Normally, when people book a Fiji vacation, they’ve never heard of Nadi (pronounced Nan dee) before. The first time I booked a trip to that part of the world, thinking our travel agent had misunderstood our destination, I had to say to her:

“Where in the heck is Viti Levu and where is Nadi?” I've never heard of either of them. We just want to go to Fiji!”

I've learned a couple of things since then. First, for those who are ignorant on their world geography (as I was that day), or who have forgotten -- Fiji isn’t just one place, it’s a group of several hundred islands, with only one third of them inhabited. Viti Levu is the largest of those islands and the main Fiji island. Nadi happens to be the location of Nadi International Airport (NAN) on the western side of the island of Viti Levu. Nadi is approximately five and a half miles (nine km) northwest of the airport.

Second, while it is Fiji’s main international tourism gateway, where virtually all visitors to Fiji come and go from -- it’s so much more, if you give it a chance and take the time to explore.

Chances are that if you've arrived at Nadi International Airport (NAN), some of you have traveled a long way. Here are some travel distance facts:

• Europeans, traveling from London, have a lengthy, almost twenty-three hour flight time.
• From Los Angeles, it's over 5,521 miles (eleven hours).
• From New York, it's 7,978 miles, and a sixteen hour flight.
• From Australia, it's over 1,960 miles north east and a mere three to four hour flight (non-stop).
• From Honolulu, it is a short five and a half hour flight.
• From Vancouver, Nadi takes thirteen hours.
• From Tokyo, the flight to Nadi is eight hours.

So unless you flew in from Honolulu, Australia, or New Zealand -- there's a lot to be said for taking a step back after lengthy flights for orienting yourself and acclimatizing yourself to the final destination.

Aside from flying into and out of the Fiji Islands, Nadi is also the hub for transportation to the outer islands. Far too often, it's hard to not get caught up in racing to the dream of a luxury or adventure vacation, and miss the real Fiji -- which is what Nadi represents -- a blending of several cultures and real Fijian life.

However, if you plan ahead of time on spending a day or two in Nadi, before that dream Fiji island vacation -- you'll get much needed rest, have some fun, and come away from your vacation with a very clear perspective of what the real Fijian way of life is all about.

Afterall, if you've been to Fiji and all you saw was one or two islands, representing part of that country -- wouldn't you wonder what you missed?  Well, you'd be missing a lot, if you didn't stop and take the time for unassuming and more-than-meets-the casual-eye Nadi.

Nadi has the usual restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping centers, that you would expect in a place where lots of tourists pass through. You’ll definitely want to visit the Nadi Town market, again and again, for the local hand craft souvenirs, fresh fruits, music, and just the sheer novelty of this shopping experience.

However, there are numerous attractions in Nadi and nearby, that should not be missed:

At the end of Main Street in Nadi, the first place that of must sees is the Hindu Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple. This surreal, delectable dessert-to-the-eye and camera spot, honors Lord Muruga, a mythical general who knew how to defeat evil. Admission is inexpensive ($2.30 U.S.) and seeing the inside in context with the splendid outer appearance is certainly a once in a life-time experience.

(Note: Please be sure to dress modestly, and remove your shoes when entering this or any other temple. Also remember, it is disrespectful and prohibited to take photos inside).

Then, there are the beaches -- three popular public Nati beaches are: Newtown Beach, Wailoaloa Beach, and Natadola. (This is the most popular beach with both locals and tourists. It has long stretching gleaming white sand beaches and crystal clear pristine waters). The only drawback is that it is a little ways out.

Or, take a day trip to Koroyanitu National Park where you'll enjoy inexpensive ($5.00 admission) eco-tourism at it's best. Take a picnic lunch or partake in the great food at the lodge after exploring waterfalls, forests, hiking, swimming, or even a mountain bike trip.

Then, there is the Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which was a life project of Canadian and popular U.S. actor, Raymond Burr in developing a collection of tropical orchids.

Additionally, Nadi is the place where you can find and book all sorts of specialty activities. These range from the tame of bird watching, to sheer adventure adrenalin vacation joys -- like zip lines, mountain biking, and scuba diving.

Because I live in a high traffic tourist destination, I'm going to tell you that going to Nadi is the same as coming here to Florida.

"Personal safety is "your responsibility," even on vacation."

This is something that people often forget, especially in a beautiful exotic destination.

Like here, there are pickpockets, and there are those who will try to scam you. The safety rules are pretty much universal in Nadi and all of Fiji:

• Be aware that you will be approached by aggressive sales tactics, as shop owners vie for your tourist dollars -- Lots of sword sellers and souvenir sales people.
• Keep track of and hold onto your valuables (purses, wallets, purchases, cameras, etc.).
• Be aware of cultural differences and tensions between different ethnic groups living there.
• Understand that there are muggings and thefts (They happen here in Central Florida everyday.  Yet, few tourists coming to Florida are aware of how wide-spread this problem is. We just have better PR).
• Don't take your valuables to the beaches or deserted back roads.
• Avoid the beaches away from your hotel at night.

While almost everyone speaks English, here are a dozen Fijian words worth knowing:

Drink -- gunu (pronounced goo noo)

Eat -- kana

Excuse Me -- tulou (pronounced too low)

Goodbye -- ni sa moce (pronounced nee-sah-moh-thay)

Good Morning -- ni sa (pronounced nee-sah-yahn-dra)

Hello -- bula (pronounced mbula)

I want -- au vinakata (pronounced aoo vina kahta)

No -- seqa (pronounced senga)

Please -- kery kery

Thank You -- Vinaka (pronounced vinahka)

Toilet -- vale lailai (pronounced vale lie lie)

Yes -- io (pronounced ee-o)

• This past January 2009, Nadi experienced a devastating flood.  The people there have been tirelessly trying to recover and rebuild. Eager to get back to normalcy, this may be the best year for bargain travel in that region.
• You are required to have a valid passport to travel to Fiji.  It must have at least six months left before it's expiration date.
• No visa is required for U.S. citizens who are on vacation.
• The local currency is the Fijian dollar.
• You'll need an adapter for use of personal electronic devices, as most outlets are 240 volts with AC/50 cycles.
• Tipping is not customary throughout Fiji.
• Fiji marriages are legal in the U.S.
• The three official languages spoken there are: Fijian, English and Hindustani. 
• The best time to visit Fiji is between June and October, during their "winter." Average winter temperatures are around 84 degrees F.
• Emergency services in Fiji is the same 911 call that it is here in the U.S.
• The rainy season in Fiji is between November and April, during their "summer." Average summer temperatures are around 88 degrees F.
• Cyclones can occur between November and April.
• The water is safe to drink from the tap in major cities, including Nadi.
• In Nadi, you'll have many ground transporation opportunities that are cheaper than taking taxis. If you do use a taxi, remember to agree on the price before hand. They are supposed to charge 1/2 fare for the return trip.