Some people may be reluctant to travel to Fiji because of what they perceive may be political instability in this South Pacific island nation. True, the Fiji Islands seem to have a history of frequent government takeovers by the military. But these army takeovers are far less dramatic than the words suggest, and violence is rare.

A journalist who visited Fiji in the autumn of 2000, about a month after a military takeover had occurred, reported that life on the tropical island paradise appeared not only safe and calm but peaceful and idyllic. Much more recently, another military takeover happened in the winter of 2006, during which time the CBS television series "Survivor" was being filmed in Fiji. There were no interruptions in production of the TV show, which was completed on schedule and without incident.

A traveler to Sydney is able to enjoy one of the most cosmopolitan cities, located on one of the most beautiful harbors, in the world. Port Jackson is not only the heart of Sydney; it symbolizes the sun, water and outdoor spirit of those who inhabit it. Sydney was the location for the 2000 Olympics.

History

First settled in 1788 by convicts and military personnel from mother England, and now a bustling metropolis of four million people, the early township was founded at Sydney Cove, a small bay on the southern side of the harbor. This cove, now called Circular Quay, is today the departure point for the Sydney ferry service.

“Fine beaches, perfect weather, good people, and a more secure traveling experience”

If you are looking for all these conveniences and excitement, let Australia handle that for you. Perk up your traveling experience in the sixth largest country in the world, twice as large as Europe but less crowded.

Make a choice from a wide variety 7000 fantastic beaches and enjoy the luscious greens of flora of approximately 25000 species and diverse but unique fauna as evidenced by the Kangaroo.

Australians are fun-loving people and are very sociable. You can learn so much about their culture because of their very straightforward attitude towards guests and strangers.

Most international travelers jet into Sydney, Australia, fly north to Queensland's Great Barrier Reef or Gold Coast, and then jet off home again.

In doing so, they short-change themselves. They miss the amazing diversity of the world's largest island.

If you fall into that trap - after all the planning and expense of flying 'down under' - you will kick yourself when you get home and find out what you missed.

Do yourself a favor now. Put Canberra - the 'bush capital' - on your agenda, and multiply the richness of your visit to Australia.

Oh, it will not compare with experiencing the dust and the flies and the emptiness of the vast Red Centre, or the beauty, tranquility and peace of Tasmania.