MunichB

My husband and I are planning a 2 year, "around the world" trip. It's a trip of a life time, kicking off his retirement in a few years (ages 52 and 53 at the time). I am getting ahead of myself but I can't help but get excited about it so I thought I'd post a question to see what the forum suggests. We have traveled quite a bit, so we want the trip to consist mostly of visiting places we have been before and want to return to/linger in, but a few new places as well. (itinerary includes Morocco, Italy, Thailand, Bali, Australia, etc.). We want to add a trip to Fiji/Tahiti/Cook Islands or similar on the way home from Australia to Seattle, but we haven't been anywhere in this part of the world (beyond Hawaii).
We will stay a minimum of 14 days, but longer if there is enough to see and do. I have read about these places online and specifically in the forums, but I haven't found much of anything about which choice has the most for a longer term visit. We are not big beach people (painfully white skin) but do love a beautiful setting like these areas have to offer, hiking, swimming, diving/snorkeling and especially local culture/food. Ideally we would be on one island with the ability to travel to multiple other spots in between lazy days.
I have heard about Tahiti being very overpriced but otherwise can't seem to differentiate which one is the best choice so we don't get bored of "just" sea and sand. I thought about going from one island to the next by boat, but it sounds like flying is the only option(?) and seems silly to fly back to Auckland each time. We will be there in the Fall, most likely October as it looks now.
I realize this is an incredible opportunity, so we want to make the most of it!
Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

maedemdam

hello, that sounds like one amazing trip. I'm sure you've been doing a lot of plan so I hope it all comes together. I am from the United States and currently live in Australia. It's winter here and the breeze and water is rather chilly, much like the west coast of the US, but it's still something to see. If you are headed to major cities throughout your travels, my personal recommendation would be to hit the islands you mentioned. I don't know much about the Cook Islands, but Fiji has always been on my bucket list. I've recommended this place in the past, http://fiji.intercontinental.com/rec...ay-golf-course. I like the IHG brand and they are global so I tend to stick with them when travelling. They have a lot of amenities and it seems like that's a great way to get the most out of your money. In october it's a maximum of 30.2 C or 86 F. It's nice and warm that time of year so it seems perfect! Enjoy your planning and good luck!

MunichB

Hi maedemdam,
My sincere apologies. I somehow never saw this response! I know I am extremely late but I wanted to apologize for never thanking you for this great feedback. Thank you - it was very valuable to get your insight. I haven't stayed in IHG properties before so I will check them out. And...lucky you to live in Australia!
Thanks again!

janisj

MunichB -- don't worry about apologizing/thanking maedemdam. S/he only ever posted on Fodors 4 times and every one was to flog that website. Probably advertising.