Having read A Pattern of Islands when I was 12, many years ago. It mesmerised me and I said to myself that one day If I could, I would travel there , I`ve talked about it off and off for years, never really imagining I might get there. I`m lucky enough to be retiring this August and want to fly to Kiribati and be able to visit China and Australia ( to visit our children who are working in those countries) en route. Does anyone know which flights would get me to the Gilbert Islands or if one of those round the world tickets would make more sense?