Blue Banana Beach Houses in Tonga recently opened its new accomodation - 'The Tree House'. It is situated directly over the ocean among the trees with incredible views of the tropical lagoon. The beach is wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. Fully self contained. Your own bathroom with hot shower. Sounds a tantalising way to spend a holiday in the South Pacific.

The tourism industry in Fiji continuously monitors the way resort and hotel bookings are made. Based on 2005 stats, approximately 67% of total accommodation bookings in Fiji were made through travel agents, but this number is rapidly decreasing due to increased use of online booking processes. This is particularly helped by the fact that most airlines nowadays offer real-time online booking of airline tickets.

Surprisingly, given the proximity of Australia to Fiji, Australians in Fiji's 2005 stats depended on travel agents the most (73%), whilst UK residents had the highest percentage in using the Internet with 22%. Approximately 21% of backpackers booked their accommodation through the Internet, giving rise to the term 'flashpacker' in recent years as many backpackers these days travel with laptops rather than guitars! In 2005, repeat visitors were less likely to book their accommodation through travel agents or the Internet. They preferred to make their bookings direct with the destination, use booking services in their own country or no bookings at all.

In 2005, more than half of Fiji's visitors decided to travel to Fiji more than 12 weeks in advance. With an increasing number of last minute deals offered online three years later, it will be interesting to review the next stats available and see how the trends are changing.

The 6th edition of Moon Tahiti and French Polynesia is now on sale. For anyone planning to visit Tahiti or any one of French Polynesia's beautiful atolls, this guide by accomplished travel author David Stanley is a must-buy. With countless detailed maps, drawings, glossaries, useful tips and travel advice, one can gain useful and up-to-date information on this top South Pacific destination.

More details about the book can be found at here.

Resorts and dive operations, plus more information can be found via the Tahiti Resorts link.

So what is a FLASHPACKER you ask? Well, various studies have investigated recent tourism trends and have seen a new surge in travellers/holiday makers looking for a more authentic experience. These 'new backpackers' are older, wealthier and wanting "a space that combines luxury, so they have a comfortable life, but they are able to see something that is fresh, un-spoilt and private". This concept is further explored by trade journal Travel Trade Gazette: "More and more people in their late 20's and early 30's are taking career breaks to go travelling. With higher expectations and more money to spend, they have been dubbed 'flashpackers'.

One of the latest trendy resorts in Fiji - Mango Bay Resort. - defines a 'flashpacker' as a 'business class backpacker', a traveller that chooses to bust the budget and go backpacking in style. Mango Bay Resort has catered specifically to this niche market and has tailored the resort to it's guests unique needs, wants and tastes.

For more information or to contact Mango Bay Resort direct, click here.

Avalon Travel Publishing has recently announced that the 8th edition of Moon Fiji is now available for pre-order (scheduled for printing in September 2007). Moon Fiji has been a leading travel guide for the Fiji Islands since its first edition was released in 1985. Written by travel author David Stanley, the new edition has a host of new features that are sure to be appreciated by the thousands of travellers to Fiji each year.

Experience part of what it means to be a Fijian. Share the culture and friendliness with dancing, drinking kava and enjoying the atmosphere of a Fijian village. When visiting the Fiji Islands all this - and more - can be part of the cherished memories you gain from your vacation by participating in a village trip or tour.

Most resorts, hotels or smaller backpacker lodgings offer a village trip experience and this is definitely something to consider. Often, the women of the village will also set up their tapa or jewellery market during your visit, allowing you to see, ask about, or purchase traditional souvenirs direct from the source. This is a much more enjoyable experience than buying in a shop in town, as you will have the opportunity of asking how things are made, having your photo taken with the ladies, and so on. Some villages also have Fiji traditional craft making demonstrations, in which you may participate, learning to weave your own sun hat!

You will most surely be entertained by a Fijian meke (dancing) and be invited to join in the simple steps in a final friendly and fun dance. And - depending on the arrangements made by your resort - you may get to enjoy a traditional Fijian food cooked in an underground hot stone oven called a lovo.

A bit earlier then last year, Sandy Beach Resort in the Ha'apai islands in Tonga have spotted the first humpback whales of the season in their bay. The whales usually stay in the bay from mid July to end of October. Join the staff and management of the Sandy Beach Resort, and swim with these giant but so friendly animals.

They still have some availabilities for July and August so enquire now !

Visit Tonga and swim with the whales !

For those engaged or about to be married, Erakor Island Resort offers 16 acres of romantic paradise. Close to Port Vila and the International Airport, Erakor provides a great island resort holiday destination.

Steeped in history, the island has a missionary background dating back 200 years. One remnant of its interesting past is an outdoor chapel that is said to be the South Pacific's oldest open-air church. The Resort utilises this romantic tropical location for weddings. With beautiful tropical gardens all around, couples may say 'I do' then celebrate with a honeymoon in a waterfront bungalow.

Erakor Island Resort offers romantic wedding packages, and couples may also enjoy the relaxing spa to make the honeymoon extra relaxing.

Erakor's current wedding special can be viewed here.

Coconut Grove Beachfront Cottages is a popular and affordable Fiji holiday destination.

With just three comfortable bure (cottages) named after the tropical fruits of banana, papaya and mango this is paradise in a tropical garden!

Owner-operated, Coconut Grove also operates one of the nicest restaurants in the area, with the dining deck overlooking the gardens, beach, and ocean beyond. Great for viewing heavenly moonrises over Taveuni.

Mango Bay Resort in Fiji is a new resort that is at the forefront of providing like-minded travellers stylish, comfortable yet affordable accommodation and facilities. This purpose built resort is an adults-only resort designed exclusively for the young and young at heart.

The resort is situated on Fiji's famous coastline the Coral Coast, and is nestled within the Tadrawai (dreamwater) valley. The resort itself is set across 12 acres of lush tropical landscape and overlooks the enclosed bay offering sheltered clear waters and stunning white beachfront. Mango Bay Resort has mainland convenience yet captures an island style atmosphere & seclusion.

A variety of accommodation options are available to cater for their guests' differing tastes and budgets, including 10 x beach bures (sleeps 2), 10 x Safari Tents (sleeps three) and 4 x 7 bed Group Bures (sleeps 7). All accommodation is new, clean, comfortable and is of brilliant value.

For more information or to contact Mango Bay Resort direct, click here.