Thorn Tree travel forum

Tsunami: news and updates

Please use this thread to add your reports, observations and news from the ground. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible disaster.

There may be a tsunami that has been generated from an 8.3 earthquake just off American Samoa.

Edited by: VenessaP

how to get there from europe?

So, I was checking Paris-Rarotonga, the cheapest ticket in march is 1600e. Is there any cheaper option, how is it possible to get there?
And is march ok weather?

Thank you

The Samoa Tsunami: Photos and a personal account.

I was in American Samoa on Ofu Island when the Tsunami hit. It was one of the most humbling and terrifying things I've ever witnessed. Fortunately, Ofu received minimal damage. Four days after the disaster we were able to make our way over to Lalomanu beach in Independent Samoa where we had stayed previously. The destruction was overwhelming. The survivor stories even more so. Here are photographs from Lalomanu Beach and the stories of some of the survivors. http://www.michaelandersongallery.com/gallery.php?gallery=samoatsunami

To help the survivors, you can go directly to the websites of the families involved: http://www.samoabeachfales.com/ or http://tinadesuza.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html more »

6 days in Tonga - one or two on Eua?

Hi all,

I arrive at Tongatapu on December 10th, and leave again at the 16th. I have a bit of trouble of coming op with a rough itinerary, as I'm guessing that Sundays in Tonga are... well... empty. That rules out flying or sailing to or from one of the other islands on that day, so I was thinking of maybe spending Sunday on Eua. Take the ferry on Saturday, fly back on Monday. Would this be a good idea? Does any of you know if, for example, Hideway organises tours on Sunday? Could I paddle my rental bike across the island withour disturbing or offending people? And what would you say - is one full day on Eua enough, or would a second day be just as much fun?

I have been thinking about flying to Ha'apai or Vava'u, but it seems much more expensive, and just quickly go there for some tropical beaches would probably not be worth it for me.

Fiji on a budget

Just left Fiji after an amazing week at the Beachouse. Would have stayed longer but was concerned about the costs after reading various forums. After Australia Fiji is a bargain, we averaged about $60 (Fiji) a day each, including an evening meal and beers. Dorms are $35 and the tent $25 which seems alot, but includes breakfast and an afternoon snack. Add on about $12 for an evening meal and whatever you can drink- beers only $2.50 during happy hour and only $3.50 after. We were getting over $3 to the pound.

Avoid the Nadi downtown packpackers- a depressing place not helped by its aggressive manager. Very noisy during the night and $5 for a small beer!

Accommodation in Tanna

Hi all,

i have done a little research already, but thought id ask for some advice...
I would like to travel to Tanna with my wife next March/April for, say, 3 or 4 days of snorkelling, relaxing, volcanoing, and basically just enjoying what i hear is a beautiful place! I do not require the most luxurious accommodation, however i would appreciate a fan at night, comfy bed and 3 decent meals a day. I am happy to pay around $70 - $150AUD per night for my accommodation. Do you have any suggestions on a good place to stay on Tanna? Also, do most places offer meals, how much should i budget for meals per day?
Any fair dinkum responses are greatly appreciated,
Regards,

Fiji - different to our normal kind of travel

My partner and I are looking at taking a week, possibly 2 week break in Fiji, in the middle of next year. We have both travelled a fair bit but mostly independent, off the beaten track, 4WD, camping thing. I have never done the holiday in a hotel, beach kind of thing but for once, I want a different kind of holiday and a little bit of luxury (well, relative to camping). We would want somewhere that is nice (not budget basic), fairly relaxed but has opportunities to do activities if we feel like it (we are both outdoor types (walking, canoeing, diving,rockclimbing)) particularly snorkelling and diving, not in a town centre but maybe close by so that we can explore if we feel like it?

I'm horrified at some of the hotel prices but don't know whether this is 'normal' for hotels or just because I'm a cheapskate and used to paying relatively little for campsites!

There seems to be qu... more »

Backpacker place in Guam

I am looking for a good backpacker place in Gaum. Any good ideas anyone...?