A week or so ago I casually mentioned that we’re taking a trip to the South Pacific this summer. I don’t know why I was so demure and oh yeah about it because to be honest I am super duper, peeing-down-both-legs excited. Fake Mormon Swear Word!
I may have mentioned we’re going to the island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Also, this is the first getaway the husband and I have taken together since becoming parents over 5 years ago! It’s time, my friends…it’s time. We’ve done quite a bit of research and are super excited about the Island, our resort and all the fun things to do there. The above photo is a place called Aitutaki and it’s a common day-trip from Rarotonga. We’re hoping to be able to go while we’re there (but it’s not cheap, so we’ll see!).
I have a friend from work who went to the cook islands last year w/her husband/daughter. I will ask her for some tips! she loved it.
Everything I know about the cook islands, I learned from Survivor. Super helpful, I know. 🙂 it sounds wonderful, though, and long overdue!
PS it was fun seeing you mentioned on Design Mom!
My family LOVES aitutaki. You should go if you can. There are so many things to do in the Cook Islands. Then again, just laying around is awesome. Have fun!
My husband and I went to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora last Spring. If you are contemplating visiting French Polynesia I am happy to give lots of tips of where to stay and what to do.
http://lisetteandcameron.blogspot.com/2011/05/moorea-small-island-with-big-heart.html
Wow, that is a gorgeous photo! I'm afraid I don't have any travel tips for you, but I know you will have such a great time!
As far as a destination I am dying to visit, I have just been really wishing I could go on an art retreat with other artsy/craftsy ladies, and that wish is finally coming true for me next week. : )
We went on a two wk trip to Kingdom of Tonga as our last hoorah before careers & kids. It was beyond incredible. We relied heavily on a Lonely Planet guide for the area. Very important cultural stuff to consider (i.e. Women keep shoulders covered, so I brought a couple scarves). The only bad part of the trip was the bugs. Major mosquitos & gnats. We were also surprised by (and thrilled with at the time) how isolated we were from the rest of the world. In Tonga, the king kept the people pretty cut off. We didnt see tv, newspaper, etc for two wks & only had one place with the internet. Plan ahead for that kinda thing. Oh I am so excited for you guys!!!!
Catching up on your blog…funny–Niki is my cousin and her dad is one of the people we went to Aitutaki with. Small world. (also, her son has a seizure disorder, as does she. Maybe a good sns…)
I emailed my uncle to see if he has any insider info. I'll let you know.
i had a mission companion from rarotonga! sounds incredible! when are you guys going? we're excited to hang out with you guys in just a few months 🙂
Curious as to the route you're taking to get there… Can one fly direct fromt he US to Raro, or does it involve a stopover in American Samoa, or a flight from Australia or New Zealand?
You'll have a fab time there – most of my cousins grew up there/live there now, and I've been… beautiful island!!
One thing I can reccomend (other than the snorkling of course!!!.. oh, and renting scouters and going around the island) is to go and stand on the sea wall of the road beneath the airport….. flights come in several times a day, and if you stand on that wall as they land (the runway is right behind you) they're so close you think you'll be able to touch them. Incredible experience being that close to a landing plane!!)
Exciting! I studied abroad in Tonga and New Zealand when I was at BYU and also went to French Polynesia. You will have an amazing trip! If you can go to church, it is one of my favorite parts of visiting Polynesia (aside from the amazing beaches!). Polynesians sing so well and I loved listening to them sing the hymns in incredible harmonies. Have a great trip!