Is Fiji Really Worth the Long Flight? I Went to Find Out
- Libby Adams
- Jun 1
- 6 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
After hearing for years about Fiji’s beautiful beaches and famously welcoming people, I finally had the opportunity to experience it for myself. Here’s what surprised me, what I loved, and why I think Fiji deserves a place on the travel list for the right traveller.
“The People Are So Friendly. But is Fiji worth the long flight?"
Before my trip to Fiji, I heard this repeatedly:
“You’re going to love Fiji.”
“The people are so friendly.”
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical.
How could an entire country really live up to that reputation? So, rather than simply taking everyone’s word for it, I decided to find out for myself.
I travelled to Fiji with my daughter, combining a little vacation time with my work as a travel advisor. I wanted to experience the destination personally, visit different properties, meet suppliers, and get a better understanding of what Fiji is really like for the travellers I work with.
And after experiencing it for myself, I understand the enthusiasm a lot better. It is quite possible that Fiji can be worth the long flight.
First Impressions: The Welcome Was Real
Getting to Fiji is not a quick trip from Canada.
Our evening flight departed at 10:20 p.m., and we arrived in Fiji the following morning after roughly 11 hours in the air. We flew with Fiji Airways, and although I would have appreciated a little more room in the economy seats, the evening departure worked well. We were served a meal before settling in for the night, followed by breakfast before landing.
After collecting our luggage, we headed out to find the transportation company Imade arrangements with. That's when my Fiji experience really began.
We were greeted with a warm welcome, a cold towel, a bottle of Fiji Water, and a traditional-style welcome necklace. We were also welcomed with music by two people as we came into the terminal. After an overnight flight, it was a wonderful way to arrive. And that friendliness I had been hearing about? I was beginning to understand it.
What I Saw Beyond the Resorts
The drive from the airport to the OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort took a little over an hour, and I enjoyed seeing the country beyond the beautiful resort photographs we usually see online.
The landscape was lush and green, with coconut, papaya, and pineapple trees along the way.
We passed children in school uniforms waiting for their buses and adults making their way to work. We also drove through communities and villages, which gave me a glimpse into everyday life in Fiji.
One of the most interesting parts of the drive wasn't something I had planned to see at all. It was simply talking with our driver.
Travel has a way of reminding you that sometimes the most interesting parts of a trip aren't found in an itinerary. They're found in the conversations you have along the way.
The OUTRIGGER: Where I Finally Slowed Down
We stayed at the OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort for three nights, and this was probably the biggest surprise of the trip.
I was there partly for work. I was visiting properties, meeting suppliers, and experiencing activities so that I could better advise my clients.
But somehow, I actually relaxed.
After two nights, my daughter and I looked at each other and agreed that we wanted to come back and spend an entire week there. Not rushing around. Not trying to see everything.
Just walking along the beach, putting our feet in the warm water, enjoying the resort, and slowing down.
That was unusual for me on a business trip.
And it made me think about something that I believe is particularly important for travellers over 50: Sometimes the best vacation isn't the one where you see the most. It's the one where you finally have time to breathe.
The OUTRIGGER offered plenty to do, with several restaurants and bars, different dining experiences, beach access, and evening entertainment. We particularly enjoyed the variety of the buffet restaurant, although the beachfront Sundowner Bar and Grill was certainly memorable.
One evening, we also enjoyed a cultural performance at the resort.
By the end of our stay, I could see why someone might come to Fiji and decide they don't need to be constantly on the go.
But What If You Want More Than a Beach?
This was another question I wanted to answer. Fiji isn't simply about sitting beside a beautiful beach.
During our stay, we managed to fit in a half-day tour, a visit to the resort's onsite eco-animal centre, and a cultural show and dinner.
Our half-day tour included a furniture shop, a souvenir shop, a Hindu temple, the Sand Dunes, and a small village.
The village visit was particularly memorable. Below are a two pictures of a couple of the women from the village.
We had the opportunity to learn about the community and experience some of its traditions. It was a reminder that visiting Fiji can be about much more than staying inside a resort.
We also attended a cultural performance at the VOU Hub which included dinner one evening.
The show was lively and interactive, and the audience was invited to participate at the end. It was one of those experiences that makes a trip feel personal rather than simply sightseeing.
And yes, we even managed to get a photograph with the performers afterward.
A Different Kind of Stay Near Nadi
For the final two nights, we stayed at the Wyndham Garden Wailoaloa, which is much closer to the airport.
This was a very different experience from the OUTRIGGER. It was a good budget-friendly option, with a buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a beach directly behind the property. I think this comparison was useful because it reinforced something I already know from planning travel: There isn't one "best" hotel. There is a best hotel for a particular traveller.
Someone looking for a relaxing resort experience may want something very different from someone looking for a more affordable base near Nadi.
That's one of the reasons I believe experiencing properties personally is so valuable as a travel advisor.
So, Is Fiji Worth the Long Flight?
For me, the answer is yes. But I don't think Fiji is necessarily right for everyone.
If you're looking for a fast-paced vacation where you're moving from attraction to attraction every day, there may be destinations that suit you better.
But if you're looking for beautiful surroundings, warm hospitality, outdoor experiences, cultural opportunities, and the chance to slow down, Fiji deserves serious consideration.
And I think it can be particularly appealing to travellers over 50 who have reached a point where they don't necessarily want to squeeze ten activities into every day.
Sometimes you want to wake up, have breakfast, walk along the beach, explore something interesting, enjoy a good meal, and watch the sunset.
There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, after my time in Fiji, I'm starting to think there is something very right about it.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely.
During this trip, I only experienced a small portion of what Fiji has to offer. There are other resorts, islands, activities, and experiences that I didn't have time to explore.
And that's one of the reasons I'd like to return.
Next time, though, I think I'd give myself more time to simply enjoy Fiji. No rushing.
No trying to see everything. Just more time to walk along the beach, put my feet in the warm water, and enjoy that feeling of being somewhere completely different.
And perhaps that is the biggest thing I brought home from Fiji.
Travel doesn't always have to be about doing more. Sometimes it's about giving yourself permission to slow down and enjoy where you are.
If Fiji has been sitting on your travel wish list, I'd be happy to help you determine whether it's the right destination for the kind of vacation you want — and what type of Fiji experience would suit you best.
Bula!
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