#french-polynesia

#french-polynesia

Tana Umaga fears the region's talent will gravitate to league and derail the Tongan and Samoan Test sides without a Super Rugby presence. The Super Rugby Pacific franchise is set to be disbanded after ownership confirmed it would not continue funding the unviable operation beyond this season.

These reefs are living, breathing snapshots of a watery world that you can peek into: refreshing oases where the noise of the land falls away; in its place, an intricate and utterly at-ease slice of life that you're lucky enough to witness.

"I didn't know that I would have this kind of life when I graduated from conservatory. You take auditions and don't know where you are going to land."

Hunte's Garden, with more than 90 percent excellent reviews and year-round accessibility, was the clear winner. A world-renowned botanical garden located in the central hills of St. Joseph, Hunte's Garden consistently ranks as the top thing to do in the country.

The history, in and of itself, makes it unique,

On an empty beach at the bottom of the world, the waves that roll over the sand are midnight blue and lit by the stars and a waxing moon. I'm only vaguely familiar with the constellations that hang above Great Barrier Island, known for centuries to the Māori as Aotea, some 56 nautical miles northeast of Auckland, New Zealand. I'm not all that used to seeing them so clearly,

Archaeologists estimate that fishers in Peru have been using the reed boats for approximately 3,500 years. Elaborate ceramics dating back to the sophisticated Moche culture (AD100-800) and the later Chimu civilisation (900-1470), depict figures astride the craft, which was called a tup in the now-extinct Mochica language. They are believed to be among the first crafts to be used for riding waves, possibly predating Polynesian proto-surfing in Hawaii.

This golden strip of sand, fringed by turquoise waters, is part of the popular Abel Tasman National Park on Tasman Bay (also known as Te Tai-o-Aorere) at the top of the South Island. Awaroa Beach is nothing if not beloved. So much so that in 2016, almost 40,000 Kiwis banded together to buy the beach from a private entity for more than $2 million and donated it to New Zealand's Department of Conservation.

Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island has been a top pick for many spring travelers, according to Kayak. The booking company found that this spring break, flight searches to Hilo are up 60 percent and that airfare is down 26 percent, when compared to last year. An average, roundtrip economy flight over spring break is $503, according to Kayak.

If any corner of the world is synonymous with paradise, it's French Polynesia's scattered, sparsely inhabited islands, buttercream palm-fringed beaches, and glass-clear waters. The region is best visited by water, yet, when it comes to cruising, the islands around Tahiti remain surprisingly uncharted territory: the region welcomed 110,000 passengers in 2024-compare that to the Caribbean's 15 million or the Mediterranean's 5.8 million for the same period.

Close enough to island-hop to nearby St. Lucia and Dominica but worlds away in terms of language and customs, Martinique offers a distinctive Caribbean experience. The French overseas territory is greatly influenced by its European counterpart; residents speak French, the euro is the official currency, and outdoor bistros in the capital city of Fort-de-France mimic those of Paris. Many residents speak Creole, too-a nod to the island's rich West African heritage, which is on full display during the annual Carnival season.

From the famed Waikiki Beach in Honolulu and surf spots on the North Shore to the lush Manoa Valley, Oahu's beauty is legendary. Given its stunning landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, the island draws tourists from all over the world. This also means that, like many other Hawaiian islands, Oahu has experienced an influx of over-tourism. Travelers must be aware of their impact on both the environment and the people who call this exquisite place home.

You can visit here and see the beauty of the island by looking around and going about your day. However, it's deeper than you can see. What's missed is the stories told, so seek out our history and our roots, then you will truly understand.

Formed to add nuanced intellectual depth to select itineraries, the alliance reflects a shared belief that exploration is most meaningful when it is informed. Dozens of itineraries-from the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to the Americas, Asia, Antarctica, and beyond-combine PONANT EXPLORATIONS ' expertise in small-ship exploration with Smithsonian Journeys' long tradition of educational travel. The resulting journeys engage guests with a destination's history and culture, environment and wildlife, in a considered and meaningful way.

Split into Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and French Saint-Martin in the north, this Caribbean island offers a unique mix of cultural and historical influences in one effusively hospitable destination. St. Martin is one of the region's most accessible islands for travelers from the U.S., and numerous daily inter-island flights and ferries make it a popular stopover for people headed to Anguilla or to hidden gem islands like Saba and Sint Eustatius. Visitors will find stunning stretches of sandy coast, international flavors, and thrilling adventures from zip lining to shark diving as well as more relaxing things to do.

For many travellers, France begins and ends with Paris, Provence, or the French Riviera. Yet venture west and a very different France emerges, one shaped by Celtic roots, dramatic coastlines, diverse local cuisine, and a fierce sense of regional identity. Brittany ( La Bretagne) is a world unto itself, where land and sea shape daily life, and it should be the location for your next French holiday.