Five reasons why Fiji can be your Euro summer - without the Euro price tag

Euro summer is in full swing. But what if you don't want to battle the crowds and drain your bank balance to join the revellers over there?

We are making a case for a place much closer to home where you can do all the same things without the downsides.

It's Fiji.

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Okay, so Fiji doesn't have the historic sights of every European city. But it also doesn't have the crowds, the jet lag, or in a lot of cases, the price tag.

And I've said before, I feel like Euro summer is on its way out.

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Meanwhile, more Aussies are heading to the island nation than ever before.

A total of 36,000 Aussies went to Fiji in May 2025, compared with just under 29,000 in 2019, making it one of the top ten holiday spots.

Still not convinced? Here are five reasons why it could really by a serious alternative to Europe.

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1. The flight time and cost

Fiji is only around four hours from Australia meaning no jet lag and no layovers.

You can leave home in the morning and be sipping dinner cocktails by the pool come the early evening.

Fiji Airways is among airlines which fly direct from Australia, with prices starting at $629 return.

Compare that to a return flight to Europe - I've just paid a shocking $3300 to get to London in September - and it's an easy sell.

2. Affordable luxury hotels

It might not be quite as cheap as some Aussie favourites like Bali, but you can get some good deals on luxurious hotels in Fiji.

Families love Denaru Island close to the airport, while Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa is another easy option.

It even has a beach club, Urban Sugar, which offers South of France vibes.

For couples who want to venture further, I recommend the secluded Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.

My husband actually dubbed the breakfast buffet there as "the best he's ever eaten".

If you were in Europe you could only dream of being able to afford such hotels.

You're more likely to be staying in a cramped three-star place which hasn't been decorated since 1989 with no AC and a brown bedspread.

Also, Europe can be exhausting. A sun lounger sounds much more attractive than dragging a suitcase around packed cobbled streets.

3. Affordable food and drinks

Those 20 euro Aperol Spritzes in Europe are actually costing you $35 a go, you know.

In Fiji, you can actually afford to get another round, because they're closer to Aussie prices - often less

Or do as I do and head to the supermarket to stock up on some Fiji Gold beer for the room to cut back on the drinks bill.

4. Island hopping without the overcrowded ferries

Much of Fiji's beauty is found in its islands, witch sit within turquoise ocean.

I'll never forget my first visit, as a backpacker, when I stayed in a 100-bed dorm on the budget Beachcomber Island (it's now had a revamp I hear and is run by Aussies).

It was like that Tom Hanks film Cast Away (but we could leave anytime we wanted).

And you don't need to venture on a giant packed ferry with all the other tourists to get to these places either, like in Europe. Island transfers are on comfortable boats.

Even better - the Mamanuca Islands are only around half-an-hour ride from the mainland.

Or head further to the more untouched Yasawa Islands for hotels straight from a luxury holiday brochure - it's on my bucket list.

You don't have to actually sleep on an island either, as that can be pricey. We once paid for a day trip with South Sea Cruises instead.

Sailing from Port Denarau, we visited the rustic but pleasant South Sea Island, spending the day kayaking and sipping beer.

5. Partying is cheap and easy

Forget the eyewatering entry fees and packed dance floors of Ibiza, Fiji is pushing itself as a party destination, too. If that's what you want it to be.

Floating bar Cloud 9 is anchored in the middle of the ocean, and serves all the vibes of a Euro beach club minus the chaos or cost.

Plus, think of the photos you'll get.

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