In this episode, we talk about Palau diving with Deer from Fish ‘n Fins and Ocean Hunter, and we pull out the planning tips that can help you get more from your trip while respecting the marine environment. Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com are mentioned early because dive travel is all about alignment—dates, goals, experience level, and the right operators.

We start with what Palau offers: manta rays, sharks, spawning dives, and more than 30 World War II wrecks. Deer names Blue Corner and German Channel as the two iconic sites most divers want, but he says Palau’s deeper attraction is spawning. Tip one: if spawning is your goal, pay attention to the moon phases and tides. Deer says their website includes moon and tide information, and he recommends being in the water a few days before key windows tied to full and new moons.

Tip two: know your experience level and the standards of the dives you want. Deer states that certain spawning dives require at least 50 logged dives to qualify, and he also says diver numbers are capped (described as no more than 24) to reduce impacts on fish behavior. Tip three: consider your trip style. If you want a cozy liveaboard experience, Deer describes Ocean Hunter as an eight-cabin boat for up to 16 guests, known for food and access to top sites. Tip four: don’t only follow the “famous site” checklist. Deer notes that many divers concentrate on the southern classics, but there are northern areas that are less visited and have produced remarkable manta sightings—so building some flexibility into your itinerary can help you find something special.

Tip five: choose operators and practices that respect the ecosystem. Deer emphasizes that shark feeding is forbidden in Palau and describes conservation efforts like plastic cleanups, awareness programs, and an annual Shark Week with school outreach to teach local students about sharks. If you want help building a Palau itinerary around your goals—wrecks, big animals, spawning, liveaboard time, or a mix—plan with Far and Away Adventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com).

In this episode, we talk about Return to Paradise in Samoa with a focus on travel tips that make a first visit smoother, more respectful, and more rewarding. To start planning with expert support, visit Far and Away Adventures.com and explore options at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer is joined by Raz from Return to Paradise to discuss what makes this area special, from the beach’s Hollywood history dating back to a 1950s film, to the real-life experience of staying in a place that is part of a local village and family-led operation. We aim to answer the “what should I know before I go?” questions that travelers don’t always think to ask.

One of the most useful tips in the episode is cultural: Samoa observes an evening prayer time around 7:00 p.m., and being mindful of noise and behavior in village areas is a simple way to show respect. Normand frames it as part of traveling well—understanding local rhythms rather than expecting the destination to adapt to you. Raz adds perspective on how visitors are generally treated with generosity, while also emphasizing that awareness matters. This is the kind of insight that can help travelers feel more comfortable and welcomed, especially if it’s their first time in Samoa.

We also discuss how to engage with culture in a meaningful, low-pressure way. Raz describes a weekly village walk where guests can learn how homes are structured, where families cook and gather, and the meaning behind traditions that connect people to land and ancestry. For many travelers, experiences like this become the highlight because they add context to everything else you see.

On the practical planning side, we talk about what to do beyond the beach. Raz mentions nearby experiences such as a turtle sanctuary and a giant clam tour, plus waterfalls and other island highlights that can be added without overstuffing your schedule. Normand calls out Sliding Rock as a fun stop that travelers often remember. The core planning tip is balance: arrive, rest for a few days, then add a few excursions so you experience the island while still keeping that “vacation” feeling. If you’d like help choosing where to stay, how long to go, and which activities fit your pace, Far and Away Adventures can build a Samoa plan that feels easy from the start.

In this episode, we talk about Royal Davui Island Resort and share planning insights for travelers considering an adults-only private island stay in Fiji—what makes it feel so secluded, what experiences to prioritize, and how to think about timing. If you’re planninga trip to Fiji and want help selecting the right resort for a honeymoon or anniversary, start at Far and Away Adventures.com and connect with our team at https://farandawayadventures.com. Normand Schafer interviews Grant Syhower, Director of Sales and Marketing at Royal Davui Island Resort, and the episode delivers a clear picture of what the experience is designed to do: help couples relax deeply and reconnect. Grant explains that Royal Davui was built with romance in mind and that privacy and seclusion are central. A key planning takeaway is that the resort is intentionally small, which is one of the biggest drivers of its atmosphere. Grant shares the island is about 10 acres and walkable in about 30 minutes, and that there are only 16 villas total with a maximum of 32 guests at any time. That small scale means fewer people, fewer shared spaces, and a quieter overall rhythm. Another standout feature to plan around is that each villa has its own private plunge pool, giving couples a personal space to unwind without needing to “claim” a lounge chair or share the experience with crowds. Grant notes that the plunge pools are fresh water, while the ocean provides the natural alternative for swimming and snorkeling. He also mentions that snorkeling is excellent right off the jetty, so a practical tip is to prioritize some unstructured water time—one of the best experiences may be the simplest one: slipping into the lagoon when you feel like it. Grant also shares that Royal Davui is designed to let couples choose their pace. If you want activity, there are options such as Hobie Cat sailing, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, resort fishing, diving, and more. If you want stillness, the resort supports that just as well—slow afternoons by the pool, a glass of rosé, and the warmth of authentic Fijian hospitality. The biggest “must-plan” experience mentioned in the episode is the signature sand cay beach picnic. Grant explains that Royal Davui takes one couple at a time and drops them on a pristine sand cay that appears only at low tide, setting them up with bean bags, umbrellas, and a picnic lunch and leaving them there for about three hours. A planning tip here is simply to ask about scheduling this signature moment during your stay, since it’s designed around timing and exclusivity. Cultural connection is another option travelers may want to include. Grant highlights visits to a neighboring village on Beqa Island, including seeing the school and attending a church service where guests can hear beautiful Fijian singing—an authentic experience many couples find memorable and meaningful. Timing-wise, Grant notes that May through September tends to be busier, often aligning with honeymoon and anniversary travel, but he emphasizes there is no bad time to visit Fiji and describes it as a year-round destination with warm water temperatures and enjoyable conditions even when rain passes through. Finally, when Normand asks what guests say after returning home, Grant shares a recurring theme: “recharging the soul.” That’s a helpful tip in itself—if your goal is true restoration and privacy, the most important planning move is choosing a resort that is built for that outcome. Far and Away Adventures can help you decide whether Royal Davui is the right match for your travel style and dates, and help you design a couples' itinerary that feels seamless from start to finish.