When to Go - The name Fiji is actually a Tongan corruption of Viti, the original pronunciation for the archipelago spread over 426,000 square miles in the South Pacific Ocean. Fiji's climate is tropical, with only a slight average temperature variation (with a maximum of 84F to 88F) between seasons. Cyclones occasionally pass through in winter (November to May). Keep track at www.met.gov.fj.

Getting There - Air Pacific (www.airpacificusa.com) has four nonstop flights from Los Angeles weekly, plus three from Honolulu. Air New Zealand (www.airnewzealand.com) has three nonstop flights from LAX.

Getting Around - Most domestic transfers are organized through resorts or tour operators. Domestic carriers Sun Air (www.fiji.to) and Air Fiji (www.airfiji.com.fj) have regularly scheduled flights between Nadi and Suva on Viti Levu, and to Savusavu or Labasa on Vanua Levu. However, cancellations can occur on short notice. Charter flights are an expensive but reliable option. Try Island Hoppers (www.helicopters.com.fj) or Pacific Island Sea Planes (www.fijiseaplanes.com).