Top 10 tips for any Solomon stay

Overworked? Fatigued? Time-poor? At just three and a half hours away from Sydney by plane, the Solomon Islands could well be your ideal R&R destination.

However, before you dash off in a flurry of cozzies and carry-on luggage, heed these ten travel tips to make your getaway as smooth as can be.

More haste, less speed.

1. Visit your doctor

The Solomon Islands is classified as a developing country, so make sure you’re up-to-date with routine vaccines before your trip.

Hep A and typhoid shots are recommended, as is daily antimalarial medication. Be sure to start your tablets at least two days before your flight and continue two weeks after your return.

2. Pack insect repellent

And we mean the heavy-duty stuff. The climate in the Solomon Islands is a tropical one, which means high humidity and gangs of mosquitoes that will jump you if given the chance. Don’t give them that chance.

3. Carry cash

Although Mastercard and Visa are generally accepted everywhere these days, the Solomon Islander Dollar (6.04 per AUD) goes a long way at stalls, markets and local villages.

It’s also handy in the outer provinces and areas such as Munda, where the ATMs are solar-powered (thus making rainy days frugal days).

4. Learn some Pidgin English

As the official language of the Solomon Islands, even knowing a few short phrases will stand you in good stead with the locals. If you’re a native English speaker, you won’t have much trouble picking it up.

5. Turn your clocks forward (when it isn’t Daylight Saving)

The Solomon Islands are an hour ahead of Sydney.

6. Waterproof your gizmos…

…or carry plastic bags on you for this purpose.

If you’re serious about exploring the Solomons, you’ll be in and out of boats constantly. Save yourself much heartache and wrap your mod-cons in plastic bags before stowing them away.

Alternatively, leave them at your accommodation.

7. Pack minimally

In addition to boats, light aircraft are frequently used for interisland travel. Make sure that your luggage doesn’t exceed 16 kilos.

8. Be punctual

In some areas, there is only one domestic flight per day.

9. Crack a book

We’re not asking you to write a dissertation, but familiarising yourself with the history of the Solomon Islands, especially with its involvement in WWII, will enrich your encounters with the country and its people and give you another angle from which to view Australian history.

10. Be prepared to switch off

Even in the capital, Honiara, Wi-Fi isn’t particularly reliable. Try to take care of all deadlines before your departure to avoid stress.

11. Bonus tip

Tipping is neither necessary nor expected in the Solomon Islands.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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