AboutMick Maurer Expertise Can answer questions on both air and land transportation, climate, currency exchange, driving, food, time zones, tipping, travel insurance, visas and passports, vaccinations, weights and measures, tourist attractions, adventure travel, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, cruising, hotels and resorts, and how to get the best value for your available time and budget. Happy to answer questions about specific issues
Experience I am a Maiti Specialist (Fiji) and visit the South Pacific Islands at least once a year so my clients and those asking questions get the best first hand information.
Question hello mick, planning the honeymoon and wanting some advice. a south or western pacific island is looking like a good choice. so far the cook islands, samoa and bali are looking great. we want to have all the creature comforts of a resort,(beachside drinks/bar, room service, dining..etc.), and still be able to take a quick walk or ride to a beach we can have to ourselves. snorkeling and warm water is a must. nightlife and dancing are not important. i have seen those huts on stilts and they look interesting. what is your take on them? our budget is below $8k, think $4-7k...if that's even possible? we would like all the creature comforts we are used to here in america but by no means is "luxury" what we're looking for. simple meals, good drinks and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere is all we need. anything you can give me will be great. this is a great service, i use it often. thank you very much for your time. josh
Answer Josh:
You are on the right track with the Cook Islands. You should also consider Fiji. Both will give you better value for your money than Bali or Samoa. The huts on stilts (Overwater Bungalows) are very nice but also very expensive. I think your budget of $4-7 k is very realistic. Your biggest cost is going to be the flight to get there and that makes the Cooks a little more expensive than Fiji. If you could give me the dates of your Honeymoon and where you will be flying from in the U.S. I can make some specific recommendations with estimated costs based on my personal visits to the areas I recommend. Email me directly at Aussiemick@aol.com.
