"Rarotonga - Paradise on Earth" a Cook Islands Travel Page by emmicat

The Cook Islands was my vacation destination spot of choice for 4 years in a row and then thought I should try somewhere else for sun and relaxation. So off to Mexico I went, which was nice but not quite the same somehow. In May I needed a break and on the spur of the moment I decided that I would revisit my old favorite rather than rack my brain thinking up someplace new.

I have fallen in love all over again!!! Rarotonga had changed a little in the two years I was away but basically it was the same wonderful place. The beaches are beautiful and plentiful and, for the most part, deserted but yet only steps away from the main road which goes around the island. The people are friendly and I received a warm welcome back from some of the locals I had met on previous trips. The pace is still slow and relaxing if that's your pleasure but you can also find various activities to keep you occupied.

Petty theft is pretty much the only thing a visitor needs to worry about although if you're out driving on a Friday night be wary of the party crowd coming home on their motorbikes. Accidents abound on the week-end.

Be warned though that these are TROPICAL islands and it rains!! Hard and fairly often but rarely lasts for long, Regardless, it's always warm (sometimes a bit too warm when the humidity is high) and there are many, many of those absolutely perfect days when the sun is shinning and there are a few white clouds being blown across the sky by a gentle south pacific breeze.

There are many excellent eating places on Rarotonga and no lack of drinking establishments. Be warned that although the resorts are lovely and nice to go to for "happy hour" the prices are more than you might find elsewhere and the food is not near as good as a rule. Try the less "touristy" bars with no view and no umbrella drinks and you'll find yourself saving money, meeting the locals, and getting a flavor of the island.