Worth the hype: Fiji

Set your watch to Island time [View in browser]( [TikTok]( [instagram]( [facebook]( PICTURE YOURSELF IN… Fiji [Palm trees on a white sandy beach with turquoise water]( Set your watch to island time Sometimes when you plan a trip to a dreamy island destination you wonder if it will stack up to all the hype. I can say of the many islands I’ve had the privilege of visiting over the years, [Fiji]( is one I recommend over and over again. Consisting of more than 300 islands, Fiji offers a range of experiences for every traveler. Sure, I did the touristy things like snorkeling trips and tours of islands-turned-movie sets. I spent one day soaking up the sun at a [luxurious beach club on its own private island]( and another at a [floating bar that serves pizza](. But I love that there are so many serendipitous local experiences and opportunities to see traditional life on the islands. I caught up with Loretta St Julian-Ooms, a fifth-generation Fijian who works with our partners at GetYourGuide to provide unforgettable travel experiences to visitors. Read on for her tips on how to enjoy everything about her island nation. [Find your island]( [Melissa Yeager]   [Melissa Yeager](   Senior Editor       Immerse yourself If these islands are calling you, here's what to know as you plan your trip. [Calendar icon] When to visit Expect more crowds and higher prices in between June and January. [Read more about the best times to visit]( Local Tip: High season aligns with school breaks in Australia and New Zealand. [Rosette icon] Best things to do Pint-sized cities, soaring mountains, crystal blue waters – Fiji has it all. [See the best places to visit](. Local tip: Hike up Mount Tomanivi for spectacular views. [Map icon] How to get around See waterfall trails, roadside markets selling piles of tropical fruits and floral bouquets, [sandy beaches]( and [snorkel and dive sites]( with untouched corals – all at your own pace. [Read more about how to get around in Fiji](. Local tip: Two ferry companies offer services to hop off the main island and explore the Fijian archipelago.     WHERE TO GO WHEN October An adventurous trek to Inca ruins in Peru? Or a gastronomic pilgrimage in Tohoku Japan? We have a destination for every type of traveler. [See where to go in October]( [Inca ruins in Peru]( [Hands holding spiky fruit](   Ask an insider A fifth-generation Fijian, Loretta grew up in Suva. Now living in Nadi, she’s the General Manager for [South Sea Cruises]( which works with our partner [GetYourGuide]( to offer unforgettable travel experiences. We asked her for her best tips for visiting Fiji. What is it like to live in a place that so many consider synonymous with paradise? Life here is certainly more relaxed than in our larger Pacific neighbors such as New Zealand and Australia. “Fiji Time'' reflects the slower pace of life allowing people to enjoy a more laid-back, relaxed lifestyle. There is a rich blend of cultures here with indigenous Fijians (i-Taukei), Indians (Indo-Fijians) and other Western influences – this diversity is reflected in our food, our music and traditions making Fiji a culturally vibrant place to live. What's your favorite place in Fiji to take a weekend trip and why? I love traveling to one of the islands in the Mamanuca or Yasawa Groups – this is easily accessible from Port Denarau. The resorts are all small and have gorgeous white sandy beaches with pristine snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs that surround the islands. There are price points for all budget types and an amazing range of activities to keep even the most active traveler busy. [Loretta St Julian-Ooms] “Fijians are rugby-mad and keep up with our local and international matches religiously." — Loretta St Julian-Ooms What's the best way to catch a rugby match? Fijians are rugby-mad and keep up with our local and international matches religiously. Whenever our teams are playing in Fiji, tickets are easily accessible to anyone and are very affordable (visit [Fiji Rugby](. If our teams are playing overseas then some of our local bars, restaurants and international hotels and resorts will of course be playing the live games so everyone can support our teams and cheer them on! Which cultural activity should be on everyone's must-do list? Without a doubt, trying kava is a must-do activity. Kava is the root of a type of pepper plant found in the South Pacific and has been used for centuries for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Smaller resorts generally offer their guests the chance to join in with some of the staff for a wind down. Otherwise, you can opt to visit a local village to experience a traditional kava ceremony. What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working? When not working, you’ll find me on the water in some form or other with my family – surfing, sailing or paddling (an outrigger canoe) or just relaxing on the beach. We live on a small farm, so it's never a dull moment as there are always new animals being born, cattle to move, horses to ride and we’re establishing a new vanilla plantation, which is a lot of fun! [Explore more of Fiji]( GetYourGuide is a partner of Lonely Planet. We may receive compensation when you purchase through select links. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by our partners.   Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? 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