FIJI - is it safe to go there?

I'm planning to go to Fiji in May, and I'm just wondering if last month's military coup makes it less safe to travel there. Anyone been there in recent weeks?

I'm guessing that since tourism is such a big part of Fiji's GDP, they're trying to keep things "business as usual," but I read that flight bookings are down 40%, so obviously a lot of folks are staying away. I'd just like to hear whether that's really warranted or not...

TIA,

I head there on Tuesday.

From what I saw on our national sites the advisory is just to use caution when in Fiji.

Canadian site

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=89000#2

I head there on Tuesday.

From what I saw on our national sites the advisory is just to use caution when in Fiji.

Canadian site

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=89000#2

That supports my guess. I stay away from big cities as much as possible no matter WHERE I am. I've decided to stay at Wananavu up north, so that will keep me/us away from the main cities...

Where are you staying, and what medical precautions (e.g., malaria) are you taking?

No malaria in fiji. In general the cdc (center for disease control) has a web site which lets you look up a specific country and see what the risks, and precautions are recommended

If it's anything like the Solomon Islands, where these kinds of internal disturbances have happened also, it should be perfectly safe for tourists. When I was in Fiji I thought the people were some of the nicest ive ever met, they'll probably go out of their way to make you feel safe and have a good time.

Cor

I was in Fiji during one of their previous "coups" and I didn't feel threatened or unsafe at all. If I hadn't heard about it on the news I would have never realized anything out of the ordinary was going on.

I'll be at the Tanoa for 2 days prior to boarding the Naia. Only because it is close to the airport and Naia suggested it. I will not dive prior to boarding the boat, just do some topside touring.

No need for Malaria as noted above. I was at our travel clinic for my Hep B final booster and they looked up Fiji with no additional need for anything I have not already had shots for.

2 more days....

Cheers

Todd

I'll be at the Tanoa for 2 days prior to boarding the Naia. . .2 more days....

Cheers

Todd

Have a great trip, Todd! If I were going by myself, I'd be going on Naia, too. But I'm going with my wife this trip, and need to "ease" her into more diving, so it needs to be land-based this time. I'll be anxious to see your pics, and to hear how it went when you return!

PM or email me when I am back to remind me in case I forget to give you my thoughts.

Cheers

Todd

There have been many coups in Fiji and I've yet to hear of any disturbance to the tourism industry other than slight delays to flights. Fijians are some of the nicest people around and really value their tourism industry... there's no way 99% of Fijians would ever threaten it (anywhere has that 1% of bad apples though!)

I reckon you guys will be totally safe and if anything there'll just be fewer people you have to share the kava with!

So jealous of you all going there... I can't wait to get back to Fiji again!

Enjoy

... and if anyone is considering a land-based trip where diving is important but not the main event for the other half highly recommend the Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort (http://www.fijiresort.com). Had an amazing trip there a few years back... the diving was great, the staff were awesome (try and go fishing with the chef... if you land a tuna, expect some awesome sashimi at the bar before dinner ) and the food was excellent!