Fiji is one of the main airline hubs of the region, and its well serviced by international carriers. From Fiji you can fly to many of the Pacific Islands and almost anywhere around the Pacific Rim. Many people come on a round the world ticket or as a stopover between Australia or New Zealand and North America.

Fiji is an interesting blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences. For nearly 50 years, until the military coup of 1987 and the Indian emigration that followed it, the indigenous people of Fiji represented an ethnic minority in their own land.

Its mild tropical climate means that Fiji can be enjoyed all year round and it is a popular escape from the winters in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Perhaps the best time to go, however, is in the dry season or Fiji winter, from May to October. This time of year has cooler temperatures, less rainfall and humidity, and less risk of tropical cyclones.

Viti Levu is the main island with the international airport at Nadi. There are lots of large beach resorts here and the island has outstanding rainforest with plenty of interesting day tours to explore the region.

Fiji ranks in the top 10 scuba diving destinations in the world and the very best dive sites are located in the Northern Islands and Southern Islands. Both offer rich tropical rainforest and hiking trails with plenty of specialist dive resorts.

Discerning travellers will enjoy exploring the Lomaiviti Group off the east coast of Viti Levu whilst further east, extending towards Tonga, is the Lau Group, a collection of almost 100 remote islands with traditional culture and are rarely visited by tourists with limited accommodation.

The isolated Polynesian island of Rotuma in the far north of the group is without doubt the nicest of all the Figi Islands but lacks accommodation and is very expensive to get to.

A military coup took place in Fiji on Dec 5, 2006 and the army is now in control of the country. The situation is calm and generally safe but it could deteriorate. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, particularly in Suva and monitor the media for any further developments. Any large demonstrations or gatherings should be avoided.