The Fiji Islands are calling with a fabulous family vacation deal – Kids Fly Free to Fiji!

A South Pacific island probably hasn’t been the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about a family vacation – but on second thought – why not???  The Fijian islands are a wonderland for every water based activity imaginable, and the Fijian people are some of the friendliest folks on earth.  And as the Aussies know, (Fiji is a popular vacation destination for Australians) many of the resorts have extensive kids programs and offer amenities that will make your family feel right at home.  Couple all this with an incredibly great exchange rate (1 USD =2 FJD), and you have the makings of a great vacation opportunity.  We traveled with our kids to Fiji, staying at the Fijian Shangri La Hotel, and had a fabulous time snorkeling on the Coral Coast, playing Golf on their 9 hole course, lawn bowling, windsurfing – you name it!

You can save even more money by booking one of  Travel2′s family vacation packages – here’s a sampling:

• Sonaisali Island Family Vacation, 8 Days from $419 per person, which includes 7 nights lodging, a jungle cruise, breakfast daily, airport transfers, and a village tour…. PLUS, Kids under 12 eat free!
• Sofitel Family Vacation for 8 Days from $449 per person, including 7 nights at the Sofitel Resort and Spa, breakfast daily, and kids under 12 eat dinner and breakfast free.
• 7 Day Fiji Island Cruise Vacation from $649 per person, including 2 nights at the Sofitel Resort and Spa with breakfast daily and a 4 night Northern Yasawa Islands cruise with all meals included.

BULA, go learn to hula!!!

New Zealand has a well earned reputation for exclusive luxury lodges scattered throughout the North and South Islands, positioned to take advantage of the some of the best scenic vistas in the country.  The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Napier on the North Island of New Zealand is one of  the newest and most spectacular.  The lodge opened in November 2007 and offers luxury cottage suites that all enjoy 180 degree views over the headlands and out to the Pacific Ocean.  And the setting is just the beginning of the reasons to visit Cape Kidnappers.

1. The Napier Region of New Zealand is positioned on the southeastern coast of the North Island and is one of the most renowned wine growing regions in the world.  Cool coastal mists and warm days produce exceptional sauvignon blanc wines.
2. Because of a 7.9 earthquake in 1931, the buildings of the area were entirely rebuilt.  Today Napier is a showcase of well preserved Art Deco architecture.
3. The lodge is perched ridge-top on 6000 acres that is a working sheep and cattle ranch.  Guests at the lodge can witness first-hand the modern and traditional ranching techniques of the ‘Kiwis’ on complimentary escorted farm tours.
4. Meals at the Lodge are memorable both for their settings and cuisine.  The main restaurant is elegant and inviting.  For a more intimate setting, you may prefer to dine in the soothing stone walled wine room.  And on sunny days, why not have a casual meal in the Loggia patio room.   Meals and pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeurves are included with your stay, and as you might expect, only the freshest of ingredients are used from the property’s sustainable farm.  Naturally local dairy, beef, lamb, and fish are all at the ready.
5. Guest rooms have amenities for even the most discerning of tastes.  Each room enjoys expansive views from a balcony or patio and the interior is both relaxing and dramatic in it’s decor.  Of course all the electronic bells and whistles you could desire are at hand.
6. A striking infinity pool invites you to swim at what seems the edge of the world.
7. Cape Kidnappers enjoys a area of unique natural habitat.  Take a Discovery Walk or 4 wheel drive safari to the Gannet bird colony habitat.
8. Activities abound, you will never have dull moment, unless that’s exactly what you need.  There are opportunities to mountain bike, fly fish, kayak, hike, hot air balloon or go wine touring.
9. And when you’re beat and in need of some pampering, the Spa services are top notch.
10. Golf – well you’ve seen it – like nowhere else on earth – incredible!

For more in-depth information and a wonderful display of photographs, visit CapeKidnappers.com.  To book lodging at Cape Kidnappers, I’d suggest contacting a Virtuoso Travel Agent.  Is it expensive?… well yes…it is a premium property that is a destination in itself.  Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime exceptional experience.

To celebrate its new route to Fiji, Continental Airlines is offering round-trip airfares from LAX to NAN for the low, low price of $844.70 pp (all taxes included!).

And why should you consider a trip to Fiji this year?  Well besides the dazzling array of gorgeous South Pacific resorts, the US dollar goes a long way in Fiji.  The current exchange rate is almost 2 Fijian dollars for every US Dollar, making Fiji far more affordable than nearby Tahiti who uses the Euro as their currency.  Have a look at the Fiji Tourism Bureau site, and you’ll have dozens of reasons to visit Fiji this year!

1) Cook Islands and New Zealand - Explore two exotic destinations with Goway Tours‘ Super Special.  The 15 day adventure includes roundtrip airfare with Air New Zealand from LAX, 9 nights lodging in the Cook Islands, 3 day car or scooter rental, 3 nights lodging in Auckland (NZ), airport transfers and lots more for $1,759 per person (including the fuel surcharge).

2) Singapore Airlines Vacations have a whole host of offers for amazing journeys which combine breathtaking Far East capitals including Singapore + Bangkok for $1,145 pp, Singapore & Phuket for $1,488 pp, Singapore & Bali for $1,182 pp, or Singapore and Hanoi for $1,290 pp.  Packages include roundtrip flights, deluxe hotel accommodation, city tours and more.

3) Let Central Holidays whisk you away to Europe’s most romantic cities for a winter escape.  Their 9 day Venice & Paris tour spends 4 nights in each city for a mere $1,061 per person.  You’ll miss all the frantic summer crowds and enjoy the best seats on boats, barges and in the cafes.

4) European Destinations has combined 3 night stays in Rome and Athens for one great price – $896 per person including roundtrip airfare.   I’m thinking a gastronomic whirlwind on this trip!

I’m sure there are various terms and conditions for these journeys, so click through to read what’s included in each trip and dates that they are available.

Lately the prices for South Pacific vacations have been dropping like stones.  In years past, the price of a trip to the exotic islands of Tahiti and Fiji would take your breath away (and not in a good way).  But this spring we’re seeing tremendous sales – you can now take a week’s vacation on either island for about $1,000 per person – amazing!  Here are two top examples:

#1)  Islands In The Sun is offering a Fijian Delight, “Why Hula When You Can Bula?” vacation. (Bula means hello/welcome in the Fijian language.)  For the package price of $999, you’ll receive 2 nights at the deluxe Sofitel Fiji Resort, and 3 nights at exclusive Castaway Island Resort in an Island Bure (thatched hut).  All transfers and launch to island are included, along with TWO bottles of bubbly, french chocolates, tropical fruit, and a boating day trip.  Click the link above for more details and the terms and conditions.

#2)  Super luxury sailing schooner Star Clippers is offering Tahiti cruises at 50% off regular fares. For several sailings throughout the summer and fall rates begin at $1,033 (ppdo), and selected sailings include a free category upgrade!  Imagine sailing from Moorea to Bora Bora to Taha’a and beyond.  I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to book passage now!  Yes, there will be terms and conditions and port charges are extra, so get all the details here – or on the Star Clippers’ web site.

Each of these vacations are land only, so round up those frequent flyer miles to make these vacations an even better deal.  Either destination will leave you weak in the knees – they are truly the most romantic islands for exotic scenic splendour you’ll ever encounter.

Roundtrip airfare starts at $780, and well priced packages are available for hotel stays in Auckland.  In anticipation of the buzz and curiosity about this new concept in blind dating, a social networking site has been created at TheMatchMakingFlight.com - check it out for all the romantic details.

This promises to be the most blind dating fun Downunder since the Aussie favorite “Desperate and Dateless Ball” ended last year!  And if you’re wondering just how cheeky the Kiwis are – you’ve got to see their filming of the “Nothing To Hide” video ad.

Two concerns typically hold us back; the long flight and the expense.  While there are few solutions to making the flights seem shorter, there is news on the pricing front.  Earlier this month the Fijian government devalued the Fijian Dollar by 20%.  Today the US Dollar will buy you 2.24 Fijian Dollars (more than double), while Tahiti uses the Euro for its currency -  1 Euro will cost you $1.32 in US Dollars.  The US Dollar will definitely bring you far more luxury buying power in Fiji.  Couple the falling rate of the Fijian Dollar with  the declining number of tourists taking extended vacations this year, and the scene it set for some dramatic pricing initiatives.

In years past Tahiti took the top limelight for exotic luxury resorts and private island retreats, but Fiji has been introducing ultra luxury resorts of their own in recent years.  Names like Jean-Michel Cousteau, Vatulele, Nukubati, Castaway, Namale, and Nukubati Island Resorts (just to name a few) all have the WOW factor.  A quick search on Expedia for availability in Fiji in late June (enter Nadi as the destination) revealed lots of hotel rates in the $50 – $300 per night range.  A similar search in Tahiti (with Bora Bora as the destination) showed most rates in the $600 range.

So the moral of this story is be aware of foreign exchange rates and travel where your dollar will purchase ultra luxury at a great price - in this case say Bula to Fiji!

Let’s see, they’ve got a Honeymoon School to walk you through all the standard pitfalls – and you can “Ask Molly” if you have a specific circumstance you don’t know how to deal with.  Their state of the art software will match your interests and style preferences to help you find “your honeymoon personality” as well as top rated honeymoon spots around the globe.  Their video’s will teach you how to “Honeymoon Like A Pro” or tone up your abs to look great on the beach.   Once you narrow down your favorite choices, Blissport tells you  upfront “Why You’ll Love It” and “Why She’ll Love It”.  So whether you envision the two of you ziplining through a rainforest, sipping wine in an Italian villa, or splashing in the Hawaiin surf, Blissport will find great destinations and walk you through all the planning details.

Let me introduce you to TribeWanted.  The imaginative developers of Tribe Wanted along with a local Fijian team are developing a cross-cultural community from scratch.  The new island community of Vorovoro is fusing traditional Fijian customs with ways of living for sustainability and with innovation to improve life and living conditions in remote Fijian villages.   Have a look at the FABULOUS YouTube video explaining all about the project. 

Now for those of you who can’t jet off half way around the world at the moment, no worries…. anyone can join the Tribe on Vorovoro virtually (and for free) by creating a tribal profile on the website.  Even if you don’t join, you should take a few minutes to bounce around the site – it’s fascinating!  Here’s a post from their blog about how they are trying to figure out how to retain water from the rainy season to use for the crops all year long (blog post here) – any environmental engineers out there??

So have some fun with this site and take a short virtual adventure to a beautiful Fijian island with “The Tribe”.