Polynesia has long been one of the best-kept secrets of the travel world. A tropical paradise that is much more relaxed than the more popular tourist destinations in this part of the world, such as Hawaii, Polynesia has long been overlooked by vacationers. Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti are just a few of the unique island destinations in Polynesia.

Are you looking for sandy beaches, lush forests, and blue lagoons? On many of the islands in this region, tourist lodgings take the form not of high-rise hotels but of traditional, thatched-roof buildings resembling tiki huts. This appealing lifestyle makes a great vacation destination at any time of year. Though most Polynesian vacationers choose to spend their time on one island, you may want to travel between the islands to experience subtle variations in culture, environment, and cuisine.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Polynesia you have a great adventure ahead of you. Granted, you also have a great deal of decisions to make. The first decision is where to travel in Polynesia – which comprises hundreds of different islands. The many areas of Polynesia include the Cook Islands, Samoa, Bora Bora, Tonga, Tokelau, Niue, and French Polynesia. When it comes to Polynesia, there seems to be a multitude of options, whether you're searching for a family-friendly destination or a romantic getaway.

As with any travel plans, it pays to shop around for a good deal. There are deals to be found in each area of this region, if you’re savvy. Of course, why travel all the way out there only to experience one island? Travel packages
allow you to visit several of the islands during your stay. Don't overlook the possibility of a cruise, which is a great way to experience several islands within the span of a week. Those who are flexible when it comes to their destination island will be able to find great deals.

Once you know how many people are traveling, and have chosen one or a few potential destinations, you can start looking into some of the great travel packages out there. Many of these package deals include airfare and accommodations – a great way to save extra room in your budget for souvenirs and tourist activities.

Airfare will vary, naturally, depending on where you are departing from and where you intend to travel to. A reasonable price for a ticket from the West Coast of the U.S. should run you somewhere in the range of $700-800 dollars per person. Prices for lodging also vary depending on the style of accommodations and the popularity of the island, as well as whether any major hotel chains have opened on the island. Lodging options range anywhere from a simple hut to a welcoming bed-and-breakfast to a major five-star hotel, depending on where you're staying within the islands.

The Polynesian Islands are, for the most part, reliant on tourism – so you can find some great deals during the off season. This wet season typically lasts from November to April. Though it may not be the best time to lounge in the sun, travelers during these months enjoy lower pricing and less competition for tourist activities. And of course, just because it's the wet season doesn't mean you have to hide indoors! The sun still makes an appearance frequently, and there are plenty of options for exploring the islands, from hiking to scuba-diving.