Fiji

Three hundred islands, of which about a third are inhabited, spread over a big area. Most visitors never see the main island beyond the airport road: the Mamanucas and Yasawas, a boat or short flight west, are where the postcard beaches are. The Coral Coast on Viti Levu is the mainland alternative and cheaper for it.

Fiji is the most family-shaped destination in this set and makes no apology for it. It also has the widest price range — the same archipelago carries backpacker dorms on Nacula and overwater villas on Laucala.

Getting there

Nadi (NAN) is the hub, with direct flights from Australia, New Zealand, the US west coast and a handful of Asian cities. Island transfers are catamaran, small plane or helicopter; the Yasawa Flyer runs the length of the chain daily and is the cheap way north.

Entry

Visa-exempt nationalities are issued a visitor permit on arrival, valid for anything up to a maximum of four months, extendable by a further two on application and payment. Non-exempt nationalities are issued a visitor visa for up to four months.