Visiting Fiji with a baby or a toddler can be a wonderful experience full of great memories, but the thought of it can also be quite overwhelming, especially if this is your first family holiday abroad.
Whilst it certainly does require some planning to ensure that you and your little one have an enjoyable and safe trip, Fiji is a very convenient destination to visit with a baby or toddlers, and one that families come back to year after year as they are so happy with the service they receive.
Here are the best tips for travelling to Fiji with a baby or toddlers!
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
1. Pick Accommodation In A Location That Is Easy To Get To
As Fiji is made up of 330 islands, it means if you aren’t staying on the main island (Viti Levu) where Nadi and Suva Airports are located, you’ll have to transfer to another island by boat or airplane transfer.
Island transfers can be time-consuming, expensive and can be stressful for families who have lots of luggage and young children who need to be carried. Therefore most families opt to stay on the mainland to make things easier.
Families will often stay in resorts on the mainland (mainly in Denarau) or even in self-catered accommodation and then do day trips to the islands if they wish, so they don’t feel like they are missing out.
This offers a good compromise as you don’t have to travel a lot with your luggage, you can have some days relaxing by the pool at your accommodation and using the Kids Club (if the resort has one), and then some days on excursions to explore Fiji a little.
Changing resorts part way through the holiday and staying on different islands or resorts might sound tempting, but remember it will be a hassle to pack up again and move all your things and the kids, not to mind the time it will take out of your beach time in Fiji!
Don’t worry about having to keep things new and exciting for your kids – children are more than happy playing by the pool, relaxing on the beach, joining in the activities each day and just getting to spend time with you they won’t even care about a new resort.
You want this to be a relaxing holiday so don’t overestimate what you plan to do or make it extra complicated or more stressful than it needs to be!
If you feel like you’ll be missing out by staying in one place the whole time, make sure to just book a couple of excursions so you aren’t staying at the resort all day every day!
If you want to stay in a different location to Denarau but still on the main island, you can find plenty of family-friendly accommodation on Fiji’s Coral Coast – a 2 hour drive from Denarau.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
2. Pick Child-Friendly Accommodation
So once you have chosen a convenient location where you want to be based in Fiji for your holiday, it’s time to select the accommodation. Whether you want to go with self-catered accommodation or resorts/hotels, pick one that is child-friendly.
The big chain resorts in Denarau such as Sofitel and Sheraton are child friendly and very popular with young families. Pretty much all of them will offer high chairs, cribs and other amenities for children.
And at just 25 minute taxi ride from Nadi Airport and very close to Denarau Marina for lots of day trips, they are in a convenient location. Wailoaloa is another popular location, also close by to Nadi and Denarau. The accommodation here is less resort style and more self-catered apartments and hotels.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
3. Pack All Child Supplies You Need
Being an island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Fiji imports all its goods primarily from Australia and so there is a big mark-up in prices. The prices of goods is quite shocking, seeing how low the salary is in Fiji.
Supermarket prices in Fiji are significantly higher than in Australia and sometimes the choice of items can be a little limited.
Therefore it is always best to bring all the baby supplies you will need for the whole holiday. Everything your baby or toddler is going to need: bring it!
That includes diapers/nappies (including swim nappies if your toddler is toilet training!), baby food or formula, baby wipes, creams and of course any medication your child takes.
Also remember to pack child sunscreen with a high SPF, a rashie and a hat to protect your baby/toddler from the sun. Packing insect repellant is also a very good idea.
If you’re bringing a baby to Fiji, definitely pack a baby wrap/baby sling to make it easier to move around your resort if there are lots of stairs, which will make using a pram slightly inconvenient.
It’s also a good idea to pack a mosquito net to put over the cot or pram. Whilst this may be annoying to bring so much stuff with you on vacation, you’ll be thankful.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
4. Rent Any Big/Bulky Baby Equipment
The price of renting baby items in Fiji is fairly reasonable, so you may want to consider renting a pram, baby stroller or baby car seat if you can’t bring it with you, or you’ll just have too much luggage to carry!
The baby equipment can either get delivered to your accommodation, or you can get it to meet you at the airport.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
5. If You Want A Family Room, Book Early
Family rooms book out quick so make sure to book one early if you need one! In addition look out for any deals that might crops up such as family rates!
If you’re just travelling with a single baby or toddler, often just booking a double room is sufficient so you won’t even need to book a family room. Lots of resorts let young children stay for free.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
6. Organise An Airport Transfer
Most families travelling around Fiji don’t rent a car for their trip. They will get transfers to and from the airport and for any excursions they choose as it works out cheaper. You can pre-order a baby car seat with the transfer.
Before and after your flight it’s good to have an airport transfer already organised, especially if you need a car seat, so things will go smoothly.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
7. Visit Fiji During The Dry Season
Fiji has a tropical climate so it is important to plan your vacation during the dry season, which is from May to October.
During these months the weather is less humid, milder and there is less rain which will make it much more pleasant for your children.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
8. Stock Up On Snacks At The Supermarket
If your kids (or you!) love snacking, it’s a good idea to buy crisps, cereal bars etc at the supermarket and keep them handy as they can be really expensive at hotels and resorts!
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
9. Consider Hiring A Babysitter Or Nanny
Many resorts in Fiji will offer a free Kids Club, but in addition some also offer nanny or babysitter services for younger children so you can go out for dinner with your partner or have a few hours together in the day to relax and refresh, knowing that your child is being looked after.
Looking after children 24/7 can be exhausting – plus it’s your holiday too so it’s important to take some time out for yourselves! Fijians are so good with children and provide so much fun and entertainment that your kids won’t even realise you are gone!
Whilst you may feel guilty if you’re not spending the whole holiday with your children, it’s important to spend time alone with your partner and reconnect as partners… not just as parents. You will appreciate it and your children will too.
Lots of families will book a nanny organised through the resort for a few hours each day, which will give to time to have a relaxing holiday too!
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
10. Organise Age Appropriate Activities
There are so many day trips you can book in Fiji – particularly from Denarau Marina. Staff will often try to get you to book day trips, but it’s important to only book day trips that are age-appropriate for your children and that your children will enjoy.
Day trips in Fiji are expensive so you want to get your money’s worth.
For example don’t book on a snorkeling trip such as the manta ray snorkeling trip if you have young children as it will probably be too much for them.
A less structured and more enjoyable activity such as a day trip to a different island where you can all relax, have some lunch, paddle in the water and play in the sand would be far more suitable.
South Sea Island, Malamala Island and the South Sea Sailing trip are all perfect day trip ideas from Denarau for families.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
11. Learn The Local Fijian Culture
Fijian people are known the world over for their kindness, friendliness and hospitality. Whilst they speak English perfectly it is always much appreciated by them when you take the initiative to learn some of their Fijian language.
Bula means hello in Fiji and vinaka means thank you. Teach your children these words and encourage them to use them with the staff.
TRAVELLING TO FIJI WITH A BABY OR TODDLERS
12. Pay Attention When Near Water
This goes for any destination you visit. Always supervise your baby/toddler in the water when in Fiji. Use a floatation device or life jacket if you need. Yes we all want to relax on holiday, but your child’s safety always comes first.
Fiji is honestly one of the best destinations to travel with children as they are extremely well catered for here. I wish you all the best of luck on your family holiday to Fiji!