Samoa: Your Next Dream Girls Getaway
Taking your girlfriends getaway somewhere new for the first time can be overwhelming. Luckily, settling into that island lifestyle in Samoa and sipping on a cocktail while beach side is super easy! This first-timer’s girls guide to visiting Samoa will help to make trip planning a breeze.
Samoa’s Geography and Climate
Samoa is a truly underrated girlfriends getaway destination. Think lush greenery surrounded by white-sand beaches and azure waters.
Samoa is comprised of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, as well as smaller, desolate islands. The tropical climate brings warm weather year-round, ranging from 24-30 degrees Celsius.
Like many tropical countries, Samoa has a wet and dry season. The dry season is from May to October, whereas the wet season is from November to April. Rainy weather usually presents as short-lived, heavy bursts of rain.
A Visa-Free Girls Getaway
Fortunately, Samoa is visa-free for all passports. Just be sure to check your passport is valid for another six months following your departure date, and you have booked a return ticket. A valid visa or permit for the country you will enter following your trip to Samoa is also required.
A Guide to Accommodations in Samoa
You’ll find a full range of accommodations in Samoa to suit all budgets. There are numerous youth hostels available, as well as guest houses and luxury hotels and resorts perfect for girlfriends getaways.
Fortunately, Samoa is a safe country to travel to, especially for solo female travelers.
Guide To Samoa Transportation
Public buses run in Samoa, but they do run on island time. Keep in mind that buses may come late and do not run past 2 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. You can’t miss them; they’re brightly painted with loud music which makes for an exciting experience.
Taxis are available on both main islands, and the pricing is quite reasonable. Ferries and planes run between the two main islands.
Cars are available to rent on the island. The easiest way to obtain a temporary local license is at a car hire company. You will need to be over 25 years old and have had your driver’s license for one year. There’s also the option to hire a scooter which is quite popular among tourists due to the islands’ sizes.
A Guide to Activities in Samoa
No girlfriends getaway to Samoa is complete without visiting the To-Sua Ocean Trench. Climb down to the swimming hole and go for a dip. Lalomanu Beach is beautiful, and so are the many surrounding waterfalls on Upolu. Visit Samoa Cultural Village to experience traditions and Pacific culture. You could also take a chartered boat out for a half-day trip to the quiet Manono Island.
In Savai’i, visit the Alofaaga blowholes, picturesque beaches and breathtaking hikes. If you missed out some of the waterfalls on Upolu, there are plenty more to see here.
The highlight of this island is Swimming with Turtles. As its name suggests, you get to swim with turtles, and also get a chance to feed them at mealtimes.
Your Packing List
Beautiful beaches surround Samoa. Swimming gear and a beach towel are a must for the dream girls getaway experience. Many hotels have snorkeling gear available to rent, but if you have your own, bring them for your convenience.
As always for warm destinations, bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Clothing made of breathable materials such as linen and merino wool will help with acclimatization to the hot weather. Bug spray is a must to protect yourself from dengue fever.
Sandals or jandals are necessary for an island destination, but you should also bring comfortable walking shoes. Don’t bother with heels – many restaurants are beachfront. Walking along the sand in heels isn’t such a great idea!
Although not limited to Samoa, it’s always handy to bring a travel-sized first aid kit – you never know when it may come in handy. Print off a copy of your passport, flight and accommodation details for those just-in-case moments.
With this girlfriends getaway guide, planning your first trip to Samoa isn’t going to be too tricky! Soon enough, you’ll be able to kick up your feet and enjoy your relaxing island holiday!
Author bio:
One of Harper’s most favourite travel quotes comes from Pico Iyer: “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel next, to find ourselves.” She happily shares travel and lifestyle pieces on her personal blog.
featured image Nick Zegel via flickr