In the past, sea travel allowed people to explore the world, colonize new territories, expand trade networks, and establish settlements. This phenomenon unfolded over centuries in the Pacific region.
For those from outside Viti Levu, traveling is often considered one of the most rewarding ways to appreciate the beauty of the world. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, requiring experienced inter-island travelers to navigate the complexities of island-hopping.
Land travel on Viti Levu has its challenges, but it is generally easier than sea travel. The distances to cover, the costs involved, and unpredictable weather can make island travel a demanding experience.
One important tip for island travel is to “travel light.” Avoid overpacking as if embarking on an escape; instead, take only what you need. This is crucial since you will be boarding and disembarking from ferries multiple times, taking buses, and possibly hopping onto smaller boats when reaching outer islands. Lighter bags make the journey much smoother.
Choose clothing made from fabrics that resist retaining odors, breathe well, and are lightweight since sea travel can leave garments damp. For casual outings, T-shirts and shorts are ideal, but if you need to attend an important meeting, semi-formal attire is recommended.
Traveling to the islands provides a great opportunity to connect with nature and witness stunning landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets. Capture these moments with plenty of photos to share with family, friends, and colleagues. You don’t have to be a professional to get beautiful shots; everything in nature is photogenic, especially with the prevalence of smartphones.
Accepting temporary discomforts is part of island travel. Familiarize yourself with the possibility of sleeping on a ship’s floor or a bus bench. There might be times without access to showers, and grocery stores may not be nearby, so be ready to grab what you can find along the way. Bringing a few snacks can ease potential hunger during your journey.
Regardless of the season, night travel to the islands may bring cooler temperatures. Be prepared by packing warm items such as a sweater, scarf, beanie, and long pants. Conditions on ferries can be unpredictable, and it may be necessary to find a way to stay warm, particularly on the deck during windy nights.
In case seating is limited on board, you may find yourself sleeping on the floor, so having a lightweight, dark-colored bedsheet is wise. If no indoor space is available, consider sleeping outside on the top deck to enjoy fresh ocean breezes.
Don’t forget your toiletry bag for small valuables; it should contain essentials like a spare razor, deodorant, toothbrush, moisturizer, and medication, including seasickness pills if you’re prone to motion sickness. Also, pack toilet paper, as facilities on inter-island ferries can be less than ideal.
Traveling also offers the chance to meet new people. Be open to making new acquaintances, sharing jokes, and possibly forging new friendships. If traveling solo, be prepared for communal experiences—sharing space, resources, and stories—it all contributes to the adventure!