In this episode we talk about the Austral Islands with archaeologist Mark Eddowes, focusing on the most useful travel tips for visiting sacred sites and conservative outer-island communities respectfully. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are included early because remote French Polynesia travel is smoother when you plan with specialists who understand island-to-island differences, cultural boundaries, and what to expect once you step ashore. Normand Schafer interviews Mark onboard Aranui 5 while sailing in the Australs, and the result is a practical etiquette guide wrapped inside a fascinating cultural history conversation.

Mark begins by explaining his background as an archaeologist—originating in New Zealand with strong interest in Māori history and then specializing in Polynesian marae temples. A research collaboration brought him to Tahiti’s Papenoo Valley, where archaeology was required to document sites in an area affected by proposed modern development. This matters for travelers because it frames the reality: many sites are protected not only because they are old, but because they remain culturally significant and connected to ancestors. Visitors who treat these places as playgrounds or souvenir shops can do real harm, even if they don’t intend to.

The most actionable travel tip in the entire episode is Mark’s explanation of taboo. In Polynesian languages, taboo means sacred, forbidden, set aside—places that should not be disturbed. Mark explains that marae temples are highly sacred sites, even though most communities are Christian today, because ancestors are associated with them and people remain respectful. His advice is simple and specific: take photographs, but do not climb on sites, do not touch or rearrange stones, and never take anything away. He also notes that certain places, such as royal cemeteries, should be observed from outside only.

Mark then adds etiquette guidance that travelers often overlook when they move from Tahiti to outer islands. He describes the Australs as conservative and strongly Protestant—a “Bible belt” of Polynesia—where church life shapes community values. His practical advice is modest dress away from the beach: men should wear shorts rather than walking around in minimal swimwear, and women should throw on a pareo or wrap when leaving the beach. He emphasizes that topless sunbathing is not appropriate in these communities. Normand adds a useful comparison: Tahiti is more used to tourism and French influence, but the outer islands appreciate visitors who reciprocate respect rather than assuming norms are identical everywhere.

Beyond etiquette, Mark explains why the Australs feel so “natural”: small populations, limited development, a subtropical climate, and daily life still oriented toward plantations and fishing. He discusses how the cash economy intersects with cultural arts, especially pandanus weaving—mats, hats, fans—and he notes a modern renaissance in wood carving as young men study museum motifs and revive historic designs.

Mark also shares archaeological insights that help travelers understand what they’re seeing: the historical connection between the Austral Islands and the Cook Islands as a unified cultural and language zone, the unique female-ancestor tiki tradition in Raivavae, and how different islands show different settlement influences from the Marquesas and the Societies. He closes with memorable discovery stories—red volcanic tuff tiki, an ancestor figure reused in a house alignment, and turtle petroglyphs visible only in the right sunset light—reminding listeners that history is often revealed through careful observation and patience. If you want help turning these tips into a real Austral Islands trip, Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the right sailing and extensions so you arrive prepared, respectful, and ready to learn.

In this episode, we talk about practical Guadalcanal travel tips for visiting the Solomon Islands—what to prioritize, how to pace the island, and how to blend culture, nature, and history in a single trip. Far and Away Adventures.com is where you can start planning with expert help, and you can explore ideas at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand speaks with a guest connected to Guadalcanal tourism efforts about what makes Guadalcanal unique and how travelers can experience it beyond surface-level sightseeing.

One of the first planning insights is cultural diversity within the island itself. The guest explains that multiple languages exist on Guadalcanal and that traditions differ between regions—so travelers should expect real variation in daily life and cultural expression as they move around. A practical tip that follows from this: don’t stay only in one bubble. Even small day trips that take you into a different area can reveal different ways of living, speaking, and practicing culture, and those contrasts can become the most memorable part of the trip.

To experience culture respectfully, the guest recommends village visits. Some villages are open to visitors and offer opportunities to see traditional crafts, learn about food preparation, and understand how people live and grow food. Sustainability is described as part of village life, which can be especially interesting for travelers who care about how island communities maintain their routines and resources. A simple tip is to plan at least one cultural village experience early in the trip; it can shape how you interpret the rest of what you see—especially history and landscapes.

For nature planning, the episode highlights Tenaru Waterfall as a major must-see attraction, described as the biggest waterfall in the Solomon Islands. A good practical approach is to treat Tenaru as a “signature day” and build around it—pairing it with easier coastal time before or after. The guest also mentions coastal options like beaches for swimming and relaxing, plus ocean activities such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Inland, travelers can look at mountain adventure options like hiking and visiting caves, including a cave area described as having thousands of bats and striking scenery with a waterfall nearby. The travel tip here is pacing: mix one adventurous inland day with one easy coastal day so the trip stays enjoyable and not exhausting.

History is the third pillar, and Guadalcanal’s WWII significance is addressed clearly. The guest describes Guadalcanal as a major battleground and notes that travelers can visit memorials and historic areas around Honiara and beyond. The conversation references sites associated with the Mount Austen area, memorial locations near central Honiara, and areas near the airport region, as well as additional places outside the city where war relics remain visible. A practical recommendation is to decide how deep you want to go—quick context stops versus in-depth touring—then build the rest of the itinerary around your preferred intensity.

If you want Guadalcanal to feel both meaningful and manageable, the simplest plan is a three-part mix: one village culture day, one signature nature day (Tenaru Waterfall), and one thoughtfully paced history day around Honiara. When you’re ready to map it all out with the right pacing and logistics, connect with a Far and Away Adventures specialist to design a Guadalcanal itinerary that matches your travel style.

In this episode, we talk about practical travel tips for Aranui 5 shore excursions with Lehi, including what’s included at each port, what optional experiences you can add, and how to make remote-island days feel smooth rather than stressful. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are the best resources if you want help choosing the right sailing and setting expectations for activity level, logistics, and pacing. Normand Schafer records this conversation onboard, and Lehi—an Aranui guide for 14 years—offers exactly the kind of grounded advice travelers wish they had before the first tender ride.

The first tip is structural: understand that Aranui includes excursions at every port. That means your baseline experience is already planned, coordinated, and meaningful, which matters because remote islands don’t operate like cruise terminals with endless buses waiting in rows. You’ll still have choices, but you’re not starting from scratch each day. The second tip is mindset: the more you try to force a big-city pace onto small islands, the more stress you create. Lehi explains that some guests rush to go outside, stand in the sun, and then feel overwhelmed when vehicles aren’t instantly visible. His implied advice is simple and powerful—stay cool, stay comfortable, and let the logistics unfold. Your day will instantly improve.

Lehi walks through a classic example on Nuku Hiva, often a full-day safari-style outing from morning into late afternoon. Guests travel in local jeeps and four-wheel drives, visit key sites like a cathedral and archaeological areas, and share lunch ashore with island hosts who welcome everyone with music and dance. A subtle travel tip embedded in Normand’s comments is to appreciate the flow: sometimes the ship repositions while guests are on the island, so your excursion may not be “out and back.” Embrace that as part of the journey. It’s one reason Aranui feels like real travel rather than a series of short stops.

Food planning is another practical topic that comes up naturally. Meals ashore can be cooked differently than onboard, sometimes using traditional methods, and that difference is part of the cultural experience. At the same time, Lehi explains that special diets can be supported by preparing meals onboard and bringing them ashore so travelers can still participate fully. The tip here is to communicate needs early and plan with specialists who know how Aranui works, so you’re not trying to solve it at the last minute in a remote village.

When it comes to optional excursions, the episode provides a helpful framework: add-ons often make the most sense in lagoon-centric areas. Lehi mentions Rangiroa options such as dolphin observation and glass-bottom boat style experiences as examples of excursions that are available but not included. In Bora Bora, optional aquatic activities may be offered, and Lehi highlights the included motu picnic as a signature moment that many guests look forward to, especially as the voyage nears its end. A simple tip here is to decide what you want most—wildlife, lagoon time, culture, hiking, or photography—then choose optional upgrades that support that priority rather than saying yes to everything.

For hikers, Lehi describes the Fatu Hiva crossing from Omoa to Hanavave—about 15 km for those who want the full challenge and the panoramic reward. He also explains smart alternatives, including a four-wheel-drive option or sailing around to meet the ship on the other side. The tip is to choose intensity honestly. You don’t need to prove anything to enjoy the destination, and groups can still share the same day even if individuals choose different routes. If you want help mapping your priorities to the right sailing and excursion mix, Far and Away Adventures can plan and book the trip so you know what you’re signing up for—and love it.