Whether you've been squirreling away cash for more than a decade or are just starting to consider a trip, here are some exotic South Pacific vacations that are sure to wow. As a bonus, we've compiled some useful tips and money-saving strategies to make these dream trips a reality.
North Island, New Zealand
Around 77 percent of New Zealand's population lives on the North Island, so if you want to mingle with locals, this island is your best bet.
Why Go: The North Island combines urban life (it's home to Auckland and the capital Wellington), history (Maori culture), and natural beauty (geothermal hot spots and breathtaking beaches), all on one very drivable island.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Most international flights arrive in Auckland. Air New Zealand often has great deals from Los Angeles. Book a rental car—essential for getting around the island—from Hertz and you can get one day free. Or, leave the planning (and the driving) up to someone else, with a guided tour.
New Zealand's larger island has less than half of the country's population, so if you want to get away from it all, this is definitely the spot. You'll find wildlife and scenery here that's unlike anything else in the world.
Why Go: Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, and pristine coastlines make the South Island's landscapes some of the world's most picturesque. Skiing, scuba diving, and hiking await the adventurous, while world-famous vineyards, glamorous boutique hotels, and relaxing spas are in store for those who need some pampering.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Embrace the South Island's outdoorsy focus by renting a campervan to be both your transportation and your lodging. Rates start as low as $28 per day. Or, experience life on a working New Zealand farm, by booking a farmstay (sheep-shearing duty is optional). Arriving from the North Island? The most scenic way to get here is via ferry, which takes around three hours. If you're short on time and money, Jetstar Airways often has airfare deals between the two islands.
Hawaii's majesty would set it apart from all other states, even if the Pacific hadn't already done the job. Stunning landscapes, rich underwater worlds, and a noble history—this is one tropical paradise with serious depth.
Why Go: Vitamin D deficiencies melt away under the Hawaiian sun, all without the hassle of a passport. You won't need to convert currency to take surf lessons, explore active volcanoes, or go whale watching. Really, the only difficulty is choosing which island to visit: Do you prefer the pristine beauty of Kauai, the modern luxury of Oahu, the award-winning beaches of Maui, or the natural wonders of the Big Island? Willing to get farther off the beaten path? Then Molokai or Lanai might be worth a visit.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Hawaii is a daily destination for many U.S. carriers, including Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, and US Airways. For January stays, Pleasant Holidays is offering a free Hertz convertible, SUV, Jeep, or minivan rental with five-night vacation packages booked by November 25. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is offering five nights' accommodations for the price of three nights on bookings made by November 10 for stays through December 22.
In 2013, Tasmania, Australia's southernmost state, will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join the festivities on the wild island, where wombats and wallabies roam free.
Why Go: The island offers an unspoiled Australian adventure like no other. Check out Cradle Mountain National Park's diverse wildlife and catch a peek of the eponymous Tasmanian devil. Or dive the coast's calm waters and explore shipwrecks, exotic aquatic life, and crystal-clear Wineglass Bay.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Take a short flight from Sydney, or hop the auto-friendly Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne; prices start at $93 per vehicle. (You'll want a car for convenient sightseeing.) Stay in a cabin at Cradle Mountain National Park (and get a free night's stay when you book a horseback-riding tour). Or, jetsetters who prefer a cityscape can explore the lively, artsy capital of Hobart on the cheap; rooms at four-star The Fountainside start at just $118 per night when you purchase a seven-night package.
Tahiti
Five amazing archipelagos, 118 islands, one paradise. Tahiti is less than eight hours from Los Angeles, but it may as well be in an entirely different universe.
Why Go: The South Seas islands promise emerald waters, white-sand beaches, and, oh yeah, overwater bungalows. Embrace leisure with a unique banana-tree-leaf body wrap, culture on a tour of small villages, or adventure on a shark-feeding expedition. Or, simply start out the day in your overwater bungalow with breakfast delivered by canoe.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Air Tahiti Nui offers service from Los Angeles. Tahiti.com is offering a two-island vacation package that includes round-trip airfare, ferry transport between islands, daily breakfast, five nights' accommodations, and transfers from $1,999 per person. For $450 more per person, you can upgrade to an overwater bungalow and have the ultimate Tahiti experience. Find current air-and-hotel vacation packages from a variety of providers on Tahiti-Tourisme.com.
Adelaide, Australia
Often considered one of the world's most livable cities, Adelaide celebrates year-round with food and art festivals, as well as major sporting events.
Why Go: As the wine capital of Australia, the city's reds and whites get high praise. Adelaide is also the jumping-off point for Kangaroo Island, which is one of the prime places in Australia to see animals in their natural habitats.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Adelaide is served by many major airlines, including Delta, Virgin Australia, and Singapore Airlines; prices from the U.S. start at around $1,800 round-trip. Though there isn't much opportunity to save on airfare, there are plenty of affordable accommodations options, especially for the backpacking set. Hostels like the Adelaide Travellers Inn start at $19 per night for multi-person rooms. If sharing facilities is out of the question, check out the centrally located Adabco Boutique Hotel.
The Cook Islands
The idyllic Cook Islands have been called "the secret of the Pacific," and the fact that they were formed by volcanic activity only adds to the mystique. Travel to these untouched islands to explore their remarkable topography of overgrown jungles, sunken volcanoes, and limestone caves.
Why Go: Hidden halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, these 15 islands are scattered over 690,000 square miles of crystal-clear ocean and provide a stunning natural landscape of atolls, lagoons, and coral reefs.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Rarotonga, the largest of the Cooks and home to its international airport, is spiked with craggy mountain pinnacles that gently slope to meet flats planted with coconuts, paw paw, and pineapples. Fly into this capital island on Virgin Australia, Air Tahiti or Air New Zealand, which is now running a discount-airfare deal on flights to Rarotonga for next year. Stay in your own private lagoon-side bungalow for $150 per night, courtesy of Aroko Bungalows, and make sure to take a day trip to Aitutaki, a smaller island that sits atop a giant barrier reef and boasts a world-famous turquoise lagoon. As there is no regularly scheduled ferry service between the two islands, you'll have to hop short commuter flights on Air Rarotonga to get from island to island.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud, Bali's center of culture and arts, offers an idyllic haven for travelers. Make it the central location for a Bali vacation or the final destination in itself.
Why Go: Ubud might be small, but it offers a king-sized array of attractions—not least, Puri Saren Agung, the lavish palace occupied by the last ruler of Ubud and now host to his descendants' spectacular traditional dance performances. Explore the town's majestic rivers, beautiful rice terraces, ancient temples, and bustling arts district.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport on Singapore Airlines, which is now running a 2 Faces of Bali vacation package that includes accommodations beside a Balinese beach and a three-night stay in Ubud, along with a full-day tour of the island's volcanoes. Or, for $55 per night, this stunning private villa, with a two-tiered pool overlooking an endless landscape of lush rice fields, is a steal. Just outside of central Ubud, rest in the Manis House at Bambu Indah for about $100 per night. The eco-friendly compound offers relaxing spa services, personalized yoga sessions, and a natural swimming pool complete with a rope swing. And don't forget to keep 150,000 IDR (about $15) in your pocket for the airport's departure tax on your way out.
Fiji
Fiji may be a luxury destination, but that doesn't mean it has to cost a small fortune. From capital city Suva's economical eco-friendly properties to five-star private-island resorts, savvy researchers can uncover vacation packages to South Pacific bliss.
Why Go: With more than 300 separate islands to explore—some inhabited, most barren—you will never run out of Fijian discoveries. The Mamanucas, a chain of 20 volcanic islands, has world-class dive sites and miles of coral reef; its backpacker-friendly South Sea Island is worth a checking out. Suva offers modern amenities, a vibrant nightlife, and affordable digs.
Getting There and Finding Deals: A vacation package is your best bet for savings. As of press time, Liberty Travel is offering five-night packages, including airfare from $2659 per person at the InterContinental Fiji Golf & Spa Resort. For the resort-averse, SmarterTravel sister site FlipKey offers affordable cottage rentals from $47 per night.
Brisbane, Australia
The third most populous city in Australia, Brisbane is large, diverse, and cosmopolitan. As such, many of its 3 million residents have roots from all over the world, including Europe, India, and Asia.
Why Go: Aside from being a cultural hot spot, Brisbane boasts weekend markets for bargain hunting and a vast park system. Find easy day trips to places like Moreton Bay and its islands; the Gold Coast's surf beaches; and the Pine Rivers, Caboolture, or the Glasshouse Mountains.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Flying from the States to Brisbane can cost about $1,750, but the savings start when you get there. Through Expedia, rooms at the central Mantra on Queen start at $124 (a 48 percent discount) for two or more nights through March 31, 2013. Alternatively, Best Western Astor Metropole Apartments is offering 20 percent discounts on two or more nights.
New Caledonia
Heavenly South Pacific beachscapes and Melanesian culture meet French savoir-vivre on New Caledonia, an archipelago collectivity of France.
Why Go: New Caledonia offers two vacations in one: a luxurious city escape fused with a breezy island adventure. For a spot of French chic in the South Pacific, visitors can head to cosmopolitan Noumea, New Caledonia's largest city, where vintage boutiques, aqua spas, art galleries, and museums abound. Then, they can retreat from the city and explore vivid blue coral lagoons, kayak to close-by uninhabited islands, or hit the beach and relax under palm trees on warm sand.
Getting There and Finding Deals: New Caledonia's flagship international airline is Aircalin, which connects the island with destinations in Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Travelers seeking to visit a handful of South Pacific islands can save money by purchasing a Pacific air-travel pass from Aircalin. Prices vary, but according to Travel Press, rates start at $150 per coupon. (Each coupon is valid for one travel segment.) Note that this pass isn’t currently sold in the United States. Contact Aircalin for more details.
American Samoa
Did you know there's a U.S. national park located in the South Pacific? The National Park of American Samoa extends on three volcanic islands on the territory of American Samoa, where sea cliffs loom over pristine beaches and rainforests harbor a rich diversity of tropical flora and fauna.
Why Go: Travelers seeking a more private experience in the South Pacific should consider visiting American Samoa. The park sees only a few thousand visitors annually and is considered one of the most remote U.S. national parks.
Getting There and Finding Deals: Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, can be reached from the U.S. via Hawaiian Airlines. For an authentic (and affordable) Samoan experience, visitors to the National Park of American Samoa can arrange to stay in a local's home through the National Park Service (NPS). Costs of a homestay vary, as prices are set by each host, but according to many sources, accommodations are extremely affordable by Western standards. Homestay guests are invited to participate in village activities like fishing or weaving. For more information about the homestay program, visit the National Park of American Samoa's website.
Kamalame Cay, The Bahamas
This private island is just a 15-minute flight from Nassau and offers an isolated sanctuary surrounded by crystal-clear water and shaded with rustling palms.
Stay: At Kamalame Cay Resort, you'll get as much (or as little) attention as you want from the staff. Grab a cocktail and stroll across the sandy path to the dock to catch a stunning sunset.
Eat: At the resort's Great House restuarant. Begin the day with a made-to-order breakfast with local fruits and freshly made Bahamian breads. Situated in a wraparound veranda, you'll enjoy gourmet cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
Do: Discover the beauty of underwater life with a scuba expedition at the island's PADI rated Dive Centre. The centre offers all levels of certification for non-divers, snorkelers, and children. Diverse marine life and 100-foot visibility promises an unforgettable adventure.
Rosalie Bay, Dominica
Set on the wild Atlantic coast of rugged, mostly undeveloped Dominica, Rosalie Bay offers a tranquil island escape 45 minutes from the capital city of Roseau.
Stay: The Rosalie Bay Resort features 28 guest rooms and suites with mountain, ocean, river, or garden views amid towering palms and coconut trees.
Eat: Zamaan Restaurant offers fresh ingredients from Rosalie Bay Resort's garden and authentic Dominican flavors. Enjoy your meal under the moonlight on their outdoor veranda.
Do: Lace up your hiking boots for an intense trek over moss-covered paths to Boiling Lake, the world's second-largest volcanically heated body of water.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
The exotic city of Playa del Carmen sits just outside of Cancun, with gorgeous beaches on the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
Stay: The Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort ensures privacy with your own plunge pool. Spacious villas seamlessly blend outdoors and indoors, with an open-to-the-stars tub.
Eat: Grab your significant other and experience a drifting dinner on the resort's Ixchel Dining Boat. Enjoy local and international cuisine prepared by an on-board culinary hoast as you drift down the Mayakoba lagoon.
Do: Take a day trip to the historic archeological sites outside of the city where you can explore preserved pyramids, ancient temples, and colorful murals.
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Located on one of the largest private islands in the Caribbean, Peter Island features a collection of five secluded beaches.
Stay: Peter Island Resort is the island's only attraction, but you won't be shorted on service. Enjoy luxurious villas and suites, a quietly attentive staff, and a spa surrounded by lush gardens.
Eat: Indulge in authentic Caribbean food and delectable desserts at the resort's Tradewinds restaurant. Don't miss the eatery's wine room, which features more than 300 exclusive selections.
Do: Sign up for the Sunset Loop, an exciting ride up the curvy mountain roads to one of the highest points on the island.
Curaçao, The Caribbean
This enticing island known for its gorgeous coral reefs is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast.
Stay: Visit Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa & Casino, which was actually once a slum. Now, the drastically renovated hotel features 80 rooms, each uniquely different.
Eat: Go global at the open-air Old Market, where vendors grill chicken, fish, or even goat for lunch. Seating is communal, so picnic tables are likely to be shared by government employees, cab drivers, and tourists.
Do: Head to historic downtown where boutiques line the streets selling duty-free diamonds, designer clothes, and Dutch goods.
Costa Alegre, Mexico
Located just below Puerto Vallarta and just above Cihuatlan, Costa Alegre translates to "Cheerful Coast."
Stay: Unwind at El Tamarindo, where you won't have to angle for beach space with only a few dozen guests and two miles of coast.
Eat: Try El Marino in nearby Manzanillo for fresh seafood and a stunning beach view.
Do: Arrange for a temazcal, an ancient purifying treatment involving a mud bath and sweat lodge on the beach.
Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands
This small nature preserve in the British Virgin Islands is great for snorkeling and swimming, thanks to crystal-clear water and a shallow reef.
Stay: Sebastian's Seaside Villas, located about 4 miles from the island, offers beachfront accommodations with private balconies or terraces. Stroll the shore and enjoy spectacular sunset views.
Eat: Hit up Ivan's Stress Free Bar, located on nearby Jost Van Dyke Island for seasonal BBQ every Thursday and great company from chef Ivan himself.
Do: Explore the white-sand beach—home to endangered leather back turtles—and snorkel in the waters around Sandy Spit.
West Snake Caye, Port of Honduras
Seventeen miles from the town of Punta Gorda, the four small Snake Cayes lie in the 160-mile Port of Honduras Marine Reserve, which boasts lush mangrove trees and endangered species.
Stay: The Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda is equipped with lush bathrobes provided in every room with tranquil Charlotte Harbor views.
Eat: For a taste of fresh, local cuisine, try Emery's in Punta Gorda. The open-air restaurant features a variety of dishes, with everything from stew chicken to whole fried snapper.
Do: Trek through towering mangroves toward the center of the island, where you'll find a small, serene lagoon.
Gold Coast, Barbados
You might experience a "star-sighting" on this popular celebrity hot spot off the West coast of Barbados.
Stay: The lavish Sandy Lane resort will make you and your family feel right at home with spacious villas, penthouses, and suites.
Eat: Head to the resort's casual Bajan Blue restaurant for European, Asian, and Caribbean influenced cuisine in an idyllic beachside atmosphere.
Do: Tee up on the luxurious Green Monkey golf course, designed by golf architect Tom Fazio. Carved from an old limestone quarry, the stunning view may make concentrating on the game a little harder.
Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
Sleepy Anguilla wakes up—a little—at this two-mile expanse of feathery white sand that glitters in the sun.
Stay: The quiet Shoal Bay Villas offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments all equipped with kitchens, and steps away from the water.
Eat: Don't miss Gwen's Reggae Bar, where you can enjoy a tasty lunch, live reggae on Sundays, and a nap on an inviting hammock under a grove of palm trees.
Do: Take advantage of the bay's pure-white beaches, which are rarely crowded, and offer complete relaxation.
Want to travel to the corners of the world without breaking the bank? These 10 destinations might be just the ticket. Selected due to their value for money and favourable hotel reputation, these towns, cities and national parks will not disappoint.
From South America to China, via Morocco and Greece, the list explores all corners of the globe to suggest destinations off the beaten track. Many are protected areas or contain UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while some have hosted films due to their unique landscapes and natural beauty.
Looking for some brand new travel inspiration? Check out the list below.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Like many of our Best Value destinations, Aït Benhaddou is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortified city was made famous in recent years by Game of Thrones, but has previously been featured in Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Despite its small size, the pre-Saharan enclave promises an unforgettable trip. Visitors can take a bike ride, visit local shops or climb to the top of the town to take in its spectacular views.
Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar is named after the medieval watch towers of its famous Ottoman bridge, whose majestic stone arc was reconstructed following destruction by Croat forces during the 1993 Croat-Bosniak War. Most people know Mostar as a day trip destination from Dubrovnik, Split or Sarajevo, but it is well worth staying the night to experience the millhouse restaurants lit up at night. Nearby sites include the Kravice waterfalls, seaside town of Neum and remains of the ancient Greek town of Daorson.
Ios - Chora, Greece
Like Mostar, many people know Ios as a day trip from Santorini, but it is worthwhile staying at this lesser-known but equally picturesque Greek destination, with its idyllic white houses and blue rooftops. During the day, the island boasts 75 kilometres of white sand beaches and turquoise oceans, often voted among the best in Europe. At night, Chora is a haven of winding alleyways of clothing and jewellery stores, souvlaki shops and esteemed restaurants.
Merzouga, Morocco
The second Moroccan destination in the top ten, Merzouga is less accessible than Aït Benhaddou, located close to the Algerian border in the Saharan desert. Travellers visit for Erg Chebbi, a 50 kilometre stretch of sand dunes reaching 350 metres in height. Explorers can take camel safaris to see the sun set over the dunes, listen to traditional folk and black G'naui music, sleep under the stars and experience Berber life with a local family.
Bhaktapur, Nepal
The former Nepalese capital is located just 12 kilometres east from the current capital of Kathmandu, but gives the feeling of prehistoric times due to the indigenous lifestyle of the Newari community. Visitors come for the rich culture of elegant art, colourful festivals and traditional dance, not to mention the array of palaces, temples, courtyards and pagodas. Changu Narayan is the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley, standing at 1700 metres altitude and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Megalo Papigo, Greece
A world away from the island retreat of Ios but equally beautiful, Megalo Papigo is suspended in the highest peaks of Mount Tymfi in the region of Zagoria on mainland Greece. The journey is not for the faint-hearted: after crossing the Voidomatis River bridge, cars must ascend up narrow and twisting roads. The quaint village is worth the journey, featuring stone alleys, mansions listed as national historical monuments and some of the best hiking and mountaineering surrounding the Vikos Gorge.
Sucre, Bolivia
Sucre is renowned as Bolivia's most beautiful city and the symbolic heart of the nation - independence was gained from here in 1825. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rightly so - the countless whitewashed buildings, plazas and churches demonstrate colonial architecture at its best. Sucre is an excellent place to watch the world go by, but those more active can trek in the Cordillera de las Frailes mountains or explore nearby traditional villages.
Pingyao, China
Famed as the best ancient walled city in China and among the best in the world, Pingyao looks like it belongs in a period film. With its cobbled streets, red lanterns, temples and buildings preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties, visitors can experience life in imperial China. Despite being a popular destination among Chinese nationals, Pingyao is still a residential town at heart - locals can be found going about their day-to-day lives.
Peneda-Gerês, Portugal
Peneda-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal, located in the northwest Norte region. The park spans an impressive 703 square kilometres of clear lakes, boulder-strewn peaks, dramatic valleys and oak and pine forests. Throughout the park visitors can find over 100 granite villages, which remain relatively untouched since the 12th century. Expect cobbled streets, oxen, blacksmith shops, shepherds and traditionally-dressed women. Adventure-seekers can hike, kayak and raft surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape.
Yangshuo, China
Whereas Pingyao is rich in culture, the second Chinese city in our top ten, Yangshuo, is immersed in the natural world. Some travellers cite cycling through the rice fields with the backdrop of Yangshuo's iconic limestone peaks as one of their favourite memories of China. Yangshuo is the ideal place to relax in between excursions - world class rock climbing and bamboo rafting or cruises down the Li River are also popular nearby activities.
