Explore Travel

In this episode we talk about why Papua New Guinea should be your next great adventure and how Air Niugini gets you there. Host Normand Schafer explores unique routes, flight schedules, and destination highlights. If you’re looking to go beyond the ordinary, PNG — and its national airline — might be the perfect next step.

In this episode we talk about why now is the time to visit the Solomon Islands — and why the Agnes Gateway Hotel is the perfect place to start. Host Normand Schafer uncovers the hotel’s role in connecting travelers with authentic local experiences, untouched natural beauty, and a side of the Pacific that few get to explore. If you’re looking for a next adventure that’s raw, real, and unforgettable, this is it.

In this episode we talk about why the Cook Islands should be your next South Pacific destination. Host Normand Schafer sits down with Daniel from Cook Islands Tourism, who shares his favorite experiences — from snorkeling in Aitutaki’s luminous lagoon to watching sunsets in the village harbors of Atiu. If you’re searching for your next breathtaking, heartwarming getaway, the Cook Islands are calling.

In this episode we talk about why travelers seeking a unique and authentic South Pacific experience should head to White Grass Ocean Resort. From volcanic adventures to serene ocean views, it’s an island getaway unlike any other. The resort’s eco-conscious approach ensures your trip is meaningful and memorable.

In this episode we talk about why Vanuatu should be your next South Pacific destination. Normand Schafer interviews Adventures in Paradise to uncover what makes this island chain so special: dramatic scenery, rich traditions, and experiences untouched by mass tourism. Learn which island to visit, what to do, and why this off-grid paradise might just be your next big travel love.

In this episode we talk about why your next island getaway should be the Cook Islands. Host Normand Schafer speaks with Timu from Cook Islands Tours, who shares insider stories about Rarotonga’s people, cuisine, and natural wonders. Learn why travelers fall in love with the island’s warmth, and how Cook Islands Tours curates experiences that make every visit unforgettable — from reef explorations to community-hosted dinners.

In this episode we talk about hidden gems in Fiji that few tourists ever reach — unless they’re sailing with Captain Cook Cruises. Recorded live at SPTE, Normand Schafer interviews the team to discover what makes each itinerary special and which destinations should top your must-see list. If you’re wondering where to go next in the South Pacific, this episode may inspire you to set sail.

In this episode we talk about why Island Hopper Vacations should be at the top of your list when planning a South Pacific escape. Host Normand Schafer uncovers how this company’s decades of experience, personal service, and deep local ties create unforgettable trips to Rarotonga, the Cook Islands, and Samoa. If you’re wondering where to go next, this episode will convince you to set your sights on the islands’ turquoise lagoons and warm island smiles.

In this episode we talk about what makes Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort a top contender for your next trip. Host Normand Schafer shares why travelers looking for sustainability, sophistication, and substance will find their match on the shores of Vanua Levu.

In this episode we talk about the hidden gem of the South Pacific — Rarotonga. Host Normand Schafer speaks with The Rarotongan Beach Group about their three resorts, each designed for a different kind of traveler. From family fun to romantic sanctuary, and finally to the private island of Aitutaki Lagoon, this episode will help you decide why Rarotonga should be next on your bucket list. Discover clear waters, whale swims, and genuine island hospitality that’s second to none.

In this episode we talk about the dozens of resorts and islands made accessible by Island Hoppers Fiji. Host Normand Schafer breaks down which islands are serviced, what times to book for ideal lighting, and how helicopter access opens up new travel possibilities you may not have considered before.

In this episode we talk about why InterContinental Fiji should be at the top of your “where to go next” list. Host Normand Schafer shares why the resort’s design, service, and setting make it a standout among Fiji’s luxury options—and a worthy bucket-list destination for any upscale traveler.

In this episode we talk about what makes Hilton Fiji a smart next stop for travelers seeking consistency, comfort, and class. Host Normand Schafer outlines what kind of guest Hilton Fiji suits best — whether you’re a honeymooner, business traveler, or family group looking for space, views, and all the amenities.

In this episode we talk about why the Hexagon Group makes a smart choice no matter how long you're in Fiji. Normand Schafer breaks down how these properties serve quick stopovers, extended stays, and everything in between. Whether you’re on your way to the Yasawas or winding down after a two-week dive trip, they’ve got a room that fits your schedule and budget.

In this episode we talk about how Go Dirty Tours offers one of the most exhilarating and insightful excursions you can take while in Fiji. Normand Schafer explains why this adventure makes the short list for any traveler — especially if you want to experience Fiji’s lush interior, waterfall hikes, and friendly villages beyond the coastlines.

In this episode we talk about why First Landing Resort is one of Fiji’s best-kept secrets. Host Normand Schafer highlights its perfect mix of culture, comfort, and calm — often missed by travelers who rush past it from Nadi. Learn why seasoned visitors come back again and again to this under-the-radar treasure.

In this episode we talk about why the sacred village sites of Haida Gwaii should be on your must-visit list. Norman Shaffer speaks with Watchman Gidinjad, who brings decades of insight from his work in places like Windy Bay, Skungway, and SGang Gwaay. Book your journey into Haida heritage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com These ancient locations are more than just UNESCO-designated marvels—they are places of ancestral connection, spiritual resonance, and cultural healing. If you’re asking “where to go next,” let this episode guide you to a place that changes how you see the world—and yourself in it. Discover how poles speak, cedar shelters teach, and every wave tells a story. Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.

In this episode we talk about what makes Fiji Orchid stand out from the mainstream resort scene. Normand Schafer shares the highlights of this intimate Suncoast retreat, from its orchid-laced gardens to the peaceful ambiance of its private bures. If you’re seeking a next-level, off-grid experience in Fiji, this episode makes the case.

In this episode, we talk about a place that should be next on your list if you seek depth, history, and awe-inspiring culture: Skung Gwaii. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare view into Haida civilization, with preserved mortuary poles, ancestral homes, and traditions still alive through people like Watchman Teresa Russ. Book your journey into Haida heritage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com Teresa’s reflections on being raised in Haida customs—harvesting cedar, creating formline art, and preserving sacred sites—bring this remote village vividly to life. Learn how this site was protected after decades of advocacy and why it remains a symbol of the Haida people’s strength. For travelers wondering “where to go next,” Skung Gwaii offers more than scenery—it offers significance. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.

In this episode, we talk about Skedans (K’una), a site that leaves no traveler untouched. Join Norm as he reflects on his visit to this ancient Haida village with Watchman Melanie, who offers a moving account of the site’s history, spiritual depth, and cultural teachings. Book your journey into Haida heritage at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Discover how you can walk through living Haida stories at Far and Away Adventures.com Skedans was once a bustling village, and its legacy lives on in the weathered mortuary poles and strong community memory. Melanie, who calls Skedans her ancestral home, explains how these poles were never meant to be preserved like museum pieces. Instead, they fulfill their life cycle by returning to the earth—an act of reverence and release. Listeners will gain a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness central to Haida belief, and why each village carries its own emotional weight. Skedans, with its nickname “Party Town,” remains a place of joy and welcome. If you’ve ever wanted to connect with culture in a profound way—without getting on a plane—this is the episode for you. Visit ⁠⁠https://farandawayadventures.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to book a trip to any of the places we discuss.