Planning a Trip

Drawn by Fiji's beauty and charm -- as well as its reputation as a safe haven in this time of international terrorism -- record numbers of visitors are discovering this vast and varied paradise. Although many of them stayed away in the months following the December 2006 coup, Australians and New Zealanders -- for whom Fiji is as convenient as the Caribbean is to Americans and Canadians, or the Greek Isles are to Europeans -- are especially prevalent in Fiji.

A pre-coup tourism boom brought numerous new resorts and other facilities, but the country's overall tourism business dropped off significantly immediately following the coup. With fewer tourists and more competition from the new properties, the local travel industry has been luring visitors with reduced prices for hotel rooms, cruises, and airfares. As a result, this is an excellent time to visit Fiji -- and save money while you're at it.

No single clearinghouse markets specials, but many show up on the Australian-oriented www.etravelblackboard.com. Also check with the Fiji Visitors Bureau and contact travel agents who specialize in package tours and independent travel to Fiji.

With Australian and New Zealand business down significantly, it has been easier to find a hotel room on the dates you want to travel. That was not always the case during Fiji's recent tourism boom.