In this episode we talk about the real guest experience at one of Fiji’s best-known international resorts. Normand Schafer walks through room types, dining highlights, pools, and amenities, offering listeners a personal, unbiased view of Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa. Get a feel for the atmosphere, the service, and whether it’s the right fit for your next island trip.

In this episode we talk about how Hexagon Hotels deliver value without sacrificing charm. Normand Schafer speaks with staff members about the group’s emphasis on Fijian hospitality, great food, and flexible options — whether you’re a couple, solo traveler, or business guest. Affordable, accessible, and authentic: this is a great “just travel” option.

In this episode we talk about how to add excitement to your Fiji itinerary with Go Dirty Tours. Host Normand Schafer chats with the team about their most popular rides, safety tips for first-timers, and what makes a muddy ride through sugar cane fields so incredibly memorable. It’s an accessible, wild experience you’ll never forget.

In this episode we talk about how First Landing Resort blends affordability with an authentic island vibe. Host Normand Schafer discusses how travelers can enjoy beachside bures, cultural shows, and local hospitality without the high-end price tag. Ideal for mid-range travelers, backpackers, and romantic escapes alike, this is a real look at value with heart.

In this episode we talk about the powerful emotional and spiritual experience of visiting Haida Gwaii’s ancient village sites. Host Norman Shaffer meets with Gidinjad, who has served as a Haida Watchman and guide for over 35 years. Together they explore the essence of places like Skedans, Windy Bay, Skungway, and the UNESCO site SGang Gwaay. Each location is a chapter in the Haida story, with monumental mortuary poles, moss-covered beams, and oceanfront histories that pulse with life even centuries after their creation. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.You’ll hear how ancestral energy still shapes these lands—from the echoes of drumming in the night to the joy felt by visitors who come seeking connection. Whether it’s the healing waters of Hot Springs Island or the silent reverence of Tanu, Gidinjad reminds us that these sacred sites aren’t just visited—they are felt. This is an episode for travelers who believe that some places are not simply destinations, but spiritual revelations.

Visit https://farandawayadventures.com if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.

More information on Haida cultural sites: ⁠Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site

In this episode we talk about the laid-back charm of Fiji Orchid, a boutique retreat just 15 minutes north of Nadi. Host Normand Schafer chats with the resort’s team to learn how the resort blends indoor-outdoor living, spa services, and a world-class restaurant into a calm, curated experience. If you love simplicity with style, this episode is your guide to understated luxury.

In this episode, we talk about the vibrant village of K’una—better known as Skedans—once a bustling Haida trading hub and now a peaceful site of cultural reflection. Host Norm meets with Watchman Melanie, who brings her personal heritage and deep knowledge to the forefront as she guides us through this historical place. Book your journey into Haida heritage at https://farandawayadventures.com. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com.

We learn how Skedans once hosted up to 700 residents and was known for its lively atmosphere, ceremonies, and communal spirit. Melanie details the mortuary poles still standing and why the Haida choose not to preserve them artificially. Instead, these carved cedar monuments are allowed to return to the earth as part of the natural order.

With stories of shallow carvings made by ancient tools and emotional insights into the site’s energy, this episode offers a raw and respectful look at Haida beliefs and the importance of cultural continuity. Skedans is more than a destination—it’s an invitation to see time, death, and memory differently.

Visit Skedans through Far and Away Adventures at https://farandawayadventures.com.

More information on Haida cultural sites: ⁠Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site

In this episode, we talk about a destination where history is etched into every cedar pole and silence carries the stories of a people who endured and thrived. Join Norm as he journeys to SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Haida Gwaii, and speaks with Watchman Teresa Russ. Teresa, whose family roots tie directly to the RavenWolf Clan of Tanu, offers rich insights into the Haida worldview and the cultural strength preserved in these haunting remains. Visit https://farandawayadventures.com to plan your expedition into the heart of Haida heritage.

You’ll hear how this site—long untouched by modern development—serves as a powerful reminder of the Haida people’s survival through epidemics, colonial displacement, and forced relocation. Teresa reflects on her upbringing in the wilderness and the importance of keeping the Haida language, traditions, and ceremonies alive. The episode explores the layered stories of this site, from the carvings on mortuary poles to a 2018 windstorm that unearthed long-buried trade beads and stone artifacts.

SG̱ang Gwaay invites visitors not to rush, but to pause and feel the presence of generations. Through Teresa’s stories, you’ll understand the powerful connection between the land, sea, and spirit that defines the Haida experience. And why visiting SG̱ang Gwaay is more than travel—it’s an invitation to witness cultural truth.

For your next immersive travel experience, visit https://farandawayadventures.com.

More information on Haida cultural sites: Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site

In this episode we talk about how to navigate the uncertainty of canceled flights, unconfirmed bookings, and travel emergencies caused by the Air Canada strike. Whether you're currently stuck at the airport or urgently need to book a flight, Normand Schafer shares clear and actionable travel hacks that get results. Discover how to use a multi-channel approach—combining in-person presence, online rebooking, and call center tricks—to get moving again. You’ll also learn about alternative routes, border-crossing solutions, and when it's worth rerouting through an entirely different country to reach your destination. This episode is packed with real examples, from clients rerouted through Europe to avoid delays in Canada to using flexible itineraries to piece together complex trips. Ready to take the stress out of sudden travel challenges? Plan your next trip with confidence by visiting Far and Away Adventures.

In this episode we talk with John Checketts of Fiji Airways about the science and strategy of airline route planning. Host Normand Schafer explores how destinations are chosen, what data goes into launching a new flight, and how seasonal demand and traveler preferences are factored into the network. A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how your next dream vacation is mapped out—before you even book it.