Away on vacation - Travel free resources » Bora Bora

When In Bora Bora

Maxx — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:53:55 +0000

The process of going on a vacation to a tropical island destination is a fantasy that many people are doomed never to realize; however, for those that do the experience is always a memorable one, filled with new experiences and exciting adventures. When leaving the home they are familiar with one of the most memorable and exciting (and most risky, depending on exactly where it is that they are headed to) parts of the experience center around the opportunity to partake of the native food.

As in most of Tahiti the natives enjoy the splendors of traditional Polynesian foods. Beware! If your tongue is used to the bland food on the mainland and you are not a great fan of living adventurously it may be wise to steer away from some of the more unusual entrees; there have been many tourists who have found the food in Bora Bora to be less than satisfactory. One can only conclude that this is because their palate was not prepared for the different tastes and seasonings that it was in store for.

Be aware, however, that unlike the traditional meats of the mainland fish, lamb and various shellfish (particularly lobster) comprise a large part of the local diet. If you happen to have allergies to any of these items it would be very wise to give your waiter a heads up before ordering; although the item may not be specifically listed in the ingredients it is always possible that it or one of its derivatives has been used in preparation.

The original inhabitants of the island cooked in ovens that were set down into the ground, and although the advent of technology has made this a rarity it is still a technique that is used for special occasions in much the same was as cooking over a grill or an open fire is done for entertainment on the mainland. Many of the inhabitants of the island have described its way of life as an all day party, however, so this may be more of a way of life for the islanders than those of us who cling tightly to our electric stoves and our microwaves would like to believe.

The good news for those tourists who wish to visit the gorgeous beaches and marine life of Bora Bora but do not subscribe quite as adamantly to the policy of "When in Rome" is that Bora Bora is in every way a tourist community. This means that their visitors have the option not only to try the delicacies that are particular to the island but to enjoy native Italian, French and American foods as well; there is something for everyone (although it is a guarantee that anyone who returns home without ever having sampled any of the island food will never be able to live it down.)

For more information on where to dine when in Bora Bora go to http://www.thetahititraveler.com/islandguide/borarestaurants.asp?iles_id=3 prior to ever leaving home; this is one piece of information you are going to be eternally grateful for.

The Benefits Of Taking A Cruise To Bora Bora

Maxx — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:15:55 +0000

The advent of air travel was certainly an improvement in the travel industry. Suddenly tourists and businessmen could fly hundreds of thousands of miles in a single day, making a trip in a matter of hours that would have taken their ancestors months, if not even years, to achieve. The question is, in this quest for speed and efficiency has the joy of the journey been lost along the way?

There are many who say that getting there is half the fun. Those who hate to travel would disagree fervently; however, when one is talking about travelling across the Pacific to visit the Tahitian island of Bora Bora this statement could not be truer. As long as you are travelling by boat, of course. There are a number of cruise lines which have proudly added Bora Bora to their list of destinations, and they offer their customers a combination of experiences that will equate to be the vacation of a lifetime.

When you are travelling to Bora Bora by boat the journey will obviously take a longer amount of time than if you had opted to fly the friendly skies; however, the crew of the cruise boat in question will do their best to offer you every comfort to offset this inconvenience. These boats are not called pleasure liners for nothing. When travelling on a cruise ship you will be offered the opportunity to sleep in a comfortably outfitted, if slightly cramped, room with all of the amenities of home. You have the finest chefs available to you around the clock, as well as a variety of a la carte options if you are not satisfied with what is on the menu for the rest of the passengers that day. There is an infinite amount of on board entertainment; anything goes on a cruise ship. This means that on the same vessel you may have the opportunity to gamble in a casino that appears to have been taken straight from Vegas, listen in on a live band that could have travelled straight from the heart of the Louisiana bayou and learn how to dance like a Polynesian native, all awhile creating memories and friendships that will last you throughout the rest of your life.

Compare that to the experience of flying on an airplane. Hours spent in a cramped airline seat with nothing more than soda, peanuts and whatever packaged meal they could come up with to feed you (tasting like it was taken straight from the commissary of a military facility or a prison no doubt) to fill your stomach and a limited supply of precious reading material to pass the time. If you are extremely fortunate there will be an onboard movie; however, it is wise not to count on it. In addition, you will inevitably be wedged between the passenger who wants nothing more than to sleep and will undoubtedly be drooling on your shoulder before you are anywhere near your final destination and the passenger that either wants to tell you their life story or has nothing to do but complain throughout the entirety of the trip-and no, you can't shove them out the back door at ten thousand feet when no one is looking.

Given the options, which would you choose?

Finding A Great Deal On Your Stay In Bora Bora

Maxx — Sat, 01 May 2010 18:44:55 +0000

Bora Bora. Island of mystery and enchantment, where the past seems to come to life, the people never sleep and a person can sit on the glistening white sands while staring out at the still waters teeming with life just below the surface and be baptized and born anew into someone they never even thought they could become. A visit to Bora Bora is an opportunity to see magic and reality blend seamlessly together to give the vacationer in question memories that will last a lifetime.

Of course, the question of whether or not a person would want to visit Bora Bora does not generally rise. If you ask a frazzled housewife or a stressed business executive struggling to find satisfaction in their career while stuck in the quagmire of middle management if they would like to spend a week or two cavorting on a tropical beach and allowing the island natives to pamper them and cater to their every need the answer is undoubtedly going to be yes. That is the kind of experience that every person dreams of.

The problem is, to have that experience one must go far from home. While two or three centuries earlier this would have been simply a matter of girding one's loins and taking the plunge, the ability to do so is now measured in dollars and cents. Travelling to an island in the South Pacific from the continent, particularly one that relies on tourism to the extent that Bora Bora does, is not an inexpensive proposition. For many people it is simply beyond their reach.

Does this mean that these individuals have to give up on their dreams of having the vacation of a lifetime, doomed to spend eternity only going as far as their vehicles will take them? Certainly not! There are a number of companies that offer discounted trips to individuals if they are purchased at the right time of the year, and very often these trips will include discounted hotel fare as well. After all, while the prospect of camping in a tent in a foreign land may sound like the ideal vacation for some, there are many who would prefer to spend their vacation surrounded by all of the comforts of home (and a few more besides).

If you are unable to find a package deal that offers you a discounted hotel stay, do not be discouraged! It simply means that a little more research and ingenuity is required. After all, it's true what they say…you can find anything on the internet. Moving your search out onto the World Wide Web will give you the opportunity to browse an infinite number of resources to find which one will be able to afford you the best rate on your dream vacation.

Bear in mind that costs will always be cheaper during the off season. If money is an objection (and don't worry if it is, we can't all have a trust fund at our disposal) try to plan your trip then, and prior to signing on the dotted line to a package deal from a travel agency take the time to look around at your other options first. With some patience and tenacity anyone can afford to take the vacation of their dreams in Bora Bora.

The Beaches Of Bora Bora

Maxx — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:44:55 +0000

There is no better way to spend a vacation than to sit by the beach, basking in a tropical sun while you watch the clear, crystal waters of the ocean lapping at the sand like a playful puppy. The soothing sight will eventually unwind the tension of today's jet-set lifestyle from your shoulders, and you will begin to understand why the people of the island walk around without a care in the world.

There is no better place to turn this fantasy into reality than Bora Bora. A part of the island chain that makes up French Polynesia, Bora Bora has made a living out of making the dreams of tourists from the continent into a reality, and the beaches they have to offer are among the most beautiful in the world.

Matira Beach offers an opportunity for college students and young adults to mingle with their own kind while at the same time soaking up the lazy beams of the hot tropical sun. In spite of the fact that this beach is packed with people any time of day the atmosphere remains unstressed; a true testament to the advantages of island living. If there were thousands of people in the same place all day long in any location on the mainland the attitude would be quite different (just think of the aggravation you saw on the faces of the shoppers the last time you paid a visit to your local WalMart).

For those looking for a good party the beaches in front of the Jet Complex offer a variety of entertainment at any time of the day or night for vacationers of all ages (although if your child is going to be accompanying you on this vacation please take care to keep them close by your side; while there is very little chance they would be intentionally harmed there is always the risk of them becoming lost in the crowd). If you want to enjoy the beat of a beach party or a rousing game of volleyball, or if you are the type of person who just loves to sit, soak up the sun and people watch, this is the opportunity for you.

Of course, since Bora Bora is an island the availability of beach is unlimited, and the natives try to make sure that their visitors are not required to spend the entirety of their visit hoping that they do not return home with a sunburn. Those visiting the sands on Bora Bora will have the opportunity to fish, feed the sharks, learn to dance like the Tahitian natives and take their pick between parasailing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. All in all, the beaches of Bora Bora are not an experience you will soon forget.

Stepping Out In Bora Bora

Maxx — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:12:55 +0000

There is no doubt that with its beautiful beaches and laid back island atmosphere Bora Bora is the perfect vacation spot for the busy businessman. The problem is, sometimes the attitude on Bora Bora can be just a little too laid back. If you are a workaholic executive who has decided for the first time in years to step away from your desk and try something a little different you may quickly find yourself becoming frustrated with the relaxed attitude of all of the natives.

Please bear in mind before you seriously consider committing homicide if one more person tells you to sit down, relax and soak up some sun that most people are not used to having every moment of their day scheduled for them. They are perfectly content to allow time to slip through their fingers like the grains of sand they are happily sleeping on. This is their dream vacation. Unfortunately, it is not yours, and while the opportunity to not have the weight of the world resting on your shoulders for a short period of time might be a wonderful novelty, after a few days you will probably find yourself slowly climbing the walls.

Fortunately, since Bora Bora is an island that is primarily funded for its tourism its people are prepared for people like you. There is enough to see and do on the island shores to keep you busy for whatever length of time you spend without feeling the urge to call and check in with the office once (okay, twice…thrice…definitely no more than four!)

For an opportunity to learn about the true population of Bora Bora you are going to need to polish up your swimming skills. There are a number of establishments that offer tourists the ability to go snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea fishing and meet the marine life that inhabits the coast of Bora Bora and allows the natives to keep their tourists happily fed. If you are of the daring variety there is also a shark feeding expedition that will allow you to get closer to a larger variety of sharks than you ever truly wanted to be.

If your preferences run more to dry land you may want to consider taking the opportunity to explore Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, the tallest peaks in the island and remnants from the volcano that was believed to have formed Bora Bora in the beginning. This is an excellent opportunity for those who are used to hitting the gym on their lunch break; a hike up a two thousand foot mountain cannot be considered to be anything other than great exercise!

There is, of course, always the option of shopping and learning more about the culture of the Polynesian natives that inhabit the island. Tourists are given the opportunity to see homemade wares, purchase books on island lore and even learn how to dance like the men and women of the island. Whatever your preference, mix in a little taste of the native cuisine along with the pounding beats of the native music and you will find yourself in the midst of the experience of a lifetime, missing your PDA not at all.

The Legends Of Bora Bora

Maxx — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:38:55 +0000

There are many who would say that the legends of a specific culture are nothing more than fairy tales handed down from parent to child, sister to brother, from generation to generation. There are others who would say that the legends told by a particular society are a retelling of the culture's history, altered perhaps throughout the years in the interest of making it more interest but a retelling all the same. Finally, there are those who believe that the legends of a society are just that, legends, myths for all intents and purposes, yet they reveal the fundamental basis of the prevalent attitude of the society pertaining to all important social issues.

Whatever the case may be, it is fact that one cannot truly understand a culture until they have been acquainted with its myths and its legends, its villains and its heroes. This is every bit as true when one is talking about the people of Bora Bora as it is anywhere else in the world. Anyone travelling to Bora Bora, and interested to know what makes its people tick, should take the time to become familiar with the stories that its people have come to cherish.

One of the most well known of the island's myths is the one that concerns its creation; however, there are two viewpoints concerning this. The first states that the first great chief of the island, Firiamata O Vavau, was born when a possessed volcanic boulder, having obtained godly powers, mated with Mount Pahia. He gave the island his name, which means firstborn. (Vavau was the name of the island to the natives until the European explorers came and changed it to Pora Pora, which later became Bora Bora).

Another legend claims that the island itself, which is "known" (as far as science can ever be sure of anything) to have been created as a result of volcanoes rising from the ocean shore, was in fact thrown from the kingdom of Poseidon by the great god himself. Why? Why do the gods do anything?

One of the greatest accomplishments to come from the waters of Tahiti is the black lipped pearl, known as the "pearl of queens". Although this pearl is formed in the same manner as any pearl, from the capture of sand into an oyster, the legends of the island state that the pearl was first introduced by Oro, the Tahitian god of peace and fertility, rode a rainbow down from his home to offer the people of earth Te Ufi, a special kind of oyster. He then took the black pearl created by this oyster and offered it up as a gift to the princess of Bora Bora to show his love. This pearl is still held in high esteem by the people of Bora Bora.

These are not by any means all of the legends held dear to the island people, nor do they even begin to scratch the surface of the many facets of the history and culture of this fascinating island. Anyone travelling to Bora Bora should make a point along the way of taking the time to study its myths and its legends, and how they relate to society today. It will make for fascinating reading.

Bora Bora

Maxx — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:16:55 +0000

When you picture yourself taking a vacation, what is it exactly that you see yourself doing? Are you the type who likes to spend their vacation lying around their house, catching up on some housework and all of the latest soap operas and lifetime movies that you missed due to the unfortunate fact of your employment? Do you like to travel into the mountains, living from a tent and catching your dinner, generally enjoying the experience of being completely and totally isolated from the rest of the world? Or are you the type who dreams of spending their vacation lying around on a tropical beach, watching the waves crash and the dolphins dance across the ocean surface while you sip a tropical drink and allow the tensions of your life on the mainland to seep away?

If you fall among the latter group than Bora Bora is the perfect destination. Located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, this island paradise was once part of a US military strategy but proved to be a siren, calling to its soldiers and sailors and entreating them to stay. Many men stayed behind to enjoy the islands unique beauty and features, returning only when their family came to drag them home. Others never left at all, making their home among the islanders and leaving the bloody aftermath of the war to start a new, simpler lifestyle.

Today, Bora Bora makes its living primarily from its tourists. The opportunity to live a simple life is there, but coupled with it is a booming enterprise. Tourists are given the opportunity to sample the native cuisine and expand their horizons with many of the native products and clothing. They have a chance to learn a new language and culture and see a side of life much like their own while still being very different. They are given a rare glimpse into a way of living that they would otherwise never have dreamed existed and an outlook on life that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The main attraction in Bora Bora, however, is its beaches. Tourists are given the opportunity to realize their dreams of lying on white sand, watching the gulls fly above them while they sip tropical drinks and dream of never going home. They are given a chance to collect shells to show to their neighbors back home and go out on boats to take pictures of the wildlife to prove that they really did spend their vacation hundreds of miles away from home.

Most importantly, more important even that the realization of the fantasy that many of these tourists have nursed throughout the long, cold winter on the mainland, they are given the opportunity to make the kind of memories that will last a lifetime, the type that they will be able to take out when they are in their dotage and hold dear to their hearts. These will be the memories that they share with their children and their grandchildren, and will usher in a whole new generation of tourists for the people of Bora Bora.

How To Get A Great Deal On A Trip To Bora Bora

Maxx — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:19:55 +0000

Imagine this: sultry nights and beautiful beaches, native foods and new experiences. The opportunity to dance beneath a tropical sun to the rhythm of the island music, to leave behind your old life and be reborn in crystal clear Polynesian waters. You will be able to enjoy all this and more when you vacation in Bora Bora.

Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, and throughout the course of its lifetime has evolved into one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world. Its people are welcoming and friendly and have devoted their lives to showing citizens of countries around the world the unique splendor that is Bora Bora. A tourist from any country is given the opportunity to shed their old lives like the skin of a snake and enjoy the freedom of being a part of the island culture for the time they are there, and while they must eventually return to their previous way of living they will carry with them always the lessons and memories they learned while on the island.

Of course, for most vacationers a visit to Bora Bora is not merely a matter of desire. Given the opportunity it is unthinkable that anyone would ever willingly reject this island paradise; however, travel is not an inexpensive proposition, particularly when one is attempting to travel to an island that is, for all intents and purposes, halfway around the world. The inability to afford the trip is the reason that many tourists find themselves spending their vacations in such glamorous locations as Washington D.C. and Las Vegas, worthwhile experiences in their own right but hardly the makings of a once in a lifetime experience.

Fortunately, with the advent of virtual consumerism a number of companies have sprung up from the cyber-dust to ally with the various airlines and travel companies and offer average citizens the opportunity to take the vacation of their dreams at a price they can afford. These companies are in business throughout the internet and can be located through any major search engine. Companies such as Expedia and Travelocity will help tourists to find the best deals on their travels available on the internet.

Of course, internet companies are not the only ones who are able to offer consumers a great deal on a trip to Bora Bora. A number of travel companies regularly run deals on tropical vacations, allying with the cruise companies to offer vacationers the opportunity to see the sights of Bora Bora while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise ship. This also means that the voyage is going to be half of the experience; on a cruise ship vacationers will be able to enjoy live entertainment, swimming, gaming, good food and good company while eliminating much of the stress that is associated with international travel.

It may take some time to find a deal on a trip to Bora Bora, so do not lose hope if your search does not immediately yield results. Bora Bora is a once in a lifetime experience, and regardless of how much time and effort goes into finding the perfect trip the opportunity to spend your vacation beneath the island sun will be more than worth the wait.

The Volcanoes Of Bora Bora

Maxx — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:54:55 +0000

History states that the island of Bora Bora was first created as a result of excessive volcanic activity rising from the ocean floor of the Polynesian waters it now calls home, and the recession of those volcanoes is what caused the giant coral reef that surrounds the island. It is also speculated that in millions of years the island will be as the lost city of Atlantis was, swept back into the ocean and spoken of only in hushed tones by history students and archaeologists who search for proof that it ever really existed.

In the meantime, however, the island of Bora Bora is very much a reality and a favorite haunting spot for tourists travelling from the continent. Its beautiful beaches and friendly population make it a vacationers dream; however, it is its volcanoes and the constant, underlying threat of a volcanic blast that may blast the island back into oblivion (regardless of how unlikely that may be) that keeps it from becoming boring.

The center of Bora Bora is itself a volcano two towering peaks of an extinct volcanic structure that draw the attention of tourists all over the world. Mount Otemanu, also known by the natives as Tai Manu and Temanu, meaning "sea bird", overlooks the lagoon whose sparkling crystal waters draws swimmers and water enthusiasts from all over the island, standing 2, 385 feet above sea level. This is the highest point on the island.

Mount Pahia, its little sister, sits beside it at 2,159 feet above sea level to form the twin towers of the island paradise. Any tourist looking to see what a real volcano looks like should pay a visit to these volcanic siblings.

Mount Pahia itself is claimed to have played a role in the beginning of the island's civilization. Mythology states that the Ofai Honu, being blessed with godly power, mated with the cliff of Mt. Pahia (then called Hororai) and from this mating was born a son, Firiamata O Vavau. Vavau was the first great chief of the island people, and it was he who gave his name to the island (until the arrival of explorers from Europe Bora Bora was known as Vavau, meaning "First Born")

Of course, the fear that the sight of these two peaks may cause a visitor from the mainland is nothing but speculation. The volcano from which these two were formed has been extinct for some time. For anyone interested in exploring the depts. Of the coral reef left behind the beaches of Bora Bora offer to tourists the opportunity to try their hand at snorkeling and scuba diving. Take care, however; life below the surface of the water is not as innocent as it may seem. These reefs can pose a potential hazard to the unprepared tourist.

The volcanic sisters of the island of Bora Bora provide tourists with a valuable insight into the island's formation and its history. If you are ever in Bora Bora be sure that you pay them a visit; it is a memory that you will not soon forget.

Come Learn The History Of Bora Bora

Maxx — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:06:55 +0000

With its sun kissed beaches, magnificent palm trees and brilliantly attired wildlife Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful locations in the world, and its beauty has made it a favorite vacation spot for tourists across the globe. But where did this beautiful island come from? Was it simply breathed into existence by the goddess Pele, or did Poseidon himself throw the island from the depths of his own kingdom to adorn the surface of the ocean? Bora Bora has enjoyed a long and varied history, and is proud to share that history with the many vacationers who come to visit their golden shores.

Scientists believe that Bora Bora originated around four million years ago as a result of the volcanic activity of the sea bed surrounding the island; as the volcanoes returned to the sea from whence they came they left behind the atolls which form the coastline. The island core is also volcanic, and is believed to be sinking back into the ocean at a rate of one centimeter per century; it is believed that the island will disappear altogether within the next 25 million years, a number that is inconceivable to us right now but is actually a very brief period of time when one considers the infinite nature of the universe.

The first inhabitants of the island are believed to have appeared in the ninth century, Polynesian explorers sailing through the Teavanui Pass. They named the island Vavau, meaning "first born", in honor of the legend stating that Bora Bora was the first of the islands to appear from the sea. The precise date that the name was changed to Pora Pora, and later Bora Bora, is unclear; however, historians believe it to have been associated with the advent of its discovery by early European explorers.

The official "discovery" of the island was made by British Naval Captain James Cook, an explorer and cartographer who had charted many of the islands surrounding the European coastline prior to his death at the hands of the Hawaiian natives in 1779. Bora Bora became a protectorate of France under the watchful eye of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars, the French naval officer responsible for the annexation of much of French Polynesia.

During WWII Bora Bora was claimed by the United States military for use as a supply base, oil dept, airstrip and seaplane base following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The island was never actively involved in combat, however, as opposing forces did not find it necessary to protest U.S. occupation. The base closed on June 2, 1946; however, over the course of their occupation many members of the U.S. military so fell in love with the island that they chose to make it their permanent home, and some had to be removed forcibly after their families took offense at their refusal to return stateside.

The people of Bora Bora are able to claim a proud heritage, and anyone fortunate enough to be introduced to the island culture and hear its history will understand why the island of Bora Bora is, indeed, a paradise on earth.