World Travel Guides

Fiji

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globe-trotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money. Find out where to dive, snorkel, surf, or kayak--and how to choose among Fiji's 300 islands. More than 40 sidebars provide tidbits on topics ranging from shark-calling and temples to racial issues and boiled bat. Discover these islanders' customs, ceremonies, and traditional arts. Also provided are useful sections on Fijian and Fiji Hindi languages. --Kathryn True

Veteran South Pacific writer David Stanley tells it like it is, so with this guide you can be sure you're getting accurate and updated information on the real Fiji. Stanley provides frank reviews of hotels and restaurants, thorough coverage of sports and recreation opportunities, thought-provoking sidebars on Fiji's turbulent history and fascinating culture, and hundreds of websites and email addresses to help you plan your trip.

Countless reefs, walls and pinnacles painted in a patchwork of soft corals earned Fiji its reputation as the soft-coral capital of the world. The 332-island archipelago offers remote, pristine sites, thrilling drift dives and more than 1,000 tropical fish species. Feed hungry reef sharks at the Supermarket, pay a dental visit to cleaner shrimp or seek sanctuary in the sun-dappled Alacrity Rocks. From the snowy slopes of Great White Wall to the teeming depths of the E6 seamount, this book highlights 74 of Fiji's best sites, with full-color photos throughout. You'll get specific information on:

• Dive site topography and depth range
• Typical diving conditions
• Common and hazardous marine life
• Topside information, from dive resorts and live-aboards to Fijian culture and customs
• 16 easy-to-read maps