Posted by Catherine Banks on June 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Your Travel Agent in Fiji
Our very own Marty recently traveled across the globe to Fiji. I interviewed him about his trip and here is what he had to say:
1) Marty, I know your trip involved several components. Please describe your basic itinerary in Fiji.
We enjoyed two nights at Tokoriki Island Resort, five nights at Radisson Denarau, then a four night cruise of Fiji’s Northern Yasawa Islands on Captain Cook Cruise. The name of the ship was the Reef Endeavor.
2) Do you have any idea if this is how travel to Fiji is normally done or was it just because of the nature of the trip you won?
Most people choose to do a bit less hopping than I did. While talking to other guests at the resorts and on the cruise, I found that the norm was still maybe a 2 week stay, but only about 2 different destinations within Fiji.
3) How long should someone set aside if they’re considering a trip to Fiji?
I believe that if it is going to be a one time thing, 2 weeks. That way, they would be able to do 2 to 3 varying islands throughout the destination. You could possibly do one week, but that would be a very busy week, not relaxing.
4) How long was the travel from Dallas to Fiji and what did it take to get there?
The 14 hour flight consisted of a single flight from Dallas to Los Angeles on one airline American, then checking in to another carrier, Air Pacific, upon arrival in Los Angeles. 4 hours from DFW to LAX, 10 hours from LAX to NAD. Also, with crossing the international date line, you lose a day when traveling to Fiji. We left on Sunday, and arrived on Tuesday.
The return was similar. NAD to LAX on Air Pacific, customs, immigration, claim luggage then recheck luggage and check in with American to fly home to DFW.
5) What was your favorite part of the trip?
Tokoriki was definately a well deserved relaxing treat. Adults only, no televisions, phones or clocks in the rooms. Completely disconnected. Radisson was also a nice surprise. Denarau is vey manicured.
Reef Endeavor is far from deluxe or luxury, but the itinerary is amazing. Snorkeling every day, glass bottom boat rides.
6) What was the biggest surprise of the trip.
No tipping on an individual basis. If one wanted to tip for exceptional service, you had to see management and donate to their staff Christmas fund.
7) What’s the best advice you would give to someone contemplating a trip to Fiji?
Allow yourself plenty of time to see the sights you really want to see. Don’t be in a hurry for anything. Fiji consists of over 300 islands, so don’t expect to see everything in one trip.
8) What do you wish you had done that you didn’t do?
Go to the interior of the main island to see the rock formations, canyons and white water raft. It was a 15 hour day with a departure at 5:30am from the hotel. Although I wish I would have done it after the fact, I still don’t feel as if I missed anything.
Thanks, Marty! And, welcome home!
