Ia Orana! I took my first real vacation in 3 years, deciding to turn 50 in beautiful Tahiti. I stayed in Papeete on the island of Tahiti, but also spent my birthday in an over-water bungalow in Huahine, and also spent a day on Moorea. Thanks to my host family (maruuru!), I got to visit many cultural and natural sights, tried a lot of native food, and despite spending the week sweating, had a wonderful time, living as both a tourist and native.

French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France, comprises more than 100 islands in the South Pacific, stretching for more than 2,000km. Divided into the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, they're known for their coral-fringed lagoons and over-the-water bungalow hotels. Island features include white- and black-sand beaches, mountains, rugged backcountry and towering waterfalls.