Posted on 09/18/2024

Visiting Fiji 

Fiji is a popular island destination for travelers around the world seeking a warm and hospitable change of pace far away from the bustle of everyday life. Over 300 islands form the remote and secluded nation, offering a perfect escape for those looking for a break from the daily grind. 

The largest of the islands is Viti Levu, home to Nadi Airport, the main entry point for most visitors. Many of Fiji’s most renowned resorts are situated along the Coral Coast on the southwestern side of Viti Levu. The second largest island, Vanua Levu, lies 40 miles to the north. Viti Levu and Vanua Levu are home to nearly 90% of the population of the Fiji Islands. The Yasawa Islands and Mamanuca Islands are two of the more prominent island chains, each with its own culture and charms.   

What can you expect from this paradise in the South Pacific?

Activities

• Hiking through jungle paths offers a tranquil retreat during your vacation in Fiji.  Discover enchanting waterfalls, which promise to inspire and mesmerize. On the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, one must-see tiered cascading body of water is the Biausevu Waterfall.
• You can enjoy lounging on the beach at your resort. With the comforts of home at your convenience, resort living in Fiji is a welcoming and stress-free environment.
• Fiji is renowned for its ocean habitat of protected coral reefs, home to vibrant tropical fish and marine life. An up-close snorkeling or SCUBA diving excursion in the clear waters brings abundant opportunities to take in the sights and experience the underwater splendor firsthand. Diving with manta rays can be a thrilling experience.
• Viti Levu’s lagoons are the perfect respite for sunbathing and relaxing.
• For the adventurous, riding the waves at Cloudbreak in the southern Mamanuca islands is a favorite of professional surfers featuring consistent swells of 10 feet.
• A dinner show with fire dancing is a popular way to immerse yourself in the culture of Fiji and savor culinary delights popular in the islands.
   

Food and Drink

• Traditional Fijian cuisine includes lovo cooking where a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables are wrapped in a banana leaf and baked over hot stones buried in an earth oven.
• Kokoda, Fiji’s national dish, is ceviche made with fresh raw fish served with lime juice.  
• Kava is a traditional drink that may induce sedation or some numbness to the lips. It is derived from a pepper root and is served as a traditional welcoming ceremony.

Landmarks

• Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple - The largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere can be found in Nadi. The temple is an architectural marvel and a spot of great spiritual importance. 

Cities and Villages

• Guests visiting Fiji opt out of staying in major cities, choosing a more authentic experience by visiting the more remote villages of the islands.
• It is important to adhere to certain norms when visiting these villages, including respecting dress codes. Wearing hats or sunglasses in the villages is verboten, as headgear is typically reserved for village chiefs. In addition, the villages usually require that shoulders and knees be covered out of respect for sensitivities. Usually, a welcome gift is exchanged with your village hosts.

Visa and Passport Requirements/Restrictions

• U.S. citizens can travel visa-free to Fiji for up to four months.  A U.S. passport must have validity from six months or more after your departure date. Proof of sufficient funds, an outbound ticket and a blank passport page are required.

Weather

• Fiji experiences warm weather for most of the year. Tropical storms are usually present from November through April.

Travel 

• Fiji Airways – As the national airline of Fiji, Fiji Airways provides flights to and from the islands and other Pacific Island countries.
• Traveling inter-island is not as common in Fiji as in a Caribbean or Hawaiian vacation where island hopping is ingrained in the culture. Water ferries are a budget-conscious option to explore different destinations in Fiji if your travel party is looking to see more of the islands.
• For accommodations including outstanding resorts in Fiji, tickets on major airlines, and valuable options such as cancel-for-any-reason travel protection, rely on the professionals at Pleasant Holidays to devise a picture-perfect vacation itinerary to Fiji. Contact your Travel Advisor and ask about Pleasant Holidays complete travel packages.

Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the traditional Fijian greeting "Bula," which translates to "life" and is used as a welcome and a salutation. It’s a blessing of bountiful energy and boundless hope. It’s also a fitting tribute from the people of Fiji, known for their hospitality and open-armed acceptance of visitors from all around the globe.