The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, the country's second-largest city and major seaport, is synonymous with sugar, Fiji's main export. The city is surrounded by the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides. Stroll the town's market, where you can purchase a variety of local goods.

Consisting of 82 volcanic islands, the nation of Vanuatu lies in the South Pacific, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. Spanish for “the holy spirit,” Espiritu Santo is the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. Here, you’ll find miraculous scenery, from its palm-lined, white-sand beaches and spring-fed swimming holes to lush rainforests and lofty mountains, including Vanuatu’s four highest peaks. The character of this once-isolated island was dramatically changed forever during World War II, when it became an Allied military supply and support base. A lieutenant commander for the U.S. Navy named James A. Michener wrote Tales of the South Pacific based on his experiences while stationed here. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book was later turned into the musical South Pacific by Rodgers & Hammerstein. While here, perhaps you’ll venture to the two protected areas that have been established to preserve local biodiversity, which includes the Santo Mountain Starling,…

Port Vila is the harborside capital and main hub of Vanuatu, on Efate island. Its small downtown is home to colorful market stalls selling produce and local handicrafts. The National Museum of Vanuatu, inside the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, displays artifacts such as slit-gong drums and outrigger canoes. The town is a base for diving and trips to Mele Cascades, a multi-tiered waterfall with rock pools in a rainforest.

The third-largest archipelago in the South Pacific, with 992 islands, the Solomon Islands were settled by European colonists and missionaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1893, the archipelago was divided between Great Britain and Germany. Among the British-controlled islands was the then-obscure island of Guadalcanal, the largest of the Solomons. Inhabited for thousands of years, Guadalcanal was discovered in 1568 by the Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña de Neira, who named it for a village in Andalucía, Spain. In 1942, the Japanese effort to build an airfield on the island prompted six months of combat, in which the Allies were ultimately victorious. It was a turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II. The island is still brimming with World War II relics, monuments, and memorials. Perhaps you’ll explore its tropical interior, with its excellent birdwatching. Or discover why the island is revered for its superior snorkeling and diving, with clear waters, shi…

Just 54 acres in size, Samarai Island was once an important trading center, due to its location on the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea, on the China Strait between Australia and East Asia. It was discovered in 1873 by British navigator Captain John Moresby, who initially called it Dinner Island. Five years later, the establishment of a mission station here led to its development as a bustling port town and headquarters of an administrative district of British New Guinea. In 1942, it was evacuated and its buildings were destroyed to prevent the island from falling into Japanese control during World War II. Rebuilt since — though not to the same scale as its glory days — the island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Take a stroll along the pleasant pathway that encircles its pretty town, view spectacular marine life on a SCUBA diving expedition, or simply relax on the beach.

Home of the Komodo dragon — the world’s largest lizard, which is found in the wild nowhere else on Earth — Komodo is located in the center of the 17,508 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Although settled since at least the Neolithic era, the island today is inhabited mostly by the descendants of convicts who were exiled here. It is better known, however, as one of three islands that comprise Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. While here, enjoy the tropical climate and hilly terrain rimmed with white-sand beaches and one of only seven pink-sand beaches in the world. Perhaps you’ll visit the park, take a walk along the walking trails (because of the dragons, it is required that you be accompanied by a guide), or take a cruise in a glass-bottom boat to admire the abundant marine life.

With its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, exotic culture, beautiful handicrafts, and fascinating dance traditions, Bali has drawn travelers from around the world for decades. In this tropical paradise, you’ll find lush volcanic mountainscapes, rice paddies, a profusion of fragrant flowers, and terraced hillsides. Offshore lie coral reefs vibrant with marine life. And everywhere, you’ll find a people whose warm hospitality and humor are legendary. Benoa is your launchpoint for discovering the treasures of this exquisite island. Indulge in watersports activities, including jetskiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling, diving, and reef fishing. Visit Ubud, renowned for its temples, shrines, artists’ workshops and galleries, and the Sacred Monkey Forest.