Travel Tips

In this episode we talk about the Austral Islands with archaeologist Mark Eddowes, focusing on the most useful travel tips for visiting sacred sites and conservative outer-island communities respectfully. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because remote French Polynesia travel is smoother when you plan with specialists who understand island-to-island differences, cultural boundaries, and what to expect once you step ashore. Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 while sailing in the Australs, and the result is a practical etiquette guide wrapped inside a fascinating cultural history conversation.Mark begins by explaining his background as an archaeologist—originating in New Zealand with strong interest in Māori history and then specializing in Polynesian marae temples. A research collaboration brought him to Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley, where archaeology was required to document sites in an area affected by proposed modern development. This matters for travelers because it frames the reality: many sites are protected not only because they are old, but because they remain culturally significant and connected to ancestors. Visitors who treat these places as playgrounds or souvenir shops can do real harm, even if they don’t intend to.The most actionable travel tip in the entire episode is Mark’s explanation of taboo. In Polynesian languages, taboo means sacred, forbidden, set aside—places that should not be disturbed. Mark explains that marae temples are highly sacred sites, even though most communities are Christian today, because ancestors are associated with them and people remain respectful. His advice is simple and specific: take photographs, but do not climb on sites, do not touch or rearrange stones, and never take anything away. He also notes that certain places, such as royal cemeteries, should be observed from outside only. Mark then adds etiquette guidance that travelers often overlook when they move from Tahiti to outer islands. He describes the Australs as conservative and strongly Protestant—a “Bible belt” of Polynesia—where church life shapes community values. His practical advice is modest dress away from the beach: men should wear shorts rather than walking around in minimal swimwear, and women should throw on a pareo or wrap when leaving the beach. He emphasizes that topless sunbathing is not appropriate in these communities. Normand adds a useful comparison: Tahiti is more used to tourism and French influence, but the outer islands appreciate visitors who reciprocate respect rather than assuming norms are identical everywhere. Beyond etiquette, Mark explains why the Australs feel so “natural”: small populations, limited development, a subtropical climate, and daily life still oriented toward plantations and fishing. He discusses how the cash economy intersects with cultural arts, especially pandanus weaving—mats, hats, fans—and he notes a modern renaissance in wood carving as young men study museum motifs and revive historic designs.Mark also shares archaeological insights that help travelers understand what they’re seeing: the historical connection between the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands as a unified cultural and language zone, the unique female-ancestor tiki tradition in Raivavae, and how different islands show different settlement influences from the Marquesas and the Societies. He closes with memorable discovery stories—red volcanic tuff tiki, an ancestor figure reused in a house alignment, and turtle petroglyphs visible only in the right sunset light—reminding listeners that history is often revealed through careful observation and patience. If you want help turning these tips into a real Austral Islands trip, Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the right sailing and extensions so you arrive prepared, respectful, and ready to learn.

In this episode, we talk about practical Guadalcanal travel tips for visiting the Solomon Islands—what to prioritize, how to pace the island, and how to blend culture, nature, and history in a single trip. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what makes Guadalcanal unique and how travelers can experience it beyond surface-level sightseeing.One of the first planning insights is cultural diversity within the island itself. The guest explains that multiple languages exist on Guadalcanal and that traditions differ between regions—so travelers should expect real variation in daily life and cultural expression as they move around. A practical tip that follows from this: don’t stay only in one bubble. Even small day trips that take you into a different area can reveal different ways of living, speaking, and practicing culture, and those contrasts can become the most memorable part of the trip.To experience culture respectfully, the guest recommends village visits. Some villages are open to visitors and offer opportunities to see traditional crafts, learn about food preparation, and understand how people live and grow food. Sustainability is described as part of village life, which can be especially interesting for travelers who care about how island communities maintain their routines and resources. A simple tip is to plan at least one cultural village experience early in the trip; it can shape how you interpret the rest of what you see—especially history and landscapes.For nature planning, the episode highlights Tenaru Waterfall as a major must-see attraction, described as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands. A good practical approach is to treat Tenaru as a “signature day” and build around it—pairing it with easier coastal time before or after. The guest also mentions coastal options like beaches for swimming and relaxing, plus ocean activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Inland, travelers can look at mountain adventure options like hiking and visiting caves, including a cave area described as having thousands of bats and striking scenery with a waterfall nearby. The travel tip here is pacing: mix one adventurous inland day with one easy coastal day so the trip stays enjoyable and not exhausting.History is the third pillar, and Guadalcanal’s WWII significance is addressed clearly. The guest describes Guadalcanal as a major battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic areas around Honiara and beyond. The conversation references sites associated with the Mount Austen area, memorial locations near central Honiara, and areas near the airport region, as well as additional places outside the city where war relics remain visible. A practical recommendation is to decide how deep you want to go—quick context stops versus in-depth touring—then build the rest of the itinerary around your preferred intensity.If you want Guadalcanal to feel both meaningful and manageable, the simplest plan is a three-part mix: one village culture day, one signature nature day (Tenaru Waterfall), and one thoughtfully paced history day around Honiara. When you’re ready to map it all out with the right pacing and logistics, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to design a Guadalcanal itinerary that matches your travel style.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for Aranui 5 shore excursions with Lehi, including what’s included at each port, what optional experiences you can add, and how to make remote-island days feel smooth rather than stressful. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best resources if you want help choosing the right sailing and setting expectations for activity level, logistics, and pacing. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard, and Lehi—an Aranui guide for 14 years—offers exactly the kind of grounded advice travelers wish they had before the first tender ride.The first tip is structural: understand that Aranui includes excursions at every port. That means your baseline experience is already planned, coordinated, and meaningful, which matters because remote islands don’t operate like cruise terminals with endless buses waiting in rows. You’ll still have choices, but you’re not starting from scratch each day. The second tip is mindset: the more you try to force a big-city pace onto small islands, the more stress you create. Lehi explains that some guests rush to go outside, stand in the sun, and then feel overwhelmed when vehicles aren’t instantly visible. His implied advice is simple and powerful—stay cool, stay comfortable, and let the logistics unfold. Your day will instantly improve.Lehi walks through a classic example on Nuku Hiva, often a full-day safari-style outing from morning into late afternoon. Guests travel in local jeeps and four-wheel drives, visit key sites like a cathedral and archaeological areas, and share lunch ashore with island hosts who welcome everyone with music and dance. A subtle travel tip embedded in Normand’s comments is to appreciate the flow: sometimes the ship repositions while guests are on the island, so your excursion may not be “out and back.” Embrace that as part of the journey. It’s one reason Aranui feels like real travel rather than a series of short stops.Food planning is another practical topic that comes up naturally. Meals ashore can be cooked differently than onboard, sometimes using traditional methods, and that difference is part of the cultural experience. At the same time, Lehi explains that special diets can be supported by preparing meals onboard and bringing them ashore so travelers can still participate fully. The tip here is to communicate needs early and plan with specialists who know how Aranui works, so you’re not trying to solve it at the last minute in a remote village.When it comes to optional excursions, the episode provides a helpful framework: add-ons often make the most sense in lagoon-centric areas. Lehi mentions Rangiroa options such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat style experiences as examples of excursions that are available but not included. In Bora Bora, optional aquatic activities may be offered, and Lehi highlights the included motu picnic as a signature moment that many guests look forward to, especially as the voyage nears its end. A simple tip here is to decide what you want most—wildlife, lagoon time, culture, hiking, or photography—then choose optional upgrades that support that priority rather than saying yes to everything.For hikers, Lehi describes the Fatu Hiva crossing from Omoa to Hanavave—about 15 km for those who want the full challenge and the panoramic reward. He also explains smart alternatives, including a four-wheel-drive option or sailing around to meet the ship on the other side. The tip is to choose intensity honestly. You don’t need to prove anything to enjoy the destination, and groups can still share the same day even if individuals choose different routes. If you want help mapping your priorities to the right sailing and excursion mix, Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the trip so you know what you’re signing up for—and love it.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for the Solomon Islands—especially Guadalcanal—so first-time visitors know what to prioritize and how to plan a trip that feels smooth and meaningful. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews Sunila from Guadalcanal Travel Solomons about top tours, cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and the best general timing for travel.We start with what many travelers come for: World War II history. Sunila explains that Guadalcanal tours and battlefield-related stops near Honiara are among the most popular, and she describes the kinds of relics and historic points visitors can expect. From there, we talk about how to round out the itinerary with cultural experiences—performances and ceremonial touring—and why it’s worth learning a little about regional traditions before you arrive. Sunila shares details about traditional attire and shell money practices that still exist in certain provinces, highlighting how customs vary across the country.Next, we get into nature-based tips. If you want to add a strong outdoor day, Sunila recommends waterfall trekking and calls out Tenaru Falls as a bucket-list trek near Honiara. We also discuss timing and weather, including why travelers often prefer the drier stretch of the year for touring and trekking, and what the rainy and cyclone season can mean for comfort and activity planning.Finally, Sunila shares a less-obvious experience that can become a trip highlight: a full-day volcanic tour on Savo Island, reached by boat from Honiara, with the possibility of dolphin encounters on the water. If you’re building your first Solomon Islands itinerary, this episode provides clear priorities: history, culture, and one or two nature days that match your pace. When you’re ready to plan, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to shape the right route and day-by-day flow.

In this episode, we talk about practical planning considerations for freighter cruising in French Polynesia—using Aranui 5 and the upcoming Aranoa ship as the lens. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are highlighted early because small-ship itineraries to remote islands often require thoughtful logistics: air connections, pre/post nights, pacing, and realistic expectations about sea conditions and schedule flexibility.Normand Schafer speaks with Leo Colin from Aranui Cruises about what travelers should understand before they commit to this style of voyage. First, this is not a typical cruise. The combined passenger-and-cargo model is central. Cargo operations are part of the day, and that’s one reason the experience feels so authentic. If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys learning how islands function—what supplies arrive, how freight is handled, why schedules can shift—this can be the perfect fit. But it also means you should plan with a mindset that welcomes real-world variables rather than expecting a perfectly scripted resort timetable.Leo shares key operational realities that translate directly into traveler tips. One is comfort at sea: different island groups can mean different swell patterns. Leo explains that the Australs can see significant southern swells, and he describes stabilizers planned for Aranoa to reduce rolling—useful information for travelers who are motion-sensitive or simply want to set expectations. Another is anchoring versus dynamic positioning. Aranui 5 often anchors when ports lack piers. Aranoa is planned to have dynamic positioning capability, which can keep the ship steady without anchoring in some situations, potentially reducing seabed impact. For travelers, this is a reminder that “how you arrive” can matter as much as “where you arrive.”We also talk about flexibility and safety planning—something every traveler should build into expectations for remote itineraries. Leo shares an example of leaving a bay during a tsunami alert and waiting at sea until authorities cleared conditions. It’s a valuable reminder: even with the best itinerary, safety directives and ocean conditions come first. Another story involves diesel deliveries needed for both transport and electricity generation, showing how cargo on these routes can be urgent and essential, not just routine freight.Finally, Leo gives a behind-the-scenes view of shipbuilding and why details matter long before passengers board—validating systems, reviewing drawings, and catching small issues early so they don’t become big inconveniences later. For travelers, it’s a useful perspective on why “new ship” timelines can involve many steps and why early expectations should remain flexible until the ship is fully delivered and operating.If you’re considering Aranui 5 now or watching Aranoa for the future, this episode gives planning clarity without overpromising. When you’re ready to choose the right sailing, add the best extensions, and line up the logistics cleanly, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan and book the trip with confidence.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for anyone considering Aranui 5 (or the future Aranoa): what you’re actually signing up for when you book a “deluxe freighter” voyage—and how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com can help you choose sailings and trip structure that match your style. Normand interviews Charles, a second captain on the Aranui freighter cruise, and the conversation delivers a set of realistic, experience-based insights that can dramatically improve your trip—not by adding complexity, but by aligning your expectations with how remote-island logistics really work.First, the biggest “travel tip” is understanding the ship’s identity. Charles explains that Aranui isn’t purely a cruise ship and isn’t purely a cargo ship. Normand notes it carries about 250 passengers, while also delivering freight to islands where those goods matter. That means your voyage includes moments you won’t get on a standard cruise: watching deliveries, seeing locals interact with the ship, and observing how exports move out. The tip here is to lean into that reality. If you approach Aranui expecting only resort-style cruising, you might miss the best part. If you approach it as a living route that happens to welcome passengers, the trip becomes much richer.Next, tips around timing and flexibility. Charles describes deliveries that don’t always happen at a pier. The ship may anchor and use cranes to load barges, which take freight to shore. Normand shares an example of watching a car transfer in swell, emphasizing how ocean motion can add complexity. The practical travel advice is simple: expect that swell and tide can influence how operations unfold. You’re watching real maritime work, and real conditions matter. The best travelers on these voyages are those who keep a little flexibility in their emotional schedule—because when you’re in the middle of the South Pacific, the ocean is part of the plan.Another tip is appreciating self-sufficiency. Charles contrasts Aranui with large commercial cargo ships that often rely on major port infrastructure like pilots, tugs, and shore cranes. He describes Aranui operating with onboard equipment—cranes, forklifts—and handling tricky maneuvers without outside help. For travelers, this is a reminder that the experience can feel more rugged and real in some moments, even though passenger life remains comfortable. That contrast is the point, and it’s part of what makes the voyage memorable.Charles also discusses what moves back from the islands, which leads to another practical travel insight: what you see onboard is tied to island economics and supply chains. Fruit exports from the Marquesas—lemons and large citrus (pamplemousse)—are mentioned, and Normand connects that to broader distribution, including mentions of Rangiroa and Bora Bora, with refrigerated containers used for perishables. If you’re someone who loves understanding a destination, paying attention to what’s being moved tells you a lot about what grows where, what’s scarce, and how island communities support each other.Finally, a tip about planning: because Aranui is a hybrid passenger-and-cargo operation, you’ll get the best experience when the overall trip flow is designed intelligently—sailing date choice, cabin match, and smart pre/post time. That’s where Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com become part of your strategy: you’re not just booking a cabin; you’re building a trip that lets you enjoy the voyage’s authenticity without feeling rushed or uncertain.If you want a voyage where the “behind the scenes” is part of the experience, Episode 2 is your reality check—in the best way. Plan for flexibility, bring curiosity, and let the working nature of the ship become part of your travel story.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips you can actually use before an Aranui 5 or Aranoa voyage—straight from someone who guides these trips in real time. For expert help choosing the right sailing and building a smooth plan around it, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews Spencer Hata Utuya, an onboard guide on Aranui 5, to learn what happens behind the scenes, what changes at the last minute, and how travelers can prepare mentally and practically for remote-island cruising.Spencer’s background is a helpful reminder that “expert” often comes from effort, not from a perfect starting point. He studied business management and marketing and didn’t expect to work in tourism. After returning home, he applied for other roles and was rejected due to lack of experience, then found the guide position onboard Aranui 5 and started in September 2022. By late 2025, he had built his expertise through nightly study, repetition, and the lived reality of guiding guests through island visits where the plan may shift quickly.One major travel tip from the episode is about expectations: remote-island itineraries require flexibility. Spencer explains that the next voyage’s program begins being prepared during the current sailing—often a few days before the end—when the team drafts the daily layout, excursion structure, and connections. But the key detail is that they leave room for adjustments because changes may come from local organizations, contractors, tourism offices, or community events. His phrase is memorable: plans are “in pencil,” not “set in stone,” and even the night before arrival something can change. For travelers, the tip is simple: treat the program as a strong guide, not a rigid guarantee, and you’ll enjoy the trip more.Another travel tip is understanding what guides do when the unexpected happens. Spencer shares a Marquesas example where a planned dance performance didn’t occur due to a family matter affecting the performers. He describes how guides must explain what happened respectfully and manage guest mood while keeping the experience meaningful. He then shares an Australs example: a bus ran out of gas, a replacement required keys retrieved from home, and guests waited. In that moment, guides keep the group engaged—walking around, pointing out the landscape, and sharing island context without inventing information. For travelers, this is a reminder that your best “tour” may happen when the official tour pauses; a great guide can turn downtime into a cultural moment.Contracting and budgets are negotiated at higher levels, with set budgets per island. Associations and partners may change depending on cost and availability. He notes that religious schedules can affect who works on which days, meaning the ship may partner with different local groups across different voyages. The travel tip here is to approach each island day with curiosity rather than comparison: even if you’ve sailed before, the hosting community group or schedule may be different—and that’s part of the richness.For practical packing tips, Spencer suggests items that protect comfort and reduce stress: good shoes for hikes and safari-style outings, water shoes for coral areas, mosquito repellent, and a raincoat because rain can happen even when you came for sun. He also shares a mindset tip that matters just as much: arrive open and set aside preconceived judgments. Polynesian hospitality is warm and sometimes physically friendly (like a shoulder touch), and understanding that cultural norm helps visitors feel at ease.If you’re considering Aranui 5 or Aranoa, the best preparation is a mix of logistics and mindset: pack for changing conditions, expect occasional last-minute adjustments, and lean into the fact that this voyage is closely connected to real communities. When you want help selecting the right sailing, cabins, and pre/post trip flow, connect https://farandawayadventures.com.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for choosing where to stay in Moorea, with a deep dive into Niu Beach Hotel. Sylvia Martino explains who this property is best suited for, what travelers should expect from a boutique hotel, and how its west-coast location affects lagoon conditions and overall experience.We discuss kitchens versus restaurants, quiet locations versus central hubs, and how travelers can decide if a boutique stay is right for their trip. This episode is perfect for travelers in the planning stage who want clarity before booking.

In this episode, we talk about practical, real-world snorkeling and lagoon tips—straight from an on-the-water operator in Moorea. Normand interviews Nico from Moorea Water Games at the Sofitel nautical center, and if you want help planning your trip with the right islands and the right activities booked in the right order, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com. This episode is less about hype and more about what actually makes a snorkeling day safer, easier, and better for the reef.The first travel tip is about location and expectations. Normand sets the scene with Moorea’s famous lagoon colors—electric blue, turquoise shallows, and coral zones that can feel like an aquarium. Nico explains that their nautical center is based inside the Sofitel resort and faces a lagoon area they consider one of the island’s top snorkeling spots. Even within one island, “best snorkeling” can depend on clarity, coral health, crowding, and current. This conversation points to a smart approach: pick operators who talk about the spot honestly and build their tour around the conditions, not around a script.The second tip is about accessibility and fatigue. Nico explains the sea scooter (their tour is called Scooter Jet) as an underwater e-bike: it helps guests move without constant fin-kicking. That matters for beginners, nervous swimmers, and anyone who wants to conserve energy and spend more time looking at fish and coral. Normand echoes this from experience, noting that the sea scooter can help mixed-ability groups stay together without turning snorkeling into a workout. If you’ve ever avoided snorkeling because you worried you’d be too tired or you’d slow the group down, this is a useful alternative to know about.The third tip is about gear that reduces friction. Nico mentions full-face masks as an option that can make snorkeling feel easier for some guests. While no single piece of gear is perfect for everyone, the broader lesson is: choose tours that adapt to guest ability. A good operator helps you find the setup that keeps you calm, comfortable, and safe—especially if it’s your first time in the ocean or you’re traveling with family members who need reassurance.The fourth tip is about reef protection as a practical behavior, not just a slogan. Nico explains that the lagoon area is described as a marine reserve and includes rules like no anchoring to protect coral. He also describes how local authorities limit boats and activities, and how their team gives a briefing before every tour that covers both safety and coral etiquette. The advice is clear: never stand on coral, avoid fin contact in shallow zones, and follow the guide—because the guide knows where the reef is most fragile and where guests can move safely.The fifth tip is about choosing the right tour format. Nico emphasizes small group tours, and Normand confirms what many travelers discover the hard way: the water feels completely different when you’re not surrounded by a crowd. Small groups reduce stress, improve visibility, and let guides actually watch guests and coach technique when needed. If you’re comparing tours, ask yourself: will I feel comfortable with the group size, the pace, and the guide-to-guest attention?Finally, the episode gives travelers a realistic picture of what you might see: reef fish, friendly stingrays, and the possibility of turtles at a cleaning station—Nico’s “turtle spa.” They also mention how different sites can feel warmer or cooler depending on depth and current, which is a helpful comfort tip when deciding on wetsuits or layers.If you want snorkeling and lagoon time to be the highlight of your Moorea trip—not the stressful part—this episode offers a checklist you can actually use. And when you want expert help building a Tahiti itinerary that matches your pace and priorities, connect through Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

In this episode we talk with the team at Breakas Beach Resort to share everything you should know before checking in. Host Normand Schafer discusses best times to travel, how to get there from Port Vila, what to pack (hint: leave the heels behind), and tips for making the most of your stay — whether it’s for romance, retreat, or rest.

In this episode we talk with Bountiful Tours and Transfers about how to get the most out of your time in Vanuatu. Host Normand Schafer covers practical tips — how to plan your route, what to wear, which experiences to book ahead, and how transfers and tours can be bundled for cruise and resort travelers alike. If you’re preparing for Vanuatu, this episode is your pre-trip briefing.

In this episode we talk with Authentic Mala Tours about everything you need to know before visiting Mele Village. Host Normand Schafer covers what to wear, what to bring, and how to respectfully engage with local customs. Whether you’re traveling solo, in a group, or with kids, this episode helps you make the most of your cultural immersion.

In this episode we talk with the American Samoa Tourism Office to help you plan your ideal trip to this stunning destination. Host Normand Schafer breaks down essential travel tips — the best time to visit, must-see attractions, local food recommendations, and what to pack. With this expert advice, you’ll be ready to embrace everything that American Samoa has to offer.

In this episode we talk with Air Niugini about everything travelers need to know before flying into and around Papua New Guinea. Host Normand Schafer asks about luggage policies, booking procedures, regional airport tips, and the best times to travel. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or first-timer to PNG, this episode is full of insider advice.

In this episode we talk with the team at Agnes Gateway Hotel to give travelers all the practical information they need for their Solomon Islands journey. Host Normand Schafer covers how to get there, what amenities to expect, when to visit, and how to plan tours to surrounding islands and dive sites. It’s everything you need to know before you go.

In this episode we talk about how to plan the perfect trip to the Cook Islands. Host Normand Schafer gets insider advice from Daniel at Cook Islands Tourism on the best times to visit (May through October), how to get between islands, and how to experience culture like a local. From flight logistics to can’t-miss experiences such as the Progressive Dinner, this episode is filled with practical tips for a smooth and unforgettable Cook Islands getaway.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for Tanna Island, Vanuatu—how to plan volcano time at Mount Yasur, how to think about tides for snorkeling, and how White Grass Ocean Resort makes reef adventures easy with an on-site PADI Eco Dive Center. For expert help turning tips into a real itinerary, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com and connect with a specialist.Normand Schafer and Lindle from White Grass Ocean Resort share an on-the-ground look at what travelers actually need to know to get the most out of Tanna. The episode starts with the big-picture context—why Tanna is considered a “bucket list” destination in the remote South Pacific—and then quickly turns into trip-shaping details that can make your experience smoother and more memorable. Cultural richness is part of the appeal, and the conversation underscores that Tanna’s village life and traditions are a key reason travelers leave feeling changed by the destination.One of the most useful sections focuses on Mount Yasur planning. Lindle describes the excursion as more than a single viewpoint: a drive through jungle highlands and onto ash plains, then a short walk up to the rim. Normand shares why the nighttime experience is so memorable, helping listeners understand how timing can influence the emotional impact of the visit. The takeaway for travelers is simple: plan your volcano experience as a centerpiece day and be ready for cooler evenings compared to the beach, so you can stay comfortable while still enjoying the moment.On the ocean side, the episode offers tips that matter whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or traveling with mixed comfort levels. White Grass Ocean Resort’s on-site PADI Eco Dive Center (Volcano Island Divers) and the resort jetty create very convenient access to the outer reef. Divers can move from resort to reef efficiently, while snorkelers can choose between stronger-swimmer options on the reef wall and easier, family-friendly blue holes within walking distance. Lindle explains that tides and surges can affect conditions, and that calmer periods can deliver a smoother surface with the most vivid colors when the sun is overhead. Those details can be the difference between a good swim and a truly mind-blowing one.Another tip-heavy highlight is the Blue Cave excursion. Lindle explains why mid-day light is often the goal, when sunbeams stream through an opening and create cathedral-like illumination. Photography comes up in a realistic way: bringing underwater gear if you have it, or using simple phone protection options if you don’t. The point isn’t to over-gear your trip—it’s to know when the light is best so you can capture what you came for without stress.Sustainability guidance is also framed as a travel tip, not a lecture. Lindle explains how eco recognition translates into coral-safe behavior, respectful wildlife interaction, and a stewardship mindset that keeps reef environments vibrant. The episode mentions community events like World Ocean Day cleanups with local students and the importance of keeping the reef healthy for future generations. There’s also a discussion of training local staff through dive certifications, underscoring that responsible tourism can support meaningful local opportunities.Finally, timing and seasonality are covered in a practical way. April through October is described as generally drier with cooler evenings, but Tanna is still presented as a year-round destination with warm days and tropical weather that doesn’t keep you wet for long. If you’re building a trip and want help choosing the right dates, matching excursions to comfort levels, and designing a balanced itinerary, start at https://farandawayadventures.com. Far and Away Adventures can help you plan Tanna with the right pacing—big adventure days, easy resort days, and an experience you’ll talk about for years.

In this episode we talk with Adventures in Paradise about the best ways to explore Vanuatu — whether you’re visiting for a day or staying a week. Host Normand Schafer asks about the top tours, ideal packing lists, cruise vs. land-based tips, and cultural etiquette. Get practical insights for travelers looking to make the most of their Vanuatu trip.

In this episode we talk about how to make the most of your visit to the Cook Islands. Host Normand Schafer gets expert insights from Timu at Cook Islands Tours, including the best times to travel (May–October), how to connect with local hosts, and what excursions truly reveal the island’s spirit. From cultural dinners to reef-side adventures, this episode offers practical advice for travelers who want a meaningful island escape.

In this episode we talk with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji about what travelers need to know before booking. Host Normand Schafer gets the scoop at SPTE — from the types of cabins and excursions offered to advice on what to pack, when to go, and how to choose between 3-, 4-, or 7-night itineraries. Get practical guidance to decide if this travel style fits your ideal Fiji vacation.