Tokelau

For those who are interested in getting away from the norm and following a different track then the already worn and often traveled one across the South Pacific, Tokelau is the place for you. While there are many nations in the South Pacific and even more islands than anyone really even knows for sure, Tokelau is relatively untouched by outside forces and everyday life is simple and relatively stress free from modern day affairs. There are literally no roads, restaurants, clubs, bars, or anything that even looks remotely like a resort. There are only its inhabitants, who number around the neighborhood of 1500, who live life much like they have always done for hundreds of years. Fishing is still the main trade and practice on the islands but there are also coconut plantations that are run and tended to year round and raising pigs is the other main occupation. Technically, Tokelau is run under New Zealand’s ministry, but most of the council is made up of local representatives and organized government is very minimal. Any kind of visitors or tourists who come to the island are put up by host families, who are usually very warm and welcoming to visitors, or there are a handful of small motels (not really like what anyone in the US is used to calling a motel) that have limited space. So if you are interested in truly “getting away from it all” or crave an old world experience that is rich in culture and tradition, you should check out Tokelau. You find out more about this place for your next holiday at Holiday Destination Guide. It's a great resource.

Easter Island

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, represents the southern most island in the Polynesian chain of islands in the south pacific. It is located between Tahiti and South America and is a territory of the country Chile. Easter Island is probably known best for its large stone statues called Moai. These large statues date back to over 500 years ago. They range in size, but the biggest (complete one) is 33 feet tall and weighs in at 75 tons. Most people have actually seen these statues at some time or another in their life but usually do not know that they originated at Easter Island. They are very distinct in their markings and are all pretty much of the same image. The statue is mostly a head, which roughly translates into over three fifths of the body size, which has a heavy brow, distinctly large nose, and they are always placed facing inward into the islands interior. Almost all of these statues were once destroyed in what is believed to be a large tribal or clan war amongst the natives of the island. But since then, massive reconstruction has taken place and many of the statues have been renewed to their original condition. There is a lot of speculation about what the significance of the statues actually is. Some believe that they are a part of ancestral worship and represent old tribal leaders (hence the size and importance of the large head). But apart from that, many people just visit the island to merely get a glimpse of these magnificent relics of the past.