Surrounded by tropical paradises like Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands, you’d be excused for thinking that Samoa is just another set of islands in the South Pacific.
But while it does offer the natural beauty often associated with its neighbours, people who travel to Samoa will say it feels different.
First, there’s the people. The Samoan way, or Fa’a Samoa, is the guiding principle of Samoan culture – dictating warm hospitality, the importance of family, respect of ones elders and embracing the environment.
Then, there’s the country itself. It doesn’t have the huge resorts and tourist-y attractions, and while you can easily have a luxury holiday lying on the beach, Samoa has far more to offer.
There’s the diverse seafood.
The chance to swim with turtles.
You can trek through the jungle or splash your way down natural slides made from rocks.
All the while, you’ll be surrounded by a landscape formed from volcanoes, and strikingly unique flora and fauna.
But Samoa is the kind of place that’s far better described in pictures than words. So here are 21 photos that prove Samoa is the best travel destination of 2019.
1. To Sua – one of two large holes in the ground by the coast in Lotofaga village, Upolu island
2. Alofaaga blowholes on Savai’i island
3. A turtle on the island of Savai’i
4. A sea kayak tour of Samoa
5. Organic fruit and vegetables at the Fugalei market
6. Trekking through the Samoan jungle
7. A tune sung by the children of Le Fetūao
8. The Saleaula Lava Field in Savai’i
9. Lush forests and rolling mountains.
10. Namua Island
11. A traditional Samoan fire dance
12. Papasea sliding rock
13. The Milky Way in Falealupo
14. Nuusafee Island, off Upolu’s south coast
15. A Samoan fruit salad
16. Togitogiga waterfall
17. Beach coconuts in Taufua Beach Fales
18. Pigs at Lalomanu Beach
19. Basket weaving, traditional cooking and traditional arts and crafts
20. Warm smiles in the Apia Market
21. Crystal clear waters
This content was brought to you with thanks by our brand partner, Flight Centre.
Flight Centre Exclusives are Flight Centre’s very own hand-picked holidays that you won’t find anywhere else. They include flights, accommodation and a long list of bonus inclusions like massages, amazing meals and cultural experiences. The best part is that these holidays are priced so well, you’ll be questioning whether we’ve made a mistake.
We haven’t .