News + Blogs

Travel to French Polynesia is now open. Due to the uncertain nature of the COVID-19 virus, restrictions and requirements are subject to change. For the…

 Tahiti – most people see the island of Tahiti as just a stop over location either on the way to the islands or on the…

We were sailing from the island of Cyprus to the island of Rhodes in the Eastern Mediterranean when we were hit with a very strong…

We are still here! Been quiet on the Blog and Newsletter scene! I am back now, with the news that there is only one country…

That is correct! There is not a custom with the Polynesian and Melanesian people of the South Pacific?  Why? When any person first arrives in…

I want you to know first and foremost that during these crazy times, you are not alone. The virus does not see color, wealth, or…

I was thinking the other day about my home confinement, which led me to think about my sailing trip around the world. There are so…

Ia Ora Na! (Welcome!) Tahitian, has such a lovely sound when spoken. In fact, all of the languages of the South Pacific have musical sounds…

Crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, the Island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, towers over the South Pacific ocean like a…

How do you make traveling to Tahiti affordable and get what you want? These three steps will help you achieve it!   #1 – Reserve your…

There is way more to the Islands of Tahiti, than just Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora!  Actually, French Polynesia, which includes Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora…

Here comes a new year AND a new decade!Where will 2020 take you?Try…that is my word for 2020!We are in a time of great change….

 From time to time, I send out a tale from my 11 and half year sailing trip around the world.  It was an amazing trip…

Air Tahiti Nui, the national carrier for the islands of Tahiti, is my FAVE airline to the islands. Here are 5 reasons why! 1.) All…

Here are three additional natural wonders on Rarotonga. Not that these are the only ones, the wonder of Rarotonga and the Cook Islands is the…

The Cook Islands are pretty much in the middle of the South Pacific. While they are not as well known as their more famous neighbors…

We all like to save when traveling. I certainly do, but it doesn’t mean you have to cut back on the best! It simply means…

Virtually everyone that wishes to go to Tahiti, wants to experience something “authentic” in the islands. You have heard of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora,…

Mt. Mulligan joins the Luxury Lodges of Australia group of outstanding hotels around Australia. Located in North Queensland.  Mt Mulligan Lodge offers modern laid-back luxury…

Great news for penguin lovers of the world!  Phillip Island’s NEW Penguin Parade Visitor Center has opened, and four months early! In line with the…

The island of Hayman is the northernmost in the Whitsunday Islands of Australia. Hayman Island is situated very near the Great Barrier Reef, so is…

It is magical, to be looking at the sunset and all of a sudden to see a momentary flash of green. You can see the…

 I know many travelers have had the experience of swimming with dolphins in pens. This can be a very special experience. But what about swimming…

Have you ever hunted for truffles? No? really? You can hunt for truffles in Europe, but it is waaaaayyyyy more fun in Australia! Particularly during…

I promised simple and I meant it. Psst…this works for any trip and particularly for the South Pacific! It can be overwhelming trying to plan…

Thala Beach Nature Reserve There are times in travel that you come across the perfect location and tree house. Thala Beach Nature Reserve in far…

Vahine Island on Taha’a is a small, very special resort… There are few places in the world and particularly in French Polynesia (known as Tahiti)…

Ninamu Resort on Tikehau, was originally a surfer’s resort. Now a resort for all travelers from 2010, Ninamu is a wonderful eco-lodge nestled on the…

Wonder…that is my word for 2019! We are in a time of great change. Ideas and inspirations are there for each of us to embrace….

Are you ready?  2019 is fast approaching and it seems like every commercial, article, or Facebook post is about resolutions. So what is a resolution?…

Here we are just after Thanksgiving! I hope you had a great time. We are in the middle of the season of giving thanks for…

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific. The 2019 cruise brochure is out and we…

I am always looking for ways to protect our environment. Being a travel specialist for the South Pacific Islands, I particularly want to help reduce…

The Aranui 5 is a half-freighter and half-passenger ship plying the waters from Papeete, Tahiti through the Tuamotus Islands and onto the Marquesas Islands, known…

Hello or should I say G’day! No, as Grant Charlesworth mentions in his entertaining and informative Blog this week, let the Australian’s say G’day, and…

Passports are a must now when traveling anywhere outside of the United States. I remember the time when I zip over the border to Canada…

Spring is all around! Now is the time to travel! This is the time of year that I plan out my business and my personal…

There are basically two seasons in the central and eastern South Pacific waters: Established Trade Winds generally April through November and non-established Trade Winds (December…

Imagine it! You slip into the water with your snorkeling gear on. There is a baby Humpback whale and it is looking at you! All…

No, I don’t have a frog, but isn’t the one here just so cute? I hope I did get your attention so that I can…

Most travelers come to me because they are confused by the destination they are planning to visit, whether it be French Polynesia, Australia, or any…

There are many wonderful, out-of-the-way, and very special places to stay in the Islands of the South Pacific. I will be revealing them as we…

Tahiti: There are basically two seasons in Tahitian waters: Established Trade Winds generally April through November and non-established Trade Winds (December through March). Here’s a…

Raise your anchor and set sail for paradise! Better early than later to plan for a luxurious resort stay and yachting experience. Cast off in…

Hello from the middle of August! Has the summer gone fast or slow? Either way, since many are just thinking about their travel plans for…

Puzzles: I love puzzles, and what I find in each new client is that they see their trip from a unique point of view—or, to…

The South Pacific in both accommodation and experiences has many options for travelers; many that have not been heard. I want to know of the…

The experience of the South Pacific with its palm-lined beaches, beautiful lagoons and friendly people is definitely the best! But is it a once-in-a-lifetime trip?…

In Tahitian, the word Heiva (hei meaning to assemble, and va meaning community places) refers to activities, pastimes, physical exercise, and festivals. Music, dancing, singing,…

Yes, the Internet is full of notice that Australia is home to a number of snakes including the 10 most poisonous in the world. Then…

Ahh, Huahine! Such a beautiful island. Huahine is about a 35 minute flight from Papeete, Tahiti. When you arrive at the small airport you can…

I was in a conversation with a client of mine this week. They asked what was the most important thing I learned from my trip…

One of the amazing experiences one has when traveling is listening and, maybe, understanding the local languages. Italian while dining, Germany while having a beer,…

Do you love trains? I do! I have ridden them in Europe, Canada, the US, and Australia! Australia has some of the best train experiences…

One of the many reasons why I love selling travel is to use the lessons I learned while sailing around the world for 11 1/2…

Still in the Cook Islands, I wanted to chat about the other frequently visited island of Aitutaki: Aitutaki – Araura Enua Less than an hour’s…

Just 9-hours from Los Angeles (that is just 1-more hour than Tahiti!) and you have arrived at the Cook Islands, a South Pacific “Dream Destination!”…

Location 101 – Quick Lesson The South Pacific is vast! From Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia takes, on average, 15 hours from point to point….

The Cook Islands are not as familiar a destination in the South Pacific as Bora Bora, Tahiti, and Fiji, but they are well worth the…

It is always surprising to clients when I explain that tipping is not a tradition in most South Pacific cultures. I will speak as the…

Fiji, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Aitutaki are all magical islands that we dream to visit one day! Ahhh, the turquoise, warm water, the lyrical dancing,…

WHEN? This is the most often asked question! There are two seasons in Tahiti: Mid-April through October is the established “Trade Wind” season. These are…

A great many people dream of traveling to the South Pacific, unfortunately too many of them make no plans on what to do when they…

You have all kinds of desires about going to French Polynesia. My goal is to talk to you and find out all the details of…

The Ninamu Resort on Tikehau is a wonderful eco-lodge nestled on the Motu (islet) formerly called Tavararo. A pristine and picturesque setting, Ninamu Resort’s beautiful…

The Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa is located on the northwest part of the atoll of Rangiroa, between the passes of Tiputa and Avatoru….

Imagine vacationing near a friendly tropical village in beautiful French Polynesia where you are a welcomed guest. Come and experience Tahitian culture first-hand in Tiki…

Like Bora Bora, this high island is slowly entering its atoll phase, leaving white sandbanks in the middle of the lagoon. Still saved from tourism,…

Huahine, with its lush forests, untamed landscape, and quaint villages, is widely considered one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful and authentic islands. A deep, crystal-clear…

Why take a plane to Bora bora, when you can travel in style on a 40-foot luxury Catamaran, crewed with your own skipper and chef….

More than just a simple festival, Heiva has become the symbol of the Polynesian culture and an iconic event for people proud of their heritage….

Yep, I have a contract. I do realize that this is unusual for a travel specialist. It is the way I help focus clients to…

You may have noticed on our website that all the trips we do are custom designed for each client, whether it’s a vacation, wedding, or…

Ahhhh! South Pacific breezes! One of the first questions most travelers ask me is “When is a good time to travel to the islands?” The…

Ia Orana (Tahiti), Kia Orana (Cook Islands), Bula (Fiji), and welcome to the fantastic, new website for The Art of Travel! Thank you for visiting…

The Papeete Market, also known as the Municipal Market, is a true representation of the Polynesian culture. Bright and colorful sarongs decorate and line the…

My whole focus for each client is to help them create an itinerary that results in them doing their “Snoopy Dance” when they arrive on…

Once The Art of Travel’s contract is signed, the first itinerary draft is created. It is then sent to you, the client, to see your…