fiji + cooks or just cooks or just fiji
 

hi everyone

my apologies in advance if this is too specific, but i might as well ask and if you have an answer, then great!

i have been to tahiti and didn't like it mostly because of the run down state of the expensive accommodations and the less than friendly nature of the people working at these resorts.

i have been to samoa and really liked it. i enjoyed the culture and the unique experience of the beach huts and talking to people who wanted to share their culture.

so, which will i like better? fiji or cooks, or should i do both?

i guess, a better way to ask, since i have to go to the cooks, is: should i visit both and how much time would you allow if my main interest is culture and beaches and safety (that's a requirement not an interest).

budget: $100 USD or less a night for lodging.

location: a beach area where food is easy to obstain (not a $30 restaurant meal but local take away type food).

peace and quiet and nature?

sorry if that's too much to ask!
thank you in advance for your knowledge.

kerikeri :)

Kerikeri,

I have to agree with you about Tahiti, but not necessarily for the same reasons! That said, I think you would find Fiji a very different, and very friendly experience. The warmth of the Fijian people is in direct contrast with Tahiti.

The Cooks are a different experience altogether, and while I don't believe they are a "destination" into themselves (as in..let's plan to go to Cooks for 2 weeks); I think they're a good alternative, especially if you're stopping over from NZ; I'd give it 3 days in that case.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards,

Melodie

thanks, melodie, that's very helpful!

i especially appreciated the day amount for the cooks, i wasn't sure how many days i should budget for each.

now onto that air new zealand website for (hopefully) reasonable fares!

kerikeri :)

Also check with Air Pacific (Fiji's airline)

thanks for that idea-

do they have any airpass type tickets that would allow me to go between the islands and nz, i wonder?

i might have to just choose one due to costs.

kerikeri :)