In this episode we talk about why your next island getaway should be the Cook Islands. Host Normand Schafer speaks with Timu from Cook Islands Tours, who shares insider stories about Rarotonga’s people, cuisine, and natural wonders. Learn why travelers fall in love with the island’s warmth, and how Cook Islands Tours curates experiences that make every visit unforgettable — from reef explorations to community-hosted dinners.

In this episode we talk about hidden gems in Fiji that few tourists ever reach — unless they’re sailing with Captain Cook Cruises. Recorded live at SPTE, Normand Schafer interviews the team to discover what makes each itinerary special and which destinations should top your must-see list. If you’re wondering where to go next in the South Pacific, this episode may inspire you to set sail.

In this episode, we talk about choosing between the Cook Islands and Samoa—or deciding how to combine them—based on the experience you want and the planning realities that can shape your trip. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can get help from a specialist, and you can explore destination ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand interviews Robert from Island Hopper Vacations about what makes each destination special, how a destination management company (DMC) supports travelers on the ground, and why the smartest choice often comes down to fit, not hype.

Robert explains what a DMC actually does: managing the trip from arrival onward with services like airport transfers, accommodations, touring, and itinerary coordination. That “full-service” model becomes especially important when you’re heading to islands where logistics can be different from what travelers expect at home. We discuss how their team matches travelers to the right accommodations, and why that is one of the most underrated factors in having a great trip. If you pick a place that doesn’t match your pace or comfort needs, you can end up with a vacation that feels off—even in a beautiful destination.

A major part of deciding “where next” is understanding what experiences you value most. Robert highlights the Cook Islands’ dance performances and cultural shows as a must-see, describing them as an expression of heritage and community that visitors should prioritize. Normand shares a personal story of being on Palmerston during celebrations—arriving by sailboat and being welcomed into local gatherings. That story illustrates why some travelers fall in love with the Cook Islands: culture can feel close, personal, and deeply connected to daily life.

We also discuss Samoa and the appeal of having a destination where local support can help travelers navigate details that may not always be easy to arrange remotely. Robert emphasizes that their company only sells destinations where they have staff present, and that travelers can reach the team 24/7 while on-island. That kind of support can matter when you’re deciding whether to keep a trip simple with one destination or expand it into a two-country itinerary. If you combine destinations, you’ll want routing, pacing, and local logistics to be designed as one connected journey, not a set of separate bookings.

Robert’s advice for first-time visitors is simple and practical: talk to travel professionals who know the destination, or who can reliably gather accurate information and set expectations correctly. The internet can show options, but it can’t always tell you how the pieces will connect once you arrive.

So where should you go next? If culture nights, performances, and a distinctive local feel are high on your list, the Cook Islands may be the perfect next step. If you want to add Samoa, the key is building a realistic itinerary with support on the ground. When you’re ready to choose—or to combine both—connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to design an itinerary that matches your style and keeps the logistics smooth from start to finish.

In this episode we talk about what makes Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort a top contender for your next trip. Host Normand Schafer shares why travelers looking for sustainability, sophistication, and substance will find their match on the shores of Vanua Levu.

In this episode, we talk about where to go next if you want an island trip that’s easy to enjoy but still feels special—the Cook Islands—plus how to choose the right resort style across Rarotonga and Aitutaki. For expert help deciding the best island mix for your travel goals, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com.

Normand Schafer sits down with a representative from the Rarotongan Beach Group of Resorts to answer a common traveler question: what’s the next South Pacific trip that fits your style without requiring complicated logistics? The Cook Islands are presented as a destination that makes that decision easier because you can choose between three distinct resort experiences and build a trip around what you actually want—family lagoon fun, adults-only romance, or a bucket-list Aitutaki escape.

On Rarotonga, the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium is positioned as a family and multi-generation favorite because the Lagoonarium is described as a marine sanctuary right in front of the resort—meaning snorkeling and wildlife encounters like turtles are part of your everyday vacation rhythm. For couples, Sanctuary Rarotonga is highlighted as adults only, designed as a more private retreat on the same lagoon, making it a strong fit for romance travelers coming a long way for a special trip.

Aitutaki becomes the “go next” moment within the Cook Islands themselves. Normand emphasizes that you shouldn’t do Aitutaki as a quick day trip—stay overnight and give it a few days so you can actually experience the lagoon and the calm, serene pace. The episode describes Aitutaki’s lagoon as exceptionally clear and highlights the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort as a standout stay that adds a true bucket-list feeling to the itinerary. They also mention a seasonal highlight for Aitutaki—whale experiences during humpback migration months (noted in the episode as roughly July through November).

Beyond the resorts, the episode highlights how easy it is to explore Rarotonga. The bus system is described as straightforward—clockwise and anticlockwise routes on the loop road—making it simple to reach restaurants, activities, and cultural stops. Culture is positioned as part of what makes the Cook Islands feel different in the best way: visiting villages, attending church services (especially on Sundays), and experiencing the welcoming “smile and you’ll get a million back” hospitality that travelers remember.

They wrap with timing guidance: the Cook Islands are presented as a year-round destination, with April through November described as prime time. If you’re deciding where to go next and want help building a trip that’s the right blend of easy, beautiful, and unforgettable, start at https://farandawayadventures.com and let Far and Away Adventures design your Cook Islands itinerary.

In this episode we talk about the dozens of resorts and islands made accessible by Island Hoppers Fiji. Host Normand Schafer breaks down which islands are serviced, what times to book for ideal lighting, and how helicopter access opens up new travel possibilities you may not have considered before.

In this episode we talk about why InterContinental Fiji should be at the top of your “where to go next” list. Host Normand Schafer shares why the resort’s design, service, and setting make it a standout among Fiji’s luxury options—and a worthy bucket-list destination for any upscale traveler.

In this episode we talk about what makes Hilton Fiji a smart next stop for travelers seeking consistency, comfort, and class. Host Normand Schafer outlines what kind of guest Hilton Fiji suits best — whether you’re a honeymooner, business traveler, or family group looking for space, views, and all the amenities.

In this episode we talk about why the Hexagon Group makes a smart choice no matter how long you're in Fiji. Normand Schafer breaks down how these properties serve quick stopovers, extended stays, and everything in between. Whether you’re on your way to the Yasawas or winding down after a two-week dive trip, they’ve got a room that fits your schedule and budget.

In this episode we talk about how Go Dirty Tours offers one of the most exhilarating and insightful excursions you can take while in Fiji. Normand Schafer explains why this adventure makes the short list for any traveler — especially if you want to experience Fiji’s lush interior, waterfall hikes, and friendly villages beyond the coastlines.