|
|
 |
|
|
The South Pacific has long been an idyllic destination for travelers looking for sun, beautiful beaches and scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Most of the countries in this region are located within the tropical zone between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. The weather is usually warm even in the middle of winter. The humidity will make it feel warmer than one might expect from the temperature for those accustomed to drier climates. The term “South Pacific” is generally applied to the locations of Australia, New Zealand, Palau, Guam, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Wallis Futuna, Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and French Polynesia.
The countries of the South Pacific were settled in ancient times by peoples that spoke Austronesian, Australian and Indo-Pacific languages. Most of the cultures in this region gained a reputation for their friendliness and hospitality long ago. Life on many of the islands in the South Pacific was relatively simple and easy compared to some other places in the world. The people could easily survive by planting root crops like taro, bananas and yams, and by exploiting natural resources like the coconut tree and the bounty of the ocean. As a result, the people in the South Pacific often have a relatively easy-going, laid-back type of lifestyle compared to that found in many heavily-industrialized countries.
Because of the relaxed atmosphere and often pristine natural settings found in the region, many people love to visit the South Pacific to get away from the hustle and bustle of their jobs and lives. A healthy dose of sun, water activities and relaxing is often just what they need to recuperate from the stresses of modern living.
However, the South Pacific is not just about sun and beaches. There is actually quite a variety of climates and environments in this region. New Zealand, for example, has a temperate climate and winters in the mountains get quite cold. In Australia, the northern areas are tropical, while the most southern regions are much further from the equator and get quite chilly in the winter. Australia also offers some very arid desert environments unlike what you find in most other areas of this region.
Travelers can find everything from lush tropical rainforests to barren desert landscapes and rugged alpine mountain ranges in the South Pacific. There are islands that seem nearly untouched by modern civilization, along with facilities as luxurious as one will find practically anywhere in the world. In most of the capitals and major cities of the region, you will find most of the major international hotel chains often with some quite spectacular accommodations.
On remote islands, travelers should expect more cottage type arrangements. In some cases, ecotourism spots are designed to leave as little impact on the environment as possible. Ecotourists do not mind “roughing it” in order to preserve the natural settings while at the same time helping to support local communities live a sustainable life style.
Obviously, if one likes ocean sports and activities like swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving and the like, the South Pacific will be one of the prime destinations in the world. Most of the nations here consist of archipelagos with large numbers of small islands. So, one will usually find a beach will not be far away.
Since the region is mostly tropical, the oceans contain abundant coral reefs. The ocean biodiversity in the South Pacific is truly spectacular. Divers and snorkelers can check out the marine life at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, mud fumaroles in Micronesia, or wrecks off the coast of French Polynesia. The water is often crystal clear with visibility’s hard to match anywhere in the world. Indeed, many islands of this region are actually made of coral and thus are great spots for divers and snorkelers.
Surfers will also find plenty of great spots to visit in the South Pacific. Both French Polynesia and Australia are known for great surfing. Off Tahiti are waves known as Teahupoo, which are some of the largest and most challenging to be found anywhere in the world.
The music, food and culture of the South Pacific tends to lend to the region’s charm. A Polynesian luau, for example, is a well-known expression of Pacific Islander hospitality. The music and dancing can be alternatively very lively and exciting or exceptionally soothing like the calm cool breezes that often accompany the sunset.
The South Pacific is thus a great escape for those looking to retreat from cold winters, hectic schedules, pollution, dreary cities, and other stressful situations. The people in this region are generally highly dependent on tourism money, and they have the craft of taking care of visitors honed down to a fine art. Few areas in world make the visitor feel so welcomed. |
|
|
|
Not what you were looking for?
Search Google and Beachcomber Pete
|
|
|
|
Who in the World is Checking out ?
Beachcomber Pete
|
|
Periodic issues- Free advice and suggestions for making your next travel adventure more enjoyable.
