Travel On The Level

The island paradise of Fiji is a challenge to reach, especially for American continents'  East Coasters, but what you find is worth the 10-plus-hour flight from Los Angeles.

Tip: If you fly Air Pacific, the national airline, both flights will be late at night so you'll want to sleep. Consider an upgrade to the upper economy section. You will have a small flight of stairs to negotiate, but it's quieter and at least going to Fiji you will have a three-seat row for yourself.

Why go
Start with the positives: No tipping, everyone speaks English and you can drink the water.

Best of all are the native Fijians, the friendliest, most hospitable, kindest and happiest people you are likely to meet anywhere in the world. They live in paradise and know it. From exuberant shouts of "Bula!" - the universal greeting and welcome - to hugs and the poignant refrain of "Isa Lei" - the song of farewell - you will become a member of the family.

It is not uncommon to be greeted with "Welcome home."

Surrounding this congenial family are incredibly lush tropical growth enhanced by fertile volcanic soil, dramatic mountains, springs, waterfalls, beautiful seas and amazing diving and snorkeling. And most of it is unspoiled; sunburned coconut palms still outnumber sunburned tourists on most of the 100 or so habitable islands.

Getting there
Once in Fiji, reaching some of these sights is not for the faint of heart. Unspoiled also means under developed.

Roads, even the paved ones ("sealed" to Fijians) are rough and the unsealed ones can require four-wheel drive to handle the hills.

Tip: Consider it a free Fijian massage, but if you have back trouble keep the driving to a minimum.

Once you've arrived you may face a hike along uneven trails, across rocky streams and up steep, slippery slopes, but don't worry, in the next few posts I'll tell you what's worth the effort, how much that will be and when to say no and relax instead.

A little about Fiji

Depending on who did the counting and how high the tide was, the nation of Fiji consists of 303-331 islands, two thirds of which have neither space nor water for habitation. They are of volcanic origin, but no volcanoes have spouted in centuries.

Population was 837,271 according to the 2007 census with indigenous Fijians making up half of that. It is one of the few if not the only nation where the original inhabitants still control the lion's share of the land.

Three are considered "big" islands: Viti Levu, the largest, is home of Suva, the capitol; Nadi, where the nation's international airport is located; and most of the tourist infrastructure. Vanua Levu is half its size, slightly smaller and to the northeast and Taveuni, below and to the east, is by far the smallest and least developed.

Getting from island to island is done by plane, helicopter or seaplane, ferry and/or one of the small cruise ships.

Resorts range from backpacker/hostel basic to Turtle Island five-star exclusivity and price. Many cater to Australians and New Zealanders and offer affordable inclusive packages.

A good guidebook, and probably the most recent is Fiji by David Stanley, a Moon Handbook, US$19.95.