Tracey

I am going to Fiji for my honeymoon also which is September 17th. I do not plan on cancelling my plans unless the airlines cancel them for me. I feel that if you are going to one of the outer island and STAY AWAY from Suva you should be OK. I can understand some of your concerns though. Peggy on this forum went to Fiji during the height of the storm and didn't seem to experience any problems. I think that if you still want to go then go and have a blast. Paul, you should reply back to this forum on your return from Fiji to give us a update on the situation...thanks!

Louis

I started this thread because I encouraged Peggy to go and then started to worry. I have studied a lot on Fijian history since and have learned a great deal, as least I think. As a result I feel that the main risk in going to fiji in the very near future is still the possibilty of some disruption in transportaion if you are away from the Suva area. Without question, the economy is down in the dumps and one should avoid the populated areas. The Tasawa chain, out islands, and the north area will have little problems other then transportation and supplies. That all depends on the extent of sanctions since much of the meat comes from Australia and Fiji. Fish will not be in short supply and Fiji has lived off of the land for centuries. No,I don't think most understand the problems of a place like Fiji with a split population involving two exteremly different cultures and also the split amount the fijian culture. This in a nation with over 300 islands and about 800,000 people. If you try to undersand Fijian culture and history, it seems is based on consensus. Democracy is something that is alien to them and really does not fit either their background or culture. The west keeps demanding democracy. Instead it should say -- "Find a way were everybody can live together in peace and happiness -- you figure it out and we will support you." Instead, we say either you do it our way or you will be punished. Right now the people in Fiji are trying to find a consensus and this can take time even if they are left alond. In reality there have been problems brewing for some time in spite of what the average tourist thinks. The nature of the Fijian culture is not to show what you really feel and what is going on. So, I think today for the adventuresome, that are not afraid of some risks, this still is a good time to go to Fiji. The flight over will be a joy as there will be few on the airplane and you can sleep in the middle section. Unfortunately, I would still would not go to Suva and not spend much time on the main island. However, if you really are only looking for sand and sun, there is a lots of that elsewhere in the Pacific. For those where it is the time to learn a little about other people and cultures this is a good time. Fiji is a prime example of an indigenous culture that is still trying to find its way into a modern world. This is truly unusual. Most others have been long destroyed. The problem in the Solomons is another breed of cats. I would not go there today. <BR>

Peggy

Excellent post Louis. <BR>The more information people have, the better they are equiped to make their decisions about travel. It truely will be an evolving situation. Looks like the pacific coast of Mexico for the fall!

GT

Mexico?? As much as I enjoy the Mexican coast, it doesn't compare with the South Pacific as far as it's magic. Don't forget you've got Tahiti, the Cook Islands, the Marquesas, the Tuomotos, etc. All very calm and peaceful.

Peggy

No I wouldn't compare it but I enjoy Mexico also. Costa Careyes between PV and Manzanillo. I'm lucky because I have been to many places in the SP already, all the islands of Tahiti & Cook Islands & Samoa etc. We vacation about 3X a year & try to space it out to sample different places (predominately tropical) & cultures. In fact the last 3 trips have been to the SP so I guess it is time to go somewhere else! <BR>

paul

Anyone heading to Fiji soon? I can't wait. The coup does not seem to be much of an issue for next few weeks as Island has plenty of supplies/fuel etc.

Anne

Hope you have a great time and all is well in Fiji. I've sadly canceled my 7/7 trip and due to the attempted assassination of the coup leader on 6/12, our insurance company is refunding all. I've been following closely via Internet to get full story of coup and related situation. The travel agencies, airlines and visitors bureaus on Fiji are downplaying the situation. The person I spoke to at Air Pacific was not even aware of the June 2 State Dept. Warning. If you have the full story, and still decide to go, at least you're fully informed. I'd love to hear a report when you return. Have fun!

Tracey

I went on www.fijilive.com and it sounds like Fiji is settling and the coup may be ending. That is good news for me since I will be heading there in September for my honeymoon - YIPEE! For those of you that cancelled their trips where have you decided to go instead? maybe you can change it back to Fiji.