See what the experts are saying about Wallis and Futuna. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Planning a trip
Drawn by the islands' beauty and charm -- as well as their reputation as a safe haven in this time of international terrorism -- record numbers of visitors are discovering this vast and varied paradise. This is especially true of Australians... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
The best sources for data about the specific island countries are their tourist information offices. A good source for general information is the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), P.O. Box 13119, Suva, Fiji Islands (tel. 679/330-4... Continue reading »
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When to go
The Climate The South Pacific islands covered in this book lie within the tropics. Compared to the pronounced winters and summers of the temperate zones, there is little variation from one island group to the next: They are warm and humid... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane A few cruise ships stop in the islands, but today all but a handful of visitors fly to the islands. Because populations are small, flights are not nearly as frequent to and among the islands as Westerners are used to at home. There... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
In addition to searching for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a travel package. Buying a package tour is simply a way to get the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance Check your existing insurance policies and credit-card coverage before you buy travel insurance. You may already be covered for lost luggage, cancelled tickets or medical expenses. The cost of travel insurance varies widel... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Entry Requirements All South Pacific countries require each new arrival to have a passport that will be valid for the duration of the visit, as well as an onward or return airline ticket. Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond t... Continue reading »
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Money
Currencies The Cook Islands use New Zealand dollars, and American Samoa spends U.S. greenbacks. Otherwise, each South Pacific country has its own currency -- Fiji dollars (F$), French Pacific francs (CFP), Samoan tala (S$), and Tongan pa'a... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip online
Surfing For Airfares The "big three" online travel agencies, Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, and Orbitz.com, sell most of the air tickets bought on the Internet. (Canadian travelers should try expedia.ca and Travelocity.ca; U.K. residents ca... Continue reading »
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The 21st-century traveler
Internet Access In The South Pacific E-mail is as much a part of life in the South Pacific islands as it is anywhere else these days, but most Internet connections here are glacially slow compared to even dial-up connections in Western cou... Continue reading »
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Islands in brief
Most of the islands covered in this book are part of the Polynesian Triangle, which stretches across the vast Pacific Ocean from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island. With the exception of Fiji, they are variations on an overall cultural th... Continue reading »
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Tips on accommodations
The South Pacific has a wide range of accommodations, from deluxe resort hotels on their own islands to mom-and-pop guesthouses and dormitories with bunk beds. Types Of Rooms My favorite type of hotel accommodates its guests in individu... Continue reading »
