Trying to finalize Cook Island travel plans...(LordBalfor (Ken), et al...hope you're out there!).
Oct 18th, 2004, 04:53 PM
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Trying to finalize Cook Island travel plans...(LordBalfor (Ken), et al...hope you're out there!).
Thanks very much to you all for getting me this far on my trip planning with all of your comments and opinions. In fact, I was initially considering French Polynesia for my wife's surprise 40th birthday trip next summer, but while on the Tahiti-Explorer Forum many months ago, I meekly/humbly asked the question: "If you just cannot afford FP, is there an adequate substitute?". And there was our friend LordBalfor to guide me to the Cooks.
Without being too repetitive to previous posts, I will tell you where I think I've narrowed down the itinerary and ask general questions, then would really appreciate comments. For info, my wife and I like to dive/snorkel, explore the islands we visit (local bars, restaurants, hikes), and get some quality relaxing time in the sun (we're leaving the 8 & 6 year olds with Grandma!).
1) Rarotonga -- Narrowed down the accommodations to Palm Grove, Rarotonga Beach Bungalows (though I haven't heard many first hand comments, please help!), Sokola Villas, and Pacific Resort (the first 3 are tied for 1st and the latter is in 2nd place). Are there places to eat nearby/onsite each of these, specifically breakfast and especially coffee; or are we better off going to the market and stocking up ourselves.
2) Aitutaki -- This is tough (though probably easy b/c can't go wrong)...Pacific Resort and Aitutaki Resort are intriguing for different reasons, but both very expensive. I tend to blow money on the highest (perceived) quality, but my wife hates to think that we're blowing money on places that don't "deserve it", (i know we'll be in paradise, so she'll get over it!). However, this makes the Are Tamanu looks interesting. How is the beach there? Is there a pool (just for a refreshing dip)? Is there food nearby. Morning coffee is CRITICAL to my wife...she really enjoys this morning ritual.
The Aitutaki Resort doesn't get many positive comments about its beach? How is the beach in front of the Pacific resort?
3) We'll be staying 8 or 9 nights on the Cooks, so I'm taking most people's advice and doing 6 on Raro and 3 on Aitutaki. I'm not sure I've read anyone's thoughts on which island to do first (if that's an option based on flights from LAX)?
4) I have never traveled this far, what should we expect for jet lag upon arrival? Will it ruin a day or will we be able to function okay?
5) Has anyone taken a day trip to one of the outer islands (e.g. Aitu)? Is it worth it?
I'll probably think of more questions, but if you have read this far........THANK YOU! I'm a "New Member" to the Fodors board, so I've been saving up all these questions.
Again, thanks in advance for your comments.
D
Without being too repetitive to previous posts, I will tell you where I think I've narrowed down the itinerary and ask general questions, then would really appreciate comments. For info, my wife and I like to dive/snorkel, explore the islands we visit (local bars, restaurants, hikes), and get some quality relaxing time in the sun (we're leaving the 8 & 6 year olds with Grandma!).
1) Rarotonga -- Narrowed down the accommodations to Palm Grove, Rarotonga Beach Bungalows (though I haven't heard many first hand comments, please help!), Sokola Villas, and Pacific Resort (the first 3 are tied for 1st and the latter is in 2nd place). Are there places to eat nearby/onsite each of these, specifically breakfast and especially coffee; or are we better off going to the market and stocking up ourselves.
2) Aitutaki -- This is tough (though probably easy b/c can't go wrong)...Pacific Resort and Aitutaki Resort are intriguing for different reasons, but both very expensive. I tend to blow money on the highest (perceived) quality, but my wife hates to think that we're blowing money on places that don't "deserve it", (i know we'll be in paradise, so she'll get over it!). However, this makes the Are Tamanu looks interesting. How is the beach there? Is there a pool (just for a refreshing dip)? Is there food nearby. Morning coffee is CRITICAL to my wife...she really enjoys this morning ritual.
The Aitutaki Resort doesn't get many positive comments about its beach? How is the beach in front of the Pacific resort?
3) We'll be staying 8 or 9 nights on the Cooks, so I'm taking most people's advice and doing 6 on Raro and 3 on Aitutaki. I'm not sure I've read anyone's thoughts on which island to do first (if that's an option based on flights from LAX)?
4) I have never traveled this far, what should we expect for jet lag upon arrival? Will it ruin a day or will we be able to function okay?
5) Has anyone taken a day trip to one of the outer islands (e.g. Aitu)? Is it worth it?
I'll probably think of more questions, but if you have read this far........THANK YOU! I'm a "New Member" to the Fodors board, so I've been saving up all these questions.
Again, thanks in advance for your comments.
D
Oct 18th, 2004, 05:44 PM
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DRock,
Not been to the Cooks, but know plenty about jet lag and long flights. On our SFO Sydney in April ( depart 10:30 PM) on doctor's advice got on board, ate, saw part of a film and took an ambien and slept for 7 hours.
Arrived Sydney 6:15 AM and was able to go all day until collapse at 9:00PM. Took another ambien and slept till 6 AM. Out for the day; at night took .5 ambien and was back to normal.
Did the same on return to Santa Fe.
Sweet Dreams
AndrewDavid
Not been to the Cooks, but know plenty about jet lag and long flights. On our SFO Sydney in April ( depart 10:30 PM) on doctor's advice got on board, ate, saw part of a film and took an ambien and slept for 7 hours.
Arrived Sydney 6:15 AM and was able to go all day until collapse at 9:00PM. Took another ambien and slept till 6 AM. Out for the day; at night took .5 ambien and was back to normal.
Did the same on return to Santa Fe.
Sweet Dreams
AndrewDavid
Oct 19th, 2004, 09:18 AM
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First of all, glad I could be of help in making it possible for you to travel to the wonderful South Pacific region. While by most accounts, French Polynesia is probably the most beautiful/exotic area down there, the fact is that in my experience (limited to FP & the Cooks admittedly), it is ALL pretty wonderful, so just because FP is too much of a stretch for most people doesn't mean they have to miss out on the South Pacific experience.
As you already know, I think the Cook Islands are a fine substitute and in fact due to a number of reason (not the least of which is cost), I actually prefer the Cooks to FP. In fact Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and pretty much everyplace else down there is a lot less expensive than PF and any one of would make a great place to go.
Before I get on to your questions, I just want to make sure that you are aware however that the Cooks will be a bit cooler than FP, especially at the time of year you seem to be thinking about (northern hemisphere summer/southern hemisphere winter). It will still be summerlike, during June-Sept you can only expect highs that are typically in the mid-70s (compared to low 80's for FP), sometimes getting as high as maybe near 80 or as cool as just above 70. Nighttime lows will likely be in the 60's (typically upper 60's). Still summerlike, but perhaps not as warm as you might expect if you are going there from a northern hemisphere summer. Some people in fact have said they've found the Cooks a bit too cool for them during the winter months. Don't want to put off the Cooks, just want you to be aware. Note that Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and FP are all warmer than the Cooks (typicially just over 80 during the day).
Anyway, on to your questions:
1) Rarotonga: The Palm Grove is on my absolute favorite stretch of beach (just 100 yards or so from the house we rented) and the swimming snorkeling there is wonderful so I am tempted to give you that as my top choice. However, keeping in mind that you are traveling there during the winter months I am factoring in that there is no protection from the wind at that location and considering that it will be cooler than when we went, you MIGHT find it a bit chilly sometimes for swimming, depending on how strong the tradewinds are blowing. One store nearby (Wigmores - a convience store), a restaurant at the Palm Grove and another nearby (Viama restaurant - considered one of the best on Raro), otherwise not a lot nearby (one of the charms of the area actually).
So, keeping that mind, you might want to add a bit of weight to places like the Sokola Villa and the Rarotonga Pacific Resort, that are sheltered from the wind by the offshore motus of Muri Lagoon. In truth, this is the most beautiful area of Rarotonga as the motus are very beautiful and the whole scene very, very idyllic. The swimming is better near the Pacific Resort as the lagoon is deeper there (the norhtern section of Muri Lagoon - near the Sokola Villas - is only about waist-chest deep or so, depending on the tide). Neither of these two place has all that great snorkeling however as there's not much coral in the northern/central parts of Muri Lagoon, so there's not that many fish. Southern Muri (near the Shangri-La resort etc) is nearer the area of cora where snorkeling is better.
The Sokola Villas are apparently one of the more upscale non-resort places on Raro - though I've not been inside so I can't say too much about them, and the Rarotonga Pacific Resort is the most upscale resort. Keep in mind however that unlike the Aitutaki Pacific Resort, the Rarotongan Pacific Resort is not really all that upscale, more like a nice middle-of-the-rad place. On the plus side, the Sokola Villas probably have the best views of any property on Rarotonga. There are several restaurants and one or two store in the generally area of Sokolas/Pacifis Resort, including Sails and the Flame Tree (both with good reps).
The Rarotonga Beach Bungalows are in the Titikaveka area that is widely considered to have the best snokeling but keep in mind that they are in an unsheltered location (similar to the Palm Grove) so the breeze may be a factor. Not much in the way of restuarants/shops nearby.
I really hesitate to give you a final answer since I'm not sure how you rate:
1) The view
2) Warmth of the air (actually talking wind-chill here)
2) Aitutaki: Aitutaki Pacific Resort is by all accounts the top resort (most upscale) in the Cooks - and has prices to match. Someone I know stayed there and said the water was a bit cloudy but when we were there the water seemed fine. Overall though people seem to really love the place. If money were no object, this is where I would stay. One restaurant onsite (with good reviews - though it's pricey) and another nearby.
Are Tamanu is where we stayed and we loved it. Units are pretty close together though and only the Honeymoon Suite as a full ocean view. There is a pool (see my Webshots albums for some photos of it) and a small cafe that is open for breakfast (included in your stay) and light lunches. Once a week they do a BBQ dinner. Beach there is pretty perfect as far as we're concerned. It's perhaps a mile north of the Pacific Resort. Note that from the Pacific Resort north to the northern tip of the island the beaches looked pretty nice. South of the Pacific Resort and on the east side of the main island the beaches are less desirable (the east side beaches have a lot of mud flats). One VERY informal restaurant nearby - you actually eat outside in the persons' back yard. No set menu (and you need to make reservations) but the food is very, very good (fish or vegitarian only, I think). You can also walk along the breach or road up to the Pacific Resort. It's about a mile or so, but the walk along the beach is very nice indeed.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort has the nicest location in regards to views and has easy access to some interesting-looking motus, but the water directly in front of the resort tends to be rather murky and the channel between the island the resort resides on and the main island of Aitutaki is dangerous to swim in because of stonge currents and many stonefish. Lots to see looking down from the short bridge though - including giant clams!
3) Order of Stay: Not really preference on this. I like your time alotment.
4) We didn't really have any jet lag problems. We were coming from the US west coast (not sure about you) and had an overnight flight. Slept on it some (as much as we ever do on the plane) and were fine when (just a bit tired) when we arrive (early morning) on Raro.
5) Didn't do this. Might be a bit far for a day trip.
Hope this helps.
Ken
As you already know, I think the Cook Islands are a fine substitute and in fact due to a number of reason (not the least of which is cost), I actually prefer the Cooks to FP. In fact Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and pretty much everyplace else down there is a lot less expensive than PF and any one of would make a great place to go.
Before I get on to your questions, I just want to make sure that you are aware however that the Cooks will be a bit cooler than FP, especially at the time of year you seem to be thinking about (northern hemisphere summer/southern hemisphere winter). It will still be summerlike, during June-Sept you can only expect highs that are typically in the mid-70s (compared to low 80's for FP), sometimes getting as high as maybe near 80 or as cool as just above 70. Nighttime lows will likely be in the 60's (typically upper 60's). Still summerlike, but perhaps not as warm as you might expect if you are going there from a northern hemisphere summer. Some people in fact have said they've found the Cooks a bit too cool for them during the winter months. Don't want to put off the Cooks, just want you to be aware. Note that Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and FP are all warmer than the Cooks (typicially just over 80 during the day).
Anyway, on to your questions:
1) Rarotonga: The Palm Grove is on my absolute favorite stretch of beach (just 100 yards or so from the house we rented) and the swimming snorkeling there is wonderful so I am tempted to give you that as my top choice. However, keeping in mind that you are traveling there during the winter months I am factoring in that there is no protection from the wind at that location and considering that it will be cooler than when we went, you MIGHT find it a bit chilly sometimes for swimming, depending on how strong the tradewinds are blowing. One store nearby (Wigmores - a convience store), a restaurant at the Palm Grove and another nearby (Viama restaurant - considered one of the best on Raro), otherwise not a lot nearby (one of the charms of the area actually).
So, keeping that mind, you might want to add a bit of weight to places like the Sokola Villa and the Rarotonga Pacific Resort, that are sheltered from the wind by the offshore motus of Muri Lagoon. In truth, this is the most beautiful area of Rarotonga as the motus are very beautiful and the whole scene very, very idyllic. The swimming is better near the Pacific Resort as the lagoon is deeper there (the norhtern section of Muri Lagoon - near the Sokola Villas - is only about waist-chest deep or so, depending on the tide). Neither of these two place has all that great snorkeling however as there's not much coral in the northern/central parts of Muri Lagoon, so there's not that many fish. Southern Muri (near the Shangri-La resort etc) is nearer the area of cora where snorkeling is better.
The Sokola Villas are apparently one of the more upscale non-resort places on Raro - though I've not been inside so I can't say too much about them, and the Rarotonga Pacific Resort is the most upscale resort. Keep in mind however that unlike the Aitutaki Pacific Resort, the Rarotongan Pacific Resort is not really all that upscale, more like a nice middle-of-the-rad place. On the plus side, the Sokola Villas probably have the best views of any property on Rarotonga. There are several restaurants and one or two store in the generally area of Sokolas/Pacifis Resort, including Sails and the Flame Tree (both with good reps).
The Rarotonga Beach Bungalows are in the Titikaveka area that is widely considered to have the best snokeling but keep in mind that they are in an unsheltered location (similar to the Palm Grove) so the breeze may be a factor. Not much in the way of restuarants/shops nearby.
I really hesitate to give you a final answer since I'm not sure how you rate:
1) The view
2) Warmth of the air (actually talking wind-chill here)
2) Aitutaki: Aitutaki Pacific Resort is by all accounts the top resort (most upscale) in the Cooks - and has prices to match. Someone I know stayed there and said the water was a bit cloudy but when we were there the water seemed fine. Overall though people seem to really love the place. If money were no object, this is where I would stay. One restaurant onsite (with good reviews - though it's pricey) and another nearby.
Are Tamanu is where we stayed and we loved it. Units are pretty close together though and only the Honeymoon Suite as a full ocean view. There is a pool (see my Webshots albums for some photos of it) and a small cafe that is open for breakfast (included in your stay) and light lunches. Once a week they do a BBQ dinner. Beach there is pretty perfect as far as we're concerned. It's perhaps a mile north of the Pacific Resort. Note that from the Pacific Resort north to the northern tip of the island the beaches looked pretty nice. South of the Pacific Resort and on the east side of the main island the beaches are less desirable (the east side beaches have a lot of mud flats). One VERY informal restaurant nearby - you actually eat outside in the persons' back yard. No set menu (and you need to make reservations) but the food is very, very good (fish or vegitarian only, I think). You can also walk along the breach or road up to the Pacific Resort. It's about a mile or so, but the walk along the beach is very nice indeed.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort has the nicest location in regards to views and has easy access to some interesting-looking motus, but the water directly in front of the resort tends to be rather murky and the channel between the island the resort resides on and the main island of Aitutaki is dangerous to swim in because of stonge currents and many stonefish. Lots to see looking down from the short bridge though - including giant clams!
3) Order of Stay: Not really preference on this. I like your time alotment.
4) We didn't really have any jet lag problems. We were coming from the US west coast (not sure about you) and had an overnight flight. Slept on it some (as much as we ever do on the plane) and were fine when (just a bit tired) when we arrive (early morning) on Raro.
5) Didn't do this. Might be a bit far for a day trip.
Hope this helps.
Ken
Oct 19th, 2004, 08:56 PM
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Atiu is a wonderful island, but I certainly not as a day trip. An overnight trip would be just fine. There are no paved roads, and just 4 small villages, all within sight of each other. There are only 5 places to stay (http://www.atiu.info/atiuisland/inde...=accommodation), and the odds are that you will be one of only a dozen visitors on the whole island. You can rent motorbikes to get around, and visit the coffee plantation, wonderful fabric arts studio (www.adc.co.ck/art.htm), and the villages. You can also arrange for a guided tour to the very interesting caves that are located in the 'makatea' (ancient coral reefs that have been uplifted above sea level) along one edge of Atiu. Lastly, you could arrange to attend a local Tumunu, a ritualistic 'club' where they tell stories and drink 'bush beer'. Normally, tumunus are reserved for men, but I have seen tourist women invited (Advice: if you go, do not do what I did, which was let the attendees goad you into drinking too much, at which point you will need to find your way back home on your motorbike, in the dark).
If you can find the time, I think that this trip is worthwhile, particularly if you buy your wife a spectacular vest, jacket, or tivaevae blanket at the fibre arts studio.
If you can find the time, I think that this trip is worthwhile, particularly if you buy your wife a spectacular vest, jacket, or tivaevae blanket at the fibre arts studio.
Oct 20th, 2004, 11:07 AM
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Well everyone....you did not disappoint. Although I have read most, if not all, of the previous info posted on the Cooks, you all have succeeded in providing new, in-depth and thought-provoking comments.
This is a good example of why its never too early to start planning...because concerning the weather, we may have to push the trip back to late Sep - Oct possibly? I assume that I would gain a few degrees in daytime temp. by pushing it into the spring season of the southern hemishere?
My wife is in good shape and gets chilly pretty easy (let's just say that I have built-in "insulation"!), then she won't be as comfortable/happy....so warm weather is key. We originally considered the Caribbean, but we've been there many times, same for Hawaii; so, that's what brought us to the S. Pacific.
Thanks again.
D
This is a good example of why its never too early to start planning...because concerning the weather, we may have to push the trip back to late Sep - Oct possibly? I assume that I would gain a few degrees in daytime temp. by pushing it into the spring season of the southern hemishere?
My wife is in good shape and gets chilly pretty easy (let's just say that I have built-in "insulation"!), then she won't be as comfortable/happy....so warm weather is key. We originally considered the Caribbean, but we've been there many times, same for Hawaii; so, that's what brought us to the S. Pacific.
Thanks again.
D
Oct 20th, 2004, 11:51 AM
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Here's a couple of useful sites concerning temps:
Rarotonga -
http://www.etravelnz.com/islands/isl...o/climate.html
Aitutaki -
http://www.fit-for-travel.de/en/reiseziele/l00345.htm
...and a celsius /fahrenheit converter:
http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm
Ken
Rarotonga -
http://www.etravelnz.com/islands/isl...o/climate.html
Aitutaki -
http://www.fit-for-travel.de/en/reiseziele/l00345.htm
...and a celsius /fahrenheit converter:
http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm
Ken
Oct 20th, 2004, 12:08 PM
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In case you are interested:
Aitutaki web cam (located at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort - showing the channel more or less in front of the "partially overwater" bungalows) looking out into the lagoon:
http://www.islandhoppervacations.com...Cam.aspx?ID=13
Ken
Aitutaki web cam (located at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort - showing the channel more or less in front of the "partially overwater" bungalows) looking out into the lagoon:
http://www.islandhoppervacations.com...Cam.aspx?ID=13
Ken
Oct 24th, 2004, 07:14 PM
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DRock -
I couldn't help but to jump in on this post. My husband and I traveled to the Cooks June 2003. We stayed 2 nights on Raro then about 4 nights on Aitutaki and then another 4 nights back on Raro. The reason we did this is because the airline that flys you to Aitutaki or Aitu didn't have flights that day which was a Sunday. I believe this is the same no matter what time of year it is.
We arrived (after never being out of the U.S.) to the Cooks on as I said, early Sunday morning. The place is like a ghost town until after Sunday services. EVERYTHING IS CLOSED DOWN UNTIL AROUND 1PM. Like you, we flew in from LAX with a brief stopover in Tahiti. We were tired and starved with no where to eat.
We didn't stay in a resort. We like to do things middle of the road so we stayed at I believe the Tropical Sands which are stand alone beach bungalows right on the water with kitchens. The owners picked some fresh fruit from there trees and brought it to us to hold us over until things opened up again.
On Aitutaki we stayed at another similar type of accomodation called Paradise Cove. They brought over breakfast cereal or biscuits with a beautiful tray of fresh coconut, star fruit, watermelon and bananas each morning. It was a lot of fun. Lots of "no see-ums" while we were there. Don't forget the bug spray, and I like to pack citronella votives for the room.
Anyhow, the main reason I responded was because of the coffee thing. At that time, I sold coffee for a living and was nearly in a funk when all I could find was instant in the stores. Sure, we bought the Aitu coffee at the store for souvenirs, but we didn't have a coffee maker to make the stuff!
I didn't have a real brewed cup of coffee until we came back to Raro and found a nice little garden style lunch place that served sandwiches and dessert. Man was I jonesing for some coffee by the time I had that cup.
I don't know the availability of fresh brewed coffee in the rooms at the resorts. We ate at the Pearl Beach Resort several times on Aitutaki because of the sashimi. I didn't notice if they had fresh brewed coffee or not. Do yourself a favor. Ask the properties you are staying at the availability of getting coffee.
Hope this helps. Look into taking the boat ride with Captain Fantastic on Aitutaki. He takes you to the little motus and then one that only he has access to which I believe is called Honeymoon island. He is a real hoot and there are fewer people on his boat than the other bigger service. I think we paid about $25/pp for the whole day including lunch. What a bargain!
Have a great time. The next time we go, we don't care where we stay quite honestly. If we ever see a cheap flight from LAX, we'll book it and then get in wherever we can. The Cooks is a great place. There is no bad place on either island and believe me, we found every nook and cranny of both islands. We're the crazys who look for the local artists in the back woods to buy their art. It's too painful to buy the stuff at the gallery stores for 10x as much.
I couldn't help but to jump in on this post. My husband and I traveled to the Cooks June 2003. We stayed 2 nights on Raro then about 4 nights on Aitutaki and then another 4 nights back on Raro. The reason we did this is because the airline that flys you to Aitutaki or Aitu didn't have flights that day which was a Sunday. I believe this is the same no matter what time of year it is.
We arrived (after never being out of the U.S.) to the Cooks on as I said, early Sunday morning. The place is like a ghost town until after Sunday services. EVERYTHING IS CLOSED DOWN UNTIL AROUND 1PM. Like you, we flew in from LAX with a brief stopover in Tahiti. We were tired and starved with no where to eat.
We didn't stay in a resort. We like to do things middle of the road so we stayed at I believe the Tropical Sands which are stand alone beach bungalows right on the water with kitchens. The owners picked some fresh fruit from there trees and brought it to us to hold us over until things opened up again.
On Aitutaki we stayed at another similar type of accomodation called Paradise Cove. They brought over breakfast cereal or biscuits with a beautiful tray of fresh coconut, star fruit, watermelon and bananas each morning. It was a lot of fun. Lots of "no see-ums" while we were there. Don't forget the bug spray, and I like to pack citronella votives for the room.
Anyhow, the main reason I responded was because of the coffee thing. At that time, I sold coffee for a living and was nearly in a funk when all I could find was instant in the stores. Sure, we bought the Aitu coffee at the store for souvenirs, but we didn't have a coffee maker to make the stuff!
I didn't have a real brewed cup of coffee until we came back to Raro and found a nice little garden style lunch place that served sandwiches and dessert. Man was I jonesing for some coffee by the time I had that cup.
I don't know the availability of fresh brewed coffee in the rooms at the resorts. We ate at the Pearl Beach Resort several times on Aitutaki because of the sashimi. I didn't notice if they had fresh brewed coffee or not. Do yourself a favor. Ask the properties you are staying at the availability of getting coffee.
Hope this helps. Look into taking the boat ride with Captain Fantastic on Aitutaki. He takes you to the little motus and then one that only he has access to which I believe is called Honeymoon island. He is a real hoot and there are fewer people on his boat than the other bigger service. I think we paid about $25/pp for the whole day including lunch. What a bargain!
Have a great time. The next time we go, we don't care where we stay quite honestly. If we ever see a cheap flight from LAX, we'll book it and then get in wherever we can. The Cooks is a great place. There is no bad place on either island and believe me, we found every nook and cranny of both islands. We're the crazys who look for the local artists in the back woods to buy their art. It's too painful to buy the stuff at the gallery stores for 10x as much.
Oct 26th, 2004, 05:19 PM
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Auntylyne,
Thanks so much for the info....I will definitely check for coffee maker availability...this is a key morning ritual for us!
Also, this is the first I have heard of "no see ums". We experienced no see ums first hand on an island off the coast of Honduras (Guanaja) many years back on a diving vacation and they ate us up....we vowed never to go anyplace where there's no see ums again, so...
Any comments on if no see ums are around in late Sept / early Oct (which is our new potential itinerary)???
Thanks to all!
D
Thanks so much for the info....I will definitely check for coffee maker availability...this is a key morning ritual for us!
Also, this is the first I have heard of "no see ums". We experienced no see ums first hand on an island off the coast of Honduras (Guanaja) many years back on a diving vacation and they ate us up....we vowed never to go anyplace where there's no see ums again, so...
Any comments on if no see ums are around in late Sept / early Oct (which is our new potential itinerary)???
Thanks to all!
D
Oct 26th, 2004, 05:44 PM
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DRock -
Have to say that while it was obviously a different time of year than you are going, we never encountered any noseeums anywhere in the Cooks (or French Polynesia for that matter). Got SEVERELY eaten up by some such creatures on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta but not in the South Pacific.
Lots of hungry mozzies on Aitutaki and some (not quite as many) inland on Raro though. Beaches themselves tended to be mozzy free though.
Ken
Have to say that while it was obviously a different time of year than you are going, we never encountered any noseeums anywhere in the Cooks (or French Polynesia for that matter). Got SEVERELY eaten up by some such creatures on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta but not in the South Pacific.
Lots of hungry mozzies on Aitutaki and some (not quite as many) inland on Raro though. Beaches themselves tended to be mozzy free though.
Ken
Oct 26th, 2004, 06:11 PM
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Okay, so maybe technically they were not "no see ums" but all I know is, something was biting us and we weren't seeing them.
Again, this was only on Aitutaki and it wasn't like you couldn't enjoy your time there. Just keep the bug spray handy and the candle for sleeping and you'll be fine.
Have fun. I can't wait to get some other destinations out off my itinerary so I can go back to the Cooks!
Lynne
Again, this was only on Aitutaki and it wasn't like you couldn't enjoy your time there. Just keep the bug spray handy and the candle for sleeping and you'll be fine.
Have fun. I can't wait to get some other destinations out off my itinerary so I can go back to the Cooks!
Lynne
Oct 26th, 2004, 08:07 PM
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Lynn -
Didn't want to sound like I didn't believe you. If you said you were bitten, I certainly believe you were bitten - and I'm sure you are not alone in that.
Just wanted to mention that we didn't experience it.
Ken
Didn't want to sound like I didn't believe you. If you said you were bitten, I certainly believe you were bitten - and I'm sure you are not alone in that.
Just wanted to mention that we didn't experience it.
Ken
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