Home to some of the happiest people in the world, here’s top tips for a Fiji trip.
I went to Fiji last month where throughout my trip I did 9 scuba dives and received my advanced scuba certification. I did a night dive and another dive took me more than 90 feet below the surface!
Fijians are known to be some of the friendliest people and it’s easy to see why. They live in a real-life picturesque desktop background. Respect goes a long way and locals that I’ve met are filled with so much joy, no matter how much or little they have.
Celebrate International Day of Happiness this year with a chance to experience one of the happiest countries in the world...Fiji!
Enter to win 2 roundtrip economy tickets to Fiji from LAX or SFO and a 1 night stay at Nanuku Resort valued at $4,000 USD.
Here are some of my biggest takeaways from my trip…
(*competition now closed but read on for top tips Fiji.)
‘Bula’ and ‘Vinaka’ are words you need to know.
You will hear ‘Bula’ all day, usually in a friendly and uplifting tone. It’s a heartfelt greeting with many meanings, including: hello, happiness, good health and the energy of life. ‘Vinaka’ means ‘thank you’ in Fijian.
Scuba diving in the Great Astrolabe Reef was freaking unreal.
I’ve only been certified to scuba dive for less than a year, and before each trip the nerves do creep up on me if I'm being honest. How can they not? Going more than 90 feet below the surface can be scary…but also…absolutely amazing. The Great Astrolabe Reef in Fiji is the fourth largest reef in the world, extending over 62 miles filled with manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and more. Meandering through the reef was surreal and I really felt like I was in the Little Mermaid.
If you don’t scuba dive, there’s so much to see while snorkeling at the surface too.
Local Fijians love to make jokes and are so kind.
I love to be cliche sometimes, but for me, it’s the people that make the trip. Sure, crystal blue waters and white sand beaches are great, but when I look back on my time in Fiji my first thought goes to some of the amazing people I met along the way.
When I checked into Nanuku Resort, I complimented the staff’s necklace made of seashells with their name in lettered beads. After I arrived back hours later for dinner, they presented me with my very own necklace with my name on it. No matter how big or small of a gesture, it was so incredibly kind.
Kava is a cultural staple socially…and it may give you a natural high.
A Kava ceremony is a common social event (also for important events) in Fiji, where you’re not on your phone but all together, sitting around a large communal bowl for hours. It’s a mildly narcotic and sedative drink made from the crushed roots and stems of a pepper shrub strained with water. When consumed, it creates a numb feeling around your mouth, lips and tongue, giving you a sense of calm and relaxation.
It's disrespectful to leave the kava circle before the bowl is empty. The next morning, my group was talking about how we can’t remember the last time we’ve laughed so hard. It’s a cultural experience but whoever you’re with – it really creates a genuine bond.
To celebrate International Day of happiness, Tourism Fiji is showcasing film photos from locals, no filter.
Tourism Fiji is launching an inspiring new initiative – the Shot of Happiness Project. In a world where happiness is often measured by social media likes and filters, Tourism Fiji is taking a bold stand to reclaim what true happiness looks like on these platforms.
For 24 hours, Fijian locals will take over the Tourism Fiji Instagram feed sharing authentic moments from the archipelago of 333 islands where happiness comes naturally.
During my stay at Nanuku Resort, I was able to visit a local village and their kindergarten classroom.
To be honest I was a bit timid about visiting a local village. It’s something that was a new experience for me and I didn't know what to expect. If you do visit a village, you’re not allowed to wear a hat, your shoulders must be covered and a sulu to cover your legs.
As our van pulled up, we were welcomed by a group of women singing with one playing the guitar. We toured their village and visited their kindergarten classroom filled with so much joy. We gave bear hugs to everyone when we left and it was definitely a highlight of my trip to see local culture and not just a complete luxury hotel experience. That day moved me so much I’m in the process of sending a large package of clothes.
Remember, my giveaway is open until this Friday, March 24 at 6PM PST. Check the giveaway rules to enter and share the post on your story each day of the contest for an additional entry.
~may the odds ever be in your favor~
Be good
JB
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