Fiji Travel Forum

We have been living in New Zealand for a couple of months and have decided to extend our trip a week and go the Fiji before flying home to California. My husband and I have a 1 1/2 yr. old child and want safe accomodations, but also not overly expensive. My husband has been working very hard here in NZ and we are looking for a relaxing getaway. Can we find this in Fiji, or are we better off going to Hawaii instead? We have been to most of the Hawaiian islands and would like something different.

I have also noticed many travel warnings online and am concerned about our safety as Americans traveling to Fiji. Should I be concerned? Please help!

I don't think you'd have any problems at all, as Americans or otherwise. The political situation isn't ideal, but it's the Fijians that are mostly affected by that.

I'd go back to Fiji tomorrow, and I know of a couple of VTers that enjoyed wonderful holidays on the main island of Viti Levu not long after the coup took place. The Fijian people are so friendly, your visit will be welcomed I'm sure. Check out some of the travel pages on here to get some ideas :-)

Funnily Hawaii and Fiji are similar in some respects. A drive around Viti Levu is similar to a drive around Ohau.And the real Hawaiins and the real Fijians are both friendly and happy go lucky. On the flip side, Waikiki is like Suva on sterioids, all pumped up and bursting at the seams. But it is nice to not see all those ABC shops in Suva. I went three days after the coup. No problems. I even went specifically to Suva, against all the dire warnings of gloom and doom, black holes and things that go thud in the night. No problems, but watch out for the touts in Suva shopping area.Ignore them and do your own thing.The only problem I had was my skin cracked from all the smiling and waving back at the armed military guards at the road blocks( a thick piece of naval rope thrown across the road)we came across. It seemed their job was to smile and wave at the tourists.In terms of Americans, I have seen that Americans are not well liked and received in Europe. But I think you'll be ok in Fiji.They desperately rely on the tourist dollar no matter what accent it comes with.So if you're after a relaxing getaway with a 'secure' feel, book into one of the resorts on the Coral coast. For a more spectacular (scenery)getaway go to the Yasawa Islands. But be aware that Fiji has its poorer and less glossy side .(scenic wise). There are a lot of old ,poor villages and places as you go around. Its a mix of two worlds. Enjoy.

Hello,

I was in Fiji last September, I stayed with a family in a village, it is called a "homestay" I have put pictures up on my page. I didn't feel as if I was in any danger but my brother who is quite a big bloke wasn't comfortable to be out late at night in the big towns.
As you have a child I would assume you wouldn't be out in the night after a certain time. We visited one of the many islands. They are as safe as can be. There was a distict lack of American tourists when we were there as they had been frightened off by their foreign office.
The homestay was very basic, frogs in the toilet, but I enjoyed that the best and you certainly would feel safe in the company of a large happy family. Having said all that I have four children, I visited Hawaii after Fiji and Hawaii was memorable my children would have preferred it. Then again your child is just over a year old so it is very much what you would feel happier experiencing. I will re-iterate maybe I was just lucky, but I stayed there for a week without experiencing anything out of the normal.
Best wishes, Vicki