The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, meaning "spear-hit" or "hit to win," was named that as a result of an argument between two chiefs. It is sited in the western side of the largest island in Fiji. The city is surrounded with the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides.

Vanuatu has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence dating to 2000 BC. In 1605, Pedro Fernández de Quirós was the first European to reach it; later James Cook named the islands New Hebrides. Visit a Melanesian village in Erakor Rainforest, hike to a 65-foot waterfall and swim in a rock pool, sail to Pango Peninsula and snorkel Paradise Cove, and browse markets for island jewelry, handicrafts, and sarongs.

Espiritu Santo is often called Vanuatu's crown jewel, with pristine beaches and dense rainforest. From quiet Luganville, head north to the crystal-clear Riri Blue Hole to swim, dive, or kayak. During World War II, nearly 40,000 US troops were stationed in Luganville; a small museum shows artifacts from the nearby SS President Coolidge wreck, sunk by a mine in 1942 and now a favorite snorkeling and diving site.

Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, is known for lush vegetation, snorkeling and diving, and above all for WWII Guadalcanal history (1942-43). Visit memorial gardens with carilla trees honoring US soldiers, war museums with airplane remains, and battlefields in western Guadalcanal. For local life and flora, explore Central Market and Botanical Gardens.

Cairns, a laid-back Far North Queensland city, is the gateway to two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cruise by luxury catamaran to a pontoon on the Outer Reef, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush jungle and explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns ("cans"), stroll the Esplanade, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and visit the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, shops, and cafes.

Cairns, a laid-back Far North Queensland city, is the gateway to two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Cruise by luxury catamaran to a pontoon on the Outer Reef, or ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway over lush jungle and explore the world's oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest. In Cairns ("cans"), stroll the Esplanade, swim in the saltwater lagoon, and visit the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Aquarium, shops, and cafes.

Soak up Airlie Beach's laid-back tropical vibe, with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks, and alfresco dining. Stroll Shute Harbour Road, the town's main street, lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays-74 pristine islands in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef-where you can enjoy luxury resorts, poolside cocktails, sunbathing, and spa relaxation.

Explore Mooloolaba's glamorous beachfront esplanade with outdoor cafes, juice bars, alfresco restaurants, and fashion boutiques. Enjoy attractions like UnderWater World, the marina, and some of the Sunshine Coast's best dining. Nominated as one of TripAdvisor's Top Ten Australian Beaches, Mooloolaba offers endless activities for swimmers and surfers. Snorkel, jet ski, or dive with sharks and other undersea creatures.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.