The first part of building any Fijian itinerary is deciding on which islands you want to visit, with such a large collection to choose from, it’s an important decision that requires a lot of research. It’s not just the multiple groups of islands that differ, each individual island has its own special uniqueness too. Some are known for their lavish and luxurious resorts, some for their unrivalled diving and snorkelling opportunities and others are famed for their vibrant and lively party scene.

I personally decided to visit a selection of islands spread out across the Mamanuca and Yasawa archipelagos. These two island groups are not only amazingly beautiful but also extremely diverse, delivering an abundance of fantastic activities, spectacular sights and awesome experiences. Though there are also a stack of other incredible island groups to choose from, the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands are the most budget friendly, ideally catering towards the backpacker style of travel. Whilst other islands groups across Fiji tend to cater more towards weddings, honeymoons and all-inclusive family vacations.

The Yasawa Flyer is one of the best options for travelling to and from the Fijian mainland as well as between all the islands situated in both the Mamanuca and Yasawa island groups. Departing daily from Denarau Port at 08:30 and returning at 17:45, this 27 metre, 259 seater vessel is the perfect way to hop from island to island. Boasting a fully licensed bar, well stocked café and a selection of outdoor viewing decks, the Yasawa Flyer isn’t just a means of transport, it’s an important and fantastic part of your Fijian adventure!

Ferry tickets can easily be purchased online, through hotel travel desks or at the Denarau Port. There are a wide range of different packages and passes available, allowing visitors to choose one to suit and fit in line with their own personal travel plans. The passes are valid for multiple days of ferry travel and can either be booked with or without accommodation. Resorts and hotels are grouped into different accommodation tier levels, giving travellers the flexibility to book a specific tier level, whilst still allowing them the option to choose from a selection of different islands and resorts. Some passes also work more like designated itineraries, with specific routes and stops planned out before leaving the mainland, meaning you’ll know exactly when and where you’ll be staying. No matter what travel style you prefer, the Yasawa Flyer is bound to have the perfect package to suit your every need.

If you like basking in glorious sunshine, dancing on golden sands and drinking ice cold beers, then you’re gonna absolutely love Beachcomber Island! This extremely lively party island situated within the Mamanuca island group, is one of the smallest islands in all of Fiji, with both its length and breadth measuring just a little over 200 metres. The island itself is basically one massive resort, boasting a vibrant beach bar, multiple dormitory rooms and a range of stunning ocean bures and lodges.

I honestly had one of the best times ever staying on Beachcomber! Partying all day and night with a fantastic bunch of people, whilst surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise waters is a memory and experience I’ll never forget. Don’t worry about the hangovers, you’ll soon shake them off with the huge range of activities on offer at Beachcomber. From jet skiing, paragliding and kayaking to scuba diving, big game fishing and banana boat riding, Beachcomber’s got it all.

Your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, you read that right, in Fiji you have the incredible opportunity to swim in the ocean alongside wild Manta Rays! These fascinating creatures are drawn to the warm waters of Fiji due to their optimal and ideal feeding conditions. Manta Rays are spotted virtually every single day between the months of May and October and have become accustomed to gliding through the reef, side by side with fellow scuba divers. This gives visitors the chance to experience and witness a truly meaningful and sensational once in a lifetime encounter with these captivating creatures.

The ocean channel where the Manta Rays frequently hang out, is located within the Yasawa Island group, hence the reason a number of Yasawa resorts organise regular and frequent Manta Ray excursions. I personally stayed on Mantaray Island Resort, the closest resort to the channel and arguably the best for spotting and viewing the magnificent Rays. It doesn’t matter how many images you see of these remarkable beasts, nothing can prepare you for your first real life sighting. Manta Rays are the largest species of all Rays and have the potential to grow up to an astonishing eight metres in width and weigh a mind boggling 1600kg.

Fiji may be one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, but it’s the incredibly welcoming locals that gives Fiji its phenomenally special wow factor. Bula! Is a term you’ll hear almost everywhere during your time in Fiji, it means hello and welcome, but also denotes the expression; to give life. Fijians also often use the phrase “Fiji Time”, to represent the idea that time passes by slower in Fiji. No one is in a frantic rush and people tend to stray away from their daily worries and stresses, simply everything across the country is gracefully slowed down. In Fiji it’s all about relaxation, tranquillity and going with the flow, everything will get done eventually, but in Fiji Time!

I was lucky enough to be travelling in Fiji during the country’s national celebrations on Fiji Day, October 10th, a day that marks Fiji’s independence as a sovereign state. Fijians are exceptionally happy people all year round, but this day just felt that extra little bit special, as we danced, drank kava and ate lots and lots of cake, I really felt like I’d got to feel the true warmth and extraordinary hospitality of this tiny Pacific Nation.

It’s extremely easy to spend all your time on Fiji’s stunning collection of isolated islands, but it’s also important to remember the mainland is a great place for getting to grips with a ton of awesome activities and incredible experiences too. Nadi and Suva are two absolute melting pots of bustling life and exuberant atmosphere, both heaving with charming character and vivid culture. There’s plenty to see and do across these two fascinating cities, stroll around bustling markets, visit intriguing museums, indulge at delicious restaurants or just simply sit and watch the world go by in Fiji Time.

Another fantastic area to explore on Fiji’s mainland is the astounding Koroyanitu National Park. This national park is bursting with an abundance of spectacular scenery and wonderful hiking trails. Strap on your hiking boots and trek through luscious vegetation in search of the park’s exquisitely vibrant wildlife, magnificent waterfalls and quietly secluded villages.

One last place to mention on the mainland is the beautiful Nadi Bay, this area is lined with a fantastic collection of stunning beach front resorts and is also the perfect place to spend your arrival or departure night in Fiji, thanks to the country’s International Airport being located just a stone’s throw away.