See what the experts are saying about Samoa. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
The scenic 31km (19 mile) drive from Faleolo Airport into the historic capital of Apia provides a fitting introduction to Samoa. Here in this cultural storehouse, which was once known as Western Samoa, the Polynesian lifestyle known as fa'a S... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
Visitor Information The friendly staff of the Samoa Tourism Authority, P.O. Box 2272, Apia, Samoa (tel. 63-500; fax 20-886; www.visitsamoa.ws), have free brochures, maps, and other publications available at their office in a handsome Samoa... Continue reading »
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Fast facts
American Express -- There is no American Express representative in Samoa. Baggage Storage -- The hotels will store your extra gear for free. Bookstores -- Aggie's Gift Shop (tel. 22-880), next to Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows on Beach... Continue reading »
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When to go
The Samoas enjoy a humid tropical climate, with lots of intense sunshine, even during the wet season (Dec-May). Average daily high temperatures range from 83°F (28°C) in the drier and somewhat cooler months of June through September to 86°F (... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Air New Zealand has a weekly nonstop flight between Los Angeles and Apia. It also has non-stop and one-stop (in Tonga) service from Auckland. Polynesian Blue, a joint venture between the Samoan government and Virgin Blue, connects the country... Continue reading »
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Getting around
By Plane Polynesian Airlines (tel. 800/264-0823 or 22-737; www.polynesianairlines.com) flies several times a day between Faleolo Airport and Maota Airstrip, near Salelologa on the southeastern corner of Savai'i. The round-trip Faleolo-Sava... Continue reading »
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Suggested itineraries
A Week in the Samoas By being both Christian and conservative, Samoa and nearby American Samoa have maintained their traditional Polynesian cultures to a remarkable degree. I like this trip because it lets me examine the old way of life wh... Continue reading »
