Weather: The climate in Phuket is tropical with consistent average temperatures. Highs average highs of 29-33C (84-91F) and lows of 23-26C (73-79F). Rainy season is May-October and dry season runs November-April.

Cost and Budgeting in Phuket
Phuket is more expensive than most of the rest of Thailand, with the island covered with expensive resorts, hotels, and restaurants. While it is still possible for a backpacker to visit Phuket, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make it on a shoestring budget. One can get by on $30-$35/day, but street food, limited activities, and less than favorable accommodations will be the norm. It is more realistic to set aside at least $50/day for Phuket, more if you plan on eating on out or enjoying the activities that Phuket has to offer.

Phuket History
Phuket was a major point of interest for traders along the India-China trade route in the 17th century. Tin and rubber were the main source of trade for the people of Phuket. Indian, Chinese, Arab, Malay, and Portuguese traders exchanged goods for tin and rubber, and in the 1680’s, the Dutch, English, and French competed with each other for Phuket’s rich source of tin. The French gained control of Phuket for several years before being overthrown and expelled from the island following the Siam Revolution of 1688. In 1785, the Burmese attacked Phuket but were fought off, with the island becoming the center of the tin producing southern provinces of Thailand. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami destroyed much of the western coast of Phuket, killing 250 Thai people and tourists, with at least 1000 illegal Burmese workers also perishing. Almost all of the major west coast beaches suffered extensive damage, but the majority were back up and running a few months later.

Phuket Culture
Phuket’s residents consist of a variety of religious and cultural groups, ranging from Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese, and sea-gyspies. The majority of the rural population are Muslim and speak a unique dialect that is even difficult for other Thais to understand. The economic boom from the tourism industry has many of Phuket’s residents living quite well, comparable to those in Bangkok.

Things to see and do in Phuket
Ao Band Thao: home to mega resorts and a picturesque 8km long crescent shaped, white sand beach
Hat Kamala: one of the prettiest beaches and hardest hit by the tsunami. There are newer resorts on Kamala that can provide a good deal
Patong: the largest resort beach that is most popular and most crowded. If you’re looking for nightlife, look no further than Patong, sometimes described as next Pattaya. Take that for what it’s worth.
Hat Nai Thon/Hat Nai Yang: quiet and secluded on the northwestern coast of the island in Sirinat National Park. Lost of space and quiet, especially during the week.
Hat Surin and Pansea Beach: described as “the next big thing” in Phuket. Some top end resorts mixed in with other, more affordable options. Getting more and more crowded.
Kata Beach: busy, clean, beach with lots of tourists. Good for surfing and nightlife. If you want to sleep, stay at nearby Karon beach, just a short cab ride from Kata.
Karon: second most developed beach behind Patong. Developing rapidly, but still has a sense of isolation. Not far from Kata Beach, which has more of a nightlife.
Nai Ham: one of the least crowded and least developed beaches that is located on the southern end of the island.

Kalim Beach: Small beaches just north of Patong

You can also take part in many other activities on any of Phuket’s beaches. Surfing, swimming, sailing and yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing are just a sampling of the activities available to tourists visiting Phuket. Rent kayaks on any of Phuket’s main beaches and paddle out to sea. If you want to get out for some exercise, get away from the beaches for a while to experience day hikes to several waterfalls located on the island. If you want to vary your activities, you can always check out the Phuket Aquariam in Cape Panawa, FantaSea, also known as the Disney Land of Southeast Asia, the butterfly farm, and the Chalong Temple.

Phuket Geography
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the south in the Andaman Sea. 70% of the island is covered in mountains. The highest elevation is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes) at 529 meters. The total area of the island is 570 square km. and it lies 862km (536mi.) south of Bangkok. Phuket is 48km. (30mi.) long and 21km. (13mi.) wide, and has many islands that lie to the southeast. Several coral islands lie to the south, with the Simian Islands to the northwest and Phi Phi to the southeast.

Quick Facts
Capital: Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Population: 2,098,593
Size: 7447 square km
Power Outlets: 220V, 50Hz
Official Languages: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT +1
Calling Code: +34

Weather: The Canary Islands are said to have a year round Spring like feel, making them popular destinations year round, even when it’s a little chillier in the winter months of December to March. The mean temperatures in the winter is 18C (64F) and in the summer is 24C (75F). Summer temperatures can reach up to the mid 30s C.

Cost and Budgeting in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are cheaper than most other western European destinations. Accommodations can be found for much less as well, along with food, car rental, and taxi services. Flying between islands can add quite a bit to your budget though. If you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat out for all meals, including one nice meal per day, while also hiring a car, expect to spend around 100Euros/person.

History of the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have a long history. The settlement of the islands is unclear, but historians do know that Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians all visited the islands over 2000 years ago. Arabs used the islands in the Middle Ages, and in 1402, Castilian conquest began. They cultivated sugar cane and wine, making the Canary Islands a very wealthy resource. This wealth meant they were attacked often. The 19th century saw a recession and a lot of emigration to the new world. In the early 20th century, the archipelago was split into two provinces, and hostility remains even to this day. At the beginning of the Spanish revolution, Francisco Franco was appointed General Commandment of the Canaries. After the democratic constitutional monarchy was established, autonomy was granted to the Canaries in 1982.

Culture of the Canary Islands
The majority of the population of the Canary Islands is made up of Spanish immigrants. Many have been there for a very long time, and many are new immigrants. Out of the 2.1 million people who live in the Canaries, 1.5 are native. There are about 180,000 people from the Spanish mainland, while other Europeans, both North and South Americans, and Africans make up the rest of the population. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic, but you will also find a small sampling of Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, and Mormons on the islands.

Things to See and Do in the Canary Islands
Any string of islands is going to have wonderful beaches, where the variety of activities is endless. The seven islands of the Canaries are no different, with the island of Tenerife being most popular, followed by Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Tenerife is the most populous island and has the largest cities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and San Critobal de La Laguna (also a World Heritage Site). Lanzarote has the best nightlife scene.
Diving/Snorkeling: Scuba diving and underwater photography has become increasingly popular as of late. There are approximately 400 different marine species in the warm waters surrounding the islands. Even in shallow waters scuba divers, snorkelers, and swimmers can enjoy a huge variety of shapes, colors and sizes. The most popular dive sites and snorkeling locations are located in the Arinaga Marine Reserve on the east coast of Gran Canaria.
National Parks: The thing that makes the Canary Islands unique are its four national parks, two of which have been declared Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The Caldera de Traburiente National Park: Located on the island of La Palma, it has an observatory close to the summit of the mountain, complete with telescopes to take advantage of the notoriously clear skies around the islands.
Garajonay National Park: Also a World Heritage Site, it is located on the island of La Gomera. The park is popular for its massive and unique rock formations and subtropical forests.
Timanfaya National Park: Located in Lanzarote, it is made up entirely of volcanic soil. Tourists come to see geysers and other volcanic attractions. The park is very delicate, and access is strictly regulated to protect the flora and fauna.
Teide National Park and World Heritage Site: Located in Tenerife, it is the most popular tourist destination in all of the Canary Islands. The park is centered around Mouth Teide and has telescopes midway up the mountain. Teide draws nearly 3 million travelers annually and is second only to Mount Fuji in Japan for tourists visiting lava landscapes.

Geography
The Canary Islands are split into two groups. The western group of islands has mountain peaks rising from the ocean floor. All western islands rise over 1200 meters (4000 ft.), with Mount Teide marking the highest point at 3700 meters (12,200 feet). The eastern group surmounts a single submarine plateau. The entire string of islands was formed by volcanic eruptions.

Quick Facts
Capital: Porta Villa
Population: 243,304
Size: 12,189 square km.
Power Outlets: 220-240V
Official Languages: Bislama, English, French
Currency: Vanuatu Vatu
Time Zone: UTC +11
Calling Code: +678

Weather: The climate in Vanuatu is sub-tropical with hot, rainy weather and the possibility of cyclones from December through April. June through November has cooler, drier weather, with temperature ranges from 68 °F (20 °C) to 90 °F (32 °C). Vanuatu sees significant rainfall during almost every month.

Cost and Budgeting
For this island, $30-$40/day is doable in Vanuatu for basic accommodations and local meals. Flights between islands are going to explode your budget, and if you’re going to Vanuatu for the diving, plan to spend quite a bit more. The diving is some of the best in the world, so it’s going to cost you.

Vanuatu History
Archaeologists place Vanuatu’s first inhabitants at close to 4000 years ago. In 1774, Captain Cook landed on Vanuatu and named the islands the New Hebrides, which is what Vanuatu was called until it gained its independence in 1980. Catholic and Protestant missionaries arrived on the islands in the 19th century along with settlers who came looking for land for cotton plantations. These settlers eventually switched to coffee, cocoa, bananas, and coconuts. Both British and French settled on New Hebrides, but the French double the British in number by the early 1900’s.

France and England agreed to govern the islands together in 1906, with separate systems only working together in a joint court. People started to challenge this government in the early 1940s, mainly due to American influence as they arrived during WWII. The New Hebrides National Party was the first political party developed in New Hebrides in the early 1970s. Father Walter Lini was the founder and eventually became Prime Minister. The New Hebrides pushed for independence, ultimately receiving it in 1980 during the Coconut War. After, the Republic of Vanuatu was created.

Vanuatu Culture
A big part of the culture in Vanuatu has young men participating in different coming-of-age ceremonies and rituals that serves as an initiation into manhood. Most villages have a meeting place for men to drink kava, a traditional and potent South Pacific Island drink. Music plays a big part in Vanuatu’s culture, particularly in rural areas. Drums of various sizes and shapes, gongs, rattles, guitars, and ukulele’s are all important instruments in popular Vanuatu music. Christianity is the main religion in Vanuatu, with many sectors being practiced. There are also many cults still practicing on the islands, particularly in rural areas.

Things to See and Do in Vanuatu:

• Diving/Snorkeling: The Adventure Capital, Espirito Santo is a diver’s mecca that offers spectacular dive sites amongst many other activities. Trek through the jungle to tiny villages, swing from rope swings into picturesque lagoons, or check out the wreck of the USS Coolidge. Espirito Santo also has the country’s four highest peaks.
• Tanna: If volcanoes are your thing, then Tanna is the place to visit in Vanuatu. Visit the world’s most accessible volcano, Mount Yasur, and witness one of the world’s greatest natural phenomenon’s. Tanna also has some superb diving and snorkeling sites, along with trekking, horseback riding, coffee plantations, waterfalls, hot springs, and the world’s largest living organism, a giant banyan tree. Travelers can also hike the coast of Tanna and observe Sharks Bay.
• Epi: A small island near Efate, Epi offers whale and dolphin watching amongst a variety of watersports. This is also the place if you want to try the local drink, kava.
• Port Vila: Vanuatu’s main tourist destination, is the capital and is on the island of Efate. It provides great restaurants and great accommodations where you can sleep directly over the water on its many lagoons.
• Ambae: Visit the cloud forest in Ambae and hike to and swim in the many of the colorful crater lakes.

Vanuatu Geography
Vanuatu is an island archipelago which has about 82 small islands, all of volcanic origin. About 65 of the islands are inhabited. There is about 800 miles (1,300 km) distance (north to south) between the outermost islands. Vanuatu’s highest point is Mount Tabwemasana, at 1,879 meters (6,165 ft), and is located on the island of Espiritu Santo. The total area of Vanuatu is about 12,274 square kilometers (4,739 sq mi). Most of the islands are very steep and contain unstable soils and very little permanent freshwater. Volcanic activity is quite common on the islands, and there is always the danger of a major eruption.

Weather: March to June are the summer months in Boracay, temperatures range from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is between July and October and November to February has pleasant winds, cool nights, and occasional rain showers.

Cost and Budgeting for Boracay
Boracay is a very cheap island and you can get by on a budget of about $20 USD per day.

Boracay History
Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn’t till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s. Over the last decade, the island has become a spot for package tourists and Boracay has been developed into what it is today.

Things to See and Do in Boracay
White Beach- This is what most people are here for. Not only is it a lovely stretch of powdery white sand, it’s also the commercial center of the island. There is lots of room to on the beach. You can rent a reclining chair from one of the vendors who are happy to keep you filled with food and drinks.
Puka Beach- On the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is what most people expect of a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and emptiness. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry. The sand is more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter.
Baling Hai Beach- This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach and you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.
The Bat Cave- The Bat Cave is home to many giant fruit bats and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee. To get there, you go on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won’t see them.
Hire a Motorbike- Hire a motorbike to explore the other side of the island for better snorkeling and fewer people. If you hire them for a few days, you will get a discount.
Take a Boat Tour- Take a boat around the island for only a couple of hundred pesos for the afternoon. Lunch is usually included.
Ride a Horse – Get off the beaten path and experience native villages and scenery. All levels of experience are catered to.
Scuba diving- For those interested in diving, there are approximately 20 Dive Centers along White Sands beach. Cost is typically $33 per dive which includes hire of all equipment. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10-15 minutes speed boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from ‘Angol Point’ (10m), through ‘Crocodile Island’ (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to ‘Yapak’- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents. If you can’t dive, you can always go snorkeling!
Kiteboarding- Boracay’s Bulabog beach is known as the best kitesurf destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to March with onshore winds varying between 18-30 knots.
Massage/Spa- Get pampered at the resort spas or get a massage by one of the many people offering them on the beach.

Boracay Geography
Boracay Island is located in the Western Visayas island-group of the Philippines. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide, and has a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers. Boracay is a typical tropical island in that it has white sand beaches, palm trees, and a bit of interior jungle. The uniqueness of Boracay comes from it’s long beaches. Well, maybe that is not really unique but Boracay is still beautiful and shares many similarities to other tropical islands in Southeast Asia.

Quick Facts About Fernando de Noronha
Capital: —–
Population: 2,100
Size: 18.4 km
Power Outlets: 127/220V 60Hz
Official Languages: Portuguese
Currency: Brazilian Real
Time Zone: GMT -2
Religion: —-
Calling Code: +55

Weather: In Fernando de Noronha, there are only two seasons: a dry season (from September up to March) and a rainy season (from April up to August).

Cost and Budgeting for Fernando de Noronha
Prices here are high due to the cost of transporting goods from the mainland. Expect to pay twice what you would on the mainland for similar food/accommodations. Hotels start at US$75 per night, while activities start about US$30- Horseback riding, snorkeling and hiking tours begin at US$30, scuba diving costs about US$140 for the day, and fishing costs about US$350 per expedition. Moreover, to help preserve the environment, tourism is restricted to 420 visitors at a time. Upon arrival, each visitor is charged an Environment Preservation Tax that increases with the length of visit. The seven day park fee is about US$65.

Fernando de Noronha History
In 1534, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago was invaded by the English, and from 1556 until 1612, it was held by the French. In 1628, it was occupied by the Dutch, who were displaced two years later by a Spanish-Portuguese military expedition led by Rui Calaza Borges. It would remain under Dutch control for nearly twenty years until it was reconquered by Portugal. Finding it uninhabited and completely abandoned in 1736, the French East Indies Company took the island and renamed it Isle Dauphine.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the British arrived to provide technical cooperation in telegraphy. In 1988 approximately 70% of the archipelago was declared a maritime national park. Fernando de Noronha’s economy depends on tourism, restricted by the limitations of its delicate ecosystem. In 2001, UNESCO declared Fernando de Noronha, with Rocas Atoll, a World Heritage Site.

Things to Do and See in Fernando de Noronha
Beaches- Fernando de Noronha is home to the top two beaches in Brazil – Praia do Leo and Ba do Sancho. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling.
Dolphin Watching- This area is home to many friendly Dolphins. You can’t swim with the dolphins though.
Diving- With visibility up to 50 meters, Fernando de Noronha is a mecca for divers. It has more than two hundred species of fish, five shark species, sea turtles and dolphins.
Snorkeling – If diving is not your thing, there is great snorkeling around, especially at the tidal pool. The tide pool is about 18-24 inches deep but contains a remarkable diversity of animals. Visitors are restricted to 100 per day.
Trekking - The islands have great hiking and amazing tropical jungle to explore. Trails in the National Marine Reserve can only be visited with authorization and with accredited guides. Trails inside the Environment Preservation Area have free access.

Fernando de Noronha Geography
Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean about 354 km offshore from the Brazilian coast. The climate is tropical, with two well defined seasons: the rainy season from January to August, and the dry season for the rest of the year.

Quick Facts About the Bahamas
Capital: Nassau
Population: 330,549
Size: 13,878 km
Power Outlets: 127/230V 50Hz
Official Languages: English
Currency: Dollar (BSD)
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
Calling Code: +1-242

Weather: The Bahamas enjoy 320 sunny days a year and temperatures of 70 F during winter and  80 F during the summer. The islands are balmy year-round, with cooling,  winds blowing by day from the east. The rainy season is from late May to November. Humidity in the northern islands is relatively high year-round. Hurricane season is June to November. The high season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.

Cost and Budgeting for the Bahamas
The Bahamian dollar (BS$) is linked one-to-one with the US dollar and you can use US currency everywhere. There are ATMs in the leading tourist centers. Bring extra cash for small meals, sundries and tips when heading to the far reaches of the Out Islands or hopping between cays where ATMS are few and far between. Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the islands.

Bahamas History
The seafaring Taino people, known as Lucayans, moved into the uninhabited southern Bahamas from Hispaniola and Cuba around the 7th century AD.  There were an estimated 30,000+ Lucayans at the time of Columbus’ arrival in 1492. The Spaniards who followed Columbus depopulated the islands, carrying most of the indigenous people off into slavery. In 1648, the Eleutherian Adventurers migrated from Bermuda. These English puritans established the first permanent European settlement on an island.

In 1670 King Charles II granted the islands to the Lords Proprietors of the Carolinas, who rented the islands from the king with rights of trading, tax, appointing governors, and administering the country. During proprietary rule, the Bahamas became a haven for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard. To restore orderly government, the Bahamas was made a British crown colony in 1718 under the royal governorship of Woodes Rogers, who succeeded in suppressing piracy.

In 1967, Lynden Pindling of the Progressive Liberal Party became the first black premier of the colony, and in 1968 the title was changed to prime minister. In 1973, the Bahamas became fully independent, but retained membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. Sir Milo Butler was appointed the first black governor-general shortly after independence. Based on the twin pillars of tourism and offshore finance, the Bahamian economy has prospered since the 1950s. However, there remain significant challenges in areas such as education, health care, international narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration from Haiti.

Bahamas Culture
In the less developed outer islands, handicrafts include basketry made from palm fronds. This material, commonly called “straw”, is plaited into hats and bags that are popular tourist items. Another use is for so-called “Voodoo dolls,” despite the fact that such dolls are the result of the American imagination and not based on historic fact. Obeah, a religion of folk magic, sorcery, and religious practices derived from Central African and West African origins, is practiced in some of the Family Islands (out-islands) of the Bahamas. Junkanoo is a street parade of music, dance, and art held in many cities of the Bahamas every Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Regattas are important social events in many family island settlements. They usually feature one or more days of sailing by old-fashioned work boats, as well as an onshore festival. Some settlements have festivals associated with the traditional crop or food of that area, such as the “Pineapple Fest” in Gregory Town, Eleuthera or the “Crab Fest” on Andros. Other significant traditions include story telling.

Things to See and Do in the Bahamas
Bahamas National Trust Park- For hikers, birders, turtles and more than 50,000 flamboyant flamingos, this national park is a great way to spend the day when the beach gets boring.
Clarence Town- Beautiful churches watch over secluded bays and a 660ft deep blue hole that makes for excellent diving.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park- Explore 365 cays with excellent boating, snorkeling, and diving.
San Salvador- This area boast some great diving around deep sea walls.
Cat Island- African heritage apparent in crumbling slave plantations and obeah practices
Sailing- There’s sailing great to Abacos where the gentle trade winds blow.
Diving- Dive Andros’ blue holes to sea a plethora of undersea life.

Bahamas Geography
All the islands are low and flat, with ridges that usually rise no more than 15 to 20 m (49 to 66 ft). The highest point in the country is Mount Alvernia, formerly called Como Hill, which has an altitude of 63 metres (210 ft) on Cat Island. To the southeast, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and three more extensive submarine features called Mouchoir Bank, Silver Bank, and Navidad Bank, are geographically a continuation of the Bahamas, but not part of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The climate of the Bahamas is subtropical to tropical, and is moderated significantly by the waters of the Gulf Stream, particularly in winter. Conversely, this often proves very dangerous in the summer and autumn, when hurricanes pass near or through the islands.

Quick Facts
Capital: Suva
Population: 827,900
Size: 376 sq. km (7,056 sq. mi.)
Power Outlets: 240V 50Hz
Official Languages: English, Fijian, Hindi
Currency: Fijian Dollar
Time Zone: GMT +12
Calling Code: +679

Weather:  The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm year round. The cyclones occur between November and January. The main tourist season is around May and June.

Cost and Budgeting
Since Fiji is a major tourist destination, it can be quiet expensive and it’s easy to spend money there. However, it’s also quite easy to visit on the cheap- Fiji caters to every budget. If you stick to hostels, eat cheap and local, and plan your inter-island travel well, you can get by on US$35 – US$50 a day. For higher end travel, plan to spend at least US$100 per day at the resorts. Inter-island travel can be quite expensive, especially to islands in the eastern part of the country.  Many of these islands require flights to get too.

Fiji History
The indigenous population of Fiji arrived many centuries before the first Europeans, who arrived in the seventeenth century.  It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that Europeans settled the islands permanently. In the 1860s, Fiji attracted settlers wanting to establish cotton plantations. Up until independence, the British ruled the island and brought a lot of indians to work the cotton plantations there.

In 1970, Fiji was granted independence. The 1987 coup saw the British monarchy replaced by a President and the country became the Republic of Fiji. After a coup in 2000, a Fijian-dominated administration was appointed to bring back democracy. Fiji’s High Court declared the military-installed government illegitimate, decreeing that the parliament ousted in May was the country’s governing authority. In December 2006, military leader Voreque Bainimarama led another coup and make himself the country’s leader. He is still in power.

Fiji Culture
Fiji’s culture is a mix of Polynesian, Indian, Chinese, and European traditions. Fiji is mostly made up of native Fijians, Europeans, and Indo-Fijians. Relationships between ethnic Fijians and others have often been very strained and the tension has dominated politics in the islands for the past generation, though the level of tension varies between different regions of the country.

Displays of “traditional” Fijian culture, music, and dancing make an important contribution to tourism; model villages and handicraft markets are popular with tourists. A traditional song-and-dance performance, the meke, is rooted in storytelling traditions. For tourists, you’ll be able to see all the great aspects of Polynesian culture and long about its long history on the islands.

Things to Do and See in Fiji
Scuba Dive/Snorkel- Like more tropical island nation, Fiji has excellent diving. Kadavu is one of Fiji’s favorite scuba diving sites with the Great Astrolabe Reef running right up the northeastern side of the island. Shark diving is also a popular activity here. If you don’t dive, the snorkeling here is generally fantastic with the clear waters offering fascinating windows into the undersea world.
Hiking- The more energetic can go trekking in the Nausori Highlands overlooking Nadi. Taveuni also offers good hiking in the Bouma National Heritage Parki. Work up a sweat in the dense island jungles and then cool off in a nearby waterfall or stream.
Kayaking- The island of Kadavu has some excellent sea kayaking opportunities.
Surfing- Fiji has excellent surfing. Many of the islands have some great waves. If you are a surfer, Fiji is an excellent destination to go to. If not, Fiji is an excellent destination to learn.
Sailing- Sailing vessels such as the schooners are a great way to see the protected Mamanuca Group, a group of coral islands that make paradise look even more perfect.
Learn the culture- Firewalking and traditional dancing accompany the Fijian feasts at island nights staged at the main resorts and are a great way to enjoy the nights after a quiet day on the beach.

Fiji Geography
The Fiji islands are a result of volcanic action, sedimentary deposit, and formations of coral. The main island, Viti Levu, has an area of about 4,000 square miles. The country of Fiji consists of 322 islands and 522 smaller islets. Many of the islands are mountainous, with peaks up to 4,250 ft, and covered with tropical forests. Most of the islands are volcanic in origin, and, like Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, are bound by coral reefs, offshore rocks, and shoals. All the islands receive the greatest amount of rainfall between November and March.

Quick Facts
Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1,300,000
Size: 6,470 sq mi (16,758 sq km)
Power Outlets: 110V 60Hz
Official Languages: English
Currency: US Dollar
Time Zone: GMT -10
Calling Code: +1

Weather: The rainfall is the heaviest between December and March while June through October is the hottest time on the islands.

Cost and Budgeting for Hawaii
Hawaii can be expensive. Everything is imported and high shipping costs usually mean high prices. Expect to need at least US$70 dollars per day on a budget but more if you plan to do a lot of activities. Hotel prices on Hawaii are lowest during the spring and fall when there are less holidays. Prices rise during big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and Easter. Visiting between mid-April and mid-November can be a bargain when hotel prices are lower due to the off season.

Hawaii History
Hawaii was populated the 4th century by Polynesian settlers from the Marquesas. The 1778 arrival of British explorer James Cook is  Hawaii’s first contact with Europeans. After Cook’s visit, the Hawaiian islands received many European visitors who found the islands a convenient harbor and source of fresh food.

In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani announced plans to establish a new constitution that would have restored power to the monarchy. But on January 14, 1893, a group of American and Europeans seized control of government. The monarchy was replaced by a Provisional Government . On July 7, 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States.

In March 1959, the US Congress passed the Hawaii Admission Act which allowed Hawaii to become a state. On June 27 of that year, residents of Hawaii voted on accepting the statehood bill and Hawaii officially became a state.

Hawaii Culture
The native culture of Hawaii is Polynesian. While traditional Hawaiian culture remains only in small pockets, there are reenactments of the ceremonies and traditions throughout the islands, especially in resorts for tourists. The popularity of luaus and hulas has made there way into mainstream American culture.

In recent decades, the state government has created programs to promote local Hawaiian culture. The Hawaii Constitutional Convention of 1978 created the creation of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to promote indigenous language and culture.

Things to Do and See in Hawaii
Visit Diamond Head State Monument- This mountain was formed by a violent steam explosion beneath the surface and the crater is the site of Diamond Head State Monument. There’s hiking up to the crater summit but don’t expect an easy walk as it’s a fairly steep hike.
See Hawaii Volcanoes National Park- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains two active volcanoes and diverse terrain. The centerpiece is Kilauea Caldera, the still-steaming sunken center of Kilauea Volcano. Rangers can provide the lowdown on guided walks and trail conditions.
Helicopter Tours- Hawaii’s lush jungles, high mountains, and steep waterfalls provide a lovely backdrop for a helicopter tour of the islands. They may be expensive but these tours give you a breath taking bird’s eye view.
Horseback Riding- Nothing is more romantic than a horseback ride along the beach. There are a number of tour operators that can organize a sunset ride for the honeymooners.
Museums- Hawaii is steeped in history and there are a number of museums throughout the country. The most famous relate to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Whale Watching- Whales often migrate past the islands and there are a wide variety of species that come through. The whales are friendly, sightings abundant, and tons of operators looking to take you out.
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling- The waters around the islands of Hawaii are teeming with life. The tropical waters provide excellent opportunities to take a look at under water life. The biggest marine preserve in America is located in here.
Surfing- Surfing is life in Hawaii and it’s famous North Beach attract some of the best surfers in the world. Waves here are extreme and not for amateurs. If you want to learn, there’s plenty of places around the islands with smaller waves and people who will teach you. If you’re a board surfer, you’ll find the biggest waves in winter. If you’re a wind surfer, the best wind conditions are in summer.

Hawaii Geography
Hawaii is situated some 1,988 mi southwest of the United States. All of the islands were formed by volcanoes erupting from the sea. The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features. Many eruptions still take place on the islands today. The islands are surrounded by a vast number of coral reefs and wild marine life. On the islands itself, there are dense jungles and mountains.

Quick Facts
Capital: Male
Population: 370,000
Size: 298 sq. km.(115 sq. mi)
Power Outlets: 230V 50 Hz
Official Languages: Divehi
Currency: Rufiyaa
Time Zone: GMT +5
Calling Code: +960

Weather: The best time to go is during November to May, when the weather is cool and dry. June through October has more rain and hotter weather because of the monsoon season.

Cost and Budgeting for the Maldives
The Maldives are not cheap destination and the country has no real budget accommodation. Aside from the capital, there are no hotels in the Maldives. A typical week in the Maldives can cost US$2,000 per couple. The cheaper resorts usually start at around US$75 per day per person in the low season. At most resorts, a double room will cost at least US$100 per day. Diving costs vary but are around US$350 per week.

Cash is not needed on the resorts as everything is charged to your room. Tipping is discouraged in the Maldives and most resorts will add a 10% service charge.

Maldives History
The first settlers of the Maldives were fishermen from the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. Buddhism was brought to the Maldives and became the dominant religion in the Maldives until the 12th century. Although governed as an independent Islamic state from 1153 to 1968, the Maldives were under British protection from 1887 until 1965. After independence in 1965, the sultanate continued for another three years but in 1968, the monarchy was abolished and replaced by a republic.

On December 26th 2004, the Maldives were devastated by a tsunami. Only nine islands escaped any damage, while fifty-seven islands were seriously damaged. Fourteen islands had to be evacuated and six were wiped out. A total of 108 people, including six foreigners, died in the tsunami.

Maldives Culture
The Maldivian ethnic identity is a blend that reflects the peoples who settled on the islands. Maldivian culture is derived from a number of sources. The Maldives are mostly Muslim nation and is very conservative. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi but English is used widely and taught in government schools.

The islands have a class system. Status is based on many factors such occupation, wealth, Islamic virtue, and family ties. Most members of the social elite are located in Male with the lower class in the outlying islands or working on the resorts. 

Things to Do and See in the Maldives
Scuba Dive/Snorkel- The Maldives have some of the world’s dive sites. Around all the islands are amazing reefs where you can see a plethora of fish. For those who don’t dive or want to learn, there’s still a lot of wildlife to see from the surface.
Dive Fish Head- One of the world’s most famous dives with steep sides supporting multiple levels supporting sea fans, fish, and beautiful coral.
Dive the Banana Reef- This protected marine area has a bit of everything: cliffs, caves, brilliant
coral, big predators, and all the reef fish you could imagine. It is also a great place to snorkel.
Dive the Maldive Victory- This cargo ship sank in 1981 and now sits between 15m (49ft) and 35m (115ft). The ship’s structure is almost intact and provides a home for abundant new coral, sponges, and large schools of fish.
Beach Activities- There are a number of beach activities to do from parasailing to kayaking to jet skiing.
Pamper Yourself- These all inclusive resorts feature wonderful spas, health centers, tennis courts, and kitchens. Order some top class cuisine, pamper yourself in the spa, get a massage, or some good exercise. You are in paradise- treat yourself!
Eat with the Locals- Male has some excellent restaurants where you can try the local food for local prices. It’s a good change from the resort food and a chance to try the local cuisine.

Maldives Geography
The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, rising 2.3 m above sea level. Most islands in the Maldives have a protective coral reef around them. This acts as a natural barrier against the sea protecting the islands against storms. A layer of humus six inches forms the top layer of soil on most of the islands. Due to excessive salt in the soil near the beach, vegetation is limited to a few shrubs, flowering plants, and small hedges.

Quick Facts About Bali
Capital: Denpasar
Population: 3 million
Size: 5,632.86 km2 (2,175 sq mi)
Power Outlets: 127/230V 50Hz
Official Languages: Indonesian
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +8
Calling Code: +62

Weather: The island of Bali is always warm, humid and tropical. April-October is the dry season on the island and November-March is the rainy season.

Cost and Budgeting for Bali
Like the rest of Indonesia, Bali is very cheap. For those on a budget, US$20 a day is enough to cover your expenses. For those looking for better accommodation and more activities to do, you will need US$40-50 per day. If you spend anything more than that, then the you will be able to do anything you want. Moreover, Bali has a large upscale market and there are many luxury Bali hotels that will cater to your every need. Furthermore, Bali has a lot of activities so if you are planning on doing more than just sitting on a beach, add US$10 per day to your budget.

Bali History
The island of Bali was first settled around 2,000 BC. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Hindu culture, beginning around the 1st century AD as people from that region began to settle the area. The first European contact with Bali was by the Dutch in 1597. Dutch expanded their political and economic control over Bali in the 1840s. In the late 1890s, struggles between kingdoms on the island were used by the Dutch to increase their control.

In 1946, the Dutch made Bali as one of the administrative districts of the new Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarn. Bali was included in the Republic when the Netherlands recognized Indonesian independence on December 29th, 1949.

Bali Culture
Most of Bali’s population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Religion as it is practiced in Bali is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic.

Bali Hinduism adopted the animistic traditions of the indigenous people. This influence strengthened the belief that the gods and goddesses are present in all things. Every element of nature possesses its own power. Balinese Hinduism is deeply mixed with art and ritual, and is less closely preoccupied with scripture, law, and belief than Islam in Indonesia. Ritualizing states of self-control are a notable feature of religious expression. This has made Bali famous around the world for vivid expression and ornate, graceful dancing.

Things to See and Do in Bali
Relax in a hot spring-There are several hot springs on Bali and they are a great way to relax after a long day of surfing.
Pamper yourself at a spa- Bali is paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of treatments are widely available, but the Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices is particularly popular.
Get married- Balinese wedding have been getting increasingly popular in recent years. The exotic tradition, ceremonies, music customers, and the tropical settings are very appealing. Full wedding services are widely available in Bali and there are about ten wedding chapels in Bali if you want a tropical wedding.
Scuba dive/Snorkel- Bali is surrounded by extensive coral reefs and has many amazing dive sites. There are a few wrecks around the islands too. If diving if not your thing, you can always snorkel.
Learn to surf- Bali is a surfer’s paradise with some of the best waves in the world.
People flock to the beaches to hang ten. The southern coast around Kuta and Nusa Dua are the primary draws. Beginners will find the gentle waves on Kuta. You’ll find surf instructors lounging around the beach; a one hour lesson will cost you around USD $10.
Visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan- Located in the northern part of the island, this important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded in the 17th century and is actually built on small islands.

Bali Geography
The island of Bali is 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover center to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak.

The island of Bali is surrounded by many coral reefs Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot.