On this collection, Lonely Planet’s workforce of writers and editors solutions your journey issues and offers ideas and hacks that can assist you plan a hassle-free journey. This week, Lonely Planet senior editor Melissa Yeager shares some ideas for visiting Tahiti for non-honeymooners.
Query: I wish to go to Tahiti, however it’s not a honeymoon, and I am not into resorts and packaged holidays. Is there any technique to discover the islands extra independently?
Melissa Yeager: My colleagues right here at LP turned this one over to me this week as a result of I’m truly in the midst of planning a visit to Tahiti and French Polynesia. It’s not my honeymoon both however I’m counting down the times till I can hike, swim and soak within the solar in these idyllic waters.
However I get the place you’re coming from. With its dreamy above-water bungalows and tranquil lagoons with crystal clear water, the islands of Tahiti have turn out to be so synonymous with honeymoons on Instagram that merely mentioning you’re visiting these islands to a pal might instantly conjure visions of lovebirds recent off the stress of planning a marriage.
And if the luxe resorts and movie star sightings of Bora Bora should not your vibe (or finances) – you may surprise if it is a place to go to.
Tahiti and French Polynesia on a finances
The numerous methods to journey in Tahiti
There are greater than 118 islands that make up the nation of Tahiti – so the excellent news is there are many choices that aren’t Bora Bora and there are many methods to make this an impartial, island-hopping journey.
As an illustration, you may get between Pape’ete and the island of Mo’orea by ferry. To get to a few of the extra distant islands, Air Tahiti (observe: that is totally different from the service Air Tahiti Nui that flies internationally) affords inter-island air passes. You’ll be able to choose one in every of their itineraries with prearranged passes or you may chart your personal path.
A wide range of lodging choices for all budgets
When it comes to lodging, there’s additionally much more to French Polynesia than simply the luxurious, mega resorts that pop up on social media – locations that for those who’re prepared to journey to a few of the lesser traveled spots can provide a novel connection to this nation and its pure magnificence whereas supporting small, family-owned companies.
To do that, select a Tahitian guesthouse referred to as pensions (Tahiti Tourisme says that is pronounced pone-see-owns.) Usually family-owned, these locations won’t solely provide you with an opportunity to attach with locals and their tradition however help you meet similar-minded vacationers as nicely. You’ll discover a vary of pension choices from luxurious to rustic. Think about what some lack in fluffy bedding and air con they may make up for by supplying you with the possibility to expertise a spot few go to whereas additionally providing a memorable cultural expertise.
A date with the ocean in Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Many deal with you want one of many household and sure, a few of them do have overwater bungalows that can help you dwell out that (bougie) dream on a finances and in a manner that may really feel extra genuine to you.
Earlier than you e book a pension, test what facilities they provide to verify the lodging matches your expectations for lodging and that you’re ready if you arrive. Have they got towels? Air con? Do they require you to pay in money (most will). Some might require you to buy a half-board or full-board bundle which is able to embrace your meals. (Which truthfully could also be useful in some extra distant locations.)
If a pension doesn’t seem to be your imaginative and prescient for a Tahitian journey and you’ve got a bigger finances to work with, you may take into account chartering a ship for a crusing trip to go to a number of islands.
The numerous actions in Tahiti
When you get to French Polynesia, you’ll have a lot of actions to select from past studying a e book on the seaside. In the event you love being within the water, you’ve your selection of browsing, snorkeling, diving or paddle boarding. In the event you’d reasonably be on dry land, you may go on a 4×4 journey or hike the paths for good waterfall and lagoon views. You’ll be able to take a look at pineapple farms, go horseback driving or see wildlife like whales.
So briefly, sure. Whereas there are a ton of big-name resorts to remain at and it’s an iconic honeymoon vacation spot, there are actually a lot of different choices to chart a unique journey for those who select.
Checking In: Sofitel Kia Ora Mo’orea, chill and loosen up within the luxe overwater bungalows
