Similarities? Differences? Which do you prefer for a relaxing, vegging out type of vacation and why?

Similarities?-None. <BR>Differences?Lots, mainly that Fiji is a small developing country in the Tropics and Oz is a huge place that is western in outlook. <BR>Most Fijians stil live in small villages near the coast and are rightly known as some of the finest friendliest people in the world. <BR>You have a lot of web work ahead of you, vague open ended questions like yours often attract flames and jeers, and rightly so.

Michael, <BR> <BR>Since I have a life, I don't have the time to do alot of research on destinations. That's why I posed the question. I thought I could get some info and then do the research from there. If a request for information is so offensive to some posters, I would hope they would just ignore it and that only those people interested in sharing information would reply.

Hi Fran <BR>I was a bit disappointed in Michael's rsponse to your question but I'm happy to help you. While NZ is my specialist area I'm a frequent visitor to both Fiji and Australia. In someways he is right in what he said about the difference but I would like to get a little more specific. <BR> <BR>In both Fiji and Australia you are going to find resorts from the most basic backpacker establishments at $US 10.night to some of the finest in the world that sell out for $US1500/night. After all Tom and Nicole did not go to Fiji to stay in a backpacker dorm! <BR> <BR>Whitsunday is a delightful spot for a resort holiday and you can choose just what you want but they tend to more of the full service resort. <BR>I recently had 8 days in Fiji and after a number of wonderful resorts and great service I thought I would try something different. I wanted an island resort right on the beach, with self-service accommodation, a shop, a restaurant if I got tired of cooking, wonderful beaches, a bit of snorkeling and a largely a place where my wife and I could recharge our batteries, swim every day, read lots of books, have a bit of romance, walks on beaches and do our own thing without being waited on hand and foot - and most importantly cheap. <BR>We found such a place and enjoyed 7 wonderful days there. They have a package for under $US400 per person share twin that includes transfer from Nadi, boat to the island, welcome cocktails, 2 bedroom self-service accommodation, a boat snorkelling trip, a fishing trip, lovo night, island picnic and option meal plan. <BR>The main thing about the experience was that it was totally laidback with no pressure to spend money, to dress-up or to be a posser. Just a great holiday with friendly people in a wonderful warm climate - isn't that what holidays are about? Is that what you are looking for? <BR>Contact me if you want to know more. <BR>Kerry

Kerry, <BR>What island was this? <BR>Diane

Kerry, I'd love to know what island you're talking about! Thanks, fran

Since I have a life and don't have time to do any research of any kind/make up my own mind could someone with a kind heart/loads of time & info/bookmarks to kill for please plan a 2 week South Pacific holiday for me? <BR>Fiji or Aus doesn't matter just as long as it meets my parametres in terms of accomodations, cuisine and culture. <BR>No reward of any kind for you of course except a 'warm fuzzy feel-good' from knowing you've helped someone who doesn't deserve the time of day-me. <BR>Looking forward to seeing your tiny droplets of sweat on the monitor!

I don't think I want the responsibility of planning your whole vacation but...if you go to Fiji you must fit in a Blue Lagoon Cruise....an absolute must. MY dream vacation in the South Pacific would have to be a lot longer than a couple of weeks. Maybe a couple of years..yes, I could do that. I would start with a week at Mokusigas (though I have never been, it looks like my kind of escape), a week on Tokoriki and then the Blue Lagoon Cruise. A good thing to keep in mind is to plan the cruise last because nothing seems to compare after you have been on it. If you are looking for friendly kind people, culture, good food, great snorkelling, and most definitely relaxation then Fiji is the destination. I want to go back sooo badly. <BR>Diane <BR>Feel free to email me if you would like me to share my closely guarded bookmarks. Gotta go wipe the sweat off my brow! ;&gt