Baggage Tags

As identification, and to enable our agents throughout the South Pacific to give immediate service, please affix the Islands In The Sun baggage tags to your suitcase.

Insurance

Ask your travel agent to arrange for Islands In The Sun insurance. It is also highly recommended that comprehensive insurance coverage be purchased prior to departure to protect your plans from trip cancellation fees and, when you travel, accident and medical expenses.

Money Exchange

We suggest that you cash travelers checks at banks instead of hotels, as you will generally get a better rate for your money. In the majority of international airports, banking facilities are available to service arriving and departing international passengers. It is preferable to reconvert any local currency you may have in your possession prior to departure from each country, as in certain cases, local currencies are not exchangeable outside their respective countries. Coins are never exchangeable, except in country of origin.

Credit Cards

Credit cards normally accepted in the South Pacific: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club.

Wash Cloths

Many hotels in the South Pacific do not provide wash cloths. It is a good idea to bring your own.

Medications

You should bring up to a 4-week supply of medications, and it is a good idea to carry with you a prescription for any medicines you may require. Take along an extra pair of prescription glasses (or a duplicate prescription). Check with your doctor for recommended inoculations for each country.

Packing Hints

Pack lightly. Dress is generally informal. As mentioned elsewhere, some of the more remote areas you may be traveling through have no or limited porter service, and you may have to carry your own bags. Never pack your passport, money or medicine in the suitcase(s) you check in as baggage. As you know, baggage occasionally goes astray.

Health Tips

While tap water is generally safe, we suggest using bottled water sold by all hotels. A good sun screen is essential (sun block is suggested for the first few days) to prevent burning. As in all tropical locales, the South Pacific has its share of mosquitoes; the hotels do their part to keep this problem to a minimum, but it is still wise to pack an insect repellent. Hospitals or medical clinics are available for emergencies on most islands. Medications, even aspirin, should be brought from home, as pharmacies are not always convenient to the hotels.

Early Flight Arrivals and Pre-registration

With many international flights arriving in the South Pacific in the very early morning hours and inter-island flights arriving early, it is suggested that you pre-register your hotel room for immediate occupancy where appropriate. If it is already included, this will be indicated in the "Included Features" as "includes pre-registration." In most hotels in the South Pacific, check-in time is 1 p.m. or later.

Late Flight Departures and Dayrooms

Some international flights depart from the South Pacific very late in the evening. Most hotel check-out times are around 11:00 a.m. You may want to consider pre-purchasing a late check-out. If already included, it will be indicated in the "Included Features" as "plus dayroom on last day" or "plus late check-out." Late check-out times vary by itinerary.

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for important information on Reservations and Deposits, Cancellations, Modifications, Refunds, Airfares and Tickets, Passports and Visas, Package Inclusions, Baggage Allowance, Travel Insurance, and Islands In The Sun Responsibilities.

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FAQ's

What's so special about the South Pacific?

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 with fascinating culture. The South Pacific is a magical place!

Why should I go to the South Pacific 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 the South Pacific is for you. As you laze on unspoiled beaches, sometimes you'll think you have the islands exclusively to yourself. As a benchmark: Hawaii gets more tourists in a day than Tahiti does in a year!

What if I plan to travel with a special interest group, club or large family?

Islands In The Sun has a dedicated Group Travel department to assist you. We will be happy to help plan your own customized group tour. See more information here: click Group Travel.

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!

I'm stressed out and need to relax - is the South Pacific 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 normal everyday life just seems to melt away in this magical environment.

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?

What about adventurous and off-the-beaten-track activities?

There are many possibilities, from 4WD tours, to liveaboard dive adventures, to bungy jumping, to guided walks and hiking...and the list goes on!

Is there a wide range of accommodations available?

Of course! Hotels in the South Pacific 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 traditional-style, thatched-roof bungalows. Speaking of bungalows, you may want to experience a night or two staying in an enchanting overwater bungalow - a type of accommodation unique to French Polynesia and the Cook Islands.

I'm looking for a true cultural experience - will I find it in the South Pacific?

Absolutely. The islanders express their culture in their dress, their music, their crafts and in the flowers with which they adorn themselves. It's not a "show" just for tourists.

Dressing up doesn't appeal to me - how "fancy" do you have to be in the evenings?

The South Pacific 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.

Great, it all sounds wonderful - but - are there any down sides?

Well, you have to go home - although some visiting the South Pacific have become so enamored, they've stayed there forever!

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