Before you determine if a vacation to Samoa, a wonderful South Pacific gem, is right for you, a few facts: The country’s official tongues are Samoan and English, so it shouldn’t be too hard to navigate. The culture is mostly Polynesian, lending a mystical, fun air to all culture-based activities. Adding to Samoa’s mystique is the fact that it isn’t completely tourist-oriented, with cheap souvenir shops and hot dog stands on every corner. Samoa is *real*. Visitors are subject to fines if they break the rules; no special privileges for tourists. This is both harrowing and refreshing!
Where to Begin
Here are some better-known attractions for those who want to get the full Samoa experience:
(1) Pulemelei Step Pyramid. If you want to learn more about the history of Samoa in an interesting, intriguing fashion instead of picking up a dusty textbook, a visit to Pulemelei Step Pyramid is a great way to do it. Best of luck in determining exactly what it was used for in ancient days!
(2) Papapapaitai Falls. Don’t miss this amazing Samoa treasure! Surrounded by vegetation, it is one of the country’s most popular spots. Papapapaitai is not the only waterfall located in the region, so make sure to check out all the waterfall “hot spots” before planning a visit.
(3) Lalomanu Beach. After soaking in the natural wonder of Lalomanu Beach, consider a hotel stay that’s truly a unique experience! Visiting Taufua Beach Fales gives adventurers the opportunity to sleep in a traditional Samoan dwelling on wood posts, with or without walls! Sometimes brightly painted and resembling gazebos, a fale is a wonderful idea for those who seek unique lodging.
(4) Papaseea Sliding Rock. Want the thrill of an amusement park ride without the carnival atmosphere? Papaseea offers a natural rock slide down cascading waters into a calm pool. Definitely a must for visitors who love to pick out the most famous attractions. Come early or late; there will always be other thrill-seekers taking advantage of this natural attraction.
(5) Falealupo Rainforest Reserve. This is without doubt one of the most exciting, most fascinating, and most beautiful regions of Samoa. Don’t miss the Canopy Walkway, and at least consider climbing the centuries-old banyan tree; this is a favorite attraction among globe trekkers. If you would ask a native Samoan, they probably would not like the area as much as tourists like it, since they consider it a spiritually active area where odd things occur.
(6) Sala’aula Lava Field. It would be difficult to find other attractions quite like this even if you’ve traveled the whole world! Want to imagine walking on Mars? This is a good way to conceive an idea of what it would be like. Don’t miss the chance to see Samoa’s stunning natural beauty.
(7) Valima. Here visitors can find Robert Louis Stevenson’s ritzy plantation home; soak in both the history and the beauty of island life. This is a must-see site for anyone who enjoys Stevenson’s works. Don’t forget to stop by the famous author’s mountain-top tomb.
(8) Olemoe Falls. Samoa visitors will be amazed at the simple, yet beautiful scenery that surrounds Olemoe Falls. It is picture-perfect, creating the opportunity for wonderful photos and that tropical atmosphere so many Americans seek.
How to “Blend In”
Samoans are a proud people and take a lot of pride in their traditions. Keep this in mind when choosing your wardrobe for the day; just as travelers should not dress immodestly or wear “typically American” clothes while visiting a mosque, synagogue, or church in other countries, appropriate clothing should also be worn while visiting with Samoan locals. Make sure to find out the unique customs for any village or town on the itinerary. Respect Christian observances and ask about appropriate clothing and any prohibitions that may be encountered.
It’s always a good idea to see if there are any health precautions before getting ready for a trip to Samoa. Weather is also an important factor that should always be used to determine the time and length of your vacation. Make sure to take plenty of food and water; water is especially important for those who plan to visit high-activity places like the Falealupo Rainforest Reserve. Since cold weather is very rarely a problem, sweaters should be left at home! It is helpful, however, to wear longer sleeves to protect against bugs and sunburn.
