Fiji Travel Guide

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Turn Your Frown Upside-Down with a Contest to Win a Two Week Vacation in Fiji

Where: Fiji
April 8, 2013 at 12:23 PM | by | Comments (0)

There's no hiding that we love Fiji. That grouping of 333 islands holds a special place in our heart and every single person should get to experience those blue waters, killer sunsets and the friendliest locals we have ever encountered. It seems like perfect timing then, that the folks over at Tourism Fiji want to send a contest winner to Fiji for 2 weeks!

The contest can't get any simpler; all you have to do is head on over to the Tourism Fiji Facebook page, give it a big thumbs up (like it) and then head on to the Happiness Test. After 6 questions about how you deal with everyday life and what you would look forward to most if you made it to Fiji, you're issued a "Happiness Type."

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Surprisingly Yummy Airline Meals: The Fijian Platter on Air Pacific

Where: Fiji
April 5, 2013 at 10:10 AM | by | Comments (0)

We have all had a terrible meal on a flight before. In fact, we have shown you some of the sadder trays slid in front of us. With this new series of amazing airline meals, we can revel in the airline culinary delights and give kudos to the airlines that got it right.

We are not too shy to admit our love for the new Fiji Airways branding and livery. Now, we can give praise to the Air Pacific name's in-flight service with their homage to traditional Fijian cuisine at 36,000 feet.

As we told you before, Fiji is kind of a melting pot of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage and the food is just as much a reflection of that ethnic makeup.

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Foreign Grocery Friday: the Tymo Cookies of Fiji

Where: Fiji
March 29, 2013 at 1:04 PM | by | Comments (0)

When we travel, one of our favorite things to do is to pop into a local grocery store and check out the food products and candies we'd never find anywhere else. So we're trying out this new feature, Foreign Grocery Friday, where each week we'll feature some of our (and your) favorite overseas treats. Got a recommendation? Let us know!

By now, you may have realized we were in Fiji and had a blast. Bopping around an open air market got us thinking about the treasures which await in a local grocery store and, luckily, there was one pretty close by. After a finding a few shelves of Fiji Water (naturally), we stumbled upon the snack foods and eyeballed the Tymo cookies, particularly the coconut-flavored variety.

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Enjoying the 333 Islands of Fiji: Wandering the Nadi Town Market

Where: Nadi, Fiji
March 28, 2013 at 9:41 AM | by | Comments (0)

Last week, we dished on Air Pacific's brand new airplane, new look as Fiji Airways, and even mentioned how to test out the fresh bird. Just the thought of Fiji seems exotic, pretty far away, and difficult to get to. Exotic, yes. Far away, sure. Hard to get to, not at all. This week, we'll be looking at what there is to do once you do make it to the way out to the middle of paradise.

Wandering around a foreign market is one of the best ways to get into the true flow by seeing how the locals eat, socialize and shop. A trip to the central market of the Western Fiji town of Nadi is no different and in fact, is one of our highest recommendations for your trip to Fiji.

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This is the Actual Island on Which Tom Hanks Filmed 'Cast Away'

Where: Fiji
March 27, 2013 at 10:26 AM | by | Comments (0)

Last week, we dished on Air Pacific's brand new airplane, new look as Fiji Airways, and even mentioned how to test out the fresh bird. Just the thought of Fiji seems exotic, pretty far away, and difficult to get to. Exotic, yes. Far away, sure. Hard to get to, not at all. This week, we'll be looking at what there is to do once you do make it to the way out to the middle of paradise.

This photo is not your typical shot of a tropical South Pacific island. Nope—it was taken from onboard a zippy catamaran trip going from Nadi to Tokoriki, and that island in the distance may be a tropical South Pacific deserted island, but for a time it was the center of Hollywood's universe. It's practically a movie star.

Yep, you heard it right, that island is just as much a celebrity as, say, Tom Hanks. If you think it looks a little familiar that's because it's the actual island from the 2000 box office blockbuster movie, Cast Away.

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Enjoying the 333 Islands of Fiji: Going Native and Getting Sweaty

Where: Fiji
March 26, 2013 at 12:13 PM | by | Comments (0)

Last week, we dished on Air Pacific's brand new airplane, new look as Fiji Airways, and even mentioned how to test out the fresh bird. Just the thought of Fiji seems exotic, pretty far away, and difficult to get to. Exotic, yes. Far away, sure. Hard to get to, not at all. This week, we'll be looking at what there is to do once you do make it to the way out to the middle of paradise.

After spending some time in one of the most far away exotic locales on Earth, Fiji has made it to the top of our personal list of favorite destinations. Maybe it's the loud welcomes of "Bula!," or maybe it's the smiles and the shell lei. It was only when we ventured outside the resorts and into a local village that figured out what makes the magic: Fiji's people and their heritage.

From Nadi, we headed on a river cruise to Vitu Levu and the Coral Coast city of Sigatoka, where our guides, Sigatoka River Safari, prepped us for a four-hour round trip up the namesake river to a small village named Tuvu.

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Enjoying the 333 Islands of Fiji: How to Get There

Where: Fiji
March 25, 2013 at 11:16 AM | by | Comments (0)

Last week, we dished on Air Pacific's brand new airplane, new look as Fiji Airways, and even mentioned how to test out the fresh bird.

Just the thought of Fiji seems exotic, pretty far away, and difficult to get to. Exotic, yes. Far away, sure. Hard to get to, not at all. With major airline routes and cruise ship itineraries, you too can set your watches to Fiji-time soon. If you just can't wait and feel the need to wiggle your toes in the sand while enjoying a sunset like the one above, here are our recommendations to get yourself to the middle of paradise:

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Have a Sneak Peek Inside Fiji Airways' Fancy New Flying Machine

Where: Fiji
March 21, 2013 at 11:15 AM | by | Comments (0)

It's not only American Airlines that's got a shiny new toy to play with this month. Nope—wave goodbye to Air Pacific and say "Bula" to Fiji Airways, as this week they officially received the keys to their newest baby: a brand spanking new Airbus A330. Let's have a look!

Yesterday we showed you the slick paint job on the outside of the newest ride for Air Pacific's rebranded airline, Fiji Airways. Today we take you inside, to check out the cabin, sit in the seats and otherwise give you a peek at what passengers can expect on their way to paradise.

It's worth mentioning again, the entire design for the aircraft is cool. We mean, like, super cool. Not only have they gone back to the original name of the airline, but the livery showcases Fiji through the artwork of their traditional designs, called Masi. The graphics and colors are only the start, as passengers are going to get a taste of the islands inside as well.

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Why Fiji Airways Decided to Tattoo Their Newest Airplane

Where: Fiji
March 20, 2013 at 2:10 PM | by | Comment (1)

It's not only American Airlines that's got a shiny new toy to play with this month. Nope—wave goodbye to Air Pacific and say "Bula" to Fiji Airways, as this week they officially received the keys to their newest baby: a brand spanking new Airbus A330. Let's have a look!

PAR-TAY! It's hot, it's humid, and there's much to celebrate in Fiji this week. This arrival of their first A330 is not only a milestone for the airline, but it's the first physical peek at the hip look of the new Fiji Airways brand. Fun fact: Fiji Airways is the original name of the airline; they only became Air Pacific in 1971 and it's about time to switch things up.

What's more is that the new colors and Fiji Airways name is a return to the cultural heritage of the islands; gone is the rainbow tail that looks like someone drew it in Microsoft Paint, and now we see an intricate pattern taken straight from traditional Fijian Masi tribal designs and tattoos. It's a pount of national pride, this airline, so Fijians turned out en masse to greet the plane at Nadi International Airport yesterday, with a welcome ceremony and some traditional kava drinking.

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Wish You Were Here: The 333 Islands of Fiji

Where: Fiji
March 18, 2013 at 2:32 PM | by | Comments (0)

You guys, we're in Fiji! Yes, the islands in the South Pacific which are home to some of the happiest people on earth, according to a Gallup poll and the islands' official slogan ("where happiness finds you").

We've been here for a few days, and we're kinda getting into that overwhelming positivity despite our cynical city selves. Surrounded with lush tropical surrounds and warm weather, beautiful views and the sound of the ocean, you can't blame anyone for loving life and enjoying every second. We might be drinking Kool-aid Fiji water, but we think this place is pretty magical.

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An Airplane with Tribal Tattoos: Air Pacific Unveils New Look as Fiji Airways

Where: Fiji
October 12, 2012 at 11:47 AM | by | Comments (0)

Back in August, we touched on the news that Air Pacific is getting back to their roots and rebranding the airline to Fiji Airways. After the change of ownership, the national identity will shine through on the new carrier a fact just proved by this week's sneak peak into what the planes and cabins will look like when the entire changeover is complete later in 2013.

Starting with the planes doing the heavy lifting, the airline has taken the traditional Fijian imagery across the entire fleet. Designed to be a 'Flying Ambassador' for the island nation, the Fiji influence plays a prominent role. Three "Masi," or native design motifs, will be a feature of the livery, designed to represent the welcoming nature of Fiji.

For those on the ground, a bold FIJI logo on the belly of the plane plus the tribal wrap around the engines will make plane-spotting a whole lot easier.

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Say Good-bye to Air Pacific and 'Bula' to Fiji Airways

Where: Fiji
August 21, 2012 at 9:11 AM | by | Comments (0)

As it goes in commercial aviation, sometimes an airline decides to switch things up; so it as in May, when Air Pacific decided to return to their roots and rename the entire airline. After an ownership shift to a majority-managed airline, the Fiji-based carrier will be known as Fiji Airways within the next 18 months. This is not exactly a new name either, since from 1951 to 1970 "Fiji Airways" was the national carrier.

Expected to be fully transitioned to the new/old name, Fiji Airways aim to position themselves as a leader in the Pacific Ocean region for both short-haul and long-haul flights. The former brightly colored planes will be repainted to epitomize the traditional Fijian symbol, the art called Masi, as greatly as possible.

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