Fiji 2026: My 50th Country for My 50th Birthday

My 50th birthday wish came true — and what better way to celebrate than by reaching my 50th country? Fiji marked the milestone of my travel goal: “50 over 50.”

Touchdown in Paradise

Taking advantage of my exit through Brisbane, I planned a four‑day island holiday — even if it meant just dipping a toe in Nadi’s turquoise waters.

I stayed at Bluewater Lodge, a cozy alternative to my initial booking at Smugglers Cove Hostel, which had become too pricey after rebooking. My Virgin Australia flight left Brisbane at 9:30 a.m. and landed in Nadi around 3 p.m.

Famished from skipping lunch, I headed straight to Wailoaloa Beach before sunset. With a cold Fiji Gold beer in hand and a plate of pork belly from Margaritaville Beach Bar at the Wyndham Resort, I watched the sun melt into the horizon — my first golden evening in Fiji.

South Sea Island Adventure

After a restful night, I prepared for my South Sea Island full‑day tour. Expecting a 9 a.m. pickup, I waited at Ramada Hotel, only to learn the bus had left at 8 a.m. Thankfully, the concierge helped contact the tour operator, and I chased the group via taxi — my first travel hiccup of the trip.

Few minutes before10 a.m., I reached Denarau Port, the hub for all island tours. The weather was overcast and windy, and the waves were rough as our cruise approached the island. Still, the morning activities went ahead — glass‑bottom boating and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.

The afternoon batch of activities was canceled due to worsening conditions. Lunch was decent but unremarkable, and though unlimited beer and coffee were offered, the cultural shows couldn’t fill the long hours. The waves grew wilder, the breeze colder, and by 4 p.m. I was ready to head back. Boarding the speedboats was chaotic — waves tossed us around, drenching everyone. It was thrilling and terrifying at once.

Back at Denarau, I waited for my group so we could share the transfer back to our hotels — tired, salty, and exhilarated.

Nadi Highlights and Cultural Night

With work resuming in WFH mode, I joined a DIY Nadi Highlights Tour around midday. My new friends from the island cruise — Frank, a Chinese‑Australian, and Clay, a Canadian from British Columbia — suggested splitting a taxi for a four‑stop adventure.

• Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple — a colorful Hindu landmark (Clay skipped this one).

• Garden of the Sleeping Giant — a lush tropical trail through orchids and forested paths.

• Sabeto Hot Springs & Mud Pool — Frank and Clay joined in, but I opted out, thinking it meant dipping in literal mud! Later I learned it was more of a spa ritual — rubbing mud on the skin, sun‑drying, then soaking in hot springs.

• Viseisei Village — said to be Fiji’s first settlement, though it looked surprisingly modern, so we detoured to a local restaurant instead.

Lunch was a feast of authentic Fijian flavors — Kovu Walu, Lovo, Babakau, Lolo buns, and Lamb Rourou — hearty, earthy, and unforgettable.

That evening, I joined the Cultural Village Dinner Show, almost forgetting my booking until the organizer called. My seat, labeled but misspelled “Crisato,” sat front and center. The guided tour showcased traditional Fijian life — fire‑making, pottery, weaving, fishing tools, and the chief’s house. Dinner followed, then a spectacular fire dance and cultural performance that lit up the night.

Farewell Fiji

After the beach walk, my final morning was spent working remotely until checkout. At the airport predeparture area, I splurged my remaining cash on souvenirs — mostly ref magnets, ballcaps, and island trinkets.

At 4 p.m., I boarded my flight back to Brisbane, carrying with me not just memories of Fiji’s warmth and resilience, but the quiet pride of achieving my “50 over 50” dream.