Samoa Quick Guide

If you are thinking of taking a holiday in Samoa there are quite a few things you might like to know before you go. Most visitors to this small Polynesian nation will be interested in Samoan culture and the beautiful beaches on one of the islands Samoa, Tonga or Easter Island. The culture in Samoa is marked by its distinctive traditional dress, which consists of many regional styles such as the moai that have remained unchanged for many centuries. Another cultural characteristic of Samoan culture is that people respect their elders, particularly the men, and parents often play a key role in helping their children to settle into Samoan society and adapt to life in a foreign land.

However, Samoans have many other interests besides their distinctive cultural heritage and fine sandy beaches. These days, visitors to Samoa often take advantage of its relatively small size to experience what this unique island country has to offer. Tourism is one of the country's main industries, supporting a small economy designed to help make life easier for Samoans both long and short. This article will provide some very useful Samoan travel tips that may help you decide where to go and what to see when you are here.

To get to Samoan beaches you need to get past the island's entry fees. Entry fees are charged to enter the country, and can vary greatly depending on the destination and time of year. For example, the entry fees to enter Samoa from Auckland, New Zealand, are significantly lower than those to enter the same port from Fiji or Tahiti, West Papua or Cape Verde. Entry fees are also generally higher when travelling from other countries to Samoa. Remember to bring your passport, or a photocopier-compatible photo of your face, when paying the entry fees.

After finding the perfect spot to visit on your Samoan holiday, it's time to consider what you want to do while in Samoa. There are plenty of water activities and sandy fun to participate in during the dry season, but the most popular attractions remain during the wet season. The dry season runs from November through March, so this is the best time to check out the Samoan culture. At this point, Samoans are considered very social, so don't be surprised if you find yourself joining in with the local dances at a local club. The dry season is also the peak of Samoans' holiday spirit, which means that it is also the peak of Samoan tourism.

Perhaps the single greatest attraction to be found in Samoa is the fauna and flora of the place. Fauna in Samoa ranges from gigantic lizards, rainbow trout, to enormous ants, to numerous bird species. A trip to Samoa is also a great way to research the history of the islands and to see some of the fantastic scenery available in Samoa. For those interested in visiting indigenous cultures, Samoa is home to several Polynesian settlements where the Indigenous people have lived for centuries. On your Samoa travel guide, you should include a few of these places as part of your overall plan.

Along with the beautiful Samoan beaches, another great way to explore Samoa is by way of its beaches and beach fales. Several Samoans refer to the sandy beaches of Samoa as their "salad bowl." Beach fales are very popular on both islands. Beach fales are composed of stretches of white sand and surrounded by palm trees that provide shade from the hot sun.

On your Samoa travel guide, you should include many descriptions of the popular Samoans' various resort and beach fales. For example, one description will state that "to get to the top of Mount Kenya, tourists take a cable car up to Mt. Kilimanjaro."

The western portion of the country is home to a number of tribal communities. Most of the western Samoa tour companies offer all-inclusive travel packages. However, there are some Samoans who prefer to negotiate the beaches and smaller islands themselves. A good Samoan travel guide will definitely provide information on how to negotiate the local markets, which is another great way to enjoy Samoa's rich culture.