Fiji Islands Weddings - Lets Make it Legal - What you Need

Are you looking to run away with your true love and be married barefoot on the sand, just the two of you at sunset in an exotic location or private island?  Fiji has long been a favorite destination for weddings, honeymooners or the re-affirming of vows. It’s very simple and cost effective to arrange a wedding in Fiji, and we can do all the legwork for you.

You will need to bring with you:

The couple must provide the following personal documents to the registrar for verification purposes at least two weeks before the wedding.

1.    Original Birth Certificate

2.    Valid Passports

3.    Divorce Papers, if applicable

4.    Death certificate if previous spouse is deceased.
A certificate of Single Status or certificate of no Legal Impediment must be produced ONLY IF:

1.    Marriage between a Fiji citizen and a foreign citizen.

2.    Marriage by former citizens of Fiji

3.    Marriage between foreign citizens residing in Fiji

5.    Marriage licenses can also be obtained from disctrict offices in main towns;

6.    Registration offices are open between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday through Friday. Registration formalities take about 20 minutes and should be completed at least 36 hours prior to the wedding date.

7.    The fee is approximately FJD$20.00 and the license is valid for 21 days.

8.    All ministers in Fiji belong to a certain church there are no nondenominational ministers. For Catholic weddings the requirements include a letter of Freedom sent well in advance, approximately 2-3 months out, to the Fijian Priest along with the Baptism Certificate. Your normal pre-wedding studies must be completed with a letter from your priest.

Marriage Fees

The current marriage fees are shown here below in Fijian currency. Payment should be made in cash or postal money order made payable to the Registrar General.

Application for special license F$20.25

Marriage officiated in the Registry (including normal standard marriage certificate) F$22.50

Marriage officiated by the Registrar or District Registrar after official working hours F$30.68

Working hours are from 8.00am to 3.00pm Mondays to Friday and closed on weekends and public holidays.

Traditional Fijian design Marriage certificate F$15.34

Standard Certificate F$5.63

(Inclusive of Fiji Government taxes and subject to change. Rates are valid as at 1st January 2010)

* Please note some of these fees and costs above may already included in the wedding package you select.

Legal Age

The Legal age of consent to marry is 18 years for both male and female.

Marriage Officers both religious and civil marriage celebrant are available. Arrangements may be undertaken for couples to bring their own celebrant to participate in the vows and the blessing of the ring but the local celebrant will solemnize the marriage and sign the marriage certificate.

All registered marriage certificate will be forwarded to the Foreign Affairs office to obtain an Apostille seal to authenticate that the marriage is legal and be recognized in foreign countries.

Travel Gal Note: I have been assisting couples in planning their weddings in Fiji since 1999, contact me at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Travel Gal Returns to the island of Molokai

I am returning to the Hawaiian Island of Molokai after 5 years, this time my Mother and sisters are joining me.  I am planning an “Experience Molokai” on a 4 day excursion.   We will stay at Hotel Molokai (a genuine luxury hideaway) from all things mainstream - which is styled after a Polynesian village and located on Kamiloloa beach.  It is a tiny oceanfront resort complete with a bar and restaurant - by the way, it’s the only place to get draft beer on the island!  The hotel is “community minded” as they offer a Polynesian show every Friday night as well as host a community party once a year - this year its on January 24th - we will be there.

When visiting Molokai you will experience authentic Hawaii with unspoiled coastlines, serene seascapes, untamed wilderness and no building taller then a cocoanut tree.  In the central town of Kaunakakai, absent of traffic lights and virtually unchanged since the early 1900’s.

This charming paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is also the island’s main harbor, where some locals still fish for their dinner. Stroll down to Kaunakakai Harbor to the end of the state’s longest pier, extending well past the reef - just you, the local fisherman and the sound of local boats slowly jetting out of the harbor.

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Where are the Tuamotu Atolls?

The Tuamotu Atolls located in French Polynesia and are the remnants of ancient collapsed volcanoes and these coral atolls boast some of the most renowned snorkeling and scuba diving on earth. Expert divers refer to the magnificent coral filled lagoon as “God’s Aquarium”. This sheltered lagoon is home to dolphins, rays, and myriad colorful tropical fish. Nearby Fakarava is classified by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve as it is home to black sand beaches, a black pearl farm, and a variety of rare birds and plants.

Rangiroa
Rangiroa (rain-gee-roh-ah) is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu Archipelago, which comprises 78 coral atolls scattered over several hundred miles of the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Life on these remote atolls is simple, quiet and peaceful. In the small villages, the visitor can discover the true flavor of the Tuamotus, often participating in the daily activities of the Taumotu people. The interior lagoons are a haven for black pearl farms, fish breeding farms, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Rangiroa, referred to as “The Island of the Long Sky” is the largest atoll in the Southern Hemisphere, the second largest atoll in the world, and heralded as one of the world’s greatest dive destinations. It is an impressive sight viewed from the air with its string of 240 coral islets (motu) encircling a 400 square mile turquoise and jade-green lagoon.

Fakarava
Fakarava (fah-kah-rah-va) is an atoll in the west of the Tuamotu group in French Polynesia. It is the second largest of the Tuamotu atolls. Fakarava’s main village is called Rotoava.

Fakarava, “The Island of Dreams,” is the second largest atoll after Rangiroa. It is an untouched world with an ecosystem that is home to rare birds, plants, crustaceans and exceptional dive sites.

It was once the ancient capital of the region and the site of the first Catholic mission in the atolls built of coral in the 1870’s. The environment is so pure that the atoll is being considered for classification as a UNESCO nature reserve for the preservation of rare species.

Scuba diving and snorkle explorations are magical since many dive sites are virtually undiscovered.

If you would like more information or to plan a magical holiday to an amazing tropical island paradise, call us at 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net today!

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Travel Tips for a Fabulous Vacation in the islands of Tahiti

Are you planning to run away to a deserted island with your true love?  Perhaps a romantic escape to a remote tropical island in the South Pacific? Is Bora Bora or Moorea calling you? Here are a few travel tips to consider while packing your suitcase:

Plan your spending money

Although major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available in Papeete, Faa’a airport as well as several locations throughout the islands, its a good idea to have cash on hand.

* The currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF)

* There are approximately 100 CFP or XPF to one U.S. dollar, although actual rates vary

* Travelers checks, US dollars and credit cards are accepted in tourist areas

* The hotels will also exchange money

Phone calls:
* Phone cards can be purchased at the local post office.

* Phone calls from Tahiti to the US are very expensive, so we advise calling your party and then having them call you back.

* Fax services are also available at the hotels.

* Some cell phone service may be available in Tahiti.   Call your provider before departure to check for availability.

Clothing

The islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia are very casual. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting cotton washables. Synthetic fabrics can be too hot and sticky.

* Casual slacks or walking shorts and sport shirts are fine for men at dinner.

* Women wear shorts, skirts or casual slacks during the day and cool dresses at night.

* Bring reef walkers or old sneakers so you don’t cut your feet on the coral.

* Most importantly, be sure to bring a swimsuit, a hat, sunscreen and a backpack for carrying any necessities.

* You may want to pack a light sweater or jacket. You probably won’t use it except maybe on the plane.

Other Important Items to Pack

* Make sure to pack any medications you are taking in your carry on bag. While there are medical facilities, some medicines may not be readily available.

* Pack lots of film since film is more expensive in Tahiti. Each person is allowed to bring 10 rolls through customs.

* You may also want to purchase a disposable underwater camera as the sea life is beautiful. A disposable panorama camera would be fun, too. And make sure to pack an extra battery for your camera or video camera!

* Extra memory cards for digital camera.

* Don’t forget toiletries, sunscreen and insect repellant as these are also expensive to purchase in Tahiti.

* You will want to bring an adapter for any appliances you bring with you. The current is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location.

For more great tips and assistance with your luxury island getaway,

give us a call at 800 644-6659

or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net

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Internet & Phone Service while on a Fiji Island Vacation

I have Clients asking about internet & phone service while vacationing in Fiji. I remind them that once they travel to an island the size of a postage stamp in the middle of the Pacific Ocean where the locals still use smoke signals and loli drums to communicate, their phone card just might not work.

Having said that, I have been told the best internet solution would be to purchase a local pre paid Flashnet from a Vodafone shop at the Nadi Airport or on the mainland. These are relatively inexpensive and the cost is currently from F$39 (plus the recharge cost). Vodafone currently has a shop at the airport, right beside the ANZ bank as you come through the arrivals door.

You may be able to purchase a Flashnet online so that the airport branch will have one ready for you upon arrival into the country, so all you will be required to do is register on collection. The Flashnet can be plugged into your laptop to connect to the Internet and can be used in many places. For further details, you may wish to visit their web site at: www.vodafone.com.fj.

For more information on travel to the Fiji Islands, call 800 644-6659

or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

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Small Ship Cruise Options for the Islands of Tahiti

Aloha and Ia Orana,
Cruising around the islands of Tahiti for a romantic cruise celebration sounds like a fabulous idea to me! Lets review some small ship cruise options for you:

7 Night Haumana Cruise

A unique experience of discovery in the pristine ocean environment of Rangiroa!  Cruise in luxury in one of 12 well-appointed cabins, with all-inclusive gourmet dining and charming motu picnics. Swim, snorkel, hike, or relax on the deck at sea in this romantic paradise. The 7 night cruise departs from Rangiroa on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The guests fly into Papeete, stay overnight 1 night, then they will be transferred by plane to Rangiroa.

Location: Rangiroa, Tahiti.

Haumana Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bar (On upper deck & open all day.), Bathroom Amenities, Boutique, CD Player, DVD Player, Hair Dryer, Housekeeping (Twice daily), In Room Safe, Jacuzzi, Mini-Bar, Television, VCR.

Haumana Cruise Activities:
Dolphin Watch, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Jacuzzi, Jet Skiing (At an additional cost), Kayaking, Nature Excursions (Visit unspoiled motus and virgin reefs), Polynesian Dance Lesson, Snorkeling, Surfing, Vineyard (Dominique Auroy’s Vineyard).

Attractions:
Snorkeling, swimming, authentic island craft demonstrations and performances by local cultural groups.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

_____

The Aranui III offers 86 cabins & is an Inter-Island Freighter!

Have you ever longed to hop a freighter to the romantic South Seas? Well, now you can, with Aranui Cruises - a delightful alternative to the more sumptuous cruises in and around Tahiti. The Aranui III is a state-of-the-art freighter that delivers supplies to the Marquesa Islands and also carries passengers.

Inspired by the tales of Herman Melville, Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson, travelers go along to get in touch with the spirit of adventure that lies dormant in us all, and because no other cruise offers such an authentic slice of Polynesian life.

The Aranui III offers 13 to 16 night trips with Saturday departures.

Aranui Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Balcony or Patio, Bathtub, Cocktail Lounge, Gym/Fitness Center, Laundry Service (Washers & Dryers available; No Dry Cleaning), Library, Live Entertainment (Members singing and playing hand craft ukuleses), Refrigerator, Shared Bathroom.

Aranui Activities:
Fishing, Horseback Riding (On Ua Huka Island), Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming Pool.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

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Paul Gauguin Cruise

Named after France’s greatest Post-Impressionist painter, whose work is indelibly linked to Tahiti and Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin is the ideal ship on which to explore the world’s last natural paradise. The ship accomodates 318 passengers and departs out of Papeete. Come experience the ultimate in luxury, service and impeccable cuisine aboard a ship that celebrates the art of living in true Gallic style.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Amenities:
Air Conditioning, Bathrobe, Bathroom Amenities, Bathtub, Beauty Salon, Boutique, Business Center (There are four computers and a printer), Butler Service (In Suites only), CD Player, Concierge, DVD Player, Direct Dial Phone, Dry Cleaning Available, Fax Machine Available (Sent/received through the reception desk), Fruit, Gym/Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness Center, Hair Dryer, Internet Access, Laundry Service, Library (A wide selection of books is available), Medical Services (Doctor & nurse equipped to provide medical care), Mini-Bar, Refrigerator, Room Service, Room Service (24-hour room service), Shower, Spa Services (Carita Spa & Beauty Salon), Television (TV/ VCR), Video Library.

Paul Gauguin Cruise Activities:
Art Gallery (Fare Tahiti Gallery), Casino, Casino, Dance Club (La Palette Lounge, Piano bar & romantic nightclub), Diving, Island Excursions, Kayaking, Kayaking, Night Club (Polynesian performances, dancing, cabaret singer), Outdoor Pool, Scuba Lessons, Snorkeling, Swimming Pool, Water Skiing, Windsurfing.

If you would like to experience the romantic islands in the South Pacific,

Call 800 644-6659 or email Teresa@LuxuryHideaways.net for more details

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Helpful Tips for Travel to the Hawaiian Islands

Here are a few tips to ensure a great trip to Hawaii:

*  Reconfirm your flight, seat assignment and frequent-flyer number with the airline 24 hours before departure;

* You must present legal photo identification upon check-in in order to receive you boarding pass.  Passengers without boarding passes will not be allowed through the security checkpoint;

*  You should consider using the curbside porter service to expedite check-in, if available;

*  You should keep check-in bags fit and trim, and under the airlines’ maximum weight allowance. Call the airline for weight and quantity restrictions;

*  Excess luggage may trigger additional fees from the airlines, and in some cases, may not be allowed on the plane at all;

* Be sure to pack photo film in carry-on bags. The equipment that screens check-in luggage can be hazardous to undeveloped film;

* Do not pack food and beverages into check-in luggage;

* Do not bring gifts pre-wrapped.  The baggage screeners may need to examine them;

*  Upon check out of your hotel, be sure to check with the Hotel Concierge or Front Desk how much time you should give yourself to drive to the airport.  Allow sufficient time to drop off your car;

* Upon your return flight to the U.S. Mainland, plan on sending your check-in luggage through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) baggage inspection station before you head for the ticket counter. USDA regulates the export of flowers, fruit and other plant materials from Hawaii.

Bringing Fruit Home
USDA regulations do not allow un-inspected fruits, flowers and other plant material to leave Hawaii. But if you would really like to take some home, the easiest way is to place an order in advance from one of the several companies that will select, pack, and deliver produce to the airport. These pre-ordered products (including pineapples, papaya, onions, macadamia nuts and protea flowers) are pre-inspected and cleared for shipment out of state.

For more travel tips and information contact

The Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or

call Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Wedding Guide: New Marriage Laws in Tahiti!

The islands of French Polynesia are incredibly romantic - the perfect destination for a wedding. Let the Travel Gal and the Paul Gauguin assist you in planning your fantasy destination wedding.  The Gauguin would make a perfect venue for a weeklong reception with friends and family!

A new law just recently passed makes it possible for American and Canadian nationals to now get married in Tahiti! Below are some frequently asked questions about the requirements for a legal Polynesian wedding. For more information and a free destination wedding guide, please contact us at 800 644-6659.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a Tahitian wedding?
A: Couples must meet these requirements to be legally married in French Polynesia:

Both spouses must be at least 18 years old.
Neither spouse can be currently married.
Spouses must be of the opposite sex.
The couple cannot be related by direct lineage.
The couple cannot be French nationals or residents of France.
The bride and the groom must each choose a witness who must be 18 years of age or older. (If the couple does not have a witness of their own choosing, the mayor’s office can provide one).

Q: Can I get married aboard the ship during my cruise?
A: No. Paul Gauguin Cruises provides wedding receptions but not a legal marriage ceremony. Instead, you and your spouse-to-be, along with your guests and witnesses, must go to city hall in the commune in which you wish to be married and have the mayor (or an appointed representative) perform the ceremony. See below for details and required documentation.

Q: Are any documents required in advance of the ceremony?
A: Yes, the couple must obtain and complete the following documents (available through the Tahiti Tourisme website):
The “Marriage of Foreign Citizens in French Polynesia” application
A letter signed and dated by both future spouses, addressed to the mayor of the commune chosen for the marriage ceremony
A copy of both spouses’ passports (required for proof of identity)
A certified copy of both spouses’ birth certificates, authenticated with an “Apostille” translated into French by an approved translator and legalized by the French Consulate (approved translators can be found on the consulate’s website)
Note: The birth certificates must have been issued less than 6 months prior to the date of the marriage.
A “Certificate of Non-Marital Status” (”Certificat de Celibat”) signed by a lawyer, translated into French, and legalized by the French Consulate (approved lawyers can be found on the consulate’s website)

Proof of residency for both of the future spouses (a utility bill or any bill noting names and physical address will suffice)
Note: A photocopy of the bills is acceptable for both spouses.

Q: Is it possible to have a prenuptial agreement?
A: Yes, prenuptial agreements are optional. If such an agreement is desired, it must be translated into French and authenticated by the French Consulate.

Q: What do I do with all these documents once I gather them?
A: Once the required documentation is gathered, it must be sent to the mayor’s office of the commune in which the couple is getting married. The mayor’s office will then contact the bride and groom to advise them of the approved date and time of the wedding.

Q: What is the timing for sending in the required documentation?
A: Documents must be received at least 45 days prior to the ceremony.

Q: What does a Polynesian wedding ceremony consist of?
A: On the day of the ceremony, the couple, together with their guests and witnesses, go to city hall (Mairie). The mayor (or an appointed representative from the mayor’s office) will perform the ceremony, in the presence of at least two witnesses and in the language chosen by the wedding couple. After the ceremony, the mayor will give the couple a Marriage Certificate. This certificate will be dated and signed by the mayor’s office of the commune in which the marriage takes place. A “romantic ceremony” can be held afterward, if the couple so desires.

Q: Can Paul Gauguin Cruises help me with organizing the wedding?
A: We can help you with your reception and an “exchange of vows” ceremony, but you are responsible for the logistics of your legal wedding. We suggest that you make the necessary arrangements far in advance and that you make plans to spend extra time ashore.

For more wedding information or renewal of vows and other special occasions, contact the Travel Gal

at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Planning for Your Vacation - Planning for Emergencies

When planning your holiday there are a few key points you should do to protect yourself in case of an emergency or unexpected delay. Here are a few ideas:

1. Check with your credit card co. to see what the exchange rate will be when using your card;
2. Check www.zvs.com to make sure you don’t need a visa or shots when entering foreign countries;
3. Let your credit card company know you will be in a foreign country with your dates of travel so they can expect charges coming in from that country;
4. Bring 2-3 credit cards to make sure you are not caught in an embarrassing situation where your card is denied because the cc company is “safety conscious”;
5. Photo copy your credit cards and passports, keep a copy at home;
6. Photocopy your complete itinerary and leave with friends/family;
7. Photocopy your travel insurance information and leave a copy with friends so if you need it in a hurry you can call them;
8. I always give my Clients my 800 number and tell them to give it to their friends so if someone needs to reach them and it’s a foreign country, I will be able to assist in an emergency;
9. Buy a small travel purse with a “cross shoulder” strap to carry your passports and money next to your body;
10. Immediately check your passport - is it valid for at least 6 months AFTER you return home?

For more tips and information contact the Travel Gal at 800 644-6659 or Teresa@Luxuryhideaways.net

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Islands of Tahiti - Where to Scuba Dive - Here’s the Guide!

Are you planning a winter vacation that must have fantastic scuba diving? Look no further then the islands of Tahiti.  I have listed below just a few of the amazing and pristine dive sites in the islands:

* Moorea: Explore the remains of ancient shipwrecks, glimpse a black tipped reef shark, impressively large moray eels, sea turtles and barracudas;
* Bora Bora: View Lemon sharks and manta rays close up;
* Raiatea: Discover shipwrecks and the marine life that thrives among mushroom shaped corals including octopus, tuna and leopard rays;
* Rangiroa and Fakarava: In this premier diving location, look for hammerhead sharks (Dec - Feb) or manta rays (Sept-Oct). In addition, dolphins, turtles, eagle rays and other fascinating fish species are often spotted here among coral reefs and canyon passes;
* Nuku Hiva: The steep cliffs and caves off this island reveal a variety of unusual marine life, including hammerhead sharks, melon-headed whales, moray eels and scorpion fish.

Are you convinced yet?  The two of you will find yourselves surrounded by the most beautiful and romantic islands, set amid endless Pacific waters. You have discovered paradise!

Contact your tropical island specialist at 800 644-6659 - lets begin planning your trip today!

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