Image by Vika Waqa
Text by Kolinio Rokuta, whl.travel local connection in Fiji

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Bure (pronounced boo-reh) is the Fijian word for a traditional family dwelling, with a design that represents one of the finest examples of workmanship in Fiji. It is a thatched hut usually constructed from palm and bamboo, and is accompanied by an outside kitchen. The bure pictured here is located on the island of Nacula in the Yasawa Group.

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Posted under Fiji, General, Photo of the Week, countries

Clean Breaks, 500 New Ways to See the World (read a review), published in August 2009 by Rough Guides, is a full-colour guide of the authors’ handpicked choices of the world’s best hotels, tours and activities run by people who are passionate about what they do in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Hiking through paddy fields in Thailand, you will definitely feel like you've made a clean break from your regular routine. Photo courtesy of Rough Guides

Needless to say, there’s an inspiring overlap between the authors’ motivations and the whl.travel vision, the latter being to locate and promote the kinds of small, grassroots travel initiatives that, over time and with the support of travellers, are positive steps toward improving a place, and help shape it in a caring and sustainable way.

To illustrate this, the following links take you to abridged Clean Breaks excerpts (in black) paired with mentions (in blue) of the further resources in select destinations available through whl.travel. After all, it is our shared belief that readers inspired by Clean Breaks are the kinds of people who see the value in traveling with whl.travel.

• Fair Trade Holidays in South Africa
• Treks through Villages in Nepal
• Jungle Lodges in the Amazon
• Green Luang Prabang, Laos
• In Search of the Real Fiji
• Explore Borjomi-Kharangauli National Park, Georgia
• Dive at Bunaken, Indonesia

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Posted under Brazil, Fiji, General, Georgia, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, South Africa, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, responsible travel news, whl.travel newsletter

Fiji is truly a jewel of the Pacific, fabled for both its amazing scenery and some of the happiest, friendliest people you have ever met. Here are ten helpful hints from a local eager to see you make the best of your time in paradise.

Bounty Island beach

* First things first: Exchange currency at Western Union outlets, either at the airport or in town, as they don’t charge commission.

* For true local excitement, visit during the annual BiliBili Race, one of the most exhilarating events on the Coral Coast. Teams compete throughout Fiji Day (independence day, celebrated in October) in a marathon relay, parade, waiter/waitress relay (bringing new meaning to quick service), board walk (see response below for explanation), coconut tunnel (see response below for explanation), egg toss, raft (bilibili) race, kayak races and swimming races. It’s an action packed day with smiles and laughter aplenty. But don’t be fooled: the Bilibili Race is taken very seriously! Read More…

Posted under Fiji, local tips, whl.travel newsletter