Kokoda Trail - How to do it cheper than the pricey tour operators?

Hi guys

We are 5 Danish guys that are going to PNG in July for three weeks. When we arrrive in Port Moresby we want to start our holiday by doing the Kokoda trek.

It seems ridiculously expensive when looking at the rates from tour operaters via the internet.So I'm very interested in some info and recommendation on how to do the trek in a more budget friendly way.

1. Has anyone tried to plan their own trek once they arrived in PNG?? We don't plan on completing the trek on our own. We want a local guide and a few carriers to help us out.

2. Regarding time for completion - Is it realistic to complete the trek in 6 days or even faster? We are all young and in good shape.

3. We plan to start the trek at Owers Corner and walk to Kokoda. Once we arrive in Kokoda, how do we get back to Port Moresby. I can see that flights are available but is there any public buses that can bri... more »

accom with all meals provided ??

do you know of any accom that includes all meals in or aroud honiara or outer island ??? plz incl price . pref budget rather than top end.. thanx

Ideas for FIJI in 4 days???

Have an opportunity to join my girlfriend in Fiji for 4 days. I would be flying in from LA. I realize this is a very short time, and would love to get some ideas of what we could do to maximize our experience there. We are both in our early 30s.

• Stay on the mainland, or island hop?
• Which islands, and what are some highlights there?
• Make the trip, considering the short duration, or wait until next time when we have more time to spend in Fiji?

DECISSIONS. DECISSIONS!!!

Guys,

I need a weeks break out of Brisbane. I waas thinking of either Fiji or Samoa. I need it to be affordable and im happy to stay in almost any accomodation to make the experience enjoyable. I really want to do a LOT of nothing but on a budget! I usually research and plan EVERYTHING when i go OS but this time, im even considering a PACKAGE DEAL so i dont have to do a thing....but pack.

Again, i was looking into Fiji or Samoa BUT if you want to suggest any other destiantion which would fit the bill, im keen and eager to hear about it!
Thanks for reading this

GIBBSY

Kiribati vs. Tuvalu

Hello all!

First time poster, long time reader. I know the sections regarding Kiribati and Tuvalu are not the most active but I know a couple of you have been to either/both places and was looking for some help.

I've got roughly a month to spend working as an assistant in a medical office setting on either island and was wondering which place you would suggest -

My main interests are (In no particular order)-

• The chance to snorkel/dive (Either would be fine. I'm not a certified diver but have gone diving before. I don't plan on doing this sort of activity everyday either).

• A chance to see and experience a relatively untouched culture. I do realize that with globalization pretty much all societies have changed. I'm looking more at the indigenous houses/construction, and older ways of life.

are non-musty accommodations available in Tahiti/French Polynesian islands?

Greetings,

I'm considering a trip to Tahiti and some of the French Polynesian islands.
I'm allergic to moldy/mildewy/musty environments (and I'm also chemically scent-sitive) ...
and I'm wondering whether I will have difficulty finding/booking relatively economical accommodations that are safe for me in these respects.I would very much appreciate any feedback anyone can offer me about these concerns, as soon as possible.
Many Thanks!

Two weeks to spare in the middle of the Pacific

Hello there, I''m planning a two month trip from Cairns to Hawaii in July and August and will need to be buying my tickets soon, however I've had a sudden change of heart about some of the portions of my trip. The original plans are as follows:

2 weeks in and around the Daintree and Far North Queensland.
2 weeks in Vanuatu, with most time spent on Tanna island at the foot of Mount Yasur.
1 week in Fiji (basically an extended stopover as I have to change flights here anyway).
1 week on Oahu, Hawaii (same as above).
2 weeks on Hawaii's Big Island (more volcanoes).

The two weeks in Fiji and Oahu are the ones I'm reconsidering, as I've realised I only really included them because I'll be passing through anyway and would hate to "miss out". Oahu is likely going to be a huge culture shock for me and I'm afraid it might be a throwback to that one time I visited Surfer's Paradise, p... more »

French Polynesia self catering?

Hi!
I´m doing some research on travelling FP and as far as a can see most "major" islands basic accomodation for around 25 euro/pp. Doesn´t sound to bad! What about self catering? Does anyone know if the rock bottom places have kitchens and are there enough supplies in the shops on say Bora Bora?