Packing list

[meherio]

Ia orana

First time in FP and curious about what you will need or not ?

 

Here is a list compiled through the years with some ideas:

The least the better.

You don't need any sweaters ( with the noted exception of during the flight )

• A light wind breaker jacket will take care of that little chill during a windy boat ride.

• Shorts,

• T shirts,

• Light “Hawaiian” shirts and sundresses,

• Bathing suits.

• light slacks / shorts and a collared shirt for dinner for the men and a sundress for the ladies. Think Very casual...

• Once in FP, find a great pareu....(island cloth men and women ( use as a cover up or dress)....

 

Some other things to bring:

• Sun Glasses ( Bring an extra pair just in case ) + glasses repair kit.

• Extra memory card for your camera and an extra battery to be charged during the day. A UV filter may also be very useful to decrease the mirror effect of water surface.

• Underwater camera ( or Housing for your digital camera).

• Flashlight (with extra batteries): It is very dark at night. There are no or little street lights and many coconut trees in the way! . (or the self powered ones with shaking action to recharge)

• Reef walkers: Shoes for walking on the beach and for swimming.. Available at Drugstore and most other beach or sport apparel shops.

• After sun lotion,

• Alarm clock.

• books ( that you can leave behind for the next guests).

• Contact lenses and lens cleaner (plus a spare pair),

•

• First aid kit: Bring the usual kit to take care of small wounds with particular care for cuts and scratches from coral. There are pharmacies in each island. If you cut your foot, coral is alive, so it will infect and no more swimming. (Secure upon your arrival a Bottle of Tamanu Oil, Tahiti best cure for cuts, burns, bites etc,…) A quick wash first with Lime juice, followed by a rub of Tamanu Oil will do the trick.

• Flash light ( the ones without batteries by cranking are the best)

•

• Hat, cap, Bandana.

• Lip Balm,

• Medications, vitamins, etc,…

• Money, cc or traveler’s check ? Play safe is rule number one, Travelers check are the safest way to travel. Although not every place likes to be paid by them, you can always cash as you go in the local banks. Your ATM card should work there ( although the machines are often out of cash on Moorea during the week end )

•

• Mosquito repellent ( Off among others) make sure to reapply after getting in the water.

• Music ( IPOD with mini speakers would be the best )

• Pen and writing paper for your travel notes•

• Small (water proof) backpack,

• Snorkel & mask,

• Sewing kit, Swiss Army knife, Comb,

• Tea light candles. ( check the dual purpose candle lantern by OFF, offers light and takes care of the critters…

• Toothbrush and tooth paste

• Snacks / drinks along put it in your checked baggage…NOT your carry on. . Purchasing alcohol at the duty free in the states before departure will save you an endless amount of money on cocktails!

• Buy locally at the small groceries shops water and snacks to save money.

• Reading Material ( plenty and some to leave behind )

• Water proof suntan lotion

 

 

 

Another tidbit is to make 2 photocopies of your passport, drivers license, all the credit cards you are carrying with you ( back and front please ) and take one copy and leave the second with a trusty relative. Should anything happen, they can pass on the toll free numbers, account numbers etc to limit any damage done on your credit card without you.

Also there is no point to take all the credit cards in your wallet. ( There is no Costco, Chevron, Barnes and Noble, Starbucks Line 345 bus line for your pass nor the Ralphs supermarket ).

On the advice side always take your frequent flyer card with you, show it at the airport, (even if you have passed on the information to your travel agent) keep All the boarding passes and still watch the airline not crediting the miles ( and telling you that they did not have the information....)

last words, be safe while traveling

Meherio

[straycat]

Meherio-

 

I have seen many of your posts, and just wanted to say thank you for all your advice. Its so kind of you to offer so much information! It is much appreciated!

[meherio]

Ia orana

Glad to help whenever possible.

These forum have been an absolute gold mine of information. I simply hope to encourage any potential visitor to french polynesia to have the most for their first time experience (and hopefully many returns).

 

Meherio

[Degas]

I understand that there is a road side stand that sells jams and jellies on the road up to Belvedere Point on Moorea. Is there any place else to get the jams and jellies without renting a car and driving up to the stand??????

[meherio]

Ia orana degas.

 

The drive up to the belvedere is so much worth it. Note that most 4x4 tours make a pit stop at thetLycee Agricole Stand where you can buy vanilla, fresh fruit smoothis and among the most incredible jams.

 

Tiare flower jelly, coconut pineapple, tahitian orange, coconut.

 

You can sample the flavors before buying. Make sure to pack some bubble wrap in order to protect your loot

 

Meherio

[meherio]

Ia orana

Another (Crazy?) idea for a walk from the Papetoai pier to the Belvedere...

 

Nah, rent the car, drive around he islkand and enjoy the may hidden corners of Moorea at your own pace.

 

Meherio