Check out these islands on your next trip through the Pacific Ocean
Discover 10 of the dreamiest in the Pacific Ocean, where you can find accommodations for free with HomeExchange! These islands are located near China and Oceania. If you organize a home exchange with one of our members, the housing in any of these locations will not cost you a cent! Now it’s up to you to find your perfect piece of paradise!
French Polynesia: Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Marquesas islands
French Polynesia consists of five archipelagos comprising 118 islands of which 67 inhabited, located in the South Pacific, 6,000 km from Australia. Polynesia is full of natural treasures, and whatever the purpose of your trip (hiking, beaches or diving) you will not be disappointed. You could for example make a jeep safari on the island of Papeete, go diving in Bora Bora to explore the underwater fauna (and for the more adventurous, feed sharks and rays). For athletes, climbing Mont Aorai on the island of Tahiti will be an amazing experience.
Feeling tempted? You can sojourn here for free by organizing a home exchange with our members that live in French Polynesia!
Hawaii
Hawaii, the newest of the 50 United States, is the only state made up entirely of islands. This archipelago is located about 3,900 km southwest of San Francisco. The islands of Hawaii are famous worldwide for their surfing location, but also for their beaches, lagoons and of course an amazing flora and fauna that can be discovered through incredible hikes. The Pearl Harbor tour and the Hawaii volcanoes one are two of the essential activities that will make your trip a unforgettable one.
Do not hesitate! Exchange your home with a Hawaiian to enjoy the beauty of this island.
Wallis and Futuna
Consisting of three main islands, Wallis, Futuna and Alofi, this archipelago lies between New Caledonia and Tahiti. Like most Pacific Islands, Wallis and Futuna are lands of rugby, living to the rhythm of the oval ball. During your stay in Wallis and Futuna, discover intact nature, amazing lagoons and vast forests, which will delight both diving enthusiasts and experienced hikers. Those who like relaxing will find their happiness on the different small islands that constitute the archipelago. You can also participate in a fishing trip with locals or fly over the island in an ultralight aircraft.
Discover Wallis and Futuna and multiple culinary specialties!
The Fiji islands
Located in the South Pacific, Fiji is an archipelago of 333 islands. World famous for its beaches and lagoons, amazing dives and pristine nature, Fiji is world leader for eco-tourism. Plan your vacation: go on boat trips in the islands of the archipelago, enjoy water sports (surfing, diving, sailing or water skiing, for example), and explore the flora and fauna through hikes, but you can also take cooking classes, or simply sunbath on a tropical beach.
Want to discover the archipelago? You can save money on your accommodation by organizing a house swap in Fiji.
Japan
Welcome to a country that is known worldwide for its heritage and traditional dishes: Japan. In the land of the rising sun, you can visit Mount Fuji and taste one of his wines at the foot of the mountain. Furthermore, do not miss the big cities like Osaka, Tokyo or Nagoya to discover Japanese culture and culinary specialties like steak of Kobe beef, known as the best beef in the world. Finally, participate in the tea ceremony in Tokyo, an ancient ritual to which Japanese people give great importance, this is a must for every visitor!
Did you know you could be hosted for free with a house swap? We have many members willing to à exchange their homes in Japan with you!
The Philippines
The Philippines are an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, of which about 2,000 inhabited. During your trip to the Philippines, go to Ifugao, on the island of Luzon, and enjoy the rice terraces, from here you will be able to marvel the impressive emerald green landscape. Then it is possible to walk on the lunar landscape near the volcano Pinatubo and swim in the deep blue lake formed in its crater. The climbers will be able to climb Kanlaon on Negros Island, or Mount Guiting-Guiting on island of Sibuyan. Finally stop in the capital, Manila to discover the culinary specialties such as bat’s kebabs, and enjoy the nightlife of this city!
Do you want to discover the Philippines? Why not organize a home exchange there?
New Zealand
New Zealand consists of two main islands and several smaller ones, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. New Zealand is a huge area that offers many surprises, so we selected for you our favorite ones. Firstly, go to Auckland, the two ports and its many volcanoes make this city a unique metropolis, regularly voted one of the most liveable cities in the world. Nearby, you can find vineyards, beautiful beaches, bars and restaurant characterized by their ethnic diversity. Make a stop to the geothermal sources of Rotorua where you can admire the geysers and boiling mud pools and finish with Kaikoura, renowned for its maritime life.
What are you waiting for? Fly to this idyllic city and exchange your home with a New Zealander.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a diverse and unique destination. Bathed by clear waters at the heart of the Pacific Ocean, lulled year round by gentle trade winds, “le Caillou” (the Pebble) has more to offer than just its heavenly beaches and brilliant sunshine.
New Caledonia is a hotspot of global biodiversity. Nowhere else on the planet, will you find an area as small with as many species. Detached, about 60 million years ago, from the supercontinent of Gondwana, which included Australia and even Antarctica, New Caledonia was similar to a Noah’s ark carrying part of the vegetation and elements of fauna of that period. This explains the unique endemic flora of New Caledonia and the endemism of some of its fauna. Do not leave without exploring all these amazing gardens!
For gourmets, don’t forget to try the bougna, a traditional dish of the Kanak culture made with assorted tubers, fish, prawn (shellfish) or impressive lobsters marinated in coconut milk that are simmered for hours in banana leaves on the hot stones of the Kanak oven.
For your trip to New Caledonia, you can save on accomodation costs by organizing an home exchange.
Indonesia
Many of the world’s most ancient wonders can be found in Indonesia. From sacred temples to palace ruins, from prehistoric remains to living traditions, visitors from around the world come to Indonesia, attracted by its unique and diverse cultures and vibrant heritage. The Indonesian archipelago spreads over 5200km between the Asian mainland and Australia, all of it within the tropics, and comprises 17,000 islands.
The largely volcanic nature of the islands has created tall cloud-swept mountains swathed in the green of rice terraces or rainforest, dropping to blindingly bright beaches and vivid blue seas, the backdrop for Southeast Asia’s biggest wilderness areas and wildlife sanctuaries. All of this provides an endless resource for adventurous trekking, surfing, scuba diving, or just lounging by a pool in a five-star resort. Indonesia has many of the world’s best diving sites, among the finest of which are Pulau Bunaken off Sulawesi and Pulau Weh off northern Aceh in Sumatra.
The Indonesian archipelago is also one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, with an enormous variety of class waves and perfect breaks. The best-known waves are found on Bali, G-Land (Grajagan) on Java and around Krui in southern Sumatra; further afield, Sumba and the Mentawai Islands are increasingly popular. Instead the passionate hikers can’t miss the most popular volcano treks as Gunung Batur in Bali and Gunung Bromo and Gunung Merapi in Java; more taxing favorites include Gunung Rinjani on Lombok and Gunung Sinabung in Sumatra.
Have you always dreamed of visiting Bali or of climbing up to Puncak Java (the highest point of Indonesia)? Follow your dreams and organize a home exchange in Indonesia.
Taiwan
Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travelers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. It has sensational food, traditional Chinese and aboriginal festivals and exuberant temples, yet the biggest surprise is Taiwan’s hinterland: think towering mountains, eight national parks, a selection of alluring offshore islands and numerous hot-spring resorts. One of the most endearing things about the island is the overwhelming friendliness of its people
One look at a relief map of Taiwan shows you its huge adventure sports potential; bisected by northeast Asia’s highest mountains and with the rushing rivers and sheer cliffs of the east coast, this hidden paradise of outdoor pursuits is starting to attract more adventurous travelers from Asia and the rest of the world. As well as a haven for trekkers and mountaineers, the island also offers excellent conditions for a range of activities, from mountain biking and kayaking to paragliding and surfing, with many grassroots operators springing up to meet the needs of travelers.
Be captivated by the magic of the Taiwanese Lantern Festival, organize a home exchange in Taiwan and discover the wonders of the Taiwanese culture.
