Today, Norm Goldman, editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com, is pleased to have well-known author, travel writer and South Pacific expert David Stanley as his guest. David is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific.

Good morning David and thank you for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.

STANDARD:

Tell our readers something about yourself, your experience and the

books he has written related to the South Pacific.

David:

I have made a living from travel guides since 1979, when Moon Publications of Rutland published the first edition of the SOUTH PACIFIC HANDBOOK.

In November 2004, Avalon Travel Publishing of Emeryville,

California, presented the eighth edition of Moon Handbooks South Pacific. I have also written Lonely Planet guides for Eastern Europe, Cuba and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Lately I’ve been harnessing the power of the Internet with sites like SOUTH PACIFIC.ORG: MAP SOUTH PACIFIC and

CUBAN PHOTOS.

STANDARD:

When we talk about the South Pacific, what exactly do we mean and where is it in relation to the US or Canada?

David:

“South Pacific” brochures printed by tour operators often focus on Australia and New Zealand, but those countries are quite different from the tropical islands of the Pacific. Moon Handbooks South Pacific covers 15 island countries and territories from Easter Island to the Solomon Islands. People tend to consider this region remote, yet it takes only two hours longer to fly from Los Angeles to Tahiti than it does to fly to Honolulu. Fiji is halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, west of Tahiti.

STANDARD:

Would you consider the South Pacific a good choice for a romantic getaway or wedding and honeymoon destination? Why?

David:

Every major destination in the South Pacific has attempted to market itself as a wedding or honeymoon destination. Fiji and the Cook Islands have been the most successful as weddings can be arranged locally with little fuss.

In French Polynesia, marriages can only be performed for people with 30 days of residence, which excludes most tourists. Instead, French Polynesia has developed an active honeymoon industry with Bora Bora, much favored by bridal magazine writers who enjoy luxury resort hospitality. In my opinion,

Moorea is equal to Bora Bora in all but name and is much less expensive. For a romantic getaway, I recommend Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. There’s a lot to see and do within a compact area, and the prices are fair.

STANDARD:

What is the best time to visit the South Pacific in terms of weather, costs, crowds, and flight availability from the US, Canada, and Europe?

David:

Officially, the hurricane season in the South Pacific is from December to April, although with global warming it starts earlier and ends later. Winter (May to October) is generally cooler, drier, and less humid throughout the region, the best time to go. May to August is the low season in Australia

and New Zealand; therefore, Air New Zealand’s off-peak South Pacific airfares apply to those months. So, by happy coincidence, you can enjoy the best weather at the lowest price if you schedule your trip then.

STANDARD:

How safe is it to travel to the South Pacific?

David:

Very sure. “Terrorists” would stick out like sore thumbs on these little islands. Violent crime (robbery, etc.) is almost unheard of, but petty theft does occur. Nothing will go wrong if you take a few simple precautions. Contrary to the image promoted by Hollywood and in tourist brochures, the island

societies are socially conservative and light clothing is frowned upon. Solo female travelers should avoid staying in secluded bungalows or wandering onto deserted beaches.

STANDARD:

Could you give our readers an idea of ​​the costs involved if the trip originates in the US or Canada and how affordable it is to fly to the South Pacific?

David:

A month’s round-trip airfare from Los Angeles or Vancouver to Tahiti, Rarotonga, or Fiji costs about $1,250 in the off-season, as long as you book at least 14 days in advance and are willing to accept a hotel cancellation fee. 35 percent. If you fly on shorter notice during peak season (December to February), you’ll pay around US$2,000. Weekend travel sections of major newspapers carry advertisements for discount fares, and websites sometimes sell tickets at prices considerably lower than those quoted over the phone by airline agents.

For example, I recently flew from Vancouver to American Samoa for $700 round trip on an internet special. Such offers are routinely advertised in the South Pacific Tourism Organization newsletter, available from SOUTH PACIFIC TOURISM ORGANIZATION.

STANDARD:

If you had to choose 6 unrivaled places in the South Pacific for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or wedding destination, what would they be and why?

David:

My first option would be:

Tahiti and its neighbors Moorea and Bora Bora.

The tall green peaks and shimmering reefs of these islands are second to none, and the “exotic” French atmosphere blends well with Polynesian charm.

Fiji ranks a very close second for its impressive variety and friendliness.

Then there is Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.

This has long been a favorite holiday destination for New Zealanders. Rarotonga is small enough to explore in a week and the facilities are excellent.

My fourth option is Easter Island. Although for lovers of hiking or archeology, it should come first. Travel agents often book three-night stopovers on Easter Island, but you can only see the highlights during such a short stay.

Finally, I must mention Vanuatu for those looking for something really different. This little-known Melanesian country offers a colorful mix of diving, tribal culture, active volcanoes and the most beautiful capital city in the South Pacific,

Port Villa.

STANDARD:

What resources are available on the Internet related to weddings and honeymoon vacations in the South Pacific?

David:

Obtaining independent information on weddings and honeymoons is not easy, since the websites of resorts and tourism companies only promote their own products. That said, HONEYMOON FIJI and HONEYMOON VANUATU are worth a visit, and TRAVEL MAXIA is useful because it covers the entire South Pacific. It’s also worth reading the official tourism websites of the island’s visitor bureaus, all of which link to SOUTH PACIFIC.ORG

STANDARD:

Is there anything else you’d like to add that we haven’t covered?

Belonging to the South Pacific?

David:

The South Pacific should be recognized as a hassle-free and hassle-free destination. None of the countries included in my book require visas from North Americans, Europeans, Australians, New Zealanders or Japanese. Obstacles like erratic prices, corrupt officials, violent crime, and security lapses are generally absent here. This sprawling region is best characterized by its incredible variety, with many distinct cultures, cuisines, histories, and settings to experience and enjoy. At $24.95, Moon Handbooks South Pacific has the potential to save vacationers hundreds of dollars, while helping them make the best decisions. It’s all there.

Thank you David for accepting our invitation to be interviewed.