Where to Travel Next: Norm's Destination Guides helps you decide where to go on your next trip. Each episode, host Normand Schafer explores a destination with the locals, guides and tourism experts who know it best, covering what makes it unique, the best time to visit, where to stay and what not to miss, from the South Pacific islands to Europe and beyond. New episodes every week. Find your next destination with Far and Away Adventures at farandawayadventures.com.
Why Raiatea Should Be on Your French Polynesia Itinerary
Raiatea offers an interesting alternative for travelers whose image of French Polynesia centers mainly on beaches and overwater accommodations. Arnold describes a destination where cultural heritage is part of the experience, especially at Taputapuatea marae. This UNESCO-listed site, located close to Opoa Beach Hotel, is an important connection to Polynesian history and traditions.
Searching for a French Polynesian island with history, culture, and easy access to another beautiful destination? Raiatea deserves a closer look. Normand Schafer talks with Arnold from Opoa Beach Hotel about the experiences that make Raiatea and neighboring Taha'a worth exploring. Start discovering your travel options with Far and Away Adventures.com at https://farandawayadventures.com/.On Raiatea itself, possibilities include excursions through coconut farms, honey production, pineapple gardens, and botanical gardens. Arnold also introduces a pearl-farm experience where visitors choose oysters and discover the pearls inside. Cooking classes and weaving offer other ways to connect with island life.
The island also works as a base for visiting Taha'a. Arnold explains that guests can depart by boat for an excursion featuring vanilla cultivation, pearl farming, a rum distillery, a motu lunch, and time in a coral garden. Normand shares his enthusiasm for the abundant fish and marine surroundings, describing why repeat visits have remained memorable.
This episode makes the case for choosing a destination based on the experiences you want, not simply how familiar its name may be. Ask Far and Away Adventures to help you explore whether Raiatea and Taha'a belong on your next South Pacific itinerary.
For travelers who prefer a smaller property, Opoa Beach Hotel has just 10 lagoon-facing bungalows. Arnold emphasizes personal service and the peaceful experience of falling asleep to the sound of the waves. He recommends at least three or four nights so visitors can appreciate more than a single excursion.
14 Oct 2026
Why Tahiti Belongs on Your Underwater Adventure List
This conversation makes a strong case for looking beneath the surface when considering Tahiti as your next destination. The island's lagoon is more than a beautiful backdrop. The guest describes a protected marine environment with turtles, coral, and diving opportunities for visitors with different levels of experience.
For someone new to scuba diving, Tahiti provides an opportunity to discover the sensation of breathing underwater. Fluid Tahiti's instructors take time to explain the process, encourage visitors to relax, and descend slowly. The guest explains that a person's initial uncertainty can give way to genuine excitement as they realize what the experience feels like.
More experienced divers may be interested in the area's numerous dive sites and the possibility of observing gray sharks. At one favorite location, the guest describes smaller juvenile sharks near larger animals and compares the site affectionately to Fakarava.
Ask Far and Away Adventures to help you explore whether Tahiti and its marine experiences belong in your next travel plans.
If you are deciding where your next island adventure should take you, this episode offers a glimpse of what makes Tahiti worth considering beyond its familiar tropical imagery.
Then comes the episode's unforgettable story: during a November sunset dive, the guest heard whale song while underwater. After surfacing, a huge whale breached nearby, creating a moment the entire group found astonishing.
Tahiti also offers other reasons to explore the lagoon. Snorkeling excursions visit different marine wildlife areas, while sunset cruises look toward Moorea and include music and island stories. The activities provide contrasting perspectives on the same destination, from quiet underwater observation to enjoying the scenery above the waves.
Searching for a destination where marine wildlife and a sense of discovery take center stage? Tahiti's west coast offers intriguing possibilities, as Fluid Tahiti explains in an on-location interview with Normand Schafer. Find French Polynesia destination inspiration and planning help through Far and Away Adventures.com at https://farandawayadventures.com/.
11 Oct 2026
Discovering Local Culture and Award-Winning Hot Sauce in the Cook Islands
In this episode, we talk about why the Cook Islands should be on your list of places to visit next, especially if you are looking for authentic culture, friendly locals, and unforgettable island experiences. We also explain how Far and Away Adventures.com and https://farandawayadventures.com (https://farandawayadventures.com) help travelers explore the South Pacific through customized itineraries and local experiences beyond the typical resort vacation. Normand Schafer visits the market in Rarotonga to meet Paul from Rare Tonga Hot Sauce and hear the remarkable story behind his award-winning products.
The conversation begins with Paul introducing the peppers and tropical ingredients that define his sauces, including jalapeños, habaneros, chocolate scorpions, Carolina Reapers, coconut, banana, ginger, and soursop. Listeners hear how the tropical climate of the Cook Islands creates ideal growing conditions and why his sauces focus on balancing heat with flavor. Travelers interested in local food culture will appreciate how deeply connected the products are to the islands themselves.
Paul explains how the Cook Islands adapted during COVID when tourism slowed and imported food supplies became more difficult to access. Government planting initiatives encouraged residents to grow food locally, and Paul unexpectedly discovered a passion for chili farming that eventually turned into a successful business. His story highlights the creativity and resilience found throughout the South Pacific islands during challenging times.
The episode also showcases why local markets are among the best places to experience island culture. The Rarotonga market offers travelers opportunities to meet local producers, sample handmade products, and hear personal stories directly from the people who live there. Paul explains how his recipes evolved through customer feedback and how his sauces became increasingly popular with visitors looking for unique souvenirs and authentic island flavors.
One of the most entertaining parts of the conversation focuses on Paul’s role as “Raro Elvis.” For years, he has performed Elvis tribute shows in the Cook Islands, and after a recent visit to Graceland in Memphis, his performances expanded into larger events. His “Burning Love” hot sauce combines Carolina Reaper peppers with Jack Daniel’s flavoring and perfectly reflects the fun, relaxed atmosphere visitors often encounter in Rarotonga.
Whether you are considering the Cook Islands for a future vacation or simply looking for inspiration for your next tropical getaway, this episode provides insight into why local experiences often become the most memorable part of travel. Far and Away Adventures can help create a personalized South Pacific itinerary filled with meaningful cultural encounters, island activities, and unforgettable moments throughout the region.
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
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Normand Schafer host the show. Published by Normand Schafer.
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