Earlier, I wrote about my FIFA ranking method of travel planning, which ranks with that other highly scientific method — the throwing-the-dart-at-the-map method.
This relatively random list and the random travel information I found is testament that unusual things are discovered using unusual methods. I hope you have as much fun as I am and that perhaps a new island destination works its way into future plans.
The first country on the list is Samoa at #176. (They just had their country’s ban from FIFA lifted a few days ago for “mismanagement.” When it comes to punishing those who don’t obey the rules, FIFA far exceeds the UN as a global body.)
Lying nearly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, Samoa is a rainforest-lover’s paradise that’s also popular as a wedding destination — not the greatest place for a single guy. For the literary minded among us, Samoa is where Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life. His remodeled homestead has been opened as a tourist attraction.
Samoa is not to be confused with American Samoa (tied for #201), which lies southeast of Samoa. American Samoa, in addition to being famous for losing 31-0 versus Australia in 2001 in soccer, features the same tropical wonders as its neighbor. If anyone wants to feel like they’re in the TV show “Lost,” Samoa and American Samoa seem like the place to go.
The most famous country on the list at #188 is Tahiti known for its deep blue waters, swaying palm trees and its remoteness. Tahiti has long been famous as a honeymoon destination (presumably, right after your Samoan wedding.) Tahiti is also a diver’s and golfer’s paradise. What’s lesser known is that Tahiti is positioning itself as a major gay and lesbian-friendly tourist destination.
Next up is Tonga, tied at #188 with Tahiti. Tonga is spread out over 500 miles with its islands in a nice line. Seventy-five percent of its islands are uninhabited. On one of the lesser islands, Vava’u, surfer’s ride legendary waves in addition to ample sailing and fishing. A little known piece of trivia — the Royal Tongan Court had an official court jester (yes, a court jester), Jesse Bogdonoff, who got himself involved in a giant financial mismanagement scandal. Naturally, the headline writers were overjoyed with this humorous angle.
My favorite country in the South Pacific, Tuvalu, is absent from FIFA’s list but they are trying to join. Here are other South Pacific destinations on the FIFA list.
#197 Timor-Leste: Also known as East Timor, this under 7 year old country is just getting started after its independence from Indonesia. Part of me wants to race here before it hits the traveler radar and enjoy something that’s brand new.
#201 Guam: Unless you’re either active duty military or a scuba fanatic, then you probably haven’t been to Guam. It’s a US territory that requires a stop in Japan in order to get there. It’ll also be home to the III Marine Expeditionary Force in the 2012 timeframe. It’s also within 150 miles of the deepest part of any ocean, the Marianas Trench. What I wouldn’t give to be in a sub to go to the bottom of the trench and see the amazing life that survives down there.
#201 Cook Islands. If you’re ever in the mood to recreate Survivor Aitutaki, here’s the place to go. If I wanted a tropical wedding, I’d do it here. And only a few hours away by plane from Auckland (let’s just ignore the 13 hour flight from LA for a minute), it’s completely doable as an island escape.
#201 Papua New Guinea. Growing up and watching David Attenborough nature documentaries, he spent a fair amount of time in PNG and I can understand why. Between the 820 native languages and the thousand or so cultures here, it’s a treasure for the adventuresome explorer, but wouldn’t make for a romantic getaway.
I know that 2009 is supposed to be the year of gloom and doom economically, but let’s ignore that for a second and think about these lesser known destinations as armchair vacations – or even being brave and going there.
