So, you’ve booked that Fiji holiday and now all you can think about while you’re at work is throwing off the shackles of your office and setting off for a few weeks of sun, surf, sand and cocktails. Lucky you! To help you while away the weeks or months until that holiday comes around, here’s a list of things you absolutely must experience while you’re there…start counting down the days!
Fiji – Blue Coral Reef
Snorkel
The waters around Fiji are pristine and sheltered by surrounding islands, which makes them perfect for snorkeling and checking out the range of beautiful marine life under the surface. With temperatures staying solidly above 25 degrees Celsius all year round, you can bet that a little splash in the sea will be just what the doctor ordered as well!
Visit a Village
Fijian villages are spread over many of the islands that make up the nation, which means that while Fiji is technically governed by a president, many of the rural villages still have chiefs and run semi-independently in a much more traditional way. Visiting one of these villages is a must to understand Fijian tribal culture, but remember to pay respect to the chief by taking off your hat in his presence.
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Keen sailors who own their own yachts have little need for concern when it comes to planning their holiday accommodation: the beauty of a yacht is that you have the flexibility to travel wherever you like, whenever you like, and all from the luxurious comfort of your own accommodation. Thus the one decision that yacht owners do face when it comes to holidays is destination – and security.
European yachting
Of course, like any other holiday there are essentials that must be sorted out before you head out on your yacht. Travel insurance, for one, is particularly important for yacht owners, who have already put a lot of money into their property and need to insure against accidents or unexpected events. With good value holiday insurance from companies such as Direct Travel, you can purchase solid general cover for your travels, before deciding whether you require further cover which is more specific to your yachting needs. Once you have peace of mind, you can go on to enjoy a myriad of different yachting destinations – we take a look at some European favourites.
You may well be limited in terms of where you begin your yachting excursion from, but that doesn’t mean you have to be limited about where you end up. Holiday-makers based in the UK are lucky in their proximity to France – where a whole host of yachting destinations lie. Take St Tropez, in the south of France, which is often the playground of rich and famous celebrities – perfect for a bit of people-watching. Truly a spot for luxuriating, St Tropez sees many a yacht owner pulling up for a taste of this dazzling hotspot. Or, just along the coast from St Tropez, why not travel to Cannes? Here you can enjoy all of the culture and sophistication that comes from the city housing one of the world’s most renowned film festivals.
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Safety Tips for Yachting in Alaska
A yachting trip to Alaska can be the thrill of a lifetime. Not only do you get to see the beautiful landscape and scenery of Alaska, but you get to see some of the amazing creatures that live there as well – like whales! It could be one of the most exciting trips you ever take, but there are some safety issues that need to be addressed. In this article, you’ll learn several things to do and items to have with you in order to stay safe.
Having a Float Plan
Yachting in Alaska:
The most important thing to prepare before a boating or yachting trip is a float plan. A float plan is a document that describes various details of the trip. Some of these details include a physical description of the boat, descriptions of people on board the vessel, and your itinerary. The float plan is then given to someone not going on the trip. If that person feels that something is wrong or has reason to worry, he or she can contact the authorities and provide them with a document that helps with rescue efforts.
Flotation Devices
Personal flotation devices are a must for any yachting trip, and are actually mandated by federal law. There should be one PFD for each person on board, and they have to be approved by the Coast Guard. If, for example, the vessel happens to capsize or take on water, or you’re thrown into the water for any reason, the PFD can save your life. This is especially crucial in the cold Alaskan waters through which you’ll be travelling.
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Yacht owners and those who lease yachts for their holidays, are lovers of the ocean and beaches. The United Kingdom is a great place to cruise your yacht to, and also a great place to live and cruise your yacht from. The wonderful thing about being an island is having access to the most amazing beaches. From seaside resorts, to little fishing towns and villages, a trek to one of the following beaches is a must.
Sennen Cove is in the county of Cornwall; this beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the country. It is the UK’s surfing central so if you like riding the wild surf this is the beach for you. There are also charming restaurants with breath taking seascape views.
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Camber Sands is located in Kent, and is the best example of the “perfect” beach. Not only is it stunning but also a part of Britain’s History. It was the scene of smuggling back in the early days, so if you want adventure or just to sit back and soak up the rays, then this is a must see beach destination.
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Dunster Beach located in the historical Somerset County, is a beach with a combination of sand and pebbles that makes it seem practically magical. What adds even further to the beauty are the the quaint chalets and medieval streets embracing Somersets heritage that are nearby.
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Fiji, belonging to the Oceania group of islands in the South Pacific, consists of over 300 islands and is located about two-thirds of the distance from Hawaii to New Zealand. The Republic of the Fiji Islands is made up of many islands born of coral and volcanoes. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which are home to the vast majority of the inhabitants. Fijians and Indo-Fijians (whose ancestors were laborers brought to Fiji from India) compose most of the residents on these two prominent islands. Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located on Viti Levu. There is a wealth of history and culture in the islands, which are largely unspoiled by man.
Fiji:
British rule reigned in Fiji for about 100 years before Fiji declared its independence in 1970. English is one of the dominant languages spoken on the islands and the majority of the citizens practice Christianity. Commerce is based on tourism, sugar, clothing, processed seafood, silver, limestone, gold, and oil, among other things.
The tropical climate of Fiji has created captivating lakes and waterfalls and intriguing rainforests. The rainy season occurs from November through April. The months of May through October are considered the optimal times to visit the islands. However, one should keep in mind that travel and accommodation costs are increased during that time period. June and July seem to be the peak months for tourist and that coincides with the highest rates.
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