12 Tiny Countries for a Big Trip

Leisure travel is back and travelers have more international airline routes available. Non-stop flight options from the United States to hard-to-reach destinations in Europe and Asia are highlighted. While Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand are popular South Pacific destinations, French Polynesia's islands like Bora Bora and Tahiti offer a legendary experience that is more challenging to reach. Delta Air Lines now offers non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete, Tahiti (PPT) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, which may be operated by Air France.

Ready to know more about the top luxury accommodations for a five-star getaway in Bora Bora, French Polynesia? The island is renowned for its endless crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, lagoon, and picturesque views. The luxury accommodations include the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui. These resorts offer a range of amenities such as private plunge pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, water sports, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, spa treatments, private dining, and they also provide beautiful views of the island's natural beauty and marine life.

Venture Tahiti has been quoted in a recent Forbes Magazine article by Senior Contributor, Christopher Elliot. We have included an excerpt inside. "This Is How To Stay Safe When You Travel After The Pandemic"‍ - "A lot of people who want to stay safe while traveling during the coronavirus pandemic use other criteria to choose their destination — exciting, fun, or cheap. Mostly, cheap. That's a mistake, says Keith Smith, managing director of Venture Tahiti." A great way for travelers to stay safe as they begin traveling again is to be thoughtful and selective about their early destination choices," he told me. "I recommend traveling to destinations that have purpose-built health and safety protocols designed specifically for the resumption of incoming tourism." These protocols consider vaccinated or immune travelers and travelers complying with disciplined testing and entry requirements. If your intended destination has them, you can feel safer. Smith says places like Tahiti have been at the forefront of these purpose-built health and safety protocols, which allows visitors to not just feel safer, but to be safer."

The reason why some ocean water is more turquoise than others is due to the absorption and scattering of light, with absorption being a larger factor than scattering for clear ocean water. Waters in places like the Caribbean, South Pacific like in Bora Bora, and Greece are shallower and almost free of plankton, causing them to be a specific shade of azure blue. These waters are also usually home to heavier sand and sediment, which churn up less, leaving waters more clear. Additionally, these little slices of paradise tend to experience less "upwelling," which can turn water murkier.

Travelers should not scoff at other people's inflight habits, as the cramped and often undignified nature of flying makes it essential to make the experience more comfortable. Instead of sniggering at someone trying to make their flight comfortable, passengers should emulate them by creating their own version of business class. The author suggests packing a large scarf, all-purpose cream, a temperature-preserving bottle, a foot hammock, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones. Passengers should also consider downloading a meditation session or soothing podcast to help them relax.

The remote village of Teahupo'o in Tahiti is gaining recognition for its world-renowned waves that attract surfers like Kelly Slater and Laird Hamilton. The Gotcha Tahiti Pro in 1998 was a turning point for Teahupo'o as it brought recognition for its waves. Teahupo'o will host one of the biggest surfing competitions in 2024 and is also slated to host surfing events for the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, some locals have mixed feelings about the event as they fear it may change the landscape of the village.

Tahiti's natural beauty is truly enchanting. The island is home to lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and black sand beaches where visitors can enjoy hiking to scenic viewpoints, swimming in crystal clear lagoons, and exploring the island's unique flora and fauna. For those planning a visit to Tahiti's largest island, there are many accommodation options available, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Tahiti's largest island offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience that combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. ‍

The article is a review of a cruise onboard the Paul Gauguin ship, which takes guests on a journey to the South Pacific islands of French Polynesia. The review describes the ship's luxurious amenities, friendly staff, and delicious food, as well as the stunning scenery and cultural experiences available on the islands. The author, Lynch, also notes that the locals, who are said to be among the happiest people on earth, add a special charm to the trip. The review concludes by recommending the Paul Gauguin cruise for anyone seeking a luxurious and culturally rich vacation experience.