf.
Ready to go?
Search for cheap flights to Fiji on one of Australia’s leading online search engines at iFly.net.au. Ranked within the top 10, their trusted platform will check all flights with major airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways and will show you the best deals available online. With iFly, you will save up to 10% online when compared with booking direct with the airlines.
And it’s not just on flights. They also offer up to 40 percent off on hotels, as well as great deals on cruises, tours and packages. Visit iFly.net.au or give them a call on 1800 156 856 if you want help booking your next travel adventure.
10. Lucky last, travel to Fiji is great all year round as there isn’t much of a winter at all in the island paradise. In saying that you will find great deals in the off seasons and shoulder seasons, not to mention you’ll avoid the crowds. The rainy season is between late November and April and the peak season is between July and September because many Australians want to escape their winter. If you travel in the other months you’ll skip the over-booked resorts and you will be able to travel more spontaneously. Fiji is an incredible place to visit because of the white-sandy beaches, abundant nature and wildlife, stunning coral reefs, as well as cultural and adventure activities to partake in. The islands offer some gob smacking scenery and if you love golf, why not head to Toberua Island Resort where you can try your hand at reef golf.
Ready to go?
Search for cheap flights to Fiji on one of Australia’s leading online search engines at iFly.net.au. Ranked within the top 10, their trusted platform will check all flights with major airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Fiji Airways and will show you the best deals available online. With iFly, you will save up to 10% online when compared with booking direct with the airlines.
And it’s not just on flights. They also offer up to 40 percent off on hotels, as well as great deals on cruises, tours and packages. Visit iFly.net.au or give them a call on 1800 156 856 if you want help booking your next travel adventure.