I’m addicted. I pick up one of David Stanley’s latest books, and I can’t put it down. I read, and dream, and plan – but there’s SO MUCH to take in!
Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific, Moon Fiji, and Moon Tahiti, as well as early editions of Moon Handbooks Alaska-Yukon, Moon Handbooks Tonga-Samoa, and Moon Handbooks Micronesia, Lonely Planet's Eastern Europe on a Shoestring, and more. He’s an extremely well-traveled author, and loves to dig deeply into the culture of wherever he is visiting. Lucky for us readers, he’s a writer with a difference. How? He pays his own way, without fanfare, and avoids the VIP treatment of the tourism industry looking to court (and influence) authors. In this way, he truly experiences a place like a regular traveler – and works hard to share budget travel suggestions and activities. David has been writing about Fiji since 1978 – longer than any other travel writer!
Recently, I’ve been entranced with David’s Fiji. This is a book not only for dreaming, but is a true planning guide, detailing culture, location, accommodations, restaurants, activities, and ALL of the islands in Fiji. Did you know that there are 322 islands in Fiji? No traveler can hope to explore even 1/100th of that. In Fiji, David shares impeccable research on all aspects of travel to Fiji – it’s an extraordinary travel guide.
One of my favorite sections in the book (since I am so very interested in learning about culture) shares the land, flora, and fauna, history and government, economy, people and culture, and arts and entertainment. Another key chapter in the book covers the essentials – covering getting there, getting around (there are several transportation options in Fiji, but as you can guess, many are on water), visas, conduct, accommodations, food and drink, tips for travelers, health and safety, and information and services. This book is packed with photos David took himself, genuine descriptions, and true knowledge that only someone that's been there frequently can share. What I especially appreciate is the introduction to the people of Fiji – for as we all know, travel is about learning of a place and people and getting to know them deeply.
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