From Fiji to Australia and beyond, the South Pacific is one of the most breathtaking regions on earth. Crystal clear waters, vibrant cultures, remote islands, and experiences that are as far off the beaten path as you want them to be. Whether you are planning a stopover, a full itinerary, or just dreaming about this part of the world, you will find honest stories and practical insights here. The South Pacific is just getting started on this blog and there is plenty more to come!

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Golden sunset over a sandy Fiji beach with gentle waves, palm trees on the left, and distant mountains—perfect for a tranquil village homestay under a partly cloudy sky.

3 Days in Fiji: A Homestay, a Village, and a Lesson I Won’t Forget

What do you think about when you hear someone say they are going to Fiji? I used to imagine a small island with a few very exclusive resorts that cost thousands a night. What I didn’t realize is that Fiji is rich in culture, affordable, more accessible than one would think, and even more beautiful than any photograph. We spent three days there in a way most travelers never do: a homestay with a local family, a visit to a traditional village, a hike across a small island, and a race against the tide with a stray dog as our guide. No resort. No infinity pool. Just Fiji, the way it actually feels when you slow down and let it in.

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How a Google Flights Search Turned Into a Fiji Beach Hut

Fiji is one of those places that sounds out of reach to most, or at least at a level of spend that many are not ready to indulge. I was of that same mindset too, always thinking of the movie “The Truman Show,” where Jim Carrey’s character dreams of visiting Fiji. That said, as you may know from reading this blog, that is how the majority of our trips start. Fiji, like so many other amazing places we have seen, is a long stopover in a journey that is the trip. What started as a Google Flights search turned into a beach hut with no electricity, meals cooked from the sea, and a Hilton stay on points, all for less than you might expect. Let me walk you through exactly how we made it happen.

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Australia Chapter 4: Sydney - Sydney travel guide

Australia Chapter 4: Sydney

Sydney exceeded every expectation. From the iconic Harbor Bridge and Opera House to the laid-back charm of Manly Beach, Australia’s largest city proved why it ranks among the world’s best. We spent our days ferry-hopping to beach towns, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, and soaking in harbor views that live up to the hype.

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Australia Chapter 2 | Where did Saturday Go?

Australia Chapter 2: Where did Saturday Go?

We made it to Brisbane, Australia! After leaving Wilmington in the early morning hours, a stop in Columbia, SC to work remotely, and a layover in LA, we landed on the other side of the world, so far from home that both locations can’t fit on my iPhone map at once. From being greeted with waving flags at the airport to our first flat white at Mount Coot-tha overlooking Brisbane, catching a local phone number, and choosing a “second wind” over jet lag recovery at Street Beach, this is how our Australian adventure began. Spoiler: it involved several pints, pokies, Chinese takeaway, and zero regrets.

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Australia blog post for chapter 1

Australia Chapter 1

We’re heading to Australia in just over a week! In this first chapter of our Australia adventure, I break down everything that went into planning this trip—from finding the best flight deals and navigating Delta upgrades, to the unexpected move that changed our departure city, securing our VISA, and booking hotels in Brisbane and Sydney. If you’re planning your own trip Down Under, this behind-the-scenes look at the research and booking process might just help you save some money and stress along the way.

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