So I'm going to French Polynesia for the first two weeks in July. Doing 90% SCUBA activities, cause it is a SCUBA course via my college, but will have some spare time for shopping, pictures, etc.
That said, I have never travelled outside the US before. Already have my passport though. Been reading a good deal about international travel, but any pointers would be awesome. We leave July 4 to LAX from Phoenix, AZ, and then from LAX to Moorea.
Also, anyone been to Tahiti? What should I look forward to, other than the entire trip?
Tahiti
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Taratron
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Tahiti
But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I will be unique in all the world..... You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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MatsP
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Tara,
The closest to that region I've ever been is in Thailand, which was quite different from here in Europe. I have travelled to quite a few place(mostly through work, but also on private trips). Here's my general advice:
1. Get a good map of the region you're going to. Preferrably before you go, so you can sort of know what's around when you get there. Guide-books are also good to have.
2. Eat the local food. You can eat burgers, chinese or italian just about anywhere, but unless you're at home, there are probably more interesting things to eat...
3. Don't try to see EVERYTHING. Relax, take it easy and don't stress about so much that you only remember how stressing it was to try to see everything...
4. I find it more fun to go to the "ordinary places", rather than the special tourist "traps". Going to a supermarket is more fun to me than a guided tour of the local sights. Now, if I can get a friend (local) to show me around the supermarket, that's even better...
. Even better is an open air market like they have in many countries.
It sounds like you're going with a group of people, so I guess you can also rely on having some known people around you, that's always nice (as long as you get a little bit of "personal time" too...).
Best of luck.
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Mats
The closest to that region I've ever been is in Thailand, which was quite different from here in Europe. I have travelled to quite a few place(mostly through work, but also on private trips). Here's my general advice:
1. Get a good map of the region you're going to. Preferrably before you go, so you can sort of know what's around when you get there. Guide-books are also good to have.
2. Eat the local food. You can eat burgers, chinese or italian just about anywhere, but unless you're at home, there are probably more interesting things to eat...
3. Don't try to see EVERYTHING. Relax, take it easy and don't stress about so much that you only remember how stressing it was to try to see everything...
4. I find it more fun to go to the "ordinary places", rather than the special tourist "traps". Going to a supermarket is more fun to me than a guided tour of the local sights. Now, if I can get a friend (local) to show me around the supermarket, that's even better...
. Even better is an open air market like they have in many countries. It sounds like you're going with a group of people, so I guess you can also rely on having some known people around you, that's always nice (as long as you get a little bit of "personal time" too...).
Best of luck.
--
Mats
and you wouldn`t buy them becouse you wouldn`t see.-
natefrog
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Always keep a close eye on your gear...ALWAYS.
Don't feel obligated to follow anyone you don't feel very comfortable with.
Make sure you have the appropriate innoculations.
Pace yourself with the diving...its easy to burn yourself out in the first couple of days. Sometimes snokeling allows you to see things you won't while diving.
Binoculars and a dip net are the easiest ways to spend an afternoon....IMO.
Good Luck-Have Fun
Don't feel obligated to follow anyone you don't feel very comfortable with.
Make sure you have the appropriate innoculations.
Pace yourself with the diving...its easy to burn yourself out in the first couple of days. Sometimes snokeling allows you to see things you won't while diving.
Binoculars and a dip net are the easiest ways to spend an afternoon....IMO.
Good Luck-Have Fun
The scenery on land there is incredible - take it all in as you come in to land in tahiti!!!
The lagoons have some reef sharks and manta rays if you can get a look at these huge rays take pictures.
If you get a day looking around Papeete when you land then do it - see how the locals live there.
And most of all enjoy it - although I'm sure you'll try and go back some day once you've been....
The lagoons have some reef sharks and manta rays if you can get a look at these huge rays take pictures.
If you get a day looking around Papeete when you land then do it - see how the locals live there.
And most of all enjoy it - although I'm sure you'll try and go back some day once you've been....