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When you think of exotic paradise island locations, what is the first place that comes to mind?
Everyone will have a different answer to that question, but I don’t think many of you have Fiji as your first choice.
But maybe it’s time you pay a little more attention to this South Pacific gem.
It is not without reason that this tropical paradise, an archipelago of more than 300 islands, is experiencing a record year for tourism this year.
Here’s why it’s time you say ‘bula’ to Fiji:
It really is a paradise
The climate is one of the main reasons people go to Fiji – the country’s many islands offer pleasantly warm daytime temperatures of between 22 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round.
It is a land of two seasons. Winter is from May to October and is generally considered the dry season, with evenings becoming a little cooler once the sun sets.
Summer is from November to April and often sees the highest temperatures during the day (although prevailing winds keep it from feeling too hot), as well as daily afternoon rain showers that can appear at a moment’s notice.
There is also a chance of tropical cyclones in summer, so be sure to check the latest weather information and safety tips on the Tourism Fiji website.
Great variety of places to see
Being a country made up of so many different islands, it makes sense that there is a lot to do in Fiji.
The town of Nadi will likely be your entry point and is a great place to get your bearings and sample Fijian culture in its restaurants and vibrant markets.
If you drive a few hours south from here you’ll arrive at the Coral Coast – a host of beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and pretty villages full of friendly locals waiting to welcome you.
For those looking for the ultimate in luxury escapes, then the Mamanuca Islands are probably for you.
These accessible islands are surrounded by colorful reefs, peaceful lagoons, great diving spots and some of Fiji’s best hidden beaches.
And when you’re lazing on a pristine beach in a literal paradise is not your thing, then Fiji has plenty of hiking and walking options in places like Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, Mount Korobaba and Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
It’s also worth noting that Fiji is widely regarded as one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling destinations.
The islands are home to the Great Sea Reef and the Great Astrolabe Reef, as well as other famous underwater attractions such as the Nigali Passage and the Great White Wall.
Quickly becoming a popular destination
The number of tourist visitors in Fiji is on an upward trend, with overall figures for the year exceeding those of 2019.
And travelers from North America are one of the largest groups currently visiting Fiji – approximately 15% of the total number.
So while it may not be Mexico or the Caribbean, Fiji is certainly capturing the imagination of American travelers — so much so that CNN named it one of the top seven destinations in the world to visit this year.
The country was a latecomer in lifting all Covid-19 restrictions (February 2023), so this may be why it has now become popular again.
It may be remote, but it is not inaccessible
Fiji is quite remote, but that’s part of the country’s charm.
The archipelago is located in the South Pacific, about 2,100 kilometers north of New Zealand and about 3,000 kilometers east of Australia.
But it’s actually not that difficult to get there with daily flights from Los Angeles and daily flights five days a week from San Francisco – both to the city of Nadi.
Recently, Fiji’s national airline, Fiji Airways, just partnered with JetBlue This means travelers can fly to Fiji from more places in the United States with a through check on one ticket.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
