My wife and I are considering going to the South Pacific next month. However, I am surprised that none of the travel writers seems to talk about this area – are there any particular problems?

Specifically, I have heard about a wind that could disrupt the weather in some areas. Also I have heard that there are internal problems in Fiji and Samoa and they may be a little dangerous. As first-time visitors, recognising it is such a vast area, which island groups should we visit to get the full flavour of the South Pacific? – Peter Down, via e-mail

Times travel expert, Julia Brookes, responds: Although less frequently covered by travel writers than some other parts of the globe, this does not reflect any shortcomings on the part of the South Sea islands – it’s more likely to be because of the distance involved.

There have been political rumblings in Fiji, but these are no longer considered to be a threat to travel and you should probably worry less about the climatic impact of El Niño/La Niña and instead consider travelling in our summer months rather than February as the weather is generally better.

As well as Fiji, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, including the Marquesas, should be on your itinerary, rather than Samoa, which is better suited to more intrepid travellers. Bridge & Wickers (020-7483 6555, www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk) is a South Sea island specialist that can book tailor-made trips and David Stanley’s South Pacific Handbook (Moon Handbooks, £14.99) is the best guide to the region.

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