The names are so exotic – Bora Bora, Moorea and of course, Tahiti – conjuring up images of swaying palm trees and warm, tropical breezes. Normally, this paradise is a bit out of reach for the average traveler but these days, lovely French Polynesia could be closer than you think!

Commonly lumped under the name of “Tahiti,” French Polynesia is made up of several islands in the Society Islands chain: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau and Fakarava. The islands have many things in common: Water that seems to be 100 different shades of blue, beautiful mountains that look like they’re carpeted with green and lots of different outdoor activities – but there are distinct differences, too. Let’s take a look at the three most popular islands in the Society chain and see which part of paradise would be perfect for you.

Tahiti

This will be your first taste of paradise as Tahiti is home to the international airport just outside Papeete, the French Polynesian capitol. Papeete itself is a large, bustling port city with a wide variety of restaurants, and some great shopping! Exclusive shops compete with open-air markets for your business. Black pearls, native handicrafts and the latest fashions are just a few items you’ll find as you indulge in a little “retail therapy.” Tahiti is also home to several interesting museums, including the Gauguin Museum. There are several pretty resorts not far out of town. When you see the beautiful greenery and crystal-clear water, it’s easy to forget a bustling city is just a few kilometers away.

Moorea

The beauty of this particular island I know from first hand experience. Just a fast ferry or 10 minute airplane ride away from bustling Papeete, Moorea is breathtaking paradise. Fragile reefs form gorgeous lagoons along the lush, green coastline. From the deepest indigo in Cook’s Bay to the palest aqua near the shore, the water here is the prettiest I’ve seen anywhere. You’ll find lots of ways to spend your days, too. Snorkeling, diving, shark and ray feeding compete with four-wheel drive jeep tours and a hike up the Belvedere, Moorea’s highest point. You can see Tahiti from various points on the island, but the difference is night and day. Casual and laid-back, Moorea is true taste of Polynesia. The resorts here run the gamut from very nice to very modest. I’ll be honest – there’s a big difference between the four nicest hotels on the island and everyone else. If you can swing it, make a point to stay near the top.

Bora Bora

More lagoon than island, Bora Bora is the loveliest and most exotic of all. 45 minutes by air from Tahiti and home to several small, exclusive and gorgeous resorts, this island is upscale yet casual. Only 20 miles around, Bora Bora is easily explored by foot or bicycle. The lovely chain of reefs help form a stunning lagoon, home to a huge variety of colorful and beautiful fish. You won’t find a lot of “happening” nightlife here, but you will enjoy fun water sports, take in some wondrous scenery and leave civilization far behind.

Papeete is a 7-½ hour flight from Los Angeles International Airport – let’s look at it as a couple of meals and a couple of movies. The islands are as far below the equator as Hawaii is above and share the same time zone, making French Polynesia three hours behind us all year long. Tipping is not customary here – although that is changing somewhat – so keep that in mind when you’re making out your travel budget. Most stores and restaurants take credit cards, but you’ll want to have some French Pacific Francs in your pocket anyway. Passports are required to enter French Polynesia and you’ll need an electrical converter unless you want to melt your curling iron or blow up your video camera. Be sure to bring several of those disposable underwater cameras – the water is so beautiful and fish so plentiful, you’ll use up one of them the first time you snorkel!

French Polynesia

So how much will a trip to paradise set you back? Right now, not very much!

Several tour companies are offering great packages:

Bora Bora Getaway

1 night Tahiti/5 nights Bora Bora

$2,119 per person, double occupancy!

The rate includes round trip air from Los Angeles, all inter-island flights and hotel transfers, lei greeting and more! You’ll spend one night on the island of Tahiti in the newly remodeled Sofitel Maeva Beach Resort and then five nights in a Garden Bungalow at the newly remodeled Sofitel Marara! Air taxes are additional, as is your flight to Los Angeles. Travel is valid for Monday through Thursday departures for the month of November and then through December 12. The air rate goes up after that date.

Passports are required for travel to French Polynesia.

Moorea on sale

1 night Tahiti/6 nights Moorea

$1,599 per person, double occupancy!

This seven night package includes round trip air from Los Angeles, a ferry transfer from Tahiti to Moorea, hotel transfers, lei greeting and more! You’ll stay one night at the Sofitel Maeva Beach, which is newly remodeled, then take the ferry the next day to Moorea where you’ll stay six nights at the gorgeous Pearl Beach Moorea in a Garden Room. Air taxes are additional as is your flight to Los Angeles. The rates are valid for travel Monday through Thursday for the month of November and then on into December, through the 12. Passports are required to travel here.

Around the corner or around the world, we can help at Travelation! Give us a call at 602-252-1140 or toll-free outside the metro Phoenix area at 1-888-751-2032. You can also reach me directly via e-mail at rosanne@travelationonline.com . I look forward to hearing from you!