Some countries are not easy to reach, but the rewards of finding scenic beaches untouched by mass tourism make the long journey worthwhile. Fiji is one such destination. Lush tropical rainforest, mirror-blue lagoons and vibrant coral reefs make a trip to these islands especially appealing.
Entry requirements for Fiji depend on your nationality, so check the rules for your passport before travelling. Requirements may include a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. You may also need a consent letter from the other parent when travelling with minor children, as well as a transit visa for any country you pass through on the way to Fiji. Electronic documents may be accepted. You may also be asked to provide a confirmed accommodation address, such as a hotel booking.
There are plenty of flight options, with a wide range of prices, so planning ahead gives you time to compare fares and find the best value. The journey will be long in any case: flights alone typically take between 33 and 44 hours.
You can also visit the islands by ferry, although these are generally short excursions without overnight stays, often offered as part of a cruise.
You can stay on the islands not only in hotels but also at designated campsites. However, used tents and camping equipment cannot be brought into Fiji, so you will need to rent them locally. There are also restrictions on bringing in alcohol, tobacco products, food and animals. Customs inspections can be thorough, so check your first-aid kit carefully: prescription medicines must be accompanied by a valid prescription.
Many items are prohibited from being taken out of the country as well, so it is best to check the list in advance to avoid having prohibited souvenirs confiscated on your way home.
There are many popular tourist islands. The best known include Viti Levu, Yasawa, Vanua Levu, Kadavu, Lau, Lomaiviti and Mamanuca. They are relatively large and have well-developed hotel infrastructure. You can choose accommodation to suit your style, whether it is a family holiday or a romantic getaway. There are budget-friendly options and campsites, while the coastline is also home to many luxury hotels.
You can explore your chosen island freely by renting a car, scooter or bicycle. There is also a network of buses, minibuses and taxis, and public transport is inexpensive. This is especially convenient for independent travellers and guests staying in apartments. The tiny island groups deserve a special mention. Many have just one hotel, making them ideal for peace and privacy. If that is what you are looking for, choose accommodation away from the main islands. On the Lau Islands, for example, dense greenery conceals small villages and truly unspoilt beaches. There are no restaurants on some of them, and many are simply uninhabited.
For true romantics, there is Tavarua Island, which is shaped like a heart. But it attracts more than couples: surfers also come here in search of thrills. Waves can reach up to six metres high. For a more upscale escape, Turtle Island is an excellent choice. The film "The Blue Lagoon" was shot here. The number of guests on the island is limited: no more than fourteen couples can stay at one time. This is calculated so that each couple has its own private beach. Naturally, such a holiday comes at a high price, and villas must be booked for at least six nights.
Luxury holidays in Fiji offer themed villas with magnificent views, golf, horse riding, diving and fishing. Some islands cater primarily to celebrity guests, yet this paradise is remarkable because its extraordinary beauty can be enjoyed not only by the famous but also by travellers with more modest budgets.
It is no surprise that the main attractions here are closely connected with nature. You can discover Fiji's history and culture at a museum on Viti Levu, but an even more impressive place is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, a must-visit, especially on a romantic trip.
Those with strong nerves head for Beqa Lagoon, home to swift, toothy ocean predators: sharks. Not every visitor dares to descend in a metal cage and come face to face with them. A curious attraction on Vanua Levu is the floating island on a lake in the town of Labasa: a small piece of land drifting in the middle of the water. You can even take a ride on it. Whether it is worth making a special trip to see it is up to you.
The variety of leisure activities and holidays on the islands is so great that everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether it is an extreme solo stay on a deserted island, a lively youth hostel or a lavish wedding ceremony, these places, far removed from the bustle of everyday life and filled with harmony and friendliness, will leave a lasting impression.