travel guide facebook

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Travel Guides

My travel guides aim to give you the best and most up-to-date information on the major travel destinations around the world. (I know how bad it is to get outdated information from a print guidebook so I keep all these pages updated constantly!)

Here you will find things to see and do, information about costs, my best money-saving advice, recommendations on places to stay, suggested restaurants, transportation tips, and safety advice. I give you everything I know about each destination.

No matter what type of vacation you are going on — a cruise, backpacking trip, island getaway, two-week holiday, round-the-world trip, or family vacation — these destination guides will give you all the information you need so you can travel better, longer, and cheaper.

I update this section twice a year to keep the content fresh!

Select a country on the map below or search for your destination.

Search for:

Regional Travel Guides

General Travel Tips and Resources

Travel is more than just getting up and going. It’s about being knowledgeable so you can travel better, cheaper, and longer. So besides the destination guides above, below you will find links to articles I’ve written that deal with planning your trip and other general advice, so your total vacation is as amazing as it can be. These articles are relevant for any trip, no matter how long!

• How to Find Cheap Flights
• How to Find Cheap Places to Stay
• How to Choose a Backpack
• My Best 61 Travel Tips
• 16 Steps for Planning a Trip
• My Ultimate Packing Guide
• How to Buy Travel Insurance
• 12 Tips for New Travelers
• My Favorite Hostels
• Solo Female Travel Tips
• How to Pick a Travel Credit Card
• Common Travel Scams to Avoid
• 15 Ways to Work Overseas
• 10 Best Places to Travel on a Budget
• Points and Miles 101
• How to Travel with a Theme
• Stay in Europe More Than 90 Days
• The Best Gear for Travelers

My Budget City Guides

Book Your Trip Now!

Below are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They are always my starting point when I need to book a flight, hotel, tour, or train, or for meeting people!

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. It searches small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. It is hands-down the number one place to start.
• Going – Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) finds incredible flight deals and sends them directly to your inbox. If you’re flexible with your dates and destinations, you can score some amazing deals and save hundreds of dollars in the process!
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all-around booking site. It constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates and has the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, it’s always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Intrepid Travel – If you want to do group tours, go with Intrepid. They offer good small-group tours that use local operators and leave a minimal environmental footprint. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts too!
• Get Your Guide – This is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. It has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes and walking tours to street art lessons!
• SafetyWing – This site offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. It has cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• Discover Cars – Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
• Trusted Housesitters – Trusted Housesitters is a platform that connects you with people in need of pet and house sitters. In exchange for looking after their pets or home, you’ll get access to free accommodation.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

Facebook Travel Guide: How to Use Facebook Like a Pro when Visiting a New City

There’s much more to Facebook than keeping up with the fam & poking friends. Social media is a great tool for traveling or visiting a new city – you can check out maps, where to eat, what neighbourhoods to avoid and get the real 411 from local peeps!

Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure .

Facebook has a great search engine and if used well, you can find fun and interesting facts on the next city you’re planning to visit. Just do your homework before you take off and don’t leave it for your arrival!

What are your interests when traveling? What kinds of foods do you like to try? Putting a little time into Facebook before you travel will help you get great information on special events, where to eat, places to visit as well as connect and get to know a little more about your new destination.

Mastering the Search

Think of Facebook as the new, crowdsourced Google – search as you would with any other search engine. Keep in mind though, keywords are the secret to finding the good stuff. With that in mind, here are a few secrets to get you searching like a pro.

• Although Facebook has recently introduced hashtags, you rarely get great results as you do with normal keywords. The one thing you’re looking for is Facebook Pages so make sure you click on “Pages” results to get rid of all the rest of the junk.
• Keyword combos are the secret. For example: “travel Thailand”, “Toronto nightlife” or even just “Buenos Aires”. The top results will usually give you the best options. If you search “Visit Melbourne” you’ll find http://facebook.com/visitmelbourne with amazing links and information on the city, events, special dates, places to see, and things to do.
• Google works for this too: try combinations such as “Facebook travel Tokyo”, or “Facebook visit Berlin”, this last one will lead you directly to the “Visit Berlin” Facebook Page .

• What to look for? Take a peek at how many “likes” the page has, the more fans, the more great stuff you’ll find. Also, make sure it’s generally “busy” as the more active a Page is, the more you’ll likely get out of it. Don’t forget to the read the “About” too as you might find the link to a cool website there.
• Other stuff to look for is “Posts by others” and “Recommendations”. Once you weed through the spam, you’ll find what others are saying about the page, be it the city itself or a restaurant, hotel, airport, etc.
• Don’t be shy: search for your main interests and chances are you’ll find something! Also, don’t hesitate to post on the Page and ask for suggestions. If you’ve picked a busy Page you’ll probably get some great feedback.

• Most restaurants and coffee shops have their own Facebook Page. Keep an eye out for these as they’ll likely include great photos of their food as well as a full menu.
• Take it one step further ”¦ if a city’s Facebook page talks about a popular show downtown or big event, search about that too. You’ll probably find a specific Page on those and so forth!

A final extra tip: join Foursquare ! It’s the top tool for finding the best places to eat or visit no matter where you are or what you’re into. You can use it on a computer or via mobile app. It will automatically geolocate you and provide suggestions on places close by, including local tips, photos and recommendations from others.

Key travel tips you need to know — whether you’re a first-time or frequent traveler

The holiday travel season is fully upon us. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen a record number of passengers this Christmas, and the TSA already broke a daily record. They screened a whopping 2.9 million travelers on Nov. 26, 2023, alone ... the most passengers ever screened in a single day.

As millions of travelers take trips by plane , cruise ship or road , we've gathered some essential travel tips on how best to book and enjoy your journeys.

Whether you're an occasional road-tripper or a frequent globe-trotter, these TPG-backed top travel tips can help you avoid unnecessary headaches when you spend time away from home.

How to find travel deals

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding cheap airfare any time of year.

Changing your arrival or departure date by a single day can save you hundreds of dollars on airfare. If you don't mind altering your family's plans slightly, consider booking travel directly on major holidays like the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas for cheaper prices and thinner airport crowds.

One of our favorite tools at TPG for finding deals is Google Flights . You can use the search field to find the cheapest (or best) flights. Google will also give you a historical view of how prices have ranged and will even send you email alerts if fares jump or drop on specific routes you've selected.

It also has some fun tools you can use to find a cheap destination. By clicking the "Explore" button on the sidebar and putting your departure airport, Google will give you a map or list view of the most wallet-friendly destinations.

However, Google isn't the only place to find deals: TPG publishes regular deal alerts. You can sign up for Twitter alerts and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest deals news.

Don't sleep on mileage awards, either. If you've been hoarding miles during the pandemic, it's time to spend them. Cash prices are high, so it can be a good time to burn those miles.

No matter how much you think you know about redeeming miles for flights , there are always new tips and tricks for turning those earnings into dream trips. Turn to TPG for guidance on sweet spots for redemptions. Sites like ExpertFlyer (part of Red Ventures, like TPG) supply additional redemption ideas or even business class upgrade inventory.

You may even want to consult a travel agent to get access to special deals that aren't available anywhere else. Travel agents can sometimes get you extra perks at hotels or even cheaper business-class airfare to your dream destination.

Be your own best advocate

Since there are still air traffic controller shortages and little room for error in the system these days, travelers have to be their own best advocates.

There are ways to get ahead of any possible travel nightmares.

First, be smart when booking. Try to find a nonstop flight rather than one with connections, even if it costs a little more. You'll eliminate the risk of missing connections and lessen the chance of having your luggage go in a different direction than you during a transfer.

You could also take one of the first flights of the day, as those are least likely to face afternoon thunderstorms and most likely to depart on time. Read our article 5 reasons to book the first flight of the day for all the data.

Related: Your flight is canceled or delayed – here's what you should do next

Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. The airline app is a secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines allow you to even rebook yourself in the app.

If your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.

We recommend heading for the customer service desk (or lounge desk if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact them via social media if there's a delay . Sometimes, an airline's Twitter representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent can. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go south.

Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.

I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm booked in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.

Also, save all the receipts for the expenses you incur during delays or cancellations. You'll want excellent documentation in the case of meltdowns like the one Southwest passengers experienced during the holidays .

If you're stuck at an airport for an extended period, seek out your airport's secret quiet spaces for a brief escape from the travel chaos.

Get Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck

One of our favorite ways to speed through the airport and avoid those summertime mega lines is via Trusted Traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry .

Essentially, the government pre-screens you for security and thus you save a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, however, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees. TSA PreCheck is a $78 application fee for five years, and Global Entry is $100.

Related: 7 ways to get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck and/or Clear for free

TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. With Global Entry , you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.

If you have the time, going for Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck makes sense. Global Entry requires an interview with Customs and Border Patrol ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.

Get Clear for the ultimate security trifecta

The other security tool we recommend you have in your travel toolbelt is Clear .

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear

The expedited security program allows you to bypass long security lines by using a separate lane at many airports. You'll approach a kiosk where your identity is confirmed via an iris scan or fingerprint. A Clear employee will then escort you to the front of the security screening line.

A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to go to even shorter lines at some airports with designated Clear/PreCheck lines. Clear isn't perfect at all airports where it's so popular, and there are now long lines (cough, Atlanta). However, it will still generally lead to shorter lines overall.

Related: Guide to using the Amex Platinum Clear benefit

Make copies of your important documents

Make digital and hard copies of all your important travel-related documents. Start by photographing your driver's license, your state ID and/or your passport.

You should have copies of your IDs in your phone's library in case you get separated from the actual document. Sometimes, it also helps in a pinch if you are asked for ID, and you didn't bring the hard copy. For example, I was recently asked for my ID to enter One Vanderbilt to have dinner at the new American Express Centurion Lounge in New York. The receptionist would have accepted a photograph of the ID if I didn't have the physical document.

TPG also recommends having an actual photocopy in a separate place. Editor Kristy Tolley says she stores a hard copy in a separate place from where she keeps her passport in case she loses a bag. "I also leave a copy of it at home if I'm traveling alone," she said.

Check expiration dates

If you aren't 100% certain of the expiration date of your passport and other travel documents, go check them now. Renewing passports takes time, and some countries require six months of future passport validity to allow entry. Remember that child passports expire every five years, which can sneak up on you.

Related: How and when to renew your passport

Double-checking the expiration dates for your driver's licenses and state IDs is also a good idea. Remember that TSA checks the expiration dates on your documents when they screen you for security. Don't forget to check the expiration dates for your Trusted Traveler programs like Global Entry, Clear and TSA PreCheck, too. It can take a while to get a Global Entry interview appointment if you need one to renew.

Few things are worse than getting to the front of the security line and realizing the PreCheck mark is gone from your boarding pass.

Finally, check the entry requirements if you are traveling internationally. Some countries require visas that you must acquire before arrival.

Consider travel protection

When booking your travel, try to use a credit card that offers some built-in travel protection . Many credit cards, including TPG favorites like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or The Platinum Card® from American Express , offer this when you use those cards to purchase your airfare and similar.

Related: Best credit cards for trip delays and cancellations

If the coverage offered by your credit card isn't enough, you might also want to purchase travel insurance . These policies can sometimes go beyond trip cancellations to cover things like medical evacuations. Warning: Read the fine print on any extra policies very carefully to ensure it covers the situations that matter the most to you.

Those who frequently travel abroad may want to consider purchasing an annual travel insurance policy instead of buying one on a trip-by-trip basis. Some TPG staffers purchase annual policies because of the cost savings for multiple trips. Some will find having an annual policy is easier than juggling separate policies or various credit card coverage terms and conditions.

Tips for your luggage

TPG has a ton of tips when it comes to luggage.

First and foremost, try to be on "team carry-on" whenever possible. If you don't check baggage, you are much less likely to become separated from it. Many of us at TPG refuse to check luggage except under extreme circumstances.

Of course, other folks with families or those embarking on long journeys may still want to check bags. If that's the case for you, you can still do many things to lessen the chance you get separated from your stuff. For example, make sure your luggage is in good working order, your contact info is attached, the bag is within the weight limits, you get to the airport early (but not too early) to check it and confirm your luggage is tagged to the right destination or connection.

Related: 7 tips to keep the airline from losing your luggage

After last year's baggage delays and luggage disasters , we strongly suggest you put Apple AirTags (or the Android equivalent ) into your luggage so you can track your items if they go missing .

If you check a bag, keep extra medicine or medical supplies in your carry-on bag in case your luggage goes missing or gets delayed. "As a diabetic, I keep a tiny emergency kit in my backpack with enough supplies to keep me going in an emergency," TPG writer Tanner Saunders said.

Former TPG credit card writer Ryan Smith also offered words of advice regarding luggage. "The last items you pack in your carry-on will be most accessible, so use this for your passport, ID, ticket, headphones or whatever else you need during the trip," he said. By making sure those items you'll use most are easiest to reach, you'll save yourself the hassle of having to dig around (or partially unpack) your bag to grab what you need.

Finally, be sure and get compensated if your bags are late or lost. Many airlines will give you points or even cash for delayed bags, and the government has rules on compensation if your bags are lost.

Staying safe on your journeys

From potentially getting robbed while on the road to experiencing bad weather or natural disasters while traveling, there are many scenarios that could arise when you're away from home.

To mitigate those risks, pay attention to U.S. Department of State warnings about a destination you plan to visit and check local sources for the latest news from that country or region for additional context. Although the State Department tends to err on the side of caution with its warnings, it's still best to be aware of what you may face during your trip.

Also, know the local number in case of emergencies. In many places, including Mexico and much of Europe, if you dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone, you will be connected to emergency services just like in the U.S. However, you should know the local emergency numbers of whichever country you visit.

Let people at home know your itinerary and stay in touch with them throughout your trip. If something goes amiss, at least someone will know where you're supposed to be or the last place you visited.

If you're arriving at night, contact your hotel or home-share host to ask about the best way to get there at the time you're arriving and the safest ways to travel at night in that area.

Also, be strategic about how you check into a hotel. Some solo travelers request two keycards to imply someone else is on the trip. Giving thought to the hotel room's security swing bar can also make sense, with some taking steps like placing a hand towel over it to make it harder to dislodge from the outside.

Some final tips

• For cruisers, TPG principal cruise writer Gene Sloan suggests arriving in port at least a day in advance (if not several days ahead of time). This will eliminate the risk of missing your ship's departure time and help you get acclimated to the local time zone.
• When taking road trips to out-of-the-way destinations, go old school and bring paper maps with you or download offline maps from Google. Using a paper map or an offline version means you always have a way to navigate around your chosen destination, even if you lose cellular service.
• One other note, you should reserve airport parking ahead of time during peak travel times. Some airport parking areas fill up fast around holidays, so reserving your spot ahead of time will save you from wasting time looking for a space when you need to catch a flight. You can also sometimes save by booking online in advance, too.

Bottom line

Whether you're fresh to the world of traveling or a seasoned expert, you can always learn new tips to maximize your time away from home. The more research and preparation you do before your trip, the better your experience will be — especially if things go wrong, as they sometimes do.

Some of our favorite tools are deal alerts, Google Flights , sign-up bonuses and credit card rewards . Learn those tools and use them for better travel every time.

Remember that these days when things go wrong, you have to be your own best advocate. For more travel tips and tricks, read the stories below.

Related reading:

• Your flight is delayed or canceled: Here's what to do next
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• Here's how to get through airport security faster

Plan, Ready, Go®

The Best Travel Guides (Online and Books)

Even in the digital age, travel guide books are an important part of my travel planning journey. I have read and tried many different travel books and online travel guides. And I pulled together a list of what I think are the best travel guides (books and online resources). 

I return to my favorite travel guides again and again with each trip that we plan. Once you find a travel guide series that you know and trust, it can really speed up the travel planning process.  

But which travel guides are the best? Keep reading for the full list!  

Need help with planning your trip? Check out our guide to the best travel planning resources .  

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

Are travel guidebooks still used now? 

Absolutely! Although you can find a wealth of travel planning help online, the good old-fashioned travel guidebooks are still very much available and in use. 

Some people prefer to use paper travel guidebooks. You can flag important sections and highlight things you want to remember. We’ve even ripped our books up (they’re meant to be used!) and traveled only with the sections covering the cities and sites we visited. 

E-books are also a great option for travel guides. If you use e-books, you can easily travel with several guides without adding a single ounce to your luggage. It’s a perfect option for those who travel carry-on only .

Rick Steves: best travel guides for Europe 

Rick steves guidebooks .

Some seasoned travelers look down their noses a bit at Rick Steves guide books . There’s no reason for that. Rick Steves knows Europe inside and out from decades of traveling, leading tours, writing books, and producing episodes of his wonderful series  Rick Steves’ Europe.  

Rick Steves books are excellent guides and well worth the money. I highly recommend them, especially for travel planning beginners or for anxious travelers who are looking for an expert to tell them where to visit and how. 

His books are kept up to date and quite detailed, even to the point of including full guided walking tours (often several) and detailed guided tours through major sites. 

• Steves, Rick (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 604 Pages – 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) – Rick Steves (Publisher)

Rick Steves online 

You can also get a lot of good free travel tips and help on the Rick Steves website, including the forums . There are forums specifically for countries, reviews, and several forums about general travel tips topics. 

They’re a great way to get insight and tips from other experienced travelers…even those who disagree with Rick Steves itinerary suggestions. (Shocked face.)

Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App 

I also highly recommend the Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App . It’s loaded with audio guides for walking tours and top travel destination sites like the Colosseum in Rome and The Louvre Museum in Paris.  

Download the audio tours for your destination so you can listen to them on your mobile device as you explore your destination. 

Rough Guides: my favorite travel guidebooks overall 

Super practical and easy to read, Rough Guides are my top choice for any destination that isn’t in Europe (for which I prefer Rick Steves guide books ). 

The UK-based company was founded in 1982 with the  Rough Guide to Greece . Since then, they have published travel guidebooks for well over 100 destinations all over the world. 

In addition to their main guidebook series, they also offer Pocket Rough Guides, On a Budget, Snapshots, phrasebooks, and inspirational guides like “Make the Most of Your Time on Earth.” 

• Guides, Rough (Author)
• 840 Pages – 10/18/2022 (Publication Date) – Rough Guides (Publisher)

Rough Guides website 

Rough Guides isn’t just a guidebook publisher though. Since 2017 they have offered tailor-made trips to over 70 destinations. created by local travel experts. 

Their website provides some basic itineraries, travel recommendations, and basic destination information for free that can help get you started on planning your travel itinerary . 

Fodor’s 

The great travel writer Eugene Fodor once said “You don’t need to be rich to travel well.” And that’s been kind of my mantra for the last several years. 

In 1936 Fodor wrote the first modern travel guide book . It was for British audiences and he wrote all 1200 pages himself. The book was O n the Continent: An Entertaining Travel Annual .

According to Fodors.com , “The guide went beyond reporting on the sights and for the first time included information about Europe’s culture and people, practical information like how to tip, and was the first to be annually updated.” 

Since  On the Continent  was first published, Fodor’s has been a trusted name in travel guides. They now claim that their travel writers have covered more than 8,000 destinations around the world . 

In addition to the Signature Guides, their other series include Fodor’s Inside, In Focus, and 25 Best. Fodor’s says that  Fodor’s   Italy  is the company’s top-selling guide book. 

• Fodor’s Travel Guides (Author)
• 896 Pages – 12/20/2022 (Publication Date) – Fodor’s Travel (Publisher)

Fodor’s website 

Fodors.com was one of the first travel websites when it launched in 1996 . Today the site offers destination guides, general travel content, and forums about specific destinations or general travel topics such as air travel. 

Frommer’s 

The venerated Frommer’s travel guides were launched by Arthur Frommer in 1957 with a guide to visiting Europe on $5 a day (yup. $5.). That guide followed his book about how to travel Europe as a GI (Frommer was in the Army at the time). 

Frommer’s quickly grew to become one of the most trusted names in travel guidebooks. 

Several years ago, Frommer’s was acquired by Google, which pulled the plug on their print books in the spring of 2013.

Arthur Frommer reacquired the company shortly thereafter and then quickly made a deal to get the books back in distribution. Frommer’s then started emphasizing their Easy Guides and Day by Day series, which were smaller and easier to read and carry than the typical large guidebooks they saw on the market. 

• Gordon, Yvonne (Author)
• 602 Pages – 08/23/2022 (Publication Date) – FrommerMedia (Publisher)

Frommer’s website 

Frommers.com is a fine place to start planning for a trip for free. Destination information includes city layouts, how to get around, and their top picks for hotels and dining. 

They also provide other general travel content and feature articles plus trip ideas for honeymoons, arts and cultural travel, national parks, family travel, road trips, and more. 

The Frommer’s Travel Show (podcast) 

Pauline Frommer, daughter of Frommer’s founder Arthur Frommer, hosts The Frommer’s Travel Show podcast . New episodes come out approximately once per week or several times a month. 

Bradt Guides 

Known for publishing guides for lesser-traveled destinations (though certainly not less deserving), Bradt bills itself as “the world’s leading independent travel publisher.”  

Bradt guides are the go-to for destinations not covered by other publishers. They say that “over two-thirds of Bradt guides still have no direct competition from other publishers.” 

The Bradts’ first book,  Backpacking Along Ancient Ways Peru & Bolivia , was the first to detail the Inca Trail.

Later they became known for writing guides to destinations “post-conflict.” These included Rwanda, Kosovo, and the Baltic States after the fall of the Iron Curtain. 

In addition to their destination guidebooks, Bradt also publishes a Slow Travel series of UK destinations, a Wildlife series, and general travel literature. 

• McIntyre, Chris (Author)
• 456 Pages – 06/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Bradt Travel Guides (Publisher)

Bradt Guides Travel Club 

Avid travelers can support Bradt by joining their Travel Club through Patreon. There are three tiers: Bradtpacker, Globetrotter, and First-Class Traveller. Each tier offers differing levels of subscriber benefits including things like e-books and access to their bespoke travel planning service. 

Lonely Planet  

Lonely Planet books for a long time were quite popular especially with younger backpackers looking to travel on a budget. The books can be light on the details that certain travelers (beginners, anxious travelers) might wish for when making good decisions about where to spend their travel dollars. 

Lonely Planet books are good for independent and adventurous travelers . Or for those who just want some recommendations but not a prescribed itinerary with a ton of detail.  

In addition to their popular guidebooks, Lonely Planet also publishes phrasebooks, general travel books, food books, and children’s books. 

• Mayhew, Bradley (Author)
• 288 Pages – 03/16/2021 (Publication Date) – Lonely Planet (Publisher)

Lonely Planet website  

You can get some basic, inspirational travel information to start your travel planning from the Lonely Planet website . Sadly, they set their forums to “read-only” some time ago. In my opinion, the forums were the best (and most valuable) part of the website. 

Marco Polo 

Marco Polo is best known for its compact and colorful pocket travel guides. They also offer spiral-bound itinerary-based guides, phrasebooks, folding maps, travel handbooks, travel journals, city maps, and road atlases. 

• Marco Polo Travel Publishing Marco Polo Travel Publishing (Author)
• 136 Pages – 10/15/2022 (Publication Date) – Marco Polo Travel Publishing, Ltd. (Publisher)

Marco Polo Discovery Tours App 

The free Marco Polo Discovery Tours app offers travelers a variety of guided itineraries through many destinations. For example, you can download a 23-day driving tour of New Zealand with a step-by-step driving tour over both islands. 

DK Eyewitness: among best travel books for visuals 

I enjoy reading DK Eyewitness guides, especially when I’m looking for information about the history and culture of my destination.  The glossy full-color books feature beautiful photographs and illustrations perfect for inspiring your travel itinerary. They cover more than 100 destinations. 

DK was founded in 1974 by Christopher Dorling and Peter Kindersley. They published their first travel book in the early 1990’s promising to show you “what others only tell you.”

They also cover all the usual grounds for travel guidebooks: itineraries, maps, dining and accommodations recommendations, top sites, etc. 

• DK Eyewitness (Author)
• 592 Pages – 04/26/2022 (Publication Date) – DK Eyewitness Travel (Publisher)

Where to Go podcast 

Produced by the team behind the DK Eyewitness books, each episode of the Where to Go podcast dives deep into a particular destination. New episodes come out every two weeks or so. 

Insight Guides 

For more than 40 years, Insight Guides have published guidebooks covering more than 200 destinations. 

In my experience, they’re quite a bit heavier on destination history and culture than any other travel guide I’ve encountered. So, if that’s not something you enjoy, then these guidebooks might not be your top choice. 

Insight Guides series include: Explore Guides, City Breaks, Pocket Guides, City Guides, and Experience Guides. 

• Guides, Insight (Author)
• 144 Pages – 04/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Insight Guides (Publisher)

Insight Guides website

You will find some travel information on the Insight Guides website , making it a decent place to start if you’re unsure of your destination.

The emphasis of their website seems to be on advertising their Insight Guides trip offerings…not that there’s anything wrong with that. 

Atlas Obscura 

Atlas obscura book .

Unlike all of the other travel guidebooks listed above, Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders is not a series of guidebooks but rather one book that details an incredible array of oddities and wonders around the world. 

Here’s how the authors describe their book and website (more on that below): 

“The site, and this book, are a kind of wunderkammer of places, a cabinet of curiosities that is meant to inspire wonderlust as much as wanderlust. In fact, many of the places in this book are in no way ‘tourist sites’ and should not be treated as such. Others are so out of the way, so treacherously situated, or (in at least one case) so deep beneath the surface, that few readers will ever be able to visit them. But here they are, sharing this marvelously strange planet with us.  Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton,  Atlas Obscura , revised second edition, (New York: Workman Publishing, 2019) vii

The revised second edition (published in 2019) added more than 100 new sites to the 2016 first edition. The book is delightful reading if you’re into oddities around the world. I definitely recommend picking up a copy. 

• Hardcover Book
• Foer, Joshua (Author)

Atlas Obscura website 

Make sure you stop by the Atlas Obscura website  during your travel planning if you like finding out-of-the-way sites, or unusual places to visit, or want to make it a priority to get off the beaten path. 

You can even take Atlas Obscura trips to some pretty unusual places and even with some unusual activities…such as assisting biologists with bee research at Redwood National Park. 

Atlas Obscura podcast 

Atlas Obscura launched a podcast in March 2021, which I’ve really enjoyed listening to. Early episodes covered sites such as the Gates of Hell in Turkmenistan, the Museum of Bad Art in Massachusetts, and the old Widow Jane cement mine in Rosendale, New York. 

Final thoughts on the best travel guidebooks 

The best travel guides will be the ones that you use and that help you plan a trip that you truly love. I personally like to use a combination of travel guidebooks and online travel planning resources. 

But don’t just follow my advice. Try these guidebook series and online travel guides for yourself and find the ones that you will like and use for your trip planning. 

What are your favorite travel guidebooks?

More articles related to travel guides 

• Travel planning resources  
• The top books about travel and self-discovery 
• Best books to read before you travel to Paris  
• The best books about the South 

Pin this post!  

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Michelin guides (the green books) are great!

I used to use the “Let’s Go: Europe” guides, which were great. They were targeting college age students mostly, but they had lots of good information re: trip planning for everyone.

Which guidebooks (and/or websites) are best for planning train/plane travel while in Europe? Any standouts?

Thanks for your very helpful information!

You’re welcome, Wayne. The Man in Seat 61 is THE expert in European train travel. His website is: https://www.seat61.com/ . He’s also pretty active on Twitter. I’d also recommend checking out https://www.rome2rio.com/ for helping with planning transportation for any trip. Thanks for reading!

My family had a great time in Paris. We had a wonderful time there and enjoyed the culture of the region. The nightlife was fantastic, and the city’s elegance is indescribable. We are in love with the place and explore so many places like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Cruise on the Seine, etc. After reading your blog I would like to revisit there.

Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for reading!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Privacy Overview

Stay somewhere award-winning

Top experiences on Tripadvisor

More to explore

Top destinations for your next vacation

Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best

The Enlightened Mindset

Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding

Welcome to the world's first fully AI generated website!

Creating a Facebook Travel Map: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Happy Sharer

Introduction

If you’re looking for a way to keep track of your journeys around the world and share them with friends and family, then creating a Facebook travel map might be the perfect solution. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to creating and posting a travel map on Facebook, as well as discussing the benefits and tips for making the most out of your map.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Facebook Travel Map

Creating a Facebook travel map is relatively simple and straightforward. The following steps will walk you through the process of setting up and managing your map.

Creating a Profile Page

The first step in creating a Facebook travel map is to set up a profile page. To do this, simply visit Facebook.com and click “Sign Up”. Fill in the required information and click “Create Account”. Once your account has been created, you can start setting up your travel map.

Setting up Your Travel Map

Once you’ve created your profile page, the next step is to set up your travel map. To do this, go to your profile page and click “Timeline” in the top right corner. Next, click “Travel Map” from the menu on the left side of the page. This will open a new page where you can begin customizing your map.

Adding Locations to Your Map

Once your travel map is set up, you can start adding locations to it. To do this, simply enter the name of the city or country that you’d like to add and click “Add Location”. You can also add photos and stories to each location to make it more interesting and engaging. Once you’ve added all of your desired locations, you can begin using your map.

How to Use Facebook’s Travel Map Feature to Track Your Journeys

Now that your map is set up, you can start using it to track your journeys. Here are some of the features that you can use to make the most out of your map.

Viewing Your Map

Once you’ve added all of your locations, you can view your entire map at once by clicking “View Map”. This will open a new page with your entire map displayed. From here, you can zoom in and out to get a better look at different areas of the map.

Editing and Customizing Your Map

You can also edit and customize your map by clicking “Edit Map”. This will open a new page where you can add new locations, delete existing ones, and change the colors, labels, and other settings. You can also add photos and stories to each location to make it more engaging.

Sharing Your Map With Others

Once you’ve finished setting up your map, you can share it with others. To do this, simply click “Share Map” and enter the names of the people or groups you’d like to share your map with. You can also post your map directly to your timeline so that all of your friends can see it.

The Benefits of Posting Your Travel Map on Facebook

Posting your travel map on Facebook has several advantages. Here are some of the benefits of posting your map on Facebook.

Keeping Friends and Family Updated

One of the biggest benefits of posting your travel map on Facebook is that it allows you to easily keep your friends and family updated on your travels. They’ll be able to see where you’ve been, where you’re going, and what you’ve been up to.

Creating Memorable Experiences

Posting your travel map on Facebook also gives you an opportunity to create memorable experiences. You can post photos and stories about each place you visit, which will help to make your journey even more special.

Tracking Your Journey

Finally, posting your travel map on Facebook can be a great way to track and document your journey. You’ll be able to look back and remember all of the places you’ve been, which can be a great source of motivation and inspiration.

A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Facebook Travel Map

Creating a Facebook travel map is easy and doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started.

Setting Up Your Profile

The first step in creating a Facebook travel map is to set up a profile page. To do this, simply visit Facebook.com and click “Sign Up”. Fill in the required information and click “Create Account”.

Choosing the Right Settings

Once your profile is set up, you can start setting up your travel map. To do this, go to your profile page and click “Timeline” in the top right corner. Next, click “Travel Map” from the menu on the left side of the page. This will open a new page where you can begin customizing your map.

Finding New Places to Explore

Once your map is set up, you can start adding locations to it. To do this, simply enter the name of the city or country that you’d like to add and click “Add Location”. You can also search for new places to explore by entering keywords into the search bar.

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Facebook Travel Map

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your Facebook travel map.

Adding Photos and Stories to Your Map

Adding photos and stories to each location can make your map much more interesting and engaging. It’s also a great way to keep friends and family updated on your journey.

Connecting With Other Travelers

Connecting with other travelers is another great way to make the most out of your map. You can follow other travelers’ maps and share your own experiences with them.

Making Use of Other Mapping Tools

There are also many other mapping tools available online that you can use to enhance your Facebook travel map. For example, you can use Google Maps to find locations and directions, Street View to take virtual tours of cities, and Google Earth to explore the world from a bird’s eye view.

Creating a Facebook travel map is a great way to keep track of your journeys around the world and share them with friends and family. This article has provided a step-by-step guide to creating and posting a travel map on Facebook, as well as discussing the benefits and tips for making the most out of your map.

(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)

Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way.

Related Post

Exploring japan: a comprehensive guide for your memorable journey, your ultimate guide to packing for a perfect trip to hawaii, the ultimate packing checklist: essentials for a week-long work trip, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Expert Guide: Removing Gel Nail Polish at Home Safely

Trading crypto in bull and bear markets: a comprehensive examination of the differences, making croatia travel arrangements, make their day extra special: celebrate with a customized cake.

I Like Travel Guide

GET MY BEST TIPS SENT STRAIGHT TO YOU!

Latest blogs.

The 13 top hotels in Nusa Dua, Bali in 2024

What to do in Milan for a day: The Ultimate Guide to a Memorable Visit

Things to do in Rome in 48 Hours: A Traveler’s Guide to the Eternal City

Best things to do in Positano Italy in 2024: What to do, Where to stay

What to do in Florence, Italy in 2024: Must-Do Activities and what to see for a Memorable Stay!

Top Places to Visit in Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for the Avid Traveler in 2024

All categories.

ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Get off the beaten path and explore amazing  hiking trails , remote  beaches , hidden  waterfalls , secluded  islands , alpine  trekking   routes , epic  caves , sunset  viewpoints , and scenic  lakes .

About I Like Travel Guide

Welcome, where your journey begins! Tired of spending hours searching for the perfect destination, only to end up overwhelmed and confused? We’ve got you covered!

We have all been travel lovers for years, so we understand your frustrations that come with planning a trip. That’s why we’re here! to simplify the process, and save you both TIME AND MONEY .And for sure, we will be honored to be part of your next amazing journey.

How can you start your journey with us? We love to provide you with easy-to-follow travel guides packed with insider tips and unbeatable deals , ensuring your next adventure is stress-free and unforgettable .

Say goodbye to endless scrolling and hello to hassle-free planning. With us, you’ll discover everything you need to know to make the most of your travels, all in ONE convenient place. 

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time traveler, we’re here to make your journey smoother, simpler, and more enjoyable.

Join us as we transform the way you travel. Your next unforgettable experience is just a click away—let’s make it happen together!

Get in Touch!

Feel free to contact me If you have travel suggestions or any questions! I will try to get back to you!

• facebook-official
• pinterest-circled
• youtube-play

The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji 🌴 [2024]

The complete travellers’ guide to fiji.

Peppering the tropical waters of the southern Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an island nation that’s diverse, cultural and beautiful. Each of the 333 islands tells a unique story, whether it has left its made its mark via a rugged volcanic island or a simple sand cay surrounded by azure waters. Between the islands, shallow coral reefs decorate the ocean with diverse marine life making Fiji a diver’s, snorkeller’s and angler’s paradise.

But Fiji certainly isn’t all about coral reefs and sandy beaches. Some of the larger islands have a rugged interior typically awash in a mix of plantations and verdant jungles dotted with remote Fijian villages and dramatic river formations leading to more waterfalls than you can count. That’s Fiji in a nutshell, but if you’re planning a trip to the islands, you’ll want to take a deep dive into Fiji Pocket Guide where this complete guide to Fiji is the ideal place to start…

Learn about the diverse regions and island groups of Fiji and follow our recommendations to various travel guides throughout Fiji Pocket Guide to help plan your trip according to your personal style and interests.

An Intro About Fiji

Location : Fiji is located in the South Pacific in the continent of Oceania. Fiji sits in the centre of Tonga , Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and is about two-thirds of the way between Hawaii and New Zealand .

Land size : 18,274 km 2  (7,056 sq mi)

Climate : Daily average temperature – 25.5 ° C/77.9 ° F, average rainfall 1,826mm/71.9″ – 3,065mm/120.7″. Find out more in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Time zone : FJT / GMT+12/+13 Find out more in What is the Fiji Time Zone?

Population : 896,500

Languages : English, Fijian and Hindi Find out more in  What is the Fiji Language?

How to Get to Fiji

First things first, you’ll need to see if you are actually able to travel to Fiji due to restrictions put in place at the borders after the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit Tourism Fiji ‘s website for the latest travel information.

Next, what is the best way to get to Fiji? Fiji can be accessed by flight, cruise ship or private sailing yachts. The most popular way to get to Fiji is by international flight, so let’s start with that.

Flying to Fiji

Direct international flights come from Australia , New Zealand , Hawaii , Vanuatu , New Caledonia , Nauru , Samoa , the Solomon Islands , Tonga , Kiribati , Tuvalu , Wallis & Futuna , the US and South Korea . If you are coming from further afield, then you will need to make a connecting flight most likely in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Hawaii. See How Long Does it Take to Fly to Fiji? for more information.

Although Fiji has two international airports, around 97% of visitors to Fiji come via Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu (Fiji’s main island). Learn more in our guide, Which Airport to Arrive in Fiji .

Cruises to Fiji

Fiji is on the itinerary of several South Pacific cruises from Australia , New Zealand and French Polynesia . There are five ports of call in Fiji, the main ones being Suva , Lautoka and Port Denarau . Find out about which cruiseliners have Fiji on their itinerary, as well as what to do at each port of call in The Guide to Taking a Cruise to Fiji .

Sailing to Fiji

Fiji is conveniently located at the centre of the Transpacific journey between the US and New Zealand. The yachting season is between May and October. Learn about the sailing formalities and the ports of entry in The Sailing Guide to Fiji .

A Note on Customs Declarations

Fiji has strict biosecurity measures at the border to stop unwanted pests and diseases from entering the country. Therefore, anyone arriving in Fiji has to declare any “risk items” they have packed in their luggage – even common items like food and sports gear. Be sure to read up on Everything You Need to Know About Arriving in Fiji   so you are prepared.

Check out our complete guide on   How to Get to Fiji for even more tips on making your way to the islands of Fiji.

When to Visit Fiji

Fiji is a tropical country and experiences warm temperatures throughout the year. It has two distinct seasons, a dry season which is drier and cooler, and a wet season which is hotter and humid. Learn more about the climate in What is the Weather Like in Fiji?

Dry Season (May to November)

The dry season is also known as the winter season in Fiji, although many would not describe it as winter with temperatures around 19-29°C (66-84°F) . The rainfall per month is an average of 70-150mm (2.8-6″) . The dry season is also the time for  swimming with manta rays ,  surfing big waves , clearer  scuba diving  conditions and catching sailfish, skipjack tuna and wahoo .

Wet Season (December to April)

The wet season is hotter and more humid, with temperatures around 22-33 ° C (72-91 ° F) and an average monthly rainfall of 180-310mm (7-12″) . This is also Fiji’s cyclone season, which means there’s a risk of cyclones (but only a risk, which you can learn more about in  How to Prepare for a Cyclone in Fiji ). The wet season is also the best time for catching Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna and Mahimahi , as well as avoiding other tourists.

Still can’t decide when the best time is to travel to Fiji? Check out our complete guide, The Best Time to Visit Fiji , which dives much deeper into the subject.

What to Pack for Fiji

The main thing you need to keep in mind when packing for Fiji is having a tropical wardrobe that includes some more modest items of clothing for visiting Fijian villages. A packing list for Fiji might look a little something like this:

• Shorts/Skirts/Dresses some below the knee for village visits
• Singlets/T-Shirts
• Light shirts/T-shirts  to cover the shoulders for village visits
• Light cotton shirt to cover arms for sun protection
• Sarong (Sulu) to cover your legs on village visits
• Light sleepwear
• Light jacket/Cardigan/Pashmina  for cooler evenings
• Outfit for smart/casual dress-code restaurants at luxury resorts
• Bikini/Boardshorts
• One-piece swimsuit  for watersports/village stay for women
• Rash vest  for sun and surf protection
• Light rain jacket if visiting in the wet season
• Flip-flops/sandals
• Walking shoes/sandals

And that’s just clothes! For a full packing list of everything to take, including accessories and toiletries, check out  The Complete Packing List for Fiji .

Health Products

Although the water in towns is generally safe to drink, there is questionable drinking water in Fiji’s villages and more remote islands – see Can You Drink the Water in Fiji?   That coupled with high UV levels and the presence of mosquitos means that certain health products are essential to take to Fiji.

Fiji also has a fragile marine ecosystem so natural sunscreens and mosquito repellents are a must, while water purification bottles/tablets are preferable to buying bottled water for obvious environmental reasons. See our health essentials packing list in What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Fiji .

Fiji Currency

The currency in Fiji is Fijian Dollars . While credit/debit cards are accepted in major resorts and businesses in Fiji’s towns, you should have cash available for taxis and visiting villages. If you need more information, just head to What is the Currency in Fiji?

How Long to Visit Fiji For

Admittedly, Fiji makes an idyllic getaway for just staying in the same resort for a few days to a week – and that’s fine; we all need some R&R from time to time. More intrepid travellers, however, will find that Fiji is an excellent country not only for island-hopping but road tripping around Viti Levu .

For those of you who want to explore, here’s what you can achieve in certain timeframes… (And don’t worry, we’ll get onto the destinations in the next few sections).

3 Days / A Long Weekend in Fiji

Over a long weekend, you will have enough time to explore Nadi , Denarau and the Coral Coast or perhaps take a quick trip to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . See some example itineraries in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for a Weekend .

5 Days in Fiji

Five days is enough time for a quick island-hopping itinerary in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands or check out Fiji’s landscape of resorts and adventure activities along the Coral Coast and Pacific Harbour . Alternatively, those with more budget could take a charter flight to and between Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Check out  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 5 Days .

7 Days / One Week in Fiji

A week in Fiji gives you time to relax in any one of the island groups, but for those who want to move around, you could take a road trip around Viti Levu or do some island-hopping in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands . Alternatively, you could explore between the two less-visited islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni . See  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 1 Week  for trip ideas.

14 Days / Two Weeks in Fiji

14 days allows you to extend itineraries suggested for a week. It will also give you time to explore a mix of Viti Levu and the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands or Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni , or a week in Kadavu and a week in Viti Levu … Check out more suggestions in  The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks .

Where to Visit: Viti Levu

Hardly anyone visits Fiji without spending some time in Viti Levu . Home to the main international airport, Viti Levu might be an obligatory place to visit but at 10,389 sq km (4,011 sq mi), Viti Levu is Fiji’s largest and most diverse island. Fiji’s “main island” is split into several exciting destinations, each with its own unique landscapes, attractions and charm. Dive deeper into what Viti Levu has to offer in The Complete Guide to Viti Levu or connect to our travel guides of each region below.

Nadi is the main arrival city in Fiji but is much more with an array of attractions to enjoy. From hot springs to bustling produce and handicrafts, Nadi provides a number of ways to immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of Fiji. Take a look at more of what Nadi has to offer in The Complete Guide to Nadi .

Want to explore more of Fiji’s popular arrival town? Start planning your trip in your unique style with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to Nadi on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Nadi
• The Guide to Nadi for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Nadi
• The Food  Guide to Nadi
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Nadi .

Although just a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Nadi, Denarau is a stark contrast to Nadi’s dusty streets and hustle and bustle. Denarau is a manmade island connected to Nadi by a causeway and polished to perfection with five-star resorts, a golf course, a shopping centre and a marina. Learn more about Fiji’s fabulous manmade island in The Complete Guide to Denarau Island .

See yourself relaxing by a luxury resort pool or visiting for the day? Plan your getaway to Denarau using one of the following guides:

• The Luxury Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Denarau Island
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Denarau
• The Food  Guide to Denarau Island
• The Guide to Denarau Island on a Budget .

Coral Coast

Viti Levu’s southern coast is a hotspot for beach resort holidays, as well as inland adventures should you want to go chasing waterfalls or take a jet boat ride up the Sigatoka River . Find out more about the resorts, attractions and vibes of Viti Levu’s most popular coast in The Complete Guide to the Coral Coast .

Want to relax by the beach or have inland adventures on the Coral Coast? Plan your trip according to your unique travel style with one of the following guides:

• The Guide to the Coral Coast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Guide to the Coral Coast for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Food  Guide to the Coral Coast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Coral Coast .

Pacific Harbour and Beqa

Situated between the Coral Coast and Suva, the Pacific Harbour and the offshore island of Beqa are where most of Fiji’s adventure activities can be found. Think white water rafting, shark diving, jet boating, river tubing, jet skiing and more. Learn more about the wild side of Viti Levu in The Complete Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Does the Pacific Harbour sound like your kind of adventure? Cater a trip more to your style with the following guides:

• The Guide to Beqa & Pacific Harbour on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Guide to the Pacific Harbour & Beqa for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Food  Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Pacific Harbour & Beqa .

Fiji’s capital sits on the harboursides of Viti Levu’s southeast coast. The colonial-style buildings offer a different landscape in Fiji, while the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park reminds visitors that nature is never too far away. Find out more about visiting Fiji’s capital in The Complete Guide to Suva .

Whether you’re a couple on a honeymoon, a young family or backpackers on a budget, we have a Suva travel guide to suit most travel types:

• The Guide to Suva on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Suva
• The Guide to Suva for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Suva
• The Food  Guide to Suva
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Suva .

The northern side of Viti Levu is the island’s least-visited side, but that by no means means that there are no resorts , luxury villas or budget cottages to base yourself for the inland hiking, Bligh Water scuba diving or simply relaxing in Viti Levu’s sunniest region. Start planning your trip to the sunnier side of Fiji in The Complete Guide to the Suncoast .

Plan your getaway to northern Viti Levu according to your preferred style of travel with the following appropriate article:

• The Guide to the Suncoast on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Suncoast
• The Guide to the Suncoast for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Suncoast
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Suncoast .

Where to Visit: Mamanuca Islands

A scattering of some 20 islands in the glistening South Pacific waters feel a world away yet are conveniently close to Nadi International Airport . A 10-minute helicopter ride or a 30-minute ferry can have you on the idyllic Mamanuca Islands , most of which with just a single resort where you can soak in the sun, feel the sand between your toes and snorkel in the reefs circling the islands.

Each island has its own unique vibe largely due to the diverse island resorts, ranging from fun-filled family resorts to exclusive adult-only retreats to budget surf or dive resorts. Some of the islands are open to day-trippers, while others are exclusively for guests.

The Mamanuca Islands has just about every type of island activity available in Fiji, but some of the more unique features include the Cloud 9 floating pizza bar and some of the best surf breaks in the South Pacific including the famed “ Cloudbreak ”.

So if the Mamanucas are calling to you, start planning your getaway with The Complete Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Mamanuca Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan a trip to the Mamanuca Islands according to your own unique travel style with one of the following articles:

• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Guide to the Mamanuca Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Mamanuca Islands .

Where to Visit: Yasawa Islands

The string of the volcanic Yasawa Islands is often what many envision of the Fiji holiday: secluded islands with sweeping beaches, turquoise lagoons and remote villages of Fijian communities. This group of around 20 islands sit off the northwestern coast of Viti Levu just north of the Mamanuca Islands. Getting there requires a slightly longer mission, either from Nadi on a 30-minute helicopter/seaplane flight or between two to four hours by ferry.

The Yasawa Islands has been known as the backpacker hub of Fiji for many years thanks to its array of budget resorts, but more and more luxury boutique resorts have developed on the islands in recent years.

In terms of experiences, scuba diving, fishing, cultural activities are all on the menu as they are across most of Fiji. However, more unique offerings include trips to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves and snorkelling with manta rays between May and October.

Sounds like your type of paradise? Learn more about the Yasawas in The Complete Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Yasawa Islands in Your Travel Style

Plan your trip according to your interests with the following appropriate guide:

• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Guide to the Yasawa Islands for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Food  Guide to the Yasawa Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to the Yasawa Islands .

Where to Visit: Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu might be Fiji’s second-largest island and a dot on the Fiji map you can hardly avoid, but the truth of the matter is that only around 2% of visitors travel to the island. That means that tranquillity and unspoiled land and seascapes are easy to find in Vanua Levu, which is home to a variety of accommodations, from luxury boutique resorts to budget holiday homes.

The island might have its fair share of copra and sugarcane plantations, but jungle landscapes are never too far away, where many of Vanua Levu’s resorts can be found nestled among them often with a waterfall or two. Beaches are also never too hard to find but more water exploration can be enjoyed among the coral reefs, where Vanua Levu has some of the most renowned dive sites between the Namena Marine Reserve , the Great Sea Reef and Rainbow Reef .

You don’t have to feel too far from civilisation either on Vanua Levu, which has two major but small towns, Savusavu and Labasa , as well as plenty of quaint Fijian villages.

Learn more about visiting Fiji’s “Friendly North” in  The Complete Guide to Vanua Levu .

Plan Your Trip to Vanua Levu in Your Travel Style

Vanua Levu provides all kinds of holiday experiences, which you can read up on in the following guides:

• The Guide to Vanua Levu on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Guide to Vanua Levu for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Food  Guide to Vanua Levu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanua Levu .

Where to Visit: Taveuni

Sitting off the southeastern tip of Vanua Levu across the Somosomo Strait is the island of Taveuni , also known as the “Garden Island”. Around 80% of the island is made up of the Bouma National Heritage Park , a volcanic formation carpeted in a tropical jungle where small Fijian villages are guardians to its attractions, from the towering Bouma Falls to the coastal journey of the Lavena Coastal Walk . Needless to say, Taveuni is an island for the active traveller.

Aside from seeing verdant forests and authentic villages, Taveuni also makes a great base for scuba diving at the Rainbow Reef or snorkelling in the Waitabu Marine Reserve . Pearl farms, beaches and general “island time” are other ways to enjoy the island.

While there is a spectacular range of resorts, lodges and private villas on the island to suit most travellers, it’s also worth researching the surrounding islands of Qamea , Laucala and Matangi with their spa resorts, surf resorts and even a private island seven-star resort.

For more information on the Garden Island, take a look at The Complete Guide to Taveuni .

Plan Your Trip to Taveuni in Your Travel Style

Start planning your trip to Taveuni according to the style you prefer to travel using the following guides:

• The Guide to Taveuni on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to Taveuni
• The Guide to Taveuni for Families
• The Adults-Only Guide to Taveuni
• The Food  Guide to Taveuni
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Taveuni .

Where to Visit: Lomaiviti Islands

Delve into Fiji’s characterful history in the Lomaiviti Islands , home to Fiji’s first capital, Levuka , which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The small town on the islands of Ovalau is preserved with colonial buildings while surrounding islands provide an alternative island holiday experience much less visited than the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

The Lomaiviti Islands are located off the eastern shores of Viti Levu, taking only 10 minutes to fly from Suva’s airport or around four to five hours on one of the cargo ferries. Each island has its story, from the historic Ovalau to the luxury private island of Wakaya to the turtle sanctuary on Makogai . Between the islands, the diversity in marine life is astonishing thanks to several established marine reserves where it’s possible to dive with giant clams, turtles and sharks.

Learn more about Fiji’s less-visited island group in The Complete Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Plan Your Trip to the Lomaiviti Islands in Your Travel Style

Whatever your style and interest, we have a guide to the Lomaivitis to suit:

• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands on a Budget
• The Luxury Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands for Families
• The Food  Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to the Lomaiviti Islands .

Where to Visit: Kadavu

Pronounced “Kan-davu”, Kadavu is a large island in the southern regions of Fiji, accessible by a one-hour flight from Nadi or a lengthy cargo ferry trip from Suva. Either way, the journey is worth the effort to see a side of Fiji that stands still in time. The 75 villages of the island are all on the coast, where boat transport is just about the only way to get around as hardly any roads venture into the thick jungle.

Resorts here are all about experiencing life off the grid, being self-sustainable by growing their own crops and working in harmony with local fishermen. Needless to say, a stay in Kadavu provides a real slice of island life. That’s not to say that there isn’t much else to do than get the Robinson Crusoe experience, as the world’s fourth-largest barrier the reef curves around the island for some epic scuba diving, manta ray snorkelling and even surfing.

For those seeking a real off-the-beaten-track adventure in Fiji, check out The Complete Guide to Kadavu .

Plan Your Trip to Kadavu in Your Travel Style

Kadavu is not a place for adult-only resorts and only has one luxury private island resort among its offering for budget B&Bs and mid-range eco-resorts. Find out more in the following guides:

• The Guide to Kadavu on a Budget
• The Guide to Kadavu for Families
• The Food  Guide to Kadavu
• The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Kadavu .

Where to Visit: Lau Islands

Only a minuscule number of tourists visit the sparse scattering of around 60 islands that make up the Lau Islands , but they are definitely still worth mentioning for the Fiji enthusiast. Almost the entire east side of Fiji is the Lau Islands where many of the islands are closer to Tonga than they are to Viti Levu. With that, the cultures here are unique and unchanged for centuries, where some islanders have traditions from both the Fijian and Tongan cultures.

Visiting the islands and their people requires either one of the weekly flights to Vanua Balavu or Cicia , a multi-day island-hopping cargo voyage from Suva, or one of the few Lau Islands’ cruises with Captain Cook Cruises each year (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) . Alternatively, you can take a charter flight to the island group’s only resort, Vatuvara Private Islands , which provides many of the offerings that we feature in The Luxury Guide to the Lau Islands – the only travel style we curated a guide for in the Lau Islands, as the tourist industry here is so undeveloped.

Intrigued? Check out The Complete Guide to the Lau Islands .

How to Get Around Fiji

Yes, after seeing the number of island groups in Fiji, let alone the different islands and some of the larger islands to explore, you’re probably wondering: how do I get around all of these islands?

Transport differs between island groups. More touristic islands, such as the Mamanucas and Yasawas are well serviced with ferries, seaplanes and water taxis, while the lesser-visited islands may only have transport that is provided by your chosen resort. The main ways to get around Fiji include:

Domestic Flights

There are two scheduled domestic carriers in Fiji, both offering regular flights between Fiji’s most populated islands. Learn more about these flights in   The Complete Guide to Flights in Fiji .

Charter Flights

Charter flights via fixed-wing, seaplane and helicopter aircraft are available in Fiji to take passengers between Fiji’s island groups, particularly Viti Levu and the Mamanucas , Yasawas , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  Where to Hire a Plane or Seaplane in Fiji  and  Where to Hire a Helicopter in Fiji .

High-speed catamaran ferries service the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands from Port Denarau in Viti Levu, while the slower passenger, vehicle and cargo ferries run from Suva in Viti Levu to the Lomaiviti Islands , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Kadavu . Find out more in  The Guide to Travelling in Fiji by Ferry .

Rental cars are available in Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more about hiring a car in The Guide to Renting a Car in Fiji .

Public Buses and Express Buses

Public buses are the cheapest type of transport available in Fiji. They are available in Viti Levu , Vanua Levu , Taveuni and Ovalau . Find out more in   How to Travel Around Fiji by Bus .

Taxis in Fiji can be identified by their “Taxi” signs and “LT” at the beginning of the registration plate. They offer affordable metered fares within towns, while fares for sightseeing or going between towns can be negotiated. Find out more in   The Guide to Taxis in Fiji .

There are a lot more ways to travel around Fiji so be sure to browse our Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji for more advice.

Accommodation in Fiji

First and foremost, Fiji is a country of resorts. In most cases, resorts handle everything: accommodation, entertainment, tours and sometimes even transport. For these reasons, one of the most important decisions you can make for a trip to Fiji is where you are going to stay.

That’s not to say that Fiji solely has resorts. If that’s not your style, then you have lodges, hotels, homestays, holiday homes, villas and even small-ship cruises to choose from.

The most abundant accommodation type in Fiji, resorts are typically complexes with hotel-style rooms or freestanding bure (bungalows) and facilities such as a restaurant and swimming pool. Many resorts across Fiji, especially on remote islands, offer an entertainment schedule, as well as optional paid tours, such as scuba diving, fishing, massages and more. Note that there are also adults-only resorts in Fiji , as well as family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs. Dive deeper into what a resort entails in How to Pick the Best Resort in Fiji for You . Plus, don’t miss The Top 50 Resorts in Fiji .

International-style hotels can be found in Fiji’s largest towns, such as Nadi , Suva and Lautoka . The rest of Fiji’s hotels are typically budget hotels found across Fiji’s smaller towns on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu . Learn more in  How to Pick the Best Hotel in Fiji for You . Plus, browse our  10 Best Hotels in Fiji .

Holiday Homes and Villas

For a more intimate style of accommodation in Fiji, choose a holiday home or villa. Note that these are some of the very few self-catering accommodations available in Fiji and can usually only be found on Fiji’s larger islands, like Viti Levu , Vanua Levu and Taveuni . Learn more about what holiday homes are like in  How to Pick the Best Holiday Home in Fiji for You and villas in  How to Pick the Best Villa in Fiji for You . Plus, find the ideal stay in the   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and   10 Best Luxury Villas in Fiji .

Becoming more and more abundant in Fiji with the popularity of booking websites like Airbnb , Booking.com and Expedia , homestays are where locals open up their spare room to visitors. With many homestays available in Fijian villages, this can be a truly authentic way to experience the Fijian culture. Note, however, that this is not an appropriate accommodation choice for travellers who like their luxuries and modern comforts. Find out more about what a homestay is like in How to Pick the Best Homestay in Fiji for You . And pick a homestay from the  10 Best Homestays in Fiji .

Small-Ship Cruises

Fiji has two small-ship cruises sailing primarily to the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and less frequent sailings to other island groups throughout the year. Each offer cabin accommodation along with the opportunity to visit different islands, free and optional paid activities, and meals. Learn more about these cruises in The Guide to Cruises Around Fiji .

Things to Do in Fiji

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to do in Fiji than drink cocktails and sit by the pool. Fiji exceeds at adventure, relaxation and culture. There’s so much to do that we could hardly fit it all into our  101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List .

The thing to remember is that resorts offer most of the activities in Fiji, especially those in the outer islands. The sort of activities available at resorts include:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkelling
• Swimming with sharks or manta rays
• Spa treatments
• Fijian village visits
• Fijian cultural dancing (meke)
• Fijian crafting lessons
• Cooking classes
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Parasailing
• Walking/hiking

That’s not to say that there are no exciting experiences outside of the resorts. Especially on the islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu , there are independent tours and activities to try. For instance:

• Jet boat tours
• White water rafting
• Quad biking/off-roading
• Sightseeing tours
• Golf courses

Again, you’ll find much more inspiration from our 101 Things to Do in Fiji: The Ultimate List so get on there!

Food and Dining in Fiji

From the menus of the restaurants in Fiji’s major towns to the resort restaurants, a wide range of international cuisine is represented in Fiji. Fijian foods are also easy enough to come by especially on resort menus, while Indo-Fijian cuisine is best sampled at town curry houses.

There are no major health concerns to be worried about when it comes to food in Fiji. Resort restaurants have a high standard. However, one should be a little wary when it comes to street food – it’s best to try food that is cooked and to avoid drinking tap water (or treat it) if you’re unsure of the quality.

Self-catering is rarely available in Fiji, only in villas, holiday homes and apartments. See the   Guide to Food Shopping in Fiji  for purchasing groceries.

Vegetarian options are widely available in Fiji, but those with other dietary requirements should contact their resorts prior to arrival. Although most resorts can cater to just about any dietary need, they tend to need notice in order to prepare.

For more food-related advice, check out  The Complete Guide to Food in Fiji and see what to try in the 18 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try .

Typical Costs and Budget – Is Fiji Expensive?

We all travel very differently. Therefore, making a precise budget for everyone is a, quite frankly, impossible task. Nevertheless, you can work out your own needs, thus budget, by simply looking at the typical prices listed below or in   Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost?

The Cost of Accommodation

• Dorm bed/night – FJ$25-$100
• Homestay private room/night  – FJ$30-$100
• Budget double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$86-$200
• Mid-range double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$150-$250
• Luxury double private ensuite room/night  – FJ$250+
• Family rooms/night  – FJ$140-$1,000

The Cost of Food

• Indian & Chinese restaurant mains  – FJ$6-$15
• Restaurant mains  – FJ$20-$30
• Restaurant breakfast meals  – FJ$6-$15
• Resort breakfasts  – Free
• Resort lunch meals  – FJ$16-$25
• Resort restaurant mains  – FJ$25-$70
• Resort meal plans/day  – FJ$58-$250
• Bottle of water  – FJ$1.60-$4
• Bottle of wine  – FJ$15-$30
• Pint of beer  – FJ$4-$8
• Cocktail  – FJ$10.50-$30

Grocery prices for self-catering can be found in  What is the Cost of Food in Fiji?

The Cost of Tours and Activities

• Day cruise  – FJ$150-$250
• Swim with sharks  – FJ$200-250
• Shared half-day fishing charter  – FJ$360-$500
• Snorkel tour  – FJ$70-$120
• Two tank scuba dive  – FJ$280-$320
• River tubing  – FJ$190
• Cultural night tour  – FJ$160
• Beach horse riding  – FJ$190
• Half-day zipline tour  (transfer included) – FJ$260
• Jet boat safari  – FJ$280
• Skydive  – FJ$850
• Kula Eco Park admission  – FJ$50
• 45min helicopter scenic flight  – FJ$580
• Massage  – FJ$80-$190

The Cost of Transport

• Ferries to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$80-$135
• Water taxis to the Mamanuca/Yasawa Islands  (one way) – FJ$575-$9,618
• Cargo ferries to other outer islands (one way) – FJ$25-$68
• Flights to outer islands  (one way) – FJ$92-$600
• Public buses  – FJ$1-$5
• Express buses  (Nadi to Suva) – FJ$20-$30
• Multi-day tour bus  – FJ$780
• Private resort transfer  – FJ$50-$200
• Car rental/day  – FJ$180
• Private taxi driver/day  – FJ$150
• Taxi  (20 minutes) – FJ$30

Again, check out our guide, Fiji Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Fiji Cost? for more budget tips and costs.

Fiji Accommodation

• Smugglers Cove Beach Resort
• First Landing Beach Resort
• Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
• Nadi Nalagi Hotel
• Tanoa International Hotel
• Mercure Nadi
• Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• The Palms Apartments
• The Terraces Apartments
• Sheraton Fiji Resort
• Sheraton Denarau Villas
• Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
• Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
• Mango Bay Resort
• Bedarra Beach Inn
• Wellesley Resort Fiji
• Tambua Sands Beach Resort
• InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
• Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
• The Warwick Fiji
• Crusoe’s Retreat
• The Beachhouse
• Namuka Bay Lagoon
• Nanuku Auberge Resort
• The Pearl Resort
• Royal Davui Island Resort
• Beqa Lagoon Resort
• Holiday Inn Suva
• Grand Pacific Hotel
• Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel
• Tanoa Waterfront Hotel
• Volivoli Beach Resort

Mamanuca Islands

• Plantation Island Resort
• Castaway Island Resort
• Treasure Island Resort
• Malolo Island Resort
• Sheraton Resort & Spa Tokoriki Island
• VOMO Island Resort
• Six Senses Fiji
• Beachcomber Island Resort
• Mana Island Resort
• Serenity Island Resort
• Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina
• Funky Fish Resort
• Ratu Kini Dive Resort
• South Sea Island Resort
• Tokoriki Island Resort
• Matamanoa Island Resort
• Likuliku Lagoon Resort
• Lomani Island Resort
• Tropica Island Resort
• Tadrai Island Resort
• Mana Lagoon Backpackers

Yasawa Islands

• Barefoot Kuata Resort
• Yasawa Island Resort & Spa
• Navutu Stars Resort
• Naqalia Lodge
• Mantaray Island Resort
• Barefoot Manta Resort
• Long Beach Escape
• Boathouse Nanuya
• Nabua Lodge
• Blue Lagoon Beach Resort
• Octopus Resort
• Safe Landing Eco-Lodge
• Coralview Island Resort
• Viwa Island Resort
• Paradise Cove Resort
• Coconut Beach Resort
• Nanuya Island Resort
• White Sandy Beach Resort
• Gold Coast Resort
• Oarsman’s Bay Lodge
• Sunrise Lagoon Homestay
• Yasawa Homestays
• Savasi Island Resort
• Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
• The Remote Resort
• Nukubati Private Island
• Sigasiga Sands Resort
• Koro Sun Resort
• Palmlea Farms
• Emaho Sekawa Resort
• Island Breeze Fiji
• Naveria Heights Lodge
• Grand Eastern Hotel
• Daku Fiji Resort
• Dolphin Bay Divers Retreat
• Fiji Lodge: Vosa Ni Ua
• Gecko Lodge Fiji
• Korovesi Sunshine Villas
• The Friendly North Inn
• Savusavu Hot Springs Hotel
• Sau Bay Retreat
• Taveuni Island Resort & Spa
• Taveuni Palms Resort
• Raiwasa Grand Villa
• Vacala Bay Resort
• Matangi Private Island Resort
• Tides Reach Resort
• Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages
• Taveuni Dive Resort
• Garden Island Resort
• Qamea Resort & Spa
• Aroha Taveuni Resort
• Paradise Taveuni
• Maqai Beach Eco Resort
• Makaira Resort
• Maravu Lodge

Lomaiviti Islands

• Toberua Island Resort
• Wakaya Club & Spa
• Leleuvia Island Resort
• Ovalau Holiday Resort
• Caqalai Island Resort
• Bobo’s Farm
• Royal Hotel
• Kauwai Guesthouse
• The Baystay
• Kokomo Private Island
• Oneta Resort
• Matava Resort
• Matana Beach Resort
• Mai Dive Astrolabe Reef Resort
• Tiliva Resort
• Navutovuto Accommodation

Lau Islands

• Vatuvara Private Islands
• Moana’s Guesthouse
• Lakeba Guest House

For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 50 Best Resorts in Fiji ,   10 Beautiful Holiday Homes in Fiji and more in our Accommodation category.

Plan a Fiji Trip According to Your Travel Style

Finally, this wouldn’t be the best travel guide to Fiji without taking into account that everyone likes to holiday differently. Here at Fiji Pocket Guide , we have travel guides for all styles of travel, including budget travellers, luxury travellers, honeymooners, families, adults-only and foodies. If one of these fits your style, then jump ahead to the appropriate travel guide:

• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji on a Budget
• The Complete Luxury Travel Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji for Families
• The Complete Adults-Only Vacation Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Foodie  Guide to Fiji
• The Complete Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway  Guide to Fiji

Happy travels and thanks for reading this travel guide to Fiji! You might also like our  31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji .

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Was this article useful?

Related posts, 10 things to do in the lomaiviti islands with kids, 10 things to do in kadavu with kids, 10 free & cheap things to do on taveuni, the wedding & honeymoon guide to suva, 10 luxury activities in denarau, 10 adult-only activities in taveuni, recommended for you, taveuni transport guide: 8 ways to get to taveuni (& get around taveuni), 10 free & cheap things to do on the pacific harbour & beqa, the luxury travel guide to the coral coast, accommodation, destinations, things to do, connect with us.

To contact us directly, use our contact page.

Travel Tips

Welcome/Bula! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Bula! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 Fiji Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer

Which Caribbean Destinations Are Hot Right Now, According to Travel Agents

As the summer season approaches, travelers have lots of questions, from how to avoid overly expensive flights to where to stay.

Several Caribbean and Mexico travel specialists recently shared their outlook for the summer season and some tips and advice to make a client’s summer getaway a memorable one.

To access this content, subscribe now.

Caribbean Travel Advisor provides 24-7 Caribbean content and news for travel agents and travel insiders. Subscribe today to unlock this article and receive our newsletter, or Log In to read now.

• Categories:
• Caribbean Travel Advisor

Recent Articles

Rum Journal: From Jamaica, a Legendary Brand Grows Up

“We have Myers’s.” If you were a rum enthusiast a few decades ago, you’d know this common refrain.  You’d walk into a decent-looking bar in the United States, scour the back shelf, ask for an aged rum, and get that […]

This St Maarten All-Inclusive Just Opened a New Eatery 

St Maarten’s top all-inclusive family-friendly resort has unveiled a new dining concept, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The Sonesta Mayo Beach Resort, Casino and Spa has officially debuted the new Cantina Paradiso, a Mexican-inspired eatery.  The restaurant, led by Chef Francisco […]

American Airlines Is Adding More Flights to Anguilla

American Airlines is adding an extra weekly flight to Anguilla this upcoming winter, Caribbean Journal has learned.  Beginning Dec. 21, American Airlines will be operating a third daily flight on Saturday out of Miami.  The third Saturday flight will be […]

• Getting Results.
• Newsletters

🗺️Ever been to Montverde, Florida? Here’s your guide to the town

Small town has great views of the water, crystal moyer.

MONTVERDE, Fla. – Yes, I grew up in Central Florida , but Montverde was new territory for me. So I packed up the car and headed out to Lake County to see what the town has to offer.

Montverde is a small town, with about 4,000 residents. It sits between Lake Apopka and Lake Florence. I found several parks and overlook docks that you can visit to check out the gorgeous views. Residents told me Lake Florence Overlook Park is the best to visit during the sunset.

Kirk Park is the central hub of Montverde and sits along Division Street by town hall. With a large space, ball fields and a stage, there are quite a few events held there year-round.

Montverde Academy , a private school known for its successful student-athletes, is the jewel of the town.

News 6 anchors Matt and Ginger spent some time at the school’s basketball court and spoke with Orlando Magic player and Montverde Academy alum Caleb Houstan. You can see the full interview on Florida’s Fourth Estate podcast.

On the road, I spotted a farm along Country Road 455 called Green Mountain Fruit and Honey , owned by Andy Ferguson, a third-generation owner of the farm.

“When I grew up here, everything was citrus. There were more tractors and farm equipment up and down the road then there was actual cars,” said Andy.

Andy said they used to grow citrus on the farm until a freeze in the 1980s that killed the crops. So he decided to pivot.

“I’m getting to do the next best thing. Grow peaches. I’m also a beekeeper,” said Andy. “I’m getting to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve been a mechanic for years and I am now able to farm like I’ve always wanted to do.”

You can visit the store to buy your own honey and fruit or pick the peaches yourself and fill a bucket.

Ferndale Preserve on the northwest end of town offers nearly 200 acres of trails and parks. News 6 reporter Mark Lehman found that many visitors like to hike and bike through the area.

[RELATED: WKMG HITS THE ROAD! FIND OUT WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS WE ARE VISITING ]

And there’s some history in this little town. Along Porter Avenue, you can check out the historic Harper House, Montverde’s oldest building, built in the 1870s by a citrus grower. It started off as a store and post office but was converted to a home. It’s known for its adaptable frame vernacular architecture.

Right around the corner, there’s the 100-year-old historic fish camp cabin.

Hungry? Willie’s BBQ is a Montverde staple. News 6 anchor Lisa Bell and News 6 meteorologist Candace Campos got a taste in our Florida Foodie podcast.

If you want to do some shopping, you can check out Fireflies along Lakeside Drive. It’s not your average secondhand store, it sells high-end items, with proceeds going to a nonprofit organization.

News 6 anchor Julie Broughton spoke with the owner about how she gets results and shares what you can find in-store and on the racks.

Have you visited Montverde? Tell us what you like to do there in the comments below.

Come join News 6 at Kirk Park for a live broadcast of the stories you told us you wanted covered .

The address is 17436 Division St. in Montverde.

The anchors, reporters and News 6 investigators will be at the pavilion and stage on Wednesday, May 15, from 4-7 p.m.

When they are not on-air they will be available to talk to you!

Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Crystal Moyer is a morning news anchor who joined the News 6 team in 2020.

Recommended Videos

• icon-facebook
• icon-twitter
• icon-instagram

Montreal has been named the second safest city in the world for travel

Honolulu and Reykjavik round out the top three.

Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn

According to a report by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, Montreal is the second safest city in the world to travel to in 2024.

The results of the report were determined using a compilation of survey results, in addition to data on risk, crime, climate resilience and more.

Canada was also ranked the safest country in world to travel to in 2024.

Honolulu and Reykjavik round out the top three safest cities in the world for travel this year.

World’s safest cities to travel in 2024: 1.🇺🇸 Honolulu 2.🇨🇦 Montreal 3.🇮🇸 Reykjavik 4.🇦🇺 Sydney 5.🇳🇱 Amsterdam 6.🇦🇪 Dubai 7.🇩🇰 Copenhagen 8.🇬🇧 London 9.🇰🇷 Seoul 10.🇮🇹 Venice According to Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection — World of Statistics (@stats_feed) May 7, 2024

For the latest in news, please visit the  News  section.

Want to catch the Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil? Local Brazilian expats offer insider travel tips

The Birds are landing in Brazil Fall 2024, with a season opener in São Paulo. For those lucky enough to go to the game, we asked local Brazilian expats for their tips for navigating the city.

São Paulo, Brazil’s booming, multicultural metropolis, is home to more than 12 million people, hundreds of museums, theater and music venues, a culinary landscape fueled by its diverse population, and a sprawling skyline’s worth of iconic architecture. And, come September, it will also be home to the Philadelphia Eagles — at least temporarily.

The Birds fly south this year, kicking off the season in São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena on September 6 against the Green Bay Packers . And for those who are lured by the game — what will be the first NFL game ever in South America — there’s so much more to see and do in one of the world’s most populous cities.

For starters, the game happens to fall on the day before the country’s Independence Day.

“It’s a major holiday in Brazil, with parades and celebrations” says Paula Strader. Born in the South American country, Strader came to Philly for vacation a decade ago and stayed after meeting her husband at American Sardine Bar. “You can compare it to the Fourth of July.”

Go for the Eagles game and stay to revel in the holiday festivities and experience the city’s vibrant arts scene, exciting restaurants, and warm culture. Read on for how to make the most of a visit to São Paulo, with insider tips from Brazilian Philadelphians who know it well. (Note that while Philadelphia Airport does not offer direct flights to São Paulo, Newark does.)

Where to sleep and stay in São Paulo

Set in the Bela Vista neighborhood, Rosewood São Paulo (rooms from $800) is steps from the bustling Avenida Paulista and dynamic cultural institutions like the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), but inside the historical landmark building feels like a sanctuary. Contributing to the serene vibe are the plush rooms infused with local art, a rooftop pool, and the brand new Asaya Spa by Guerlain.

To be surrounded by a bit more green space, make for Palacio Tangara (rooms from $587), located in Burle Marx park, one of the city’s urban oases. The palatial property includes indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and — for those traveling with children — an inviting kids club.

Where to eat and drink in São Paulo

Splurge on (affordable) fine dining.

“The exchange rate [for Americans] is so favorable, we can basically go to whatever restaurant we want and splurge a little,” says Claudia Setubal, a data analytics manager who was born in Brazil and goes back to visit her parents in São Paulo. Her pick: Nagayama , in the trendy and walkable Itaim Bibi neighborhood. The post-WWI influx of Japanese immigrants has made Brazil home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan, and the local cuisine reflects that. “I’ve never been to Japan, but Brazilian sushi is far and away the best sushi I’ve ever had,” she says.

Paula Strader planned her first wedding anniversary around a dinner at the two-star Michelin starred D.O.M ., situated in the tony Jardins neighborhood. Chef Alex Atala has been spotlighting Brazilian cuisine with exquisite, multi-course tasting menus since opening in 1999.

Mardhory Santos-Cepeda, owner of Brazilian bakery Kouklet on East Passyunk, suggests a few restaurants from her favorite chefs, including A Baianeira , best known for its pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). Then there’s Mocotó, a restaurant that’s been winning hearts for years with its iconic cow’s foot soup. And let’s not forget Cuzcuz da Irina, where chef Irina Cordeiro brings the flavors of Brazil’s northeastern region to life with her cornmeal-based couscous.

Experience Brazilian pizza culture

First-time visitors to Brazil might be surprised to know that São Paulo’s pizza is top-notch, a legacy born from its long history of Italian immigration. (By some accounts, the city now has more people of Italian descent than any region in Italy.)

“Pizza — it’s considered a fancy meal in Brazil,” explains Setubal. “Everyone eats it with a fork, you have a thinner crust and a lot more toppings.” Those toppings can include calabresa (Brazilian pork sausage), chicken with catupiry (Brazilian cream cheese), corn, and hard-boiled eggs. And for dessert, “They put flan on top of the pizza, or banana with cheese,” says Santos-Cepeda.

Soak up the local scene at a corner bar

To raise a glass like (or with) the locals, Setubal recommends finding a table at one of the corner bars in the student-populated Vila Mariana neighborhood. Order a Brahma beer or a Caipirinha, “get a bunch of appetizers, like sausage and french fries, what they call petiscos,” she says. “And you just hang out and spend an afternoon.”

Don’t worry about picking the “right” bar; any corner spot will give you a taste of local life. Veloso is a local favorite with its 14 tables and a caipirinha menu featuring around 20 variations made with seasonal tropical fruits. Another must-visit is Academia da Gula, known for its Portuguese specialties like cod fritters.

Weigh your plate at a Por Quilo Restaurant

São Paulo is home to a host of Por Quilo restaurants, i.e. the kind where you fill your plate with grilled meats, salads, and side dishes and pay per kilo. (You may be familiar with the concept if you’ve been to Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse in the Northeast or Center City.)

“They’re really nice restaurants where they have giant buffets with an amazing variety of foods,” Setubal says, adding that they’re a pretty good deal, too.

What to do in São Paulo

Shop for edible souvenirs at mercadão.

A visit to Mercado Municipal de São Paulo is “a must,” Mardhory Santos-Cepeda says. “If you can only pick one place to visit, pick this one.”

The sprawling public market, located in the city center and easily accessible via the metro, has “Reading Terminal Market vibes,” says Setubal. She shops the stalls for things she can’t easily get in Philly, like bottles of good Cachaça (Brazil’s national spirit, distilled from sugarcane juice), goiabada, a solid guava paste traditionally eaten with cheese, and “a million different tropical fruits,” she says. “There’s like eight different kinds of bananas in Brazil.” Santos-Cepeda also recommends seeking out the market’s famous mortadella sandwich, made with a hefty tower of Italian-style Ceratti mortadella piled into a Portuguese roll.

See São Paulo’s green side at Ibirapuera Park

Located in the Vila Mariana neighborhood, the nearly 400-acre Ibirapuera Park is home to three lakes, bike and running trails, museums, a zoo, and wide stretches of tree-shaded green space. Plus, plenty of street vendors are selling local snacks. “They sell whole coconuts that they’ll chop open for you so you can drink the coconut water with a straw,” says Setubal. “So we like to do that, and then go to the playgrounds with my kid.”

Admire art and history at some of the city’s best museums

“The best museums in Brazil are in São Paulo,” says Melody Evelyn Goncalves Vasconcellos Santos, Santos-Cepeda’s sister, who studies art history at Temple University. “The state of São Paulo alone has over 500 museums to visit.” Choosing only a few is tough, but her top picks are the São Paulo Museum of Art , the Football Museum , The New Museum of the Portuguese Language , and The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo — all located in the city center.

Stroll the historic Avenues

To get a sense of the city’s dynamic energy, Santos recommends exploring Avenida Paulista , the 1.7-mile thoroughfare cutting across the city from northwest to southeast, and lined with historic mansions, landmarks, shops, and restaurants. If you’re craving more exploration, Strader points you toward Rua Augusta. This street forms a bridge between the upscale Jardins area and the vibrant downtown, offering a fascinating contrast in one stretch. “To compare it to Philly, one side is like Fishtown or Kensington, and the other is Rittenhouse Square,” she says. “It’s the same street and two worlds.”

Explore São Paulo’s robust Japanese diaspora in Japantown

The city’s Japantown, Liberdade , “is a must-go destination in São Paulo,” says Santos-Cepeda. “It’s basically an open market, very lively and with shops, sushi bars, and ramen shops everywhere.”

How to get around São Paulo

With São Paulo’s size and population, it’s no surprise the roads can be a traffic-clogged nightmare. The Metro is a good alternative, says Strader, as you can find a station virtually anywhere. Buses are a great option, too. “They have traffic mitigation strategies for buses,” says Setubal. “I would take a bus over an Uber, because they get to use the preferential lanes.”

Regan Stephens is a Philadelphia–based freelance journalist with 10 years of experience writing about food, drinks, travel, and culture.

All the looks Meghan Markle wore on her trip to Nigeria, ranked

• Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Nigeria over the weekend. 
• Meghan wore a variety of ensembles throughout the trip.
• Her best looks from the tour were colorful dresses.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle just wrapped up a trip to Nigeria.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent several days in the country, which is interested in hosting the Invictus Games, according to CBS News . The Invictus Games celebrated 10 years since its founding on Wednesday.

Meghan wore an assortment of quietly luxurious outfits during the tour, many of them brightly colored.

Take a look at the looks Meghan wore in Nigeria, ranked from least to most stylish.

Meghan's white dress for a Nigeria Unconquered reception had a simple silhouette.

Meghan attended the reception in a St. Agni column dress , available for preorder at $409.

The dress featured a strapless neckline, and it subtly hugged her figure before flowing to the floor.

She also accessorized the look with a cross pendant that originally belonged to Princess Diana, as People reported .

The Duchess of Sussex popped in yellow for a visit to the State Governor House in Lagos.

Meghan rewore the Carolina Herrera dress she donned in the photo she and Prince Harry used to announce her pregnancy with Lilibet in 2021.

The sleeveless column dress featured a high neckline, and it draped loosely around the duchess.

Meghan's dress for a charity polo match featured a subtle, sparkly pattern.

Johanna Oritz's Summer Counts Dress , a $1,995 piece that's now sold out, had a hint of glamour thanks to the coordinating scarf that could be added to its halter neckline. Meghan wore it draped over her shoulders.

The floor-length dress was covered in a floral pattern and featured a plunging neckline and ruching at the waist.

Meghan added oversized Heidi Merrick sunglasses to the look.

She opted for a tailored pantsuit to visit the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.

Altuzarra designed Meghan's white suit, which featured a blazer with a single button and wide-legged pants.

She paired the suit with a white top, gold pumps, and gold jewelry, as well as a floral corsage.

The peach dress Meghan wore to visit Lightway Academy stood out with architectural detailing.

Heidi Merrick has become a go-to designer for Meghan, so it's no surprise she chose the brand's blush Windsor Gown for the Nigeria tour.

The maxi dress has a high neckline and cinches at both the waist and thigh, creating a casual take on a dropped waist. The back features cutouts on the sides and in the center of the dress, giving it a modern edge.

The sold-out dress retails for $1,350 and has a similar feel to other quiet luxury looks Meghan has worn recently.

She attended a basketball game in Lagos wearing a traditional Nigerian skirt.

Meghan's Nigerian skirt was the star of her outfit, with a blue striped pattern and a tie fastened at her waist. The skirt was gifted to her during her trip, according to People .

She paired the skirt with a Carolina Herrera blouse with the sleeves folded up, gold Burberry pumps, and Heidi Merrick sunglasses.

The look was both casual and sophisticated.

Meghan's dress for a volleyball match had a subtle cutout and a daring slit.

The Duchess of Sussex arrived at the match in a $2,850 Johanna Oritz dress.

A dark-green leafy pattern covered the dress, which had a sweetheart neckline and hit Meghan at the ankle. A diamond-shaped cutout sat in the center of the bodice, framed by textured spaghetti straps.

A thigh-high slit completed the beachy feel of the dress, which Meghan wore with Heidi Merrick sunglasses and black Emme Parsons sandals.

Ruffles on the hem of Meghan's red dress for a Women in Leadership panel made it stand out.

Meghan's $275 midi dress was made by Orire, a Nigerian designer.

The red garment's scooped neckline featured spaghetti straps and a slightly cinched waist.

The hem of the dress was lined with large ruffles, adding a touch of glamour to the simple silhouette. Nude heels from Aquazzura completed the look.

According to InStyle , Meghan said during the panel that she donned the colorful dress at the encouragement of people she met in Nigeria.

"I am just flattered and honored and inspired," she said. "It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more color so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion!"

• Main content

To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.

0, text: error()">

0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass">

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Provide email

Please enter your email to complete registration

Activate to continue

Your account isn't active yet. We've emailed you an activation link. Please check your inbox and click the link to activate your account

0, text: error" style="display: none;">

0, text: success" style="display: none;">

• Relationships

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here .

• Partnership
• Success stories
• --> -->