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What's
so special about Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia?
This is an easy question! First of all, we are talking about the
most spectacular islands in the world. The water is the clearest
you'll ever see and it comes in an unbelievable array of blue and
green shades. The vegetation is lush and there are endless flowers,
not only all over the islands but also adorning the local people.
Speaking of the people, they are total charmers and have a fascinating
culture. French Polynesia is a magical place!
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Why
should I go to Tahiti rather than the Caribbean, Mexico or Hawaii?
If you want a mass production style of vacation with lots of
tourists, enormous hotels, then the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii are
your destinations. However, if you prefer a special experience,
gorgeous scenery, few tourists and no monster hotels, then Tahiti is
for you. As you laze on Tahiti's unspoiled beaches, sometimes you
think that you have the islands exclusively to yourself. Hawaii gets
more tourists in a day than Tahiti does in a year
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How
crowded are the islands? Will vendors and beggars drive me crazy?
Papeete is the only city in French Polynesia and once you are away
from this center, the islands are sparsely populated. The Tahitians
have a high standard of living and don't have beggars - nor would they
think of hawking stuff to tourists.
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Is
Tahiti too expensive for a vacation?
Perhaps an all-inclusive
week in Tahiti won't be as low as one in Hawaii but, nevertheless,
it's an great value for the indelible memories visitors will take home
with them. Also, there aren't any hidden costs - what you see is what
you get. Don't forget that there's no tipping or added taxes in Tahiti
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The country is called French Polynesia - that means you have
culinary influences from both France and Polynesia - an unbeatable
combination! There are all kinds of restaurants in Tahiti with prices
similar to our Italian and French restaurants in the USA. As many
items need to be imported, you won't find anything "super
cheap."
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What
time of year should I travel and what can I expect?
There is a rainier season and a drier season in French Polynesia,
but it's a great travel destination all year long. The climate is
tropical so that means there could be intermittent rain even in the
"dry" season and sunshine for many days in a row during the
"rainy" season. Temperatures are fairly constant all year.
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I
like lots of activities - is there plenty to do?
There is an abundance of activities in and around the water and
much to do on land. A lot of things are free!
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I'm
stressed out and need to relax - is French Polynesia the place for me?
It's interesting to note that there isn't an equivalent word for
"stress" in either French or Tahitian! As soon as you
arrive, the stress and strain of our normal everyday lives just seems
to melt away in this magical environment.
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Is
it really, REALLY romantic?
Is this a serious question? The romance of the islands will sweep
over you right away...there are pristine, unspoiled beaches, waving
palms, flowers everywhere, gorgeous waters of many hues, romantic
overwater bungalows--do you want us to go on?
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Is
there a wide range of accommodations available?
Of course! Hotels
in French Polynesia range from budget all the way up to first class
and deluxe. In some cases, regular hotel rooms are offered or you can
stay in Tahitian-style, thatched-roof bungalows. Speaking of
bungalows, you will want to experience a night or two staying in an
enchanting overwater bungalow - a type of accommodation that's unique
to French Polynesia.
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Another easy question. It's just a short, 7 hour flight, non-stop,
from Los Angeles and there are five international airlines servicing
Papeete.
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Is
there privacy and seclusion?
As many of the accommodations in French Polynesia are private
bungalows - either in the gardens, on the beach or over the water -
privacy is not an issue! With the small population and few tourists,
you'll feel the beaches are your own private domain. Even topless
sunbathing is generally ignored in this French and
Polynesian-influenced society.
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I
don't speak French - is this going to be a problem for me?
Non! Many locals speak English and you'll find that English is
widely understood in hotels and establishments catering to tourists.
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I'm
looking for a true cultural experience - will I find it in Tahiti?
No problem at all. The Tahitians express their culture in their
dress, their music, their crafts and in the flowers they adorn
themselves with. It's not a "show" just for tourists. As you
travel around the islands, you'll also encounter some of the ancient
Tahitian maraes (temples) where you can learn more of the Polynesian
civilization and how the people came to be the charming way they are
today.
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What
about adventurous and off-the-beaten-track activities?
There are many possibilities! French Polynesia boasts 118 islands
and atolls, a number of which are uninhabited In some of the more
off-the-beaten-track locales you can stay with local families, if you
desire. 4WD adventures are available in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
The Marquesas Islands are remote and rugged, with steep cliffs
dropping off into the sea, where you can see large numbers of wild
horses.
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What
are your favorite islands?
This is one of the harder questions! Each island is so special...
Bora
Bora, perhaps, because of its unbelievably beautiful lagoon. The
scenery in Moorea
is spectacular and the view as you come into Cook's Bay is
unparalleled. Huahine
is lush and gorgeous and Raiatea
has the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Rangiroa
in the Tuamotus has the second largest lagoon in the world - truly an
impressive sight.
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We
want to go there for our honeymoon - do you have any suggestions?
Well, you couldn't pick a better destination for a honeymoon. There
are intimate resorts, romantic scenery and just plain
"magic." There are "hideaways" such as Vahine
Island, near Raiatea, and Kia Ora Sauvage, in Rangiroa
which offer privacy and special, personal care. Don't forget the
beauty of Moorea, Bora
Bora and Huahine!
While you are in French Polynesia, you may renew your vows, if you
wish, in a romantic, traditional Tahitian
Wedding Ceremony.
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I
want to spend my time diving and snorkeling - where's the best spot?
French Polynesia - period! To be a bit more specific, experienced
divers should consider going out to the Tuamotu Atolls - both Rangiroa
and Manihi
- for your finest experiences. The diversity of the marine life is
superb. Dives start along the outer reefs, drifting through the passes
and into the unbelievable waters of the lagoons. Moorea
specializes in hand-feeding sharks and dives with rays and dolphins; Bora
Bora generally offers beautiful, graceful manta rays in its
plankton-rich, multi-hued lagoon; and Huahine
and Raiatea
offer more brilliant displays of coral ledges, cliffs and colorful
reef fish.
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Dressing
up doesn't appeal to me - how "fancy" do you have to be in
the evenings?
Tahiti sounds like the perfect destination for you! You never need
to dress up in the evenings - a simple, cotton dress or shorts outfit
will do for ladies and the gentlemen are fine with a sport shirt and
either trousers or shorts. During the days, the coolest of clothing is
preferred and natural fibers are best. Don't forget your swimsuits,
sunblock and sun hats! Another essential to bring with you is
rubber-soled or plastic shoes, preferably shoes you can wear in or out
of the water to protect your feet from coral.
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Great,
it all sounds wonderful - but - are there any down sides?
Well, you have to go home - although some visiting French Polynesia
have become so enamored, they've stayed there forever!
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