In this episode, we talk about the Austral Islands with veteran archaeologist Mark Eddowes, including what families should know about visiting sacred marae sites, respecting local customs, and understanding how community life still works on these remote islands. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are your best starting points if you want help planning a French Polynesia trip that balances meaningful cultural learning with comfortable logistics for parents and kids. Normand Schafer interviews Mark on board Aranui 5 as the ship heads deeper into the Australs, and the conversation offers the kind of context that can turn a family trip into something educational without feeling like homework.

Mark shares how he became an archaeologist—starting with early interests in Māori history in New Zealand, then university research on Polynesian marae temples, and eventually fieldwork in Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley. He explains that archaeology often intersects with real-world development pressures, and that’s part of what brought him to French Polynesia: excavations and surveys designed to document sites that could be impacted by modern projects. For families traveling today, that background matters because it explains why some sites are protected, why access can be limited, and why respectful behavior isn’t just “nice,” it’s essential to preserving heritage.

We then dive into what makes the Australs feel so different from Tahiti or the Marquesas. Mark describes the Australs and Cook Islands as historically connected—once a unified cultural and language zone—later divided into different territories. He shares where he’s worked across islands such as Rimatara, Tubuai, and Raivavae, including surveys of marae sites and excavations that explore early settlement history. One of the most intriguing cultural points for curious kids and teens is the tiki tradition of Raivavae, where figures are associated with deified female ancestors—unusual compared with other islands that emphasize male ancestors. Mark also explains how settlement origins appear to differ across the archipelago, with some influences traced back to the Marquesas and others to the Society Islands.

For families, some of the most useful parts of this episode are the visitor guidelines. Mark explains the concept of taboo—sacred, set aside, not to be disturbed—and why marae sites are still treated with deep respect even in communities that are Christian today. His advice is simple and practical: take photos, but don’t climb on structures, don’t touch or rearrange stones, and never take anything. He also mentions areas like royal cemeteries where observing from outside is the respectful choice.

Mark also gives a candid cultural etiquette reminder: the Australs are conservative and strongly Protestant, and visitors should dress modestly when away from the beach. That’s not about judgment—it’s about respect. A pareo or wrap, shorts, and a mindful approach go a long way in communities where church life and family life are deeply intertwined. Mark explains how Christianity reshaped social structure over generations, creating a strong extended-family model where multi-generational neighborhoods keep elders supported and children surrounded by family. It’s a powerful contrast to how many families live elsewhere, and it can spark great conversations with kids about community, belonging, and how cultures adapt.

Mark shares memorable discoveries too, including a sacred red volcanic tuff tiki, a reused ancestor figure found in a house alignment that suggests changing beliefs under Christianity, and hidden turtle petroglyphs revealed only when sunlight hit a restored stone at the right angle. If you want a family trip that’s scenic, safe, and genuinely meaningful, Far and Away Adventures can help you plan the right Austral-focused journey with the right pacing, cultural context, and guidance.

In this episode, we talk about exploring Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands in a way that works for families and multi-generation travelers—mixing meaningful culture, light adventure, and history that’s easy to understand with the right guide. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand introduces Guadalcanal as a culturally diverse island with multiple languages and traditions, then speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what families can do beyond the usual “bucket list” headlines.

A big theme is cultural variety across the island. The guest explains that Guadalcanal is not one single culture repeated everywhere—different parts of the island have different traditions and ways of living, and travelers will notice those differences as they move around. For families, that can translate into experiences that are engaging without being overly complicated: visiting villages that welcome guests, watching and learning about traditional crafts, seeing how food is prepared, and hearing how communities grow food and approach sustainability. These are the kinds of moments that spark curiosity for kids and help adults feel like they’re learning something real—without needing an intense schedule.

We also talk about nature experiences that can fit a family pace. Tenaru Waterfall is highlighted as a signature attraction—described as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands—and it’s presented as a “must” for travelers who want to get inland and see the landscape beyond the coast. The conversation also points to coastal activities that can be family favorites: beaches for swimming, and opportunities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing depending on your comfort level and interests. Inland, there’s mention of mountain adventures as well, including hiking and a cave area where thousands of bats can be seen—paired with beautiful waterfall scenery nearby. The takeaway is that Guadalcanal can support a mix of “soft adventure” and relaxed beach time, which is often the best formula for family travel.

History is another important piece, especially for older kids and teens who are studying WWII or who simply enjoy learning through travel. Guadalcanal is described as a major WWII battleground, and the guest notes several historic places travelers can visit, including memorials and areas near Honiara and beyond. For families, the key is pacing: you don’t have to do “all history” or “all nature.” You can design days that alternate between cultural visits, short outdoor adventures, and historical context—so everyone stays engaged and energized.

If your family wants a South Pacific trip that feels peaceful but meaningful—where culture is lived, nature is close, and history is tangible—Guadalcanal is worth a serious look. When you’re ready, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to shape an itinerary that matches your family’s pace, comfort level, and the kind of memories you want to bring home.

In this episode, we talk about Aranui 5 shore excursions and island experiences with longtime guide Lehi, including what’s included at each port and what optional adventures families can add. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best starting points if you want help choosing a French Polynesia itinerary that fits your family’s pace, interests, and comfort level. This conversation is especially helpful if you’ve wondered how a “deluxe freighter cruise” differs from a typical cruise—because the days ashore are built around real island life, real community welcomes, and experiences that feel shared rather than staged.

Lehi has spent 14 years guiding on Aranui 5, and he explains the rhythms families actually feel onboard: included excursions at every stop, clear structure to the day, and a strong sense that passengers and crew are together in it. He walks through the classic first Marquesas day on Nuku Hiva, where the experience often runs from early morning into late afternoon. Families ride in local jeeps and four-wheel drives, visit cultural and historic stops like a cathedral and archaeological sites, and then share time with locals over lunch—often with singing, dancing, and an open invitation for guests to participate. For parents, it’s a rare setup where the kids aren’t just “entertained,” they’re watching how a remote island community welcomes visitors and how culture is expressed in everyday moments.

Normand and Lehi also cover practical family concerns without turning it into a checklist. Food is one example: when meals happen ashore, the cooking style and flavors can be different than what’s served onboard, and that’s part of the fun. At the same time, Lehi explains how the ship supports special diets by preparing appropriate meals and bringing them ashore so no one is left out. That balance—authentic local meals plus the ability to accommodate needs—matters a lot for families traveling with picky eaters, allergies, or medical diets.

You’ll also hear about how Aranui handles variety across archipelagos. In places like Rangiroa, some lagoon-style experiences can be optional add-ons, such as dolphin observation or a glass-bottom boat. In Bora Bora, the focus can shift to water time and a motu picnic that feels like a celebratory punctuation mark as the journey winds down. And for active families, Lehi describes the famous Fatu Hiva crossing: a 15 km hike from Omoa to Hanavave for those who want the challenge and the panoramic payoff, with alternatives for those who want the scenery without the strain—either a four-wheel-drive option or re-boarding and sailing around to meet the ship on the other side. It’s a smart structure for multi-generation groups traveling together, because not everyone has to do the same intensity to share the same day’s story.

Finally, this episode captures something families often remember most: the “one big family” feeling on Aranui 5. Lehi describes how crew and passengers blend together in a way he doesn’t see on other ships, partly because everyone is sharing these experiences day after day. If you’re deciding whether Aranui 5 is the right fit for your next big family trip, Far and Away Adventures can help you choose the sailing, set expectations for the activity level, and build pre/post stays so the whole journey flows smoothly.