Some advice, Moorea, and I am told Bora Bora, are the travel destinations in French Polynesia. You can cruise or fly into Papeete or Bora Bora. Ferries from Papeete take you to Moorea and Bora Bora. Personally I would have no problem making this area of the South Pacific a place to be for 2-4 months. High Season is April-October. Before and after you have heat, humidity, cyclones and general Pacific irritable weather.

In French Polynesia, I recommend looking at Viator for honest reviews offering transport and excursions for any time frame and number of people. In addition, you can reserve on Viator whenever and pay later. I booked most of mine 24-48 hours in advance due to changing weather conditions and all are refundable within a period of time prior to the tour start. I have used them for most of my excursion planning around the world.

I am grateful to have this opportunity to visit and be in Tahiti. I realize it is a long trip, out of the way for many and can be costly. Because French Polynesia are a chain of islands costs for some things can be high. However leveraging time of year and the US dollar is strong when converted to XPF or the islands’ CPF Franc makes it doable if you have the time. Tours on Tahiti and Moorea were 4,500XPF or $41US per person. The resort day pass was $132US including pool access, towel, showers, paddle board and kayak, massage and lunch.

In addition to the history of French Polynesia, I always enjoy beaches, lagoons, spas, paddle boarding and kayaking. I found a beautiful opportunity for the “Wellness package” at Te Moana Tahiti Resort a 10 minute ride along the coast. The massage, food, infinity pool and activities were wonderful. I took my book, Beats Studio Buds and enjoyed a day on the beach and pool in beautiful tropical water. While I was solo, I had some nice chats enjoying the view with fellow travelers from France, US, Canada as well as expats and locals living in Tahiti.

In the Photo Journey | French Polynesia, you’ll see a tour of Tahiti which included sacred and important sites in Tahiti. While there are plenty of churches brought by the white man, there is a deep appreciation for the culture of French Polynesian indigenous people. Everyone who has been born or chose to live on the islands know and understands the culture and share it respectfully and deeply.

The tour around Tahiti brought us around the island and out of Papeete.

• Point Venus is where the HMS Bounty mutiny took place. For a tour from your cruise or stay in Tahiti check out Unique Tahiti Tour.

• Arahōhō is a natural blow hole formed by volcanic eruptions (which formed the chain of islands and can be seen in topography of the islands).

• Fa’aruma’I Waterfalls (cascades in French). Informative tour guide and lots to see.

• The water gardens or Le Jardín d’eau de Vaipahi where those who are transitioning to the next life make passage with the help of the Goddess.

• Marae ‘Ārahurahu is a very important place reserved for special ceremonies and events.

Lush greenery is everywhere and the water takes turns between waves crashing on the reefs between islands to slowly lapping waves in lagoons and hidden beaches of black sand from volcanic lava crushed by the waves and those waterfalls big and small.

Reading/audio recommendations while on the beach:

• Greenlights audiobook – written and read by Matthew McConaughey so the voice itself is listen worthy and the life lessons invaluable.

• Smartless podcast for some frivolous conversation that may make you laugh out loud

• Ikigai – The Japanese Secret to Long and Happy Life – great to contemplate while relaxing in a tropical paradise.

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