Does your passport really need 6 months validity?

Yes, yes you do! Especially if travelling to Fiji

Does your passport really need 6 months validity?I’ve been fortunate enough to not really have too many travel horror stories. Sure, I’ve ran for a train (never a plane Dad taught us early how you should always be 6 hours early for a flight!) , lost a boarding pass, misplaced a passport, cut it fine for boarding even with the 6 hour wait time, had a few dodgy character try to take us the wrong way in Marrakech but really nothing too bad or anything too serious that has thrown my travel plans into jeopardy.

Well, that was until recently and spoiler alert it all turned out ok and probably isn’t as dramatic as you might expect but when I was googling for advice nothing came up so I wanted to share my story in case it helps anyone else.

Postcard perfect Fiji- South Sea Island

As regular readers will be aware we’ve recently been to Fiji. Oh, beautiful Fiji -The holiday blues are still sooo raw. Fun fact about Fiji-  you don’t need a visa (for Australian or British Passports) but you definitely need 6 months validity on your passport from the date of departure from your home/departing country.

This is where the problem lay.

If you are like was stressed, cranky and googling everything combination of- passport, Fiji, validity and looking for quick information scroll to the bottom and the answer lies there!

Months ago when we booked our flights my other half said his passport will have less than 6 months validity and asked will it be ok? I (stupidly) was like yeah, of course, they just say 6 months to be careful. Point to note here I hadn’t even checked as genuinely believed that as long as your passport is valid you can enter any country. Of all the places and all the trips, I’d been on I’d never had any issues with this or really never checked about passport validity only about visas. It’s Travel 101 and my error number 1.

We were moving house during this time and were stressed and minds elsewhere so it wasn’t till the night before we were to fly that I checked again and noticed that my other half’s passport expired exactly 6 months to the day that we left London. I text my parents, my sisters, I put a message up in a Travel Facebook group, I googled to page 20 and no one could help or had a definite answer if we were going to be able to fly. Some websites said 3 months, some said 6 months but from the date of when you leave Fiji, and then other says 6 months from when you enter Fiji. No one knew and even when I checked the Fiji website it didn’t specify if it was exiting or entering. I was so confused. It probably also didn’t help that night I hadn’t slept for almost 24 hours so I was pretty highly strung.

I spent the whole 2-hour bus trip to Heathrow on edge. Do we fly all that way and then they say no, do they say no at Heathrow, what’s plan a/plan b/plan c.

Queuing at Heathrow check-in and looking at the desk clerks praying we weren’t going to get the grumpy one that looked a bit of a computer says no jobsworth. Thankfully we got a friendly one. Handed over the passports holding my breath. Then I saw the fingers come out. I could see her counting. 1,2,3,4,5,6. And then the words I didn’t want to hear.

‘We aren’t sure if you can fly today as the entry requirements for Fiji is 6 months passport validity’.

Noooooo. She said to not worry but she had to go check with a supervisor. Longest 3 minutes EVER! She then came back saying as today was the 1st of October and the passport expired on the 1st April we were very lucky with dates as it was 6 months to the day and we can fly.

As much as I was pleased I still was worried he’d get turned away in Fiji. Not the feeling you want to have before you get on a 30 flight. I text my family to relay the good news as they were also on tender hooks about if we’d both be joking for the wedding or just me. My sister then gave us information that I swear should be more accessible as I didn’t find any of it in my googling session. If an airline allows you to board but you are aren’t allowed to enter a country it’s their responsibility to pay for your return flight and they will be fined in excess of £/$10k so they will always be careful when allowing you to board.

So you’d think we’d be on cloud 9 and no worries but I still wouldn’t relax until we were actually there and on the beach.

We flew Heathrow to Dubai then to Melbourne and due to board a connecting flight to Nadi. We’d had no issues up to Melbourne until we got called to the check-in desk over the tannoy. Initially, it was just to get new boarding passes but then they wanted to check Passports. My heart sank. We’d made it so far!! Again the fingers came out. 1,2,3,4,5,6 and then the ‘I need to check with my supervisor and Fiji immigration’. Cue more freaking out and me trying to explain London said it would be ok like that would do anything but thankfully she came back and said it was ok.

My nerves couldn’t take it anymore. I needed a very large glass of wine!

Stepping off the plane in Fiji and I had everything crossed, praying, hoping it would be fine and you know what, no one even batted an eyelid when we went through immigration. Nothing AT ALL!! Just a Bula and have a nice day. There was probably notes on the system but still NOTHING!!

I almost felt cheated and then I remembered we were here and to hurry up and get out of the airport just in case they changed their mind.

Every day is a school day so..

Lessons learned

  • Always check not just visa but passport validity when going somewhere new. I’ve since learned there are all sorts of these validity rules for lots of countries!
  • Make sure partners passport is up to date.
  • Yes, you need 6 months validity on your passport(defo Australian or British) if trying to enter Fiji. Based on the day of your date of departure eg when you start your journey
  • No, you don’t need a visa to enter Fiji (if you have a British or an Australian passport) Please check if you have another passport.
  • If an airline allows you to board they are generally 100% sure it’s going to be ok as if not they need to pay for your return flight and will be charged in excess if £/$10k
  • If British you can get an emergency passport both at home or abroad but you still need a few days before flying to get it sorted and you’ll need to do it as a high commission

Have you had any passport dramas?? Drop them in the comments would love to hear and to also to reassure myself that others can be just as clueless and that I just didn’t miss the travel memo on this.

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10 photos in …….

Intrigued?

Good I hope so.

We are launching a new series called ‘10 Photos in … ‘ which will be 10 photos (who would have guessed!) from 10 different travellers to help show off the best parts of the featured city or region. Each traveller will show us one shot that they think sums up the city or region.

Some with be the expected landmarks and others will be those amazing little side streets, street performers or just a different side to a place you thought you knew. I’ve always loved photos and travel photos are my absolute fav! When I’m going somewhere new I always peruse Instagram, pinterest and Google Images so wanted to have a series on the blog that helped encompass this.

This series will be starting in the next few weeks and would love to have your input, your eyes (in a non creepy way), your views and your best travel shots.

Do you have an amazing photo and story that you want to share and give inspiration to others?? If so we want you!!

The upcoming destinations are

London

Fiji

Gold Coast

Paris

Bristol

Sydney

New York

Auckland

Melbourne

Marrakesh

Bristol

Barcelona

To get involved we would need one picture (obviously) plus 200/300 words on the location/image. This could be factual information, funny story or brief insight into why it’s your favourite photo from that destination. If you are a blogger/instagramer we’ll include blog link and one social handle. If you are an amazing reader that doesn’t blog then we’d also love you to get involved.

Spaces are limited and we do have a few destinations almost full so if you’d like to be involved then do get in touch swiftly. Please send over to thewanderingdarlings@gmail.com and put the city/area in your subject line.

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Globetrotters – Beyond My Border

This week we have a real treat with the amazing Daisy from Beyond my Border. By her own admission her site documents tips, advice and bizarre experiences and who doesn’t love reading about a bizarre experience!

One thing I truly admire about Daisy is the fact she is a solo backpacker. The guts and free-spiritedness it takes to wander the world is something I have so much respect for. As tough as it must be and I’m sure it’s not all Instagram worthy updates it would be amazing to go when and where you want and all the amazing people you must meet along the way.

Daisy has had some hella amazing experiences on her travels – watching the balloons in Cappadocia (100% on my bucket list), staying in Abandoned Hospitals and cave rooms, exploring Iceland, Living with bikers in Turkey, making friends with an air traffic controller and watching him land the planes. Reading through her blog you can find so much information about all of these as well as advice on travelling on a budget and so much travel inspo that you just want to book up a flight straight away. This I just one example of her awesome budget travel guides on the diverse California , shes even got one about travelling in Delhi for $3 a day!! Yes, $3 a day.

Here is the inspiring Daisy from Beyond My Border

I am Daisy, a solo backpacker that travels the world budget style. I grew up in 5 cities in China and Canada and have traveled over 20 countries. I’ve slept in teepees, bungalows, beach houses, and cave rooms, hosted by lawyers, professors, hippies, bikers and much more. I’ve cracked my head in France, twisted my foot in Hungry and got chikungunya in India. Yet I’ve witnessed hot air balloons in Cappadocia during sunrise, rode a motorcycle up into the Himalayas, slurped fresh oysters by the harbor of Santa Barbara and would not change my experiences for the world.

What do you enjoy most about travelling?
Traveling has taught me so much. From history to culture, I have come to fill my heart with stories of people from places so different from my own. It might be a common traveler’s syndrome, but I love to meet people and hear their experiences, understand their perspective and explore the unknown.

Why do you think travelling is important?
Traveling is important because it truly helps us understand how similar people are. It will stimulate acceptance, understanding and create a more open-minded society. This will play into sociopolitical conducts and minimalize discrimination and diminish prejudice.

What is your favourite photograph from your travels?


My favorite photo was taken atop the Himalayas. It took me a 9-hour night bus to get to my host’s city, 3 days for us to bike into the mountains and 5 hours of hiking to reach the peak. But we caught the sunset and it was glorious.

Do you have a pre-travel ritual? If so what?
No ritual is my ritual 😊 A little out of the norm, but I like to travel without much, or any planning at all. It can be a huge headache when I’m lost in a place that speaks a different tongue, but I’ve come out with some amazing experiences.

Who do you usually travel with? I’ve traveled with friends and family but to be honest, my favorite travel companions are strangers I meet on the road. I guess the most suitable answer would be no one, but everyone.

If you were to give one piece of travel advice what would it be? Be fearless & have fun

Where is your favourite place that you’ve been to? I spent two months in Turkey. While in Cappadocia, I witnessed hot air balloons mid sunrise by myself in the middle of some rocky hills. As cliché as it was, I felt the experience eye-opening. Of course, being the clumsy traveler that I am, I ended up being abandoned by the tour bus and had to hitchhike into the city at 7 am. But it was definitely worth it.

Where was one place that didn’t live up to the hype? After living in Paris for 4 months, I concluded that the city was just not for me. Then again, my memory of Paris was far from romantic. During my stay, I managed to lose my phone and crack my head open, which resulted in a $7000 hospital bill. (Amen insurance). My friend who came to visit me was also robbed.

Tell us one place/experience on your bucket list? I would love to attend the International Highline Meeting in Monte Piana, Italy. I may be horrified of heights, but what’s better than stinging a hammock on the webbing between a couple rocks and chill out?

What is the one thing you wouldn’t travel without? My camera!

What can readers find on your blog? Lots of budget travel advice and quirky experiences. I travel on a tight budget and tend to get into bizarre situations.

Do you have a favourite blog post? What is it and why? My favorite is Surviving in Delhi on $3 a Day. While in India, I spent a month living on the bare minimum. My shared apartment had broken windows, doors that didn’t lock and an outside kitchen. Nonetheless, it was such a memorable time since I truly became appreciative of the things I had. Not to mention that I ended up being adopted by a modeling agency and spent two months living with international models!

Find more from Daisy here

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If this doesn’t inspire you to take that Fiji holiday, I don’t know what will

As if you would need even further inspiration to go to Fiji, but here’s 20 reasons to take that Fiji wanderlust to the next level

Fiji the little gem in the South Pacific. Palm-fringed beaches, over 300 islands, beautiful traditional villages, crystal clear waters and possibly the nicest people in the world. I absolutely loved my time in Fiji and its taken me awhile to write this post as I just wasn’t sure my words could do justice to this stunning country but here we go..

Bula

If you had a pound for every time you heard this traditional Fijian greeting during your trip then trust me you would be extremely wealthy. Everyone says it even the tourists and not only that it is always said with a huge grin. Even when I say it in my head I smile. At one of the resorts one of the gatekeepers jobs was to be the Bula Bula man to whoever entered and my word did he do it with enthusiasm.

Being serenaded with calming island tunes

The moment you step off the plane and into the terminal the serenading starts. Yep right there in passport control. Then at dinner, and then with cocktails and we even got serenaded while sailing around the islands. Such beautiful voices it really just added to the feeling of being in an island paradise. If you were serenaded like that in the UK it would feel super weird but not in Fiji, in Fiji you wanted it to never end.

Literally every shade of blue

I thought growing up in Australia that I would have seen all the shades of blue but alas I was wrong. So wrong.  Fiji opened my eyes to more colours and shades then I had every imagined the colour wheel could contain. The water, the sky, and the horizon in between. If I was ever only to remember one thing about Fiji it would be the blues.

The weather

Sunny and hot – Yes, please!. I should warn you that it can get pretty windy at times and this can lull you into a false sense that you aren’t burning so do keep that factor 50 on at all times. The weather is perfect for those early morning beach walks, lazing in the water days and alfresco dinners.

The People

Fijians are the BEST! They are kind, good-natured, funny, helpful, generous and have the most amazing memories. We were spread out over three resorts and all the staff remembered not only our names straight away but what we drank and who was in our group. Even the Fijians that we came in contact with on the streets and in the villages all were lovely, chatty and very welcoming. Everyone just seemed so happy.

You can take thousands of photos of palm trees

Yep, thousands.

The Fijian Farewell song (Isa Lei)

We had this beautiful song sung to us a few times during our stay. Google the words they are so emotive. The most touching time we heard this was the final night our whole family was together. I think we all got a lump in our throats. The words and the way its sung is just so beautiful and a fitting farewell for our time there. I think every country should have a farewell song.

Fiji water, Fiji gold, Fiji Bitter and  Fiji cocktails

Ok, I made that last one up.The cocktails were pretty on point especially when served at a swim-up bar or slid down the bar to you! Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter were a big hit.  I always thought people who drank  Fiji water were just a bit pretentious but now I’m on board. Must be the electrolytes. I  even brought a bottle back and although I keep filling it up with ‘normal’ water, I can kind of trick my mind that I’m there in the sun drinking it.

Snorkelling

Every day started with watching the sunrise then snorkeling right outside our resort. I think in another life I was a mermaid, being in the water really is my happy place and this was just the most energising way to start each day. We saw so many starfish, brightly coloured fish, coral and some huge clams. I even saw a sea snake and then promptly swam as fast as my little legs could take me back to shore.

Coconuts

Bill at our resort told us that we didn’t need to worry about coconuts dropping on our heads as the elders in his village said that they had eyes. And low and behold they kept their eyes open and didn’t drop on us. One day we were walking along the beach by a nearby village and there were a couple of guys up a palm tree with nothing more than a rope and machetes cutting down the coconuts. In any other country if someone approached you with a machete you would run for your life but no in Fiji he was just offering us a coconut for free to enjoy on our walk. See nicest people ever.

A $7 note

Yes, a $7 note and yes its legal tender. Hilarious!  It was put into circulation to commemorate the Rugby 7’s winning gold at the Olympics. Is there any better way to celebrate a countries success?

Island hopping

One of my favourite moments in Fiji was when we were on the ferry and as if out of nowhere there was this small sandy, palm tree studded island that looked like it had just popped up out of the ocean. There are over 300 islands to explore some easy to reach and others require seaplanes and helicopters. Try and see as many as you can and even the ones owned by resorts have day passes so you don’t need to spend a fortune staying on them to reap the benefits.

Mainland

As lovely and picturesque as the islands are you almost be forgiven for not wanting to spend any time on the mainland.  However, the mainland has many of its own charms and is as equally. If your flying internationally you’ll arrive in Nadi and the drive to the coral coast or even Suva will give you an insight into the day to day life.

Sunsets and sunrises

I watched the sunrise and set every day and every day and it was different. It also resulted in a memory card full of the suns movements. The way it affected the tides, the colours it created and contrasted against the silhouettes of the palm trees. I would sacrifice chocolate forever if I could have that each day of my life. There is just something so good for the soul watching the sun rise and fall over the ocean each day.

Sailing

Any place with water involved if always best seen from on top of it and sailing around the Mamanuca islands way pretty damn perfect. We had the captain an crew playing guitar and singing with their dulcet island tones, a bbq lunch served while staring at the islands, weaving through and around uninhabited islands and then jumping straight off the boat into the water. If I recommend you do anything in Fiji spend a day doing this.

Villages

Traditional villages, kava ceremonies, colourful houses, women’s crafts, meeting the chief and so many smiling happy faces. Whilst I appreciate parts of the traditional villages have been tailored to the tourists it is still really interesting in walking around and absorbing their life and also contributing to their economy in buying souvenirs rather than buying at the tourist shops.

It’s perfectly acceptable to wear a flower behind your ear and a shell necklace

Enough said.

Stars

As there is very little air and low light pollution the sky at night is clear as clear can be.  The stars put on one hell of a good display.

Fiji time

Everything runs on Fiji time and you’ll get on board with this almost as soon as you start saying Bula instead of hello. No rush, no worries.

Family

The reason I was in Fiji is that my sister and brother in law were getting hitched. Initially planned as an elopement they then decided to have the family there (thank the lord!). So we travelled from all over Australia and in our case from the UK to be with them. It was an intimate affair with only immediate family, 2 friends and a cousin -15 in total.  And what an insanely romantic and beautiful place to tie the knot.  One of the reasons I loved Fiji so much was the family time we had.  Many of the resorts are aimed at families and that isn’t just families with younger children its families of all ages.  We laughed, we swam, we went down water slides very fast, we ate, we cut some sick shapes on the dance floors, we explored, we took millions of photos, we had girl time, we watched our dad embrace Fiji life and wear a sulu when walking our sister down the aisle, we marveled at the views and we all cried when it was over and time to head home.. Fiji and little nuggets wedding will hold a very dear place in all our hearts. One of the best family holidays.

Until next time Fiji.  Vinaka vakalevu

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It’s not just me that feels like this check out a post by Debs World who had similar feelings https://debs-world.com/2017/10/21/how-fiji-got-under-my-skin/

Not sure what to do in Auckland then read on

Auckland Viaduct Harbour with skytower in the background- The Wandering DarlingsWhilst venturing around New Zealand we quickly ran out of adjectives to describe the drastically diverse landscapes and beautifully natured people. Honestly, it’s just STUNNING! And the same can be said for the Auckland and its surrounding areas. Its a smaller city but don’t let that fool you there is plenty to see and do and its a great base to start your New Zealand adventure from.

Did you know the Auckland was the City of Sails? No, nor did I. And to be fair when I thought about it I didn’t really know much about Auckland or what to expect. So when we found ourselves for a few days (and bringing in the New Year) we quickly got searching for the top things to see and do to get the most out of our time there.

Those not familiar with the New Zealand it is split into the North Island and the South Island and both are said to be remarkably different landscapes. Auckland can be found on the North Island and is the largest city both in population and size. It’s actually even the largest urban area in the whole of New Zealand but not the capital- that would be Wellington. It’s a fairly expensive city to live in but didn’t’ feel too expensive to travel in. There is a whole host of accommodation choices available from b&bs and hostels to 5-star hotels and caters for those who like adventure, like their food, like relaxing, like exploring the natural world or even just like wandering through the city streets.

Here are our top 5 things to do in Auckland

View of Auckland from Devonport -The Wandering Darlings

Catch the ferry to Devonport
Well, you can drive if you like but seriously in a city with so much water around you just need to get on it. Devonport is a small harbourside suburb which has so much character. It has a beautiful waterfront parade that gives picturesque views over the Waitemata Harbour. You also need to ensure you go up Mount Victoria and North Head. Mount Victoria is the highest volcano on the Auckland harbour. Wandering on the top also gives you magnificent views of Auckland and Rangitoto Island.

Skytower Auckland New Zealand - The Wandering Darlings. What to do in Auckland

Skytower
If you can be in Auckland for New Years then you will get to see this tower in all its glory. Fun Fact Auckland is the first city in the world to see the new year in however most tv channels start their coverage with the Sydney fireworks. The Skytower has lots of options for those adventurous and those not so adventurous. You sky bungee jump off the side of the tower, walk on the side with a harness or enjoy the views from safely inside the viewing platforms. The 360 views of the city and harbour show you are amazing. You also get to see just why it is the city of sails with all the boats in the water.

View from Waiheke Island, New Zealand. what to see and do in Auckland by The Wandering Darlings

Waiheke Island
Like Devonport, this is another place that you need to get on a ferry to explore. This island is a little piece of paradise. It has sweet boutique shops with lots of lovely gifts, quirky eateries and most importantly a whole lot of wineries. One I can recommend is Goldies which is actually associated with Auckland University. The island is small and easily covered by hire car or there is a hop on hop off bus that you can go from winery to winery and a quick pit stop at the beach. I loved Waiheke and was one of my favourite places in the whole of our New Zealand trip so this comes with a gold star recommendation.

Viaduct Harbour Auckland New Zealand. What to do in auckland by the Wandering Darlings

Viaduct Harbour
This is a lovely area just by the ferry terminals. Full of huge superyachts, stylish waterfront apartments, upmarket restaurants and lots of communal space for tourists and locals alike to share. You can even find a library in a shipping container with deck chairs for you to sit and read and absorb the laid back atmosphere. This is a great part of Auckland to enjoy both during the day and in the evening. The restaurants in this area are fab with so many different styles of cuisines you will be fed and watered well!

Maritime Museum Auckland New Zealand what do see and do in Auckland by the Wandering Darlings

Maritime Museum
Adjacent to the Viaduct Harbour is the Maritime Museum which is certainly worth the entry price and gives you an insight into the maritime history of both Auckland and New Zealand. It has extraordinary exhibits and you will be surprised just how many boats they have in there. The collections are interesting and informative that leave you walking away feeling a little bit more educated about the sailing world and New Zealand’s Maritime history. You can also book to go out in a historic boat on the harbour if the weather is right.

Like with most places you visit you can’t see everything so here are a few others that we didn’t make it to but are on the list for next time.

  • Mount Eden
  • Take a ferry to Rangitoto
  • One Tree Hill
  • Visit Whatipu
  • Kitekite Falls

Have you been to Auckland? What else would you recommend in Auckland?

We’ve blogged about our New Zealand here if you want more ideas for your trip.

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what to do in Auckland new zealand by the Wandering Darlinngs