Best australian & south pacific travel guides according to redditors

Here's the book to put on your reading list:

East Is a Big Bird: Navigation and Logic on Puluwat Atoll https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674224264/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_VlT7wbMXC54SX

Go enjoy yourself instead.

Have you considered just buying a travel guide? For example a Rough Guide or a Lonely Planet?

Kauai is 'the garden island' and is definitely the quietest of them all. It's the most beautiful as well as it's the oldest of the 5 main islands and has the most lush/green/jungle vegetation and stuff. And the NaPali coast along the northern edge of the island is one of the most beautiful sights i've seen. It's illegal to build north past a certain point on Kauai so it's all natural and beautiful. A popular spot for filming movies. Lots of stuff from Jurassic park and 6 days 7 nights and others was filmed there.

If you're looking for a more diverse experience I would recommend the big island (Hawaii). It's pretty cool as it has all temperate zones in the world except for 1 present on the island (Artic temperate zone missing). IT has rainforest, jungle, forest, desert, even snow up on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Being that it is the biggest island there is SO much stuff to do and most of it isn't even touristy. If you're into hiking and/biking there is a ton of trails and hiking paths. If you plan it right you can go in at some places and hike a day or two to a secluded isolated beach (a lot of them black sand beaches) and camp overnight. Those are the best beaches as they're always the quietest. Obviously the beaches that are the hardest to get to are always the quietest and most enjoyable.


If you really want to go to hawaii I would recommend getting ahold of the Big Blue Book of Hawaii and sit down for a weekend and read through it. The book is great and works as an awesome tourguide book. You can literally look up a certain area that you are at in hawaii and it tells you whats there, who is there, any history in the area, tourist stuff to do in the area, non-tourist stuff to do in the area, activities, costs of activities (if any), where to eat in the area (also rates restaurants, etc). There is a book for every island and they're all good.

Keep in mind that it is expensive over there. There are obviously a lot of cool free/cheap things to do though. We spent a day going over to the cook monument (where Captain Cook died). The whole day cost us 40 bucks and that's only for the kayak rental. That day on the way over to the monument there was a school of about 30 dolphins slowly calmly swimming around the bay. At the actual site you can see the monument that's built there and the plaque of where he died (supposedly) and snorkel at the spot (may have to rent/buy snorkel gear if you don't have any). But yeah. That was a day itself and only cost 40 bucks to rent the kayak (plus whatever you have for lunch).

All the beaches are free to visit and hang out as well. Matter of fact every beach in hawaii whether it's private or not, it's state law that they have to allow public access to the beach. So you can go and tan/swim/frolick at the same beach that the Hilton hotel patrons use.

tldr; Hawaii is awesome.

Also the same mental navigational system that the polynesians used to settle all of the islands in the pacific...

Basically if you "know" where 3 islands are relative to you (even if you cannot see them) you can triangulate your position to know exactly where you are and which direction you need to go to get somewhere else.

check this book out, it is amazing

http://www.amazon.com/East-Big-Bird-Navigation-Puluwat/dp/0674224264

Maui Revealed is a shoddy attempt at best with lack luster insight into Maui. If you want a real local Maui guide then get the Moon Maui Guidebook: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Maui-Including-Molokai-Handbooks-ebook/dp/B00EGWFKH6/

Or even the cleverly organized and easily scan-able Discover Maui book by Lonely planet.
http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Discover-Regional-Travel/dp/1742204481

There is also a treasure trove of local insight and in-depth information within the popular Maui guide sites.
http://www.prideofmaui.com/blog/
http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/
http://www.hawaii-guide.com/maui

Snorkel with Turtles -
Of course this is where we mention the Pride of Maui turtle snorkeling boat tour: http://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/turtlesnorkel/. But the truth is you can see turtles from many beaches. We are perfecting an app that lets users document recent turtle, marine, and wildlife activity on island in real-time. I'll post in /maui/ once its more developed.

Road to Hana -
If you are adventurous and have researched the spots to stop, have the Maui gps app pre-downloaded, know the Hana road edict, and are a good driver then Yes drive the Road to Hana. Rent a nice car as you don't want to traverse the road without a quality and regularly inspected car. Your safety and the safety of others may depend on it. That's why they made "I Survived the Road to Hana" tshirts (can buy in Hana).

If you aren't as adventurous or planned then go on a van tour with Valley Isle Excursions. They know all the great spots and can guide you along the way.
http://www.tourmaui.com

Regardless I still recommend renting a convertible to cruise the island. Just don't drive like everyone else is on vacation too. There are people trying to get to places, pick up their kids, get to work, catch the swell.

Luau -
They are quite fun I would actually go to Old Lahaina Luau and The Feast at Lele. Both are different enough to keep you entertained and engaged.

Unless you are a quasi experienced hiker or very researched I would recommend hiring a local hiking guide: http://www.hikemaui.com.

Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. The Aloha spirit is real and you can experience it too if you keep respectful of the island and those that live in it.

Have fun on your trip and don't forget that Maui is known to increase intuitive vibes, so within all the planning sometimes its just best to surf the waves.

If you are interested in this sort of thing the Papua New Guinea highlands only made contact recently.

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Interesting model for how most of pre-civilisation humanity lived - walk into the next valley, get a spear in the leg.

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The Minyamin tribe in the centre became cannibals because the animals were hunted out by surrounding tribes.

They contracted Kuru, laughing disease, a protein-based virus essentially that helped us discover Mad Cow Disease.

Even then, they maintained a taboo on hunting an endangered possum because they knew they'd be extinct - some deep thinking going across generations there.

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Throwim Way Leg by Tim Flannery is a good read - the grandparents still remembered how to strap a human torso and limbs up like a backpack and wrapping heads in leaves for soup.

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None of this gets recorded in societies without writing, Mesopotamia, ancient China, the Mayans, etc... all exception to the rule that the vast majority of humanity lived under.

Which is of course, our lord and saviour Cthulhu, may he eat me last /s

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The amount of knowledge one tribe member had in his head was vast. we are morons in comparison:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Throwim-Way-Leg-Tim-Flannery/dp/1876485191/ref=asc_df_1876485191/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=341774368942&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1177116967113129214&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9069099&hvtargid=pla-675304675895&psc=1

Hi! I'm from the US and I took my gf to Tonga last year for her 30th. It was amazing to say the least.


I highly recommend reading a travel guide. I found this one particularly helpful.


In terms of what to expect, it probably depends on what kind of traveler you are and where you've been before. We'd never been to the South Pacific, so everything was new and interesting. I will say that if you're expecting luxury resorts and high class facilities, you might be disappointed. not to be disrespectful to the wonderful people and nation, of course. I just mean that you might be surprised. It's a country rich in food, family, friendship, and love. And also wild dogs and chickens and pigs running around everywhere.


If you can, I suggest making your way to Vava'u and trying to get a night or two on Mounu Island. It's a tiny sand speck that takes literally 5 mins to walk around. 4 Fales total. Amazing little spot. Here are two real quick vids from my stay.


But if you can't get to Vava'u, I enjoyed the resort of Liku'Alofa on the northern part of Tongatapu. Such friendly owners and staff.


Here are some of my pictures from the trip.


Anyway, if you look through all that info and still have questions, I'd be happy to talk more. Shoot me a message and we can email. Good luck, it's gonna be a life-changing trip.

This is the best book if you want to go to Easter Island:
http://www.amazon.com/Companion-Easter-Island-Guide-Rapa/dp/9563326415. I went in November for a week and had an incredible time. Lots of Moai, tons of hiking, some spelunking, three beaches, two craters, an abandoned NASA site, and good food for dinner. We stayed in a bungalow about a 15 min walk from Hanga Roa, the only town on the island. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun, adventurous trip.

Not a lot out there.

https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Fijian-Phrasebook-Dictionary/dp/1743211872/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Paul Geraghty published an updated and great dictionary a while back, but I can't find it in print.

This is the most in-depth and comprehensive book on the language--but it ain't cheap:

https://www.amazon.com/Fijian-Language-Albert-J-Sch%C3%BCtz/dp/0824810058

That book was the biggest help for me in learning Fijian/Bauan. Its old, but it goes in to great depth.

EDIT: Cola yani. Isa, Nadroga.

https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Perth-Australia-Travel/dp/174179952X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467681191&sr=8-4&keywords=Perth

I would have a look at the Lonely Planet book for Perth and the west coast of Australia. These books usually provide a little history of the city. Plus, it will give you ideas of attractions you might like to see when you get here.

If you want some fiction that is set in Perth you could try reading Cloudstreet by Tim Winton. It revolves around two families that live together and their lives in Perth from 1943 to 1963.

I lived in NZ for a year and a half. It's the easiest, most friendly place to travel.

Since this is your first time traveling, you might not know this: Buy the Lonely Planet for your destination. This is the first thing most travelers do once the destination has been chosen.

I highly doubt you will experience much culture shock. It's extremely western. English is spoken. Things might be a bit more expensive than you are used to.

There is a fantastic museum, Te Papa, in Wellington. Check it out. There's also a the National Film Archive which is cool to see.

But you don't go to NZ for the museums. You go for the natural beauty. Bring hiking boots, hire a car and drive to Taupo or Tongariro National Park, rent a surfboard & wetsuit or hire someone for a lesson (Check out Lyall Bay for surfing), etc etc etc..

But all of this is in the Lonely Planet. Particularly for NZ, since it's been so heavily traveled, LP is a pretty good resource.

This should do the trick

Lonely Planet Vanuatu & New Caledonia (Multi Country Travel Guide)

Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:


amazon.co.uk

amazon.ca

amazon.com.au

amazon.in

amazon.com.mx

amazon.de

amazon.it

amazon.es

amazon.com.br

amazon.nl

amazon.co.jp

amazon.fr

Beep bloop. I'm a bot to convert Amazon ebook links to local Amazon sites.
I currently look here: amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.com.au, amazon.in, amazon.com.mx, amazon.de, amazon.it, amazon.es, amazon.com.br, amazon.nl, amazon.co.jp, amazon.fr, if you would like your local version of Amazon adding please contact my creator.

Just wanted to post this new guidebook we have been working on: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KPCNV67

Its a guide of Australia's East Coast for single guys

Fantastic question u/ardnassac115, and I'm glad you asked it. For some background on me, I'm 25 and used to work full-time in a pretty serious career before deciding to return to graduate school full-time. This lined up for me, and is probably one of the few times in my life I'll be able to do something this long and live-changing. When in my life will I have the holy trinity of time, energy, and money again? I had budgeted through grad school to 1.) make sure I could go through grad school without working, and 2.) make sure I had enough leftover to do something like this before returning to work. I still live at home and my major monthly expenses are student loans, car payment/insurance, and a cell phone bill. I budgeted to make sure the cost of this trip, in addition to those expenses, could be covered while I was gone before returning to work. I hope that answers your question regarding saving up.

Planning the trip was difficult at first, but became easier over time. I've never done anything like this in my life and I had no idea what I was doing. The most important thing is to first decide how long you want the trip to be. Everything else comes afterwards. I decided 6 weeks because it'd be enough to see a lot while not killing me financially. Next, I knew I wanted to see national parks, but had no idea how. This helped me immensely. It's an "optimal route" to see all the national parks in the lower 48 states (note there have been two new NP additions since: Gateway Arch NP and Indiana Dunes NP). In what I'm sure is a cardinal sin of this sub, I took the fastest, most direct routes in the interest of time rather than looking for scenic routes most of the time. I cared more about time in the parks than pretty views from my car (although there were many). If you look at the order of my route and the route through that link, you'll notice it's very similar. After, I just started researching parks and seeing which ones I want to see the most, and which ones I could skip for now or save for the future. Once I had that down, I opened up an excel sheet and google maps and started actually mapping each day, how long the drives would be between destinations, what I wanted to do, where I'd sleep each night, and how long I'd spend at each destination. How long was decided during the research part on the parks I decided to see on this trip. For example, parks like Rocky Mountan, Zion, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon all got 2 essentially full days because they were so big that I didn't think I could do all the things I wanted to do in a single day. Parks like Badlands, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Carlsbad Caverns, Gateway Arch, and Cuyahoga Valley I knew could be done in a single, very packed day. To preface that, I'm in shape and did a lot of hiking at a pretty unhealthy (read: fast) pace, allowing me to do a multitude of trails each day to get everything. I'm not going to lie, it took me a ton of effort to route my trip and make sure it was within the time frame. I essentially made an itinerary for myself. It's not as rigid as I'm making it sound, as the only thing really holding me to schedule was reserving campsites or AirBnBs. Otherwise I'd be able to do that research a few nights prior and alter as I needed. On the flip side, when it's 7PM and you don't know where you're sleeping that night, that can be a scary thing if you're not used to it.

I want to emphasize my planning of each day at parks too. I touched on that above, but this blog, where the authors spent 52 weeks doing all 59 (at the time) national parks for the centennial in 2016, was extremely helpful. The pictures, descriptions, and other info were so valuable. My friend's dad caught wind I was doing this trip and lent me three national park guides: Fodors, National Geographic, and Lonely Planet. These were the most important for actually planning my days in parks, with Fodors being by far the most useful, National Geographic also being good, and honestly not much help from Lonely Planet. Just an FYI, the links are for the exact copies I used, but there are newer versions available that you should get if you look into it. A note on this - it saved me a tremendous amount of valuable time when I got to parks to already know exactly what I wanted to do. If I had extra time and could do stuff I didn't know about, that was great! But on packed days it helps to know where things are in each park and how reasonable your "want to do" adventures are for the time frame.

For road trip prep I had to buy or borrow some things I didn't have and got the rest from my house: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, bed comforter, tarp, tent, knife, bear spray, pepper spray, a road atlas, a lantern, an abundance of snacks (clif bars, larabars, peanut butter crackers, etc), national park passport, a good cooler for water/food, camp stove and bowls, matches, paper towels, hand sanitizer, and some other things that I'm surely not remembering. A good, solid backpack and some good water bottles are necessary. Multi-tools are useful. Don't forget some engine coolant and wiper fluid just in case. Don't forget to stop for an oil change if your trip is long enough. For clothing I put a suitcase in the back seat of my car and lived out of that between laundry. Also had a box with some of the above items in it along with toiletries and other essentials like baby wipes, phone charger, electric razor and charger, nail clippers, sandwich baggies, and a few other things.

Woooo, that was a long winded post! There is so much to think about and plan when doing something like this, and I'd be lying if I said a great deal of work didn't go into my plan. If this trip had been shorter, a lot of this wouldn't be necessary. Six weeks though, that's a long time away from home, completely on my own. Having never done something even close to this, I felt I needed to do a lot of this prep work to make sure this went as smoothly as possible. It did go very smoothly too, but I attribute a lot of that to planning. I hope that this essay response helps you understand the pre-trip process I went through a bit better. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have!

Any other clues? Colour of the cover, what was it about, how long it was?

Could be something like this?

Kona airport is on the west side (the "dry" side) of the island. Its just north of a touristy area called Kailua. In addition there are some big box retail and a grocery stores in this area, if I remember correctly. I don't know your budget, but this is probably a cheaper place to stay as well.

We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince, which was great. I also know people who have stayed at the Hilton Waikaloa and loved it.

Restaurants: depends on your taste, but our favorite breakfast/lunch place was the Hawaiian Style cafe in Kamuela. For a more upscale dinner, we really liked Roy's.

More than anything, I would recommend you get this book - it was dead on about EVERYTHINg.

A few years ago, Lonely Planet put out a ranked “Ultimate Bucket List” of 500 destinations around the world. It’s available as a book, which you could buy or probably find at your local library, and the complete list has been posted online here. It’s a pretty good source of inspiration, as long as you don’t put too much emphasis on the rankings themselves. There are also first-time travel guides like this one which might help.

In my experience, a great trip can be to almost anywhere, and can usually be built around a few—or even just one—“bucket list” destination, sight, and/or event, as long as you keep to a reasonably sized region/area. If you love English soccer, you could easily put that as your centrepiece and then build a U.K.- or Western Europe-based trip, based on your other interests and how fast your money will run out (and it will run out relatively quickly in the U.K./Western Europe). But when your options are anywhere you want, it’s tough for anybody to give you real, solid advice on where that should be. Most people here are simply telling you where they would go, which may or may not align with what you actually like.

Also, I wouldn’t worry to much about finding a “non-touristy” destination, unless you have a pretty clear idea of just what that means. Compelling destinations with “a lot to see and do” don’t tend to be a secret—or to stay a secret for long—so anywhere you go is likely to have other tourists. There’s a continuum between Venice in mid-summer cruise ship season and Nowheresville Minnesota in February, and only experience will tell you where you’re most comfortable on that continuum. Until you get there, don’t over-focus on that.

Other than that, the best advice is something you already seem to be aware of: Don’t try to cram in too much in too short a time period. Many younger travellers wind up planning to visit a new city every day or two, or wanting to start a two-week trip in London and end it in Istanbul. You want to spend the bulk of your time enjoying places, not on planes, trains, and busses getting to them. Remember, your first trip doesn’t have to be your only trip.

He illustrated a funny book

Hi.
This is a hardcover, glossy photos, 6.5" square.
https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Book-Mini-Journey-Through/dp/174220905X