See what the experts are saying about American Samoa. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
My own love affair with the South Pacific doesn't go back quite that far, but Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Rarotonga, and Tonga have conjured up romantic images of an earthly paradise since European sailors brought home tales of their tropical splend... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
You won't be stuck eating island-style food cooked in an earth oven, nor will you be limited to the rather bland tastes of New Zealanders and Australians, which predominate at many restaurants. Wherever the French go, fine food and wine are s... Continue reading »
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The best after-dark
Don't come to the South Pacific islands expecting opera and ballet, or Las Vegas-style floor shows, either. Other than pub-crawling to bars and nightclubs with music for dancing, evening entertainment here consists primarily of island nights,... Continue reading »
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The best beaches
Because all but a few South Pacific islands are surrounded by coral reefs, there are few surf beaches in the region. Tahiti has a few, but they all have heat-absorbing black volcanic sand. Otherwise, most islands (and all but a few resorts) h... Continue reading »
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The best buys
Take some extra money along, for you'll spend it on handicrafts, black pearls, and tropical clothing. Black Pearls: Few people will escape French Polynesia or the Cook Islands without buying at least one black pearl. That's because the s... Continue reading »
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The best cultural experiences
The South Pacific Islanders are justly proud of their ancient Polynesian and Fijian cultures, and they eagerly inform anyone who asks about both their ancient and modern ways. Here are some of the best ways to learn about the islanders and th... Continue reading »
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The best family vacations
There are no Disney Worlds or other such attractions in the islands. That's not to say that children won't have a fine time here, for more and more resorts are making provisions for families as well as honeymooners. Kids will enjoy themselves... Continue reading »
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The best of the old south seas
Many South Pacific islands are developing rapidly, with modern, fast-paced cities replacing what were sleepy backwater ports, such as those at Papeete in French Polynesia and Suva in Fiji. However, there are still many remnants of the old Sou... Continue reading »
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The best offbeat travel experiences
Some cynics might say that a visit to the South Pacific itself is an offbeat experience, but there are a few things to do that are even more unusual. Getting Asked to Dance (everywhere): I've seen so many traditional South Pacific dance sh... Continue reading »
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The best outdoor pursuits
The Best Diving & Snorkeling All the islands have excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, and all but a few of the resorts either have their own dive operations or can easily make arrangements with a local company. Here are the best: Fij... Continue reading »
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The best romantic hotels & resorts
Whether you're on your honeymoon or not, the South Pacific is a marvelous place for romantic escapes. After all, romance and the islands have gone hand-in-hand since the bare-breasted young women of Tahiti gave rousing welcomes to the 18th-ce... Continue reading »
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The most beautiful islands
"In the South Seas," Rupert Brooke wrote in 1914, "the Creator seems to have laid himself out to show what He can do." How right the poet was, for all across the South Pacific lie some of the world's most dramatically beautiful islands. In my... Continue reading »
