From YourTravelGuide

Oceania is considered to be one of the world’s finest vacation destinations, and gains much of it’s financial support from tourism. The diversity in climate, and natural wonders within the area makes it a prime location for the traveler seeking any number of delightful destinations, from the big cities of Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, to the tropical delights of the Hawaiian Islands.

Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Current Events 1.2 History & Culture 1.3 Climate 2 Geography 2.1 Regions 2.2 Australasia 2.3 Melanesia 2.4 Micronesia 2.5 Polynesia 2.6 Countries 3 Transport 3.1 Get There 3.2 Get Around 4 See 4.1 Highlights 4.2 Itineraries 4.2.1 Cruising 5 Stay Safe 5.1 Health 5.2 Trouble Spots

[edit] Introduction

[edit] Current Events

[edit] History & Culture

The name Oceania is used for this area of the world due to the separate countries being connected by ocean, rather than landmass.

The roots of most island nations can be traced back to Asia or dark skinned Papuans who first came to the islands around 50,000 BC. These were very spiritual cultures who believed in separate gods, and spirits. The most spiritual and ritualistic of the island people were the Polynesians. Ceremonies were conducted around low, stone platforms called marae where stone or wooden statues, called tikis were placed to honor and pacify the gods.

The Polynesians believed that each god, or spirit owned a differing amount of mana, or life force. Mana could be gained by the gods eating the flesh of their enemies, or lost by breaking sacred rules.

The Aboriginal tribes of Australia once numbered more than 250 different languages. Today, however, due to extinction, only 12 languages remain.

The Aborigines believe in primordial spirits that created the wind and the rain, the mountains and the rivers and all living things, including man. Man’s correct behavior is channeled through dreams. Spirits communicate during dreamtime, when the past and the present become one.

[edit] Climate

Since this prime vacation destination is in the southern hemisphere, summer comes in December. With wintertime blues setting in for those in the northern hemisphere, a sunny and warm vacation spot could be just the cure for what ails.

[edit] Geography

Oceania is the cumulative word for the group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. While interpretations differ, Australia is usually included in this group. The islands are further broken down into Near Oceania and Remote Oceania. Linguists developed this classification in 1973, believing it was a more natural distinction than the previous breakdown of: Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The later, however, still remains in most discussions.

The total area of Oceania is 9,008,458 sq km, and as of July 2002, the total population consisted of 35,834,670 inhabitants.

[edit] Regions

[edit] Australasia

Australasia is cited as being a region within Oceania. Proponents, however, believe the region is too continental to be included. Australia is the largest country by landmass in the world, and also one of the world’s seven continents. The total population for commonly known Australasia, meaning Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea (excluding surrounding islands) is over 2.6 million, with 2 million residing in Australia alone.

The area known as Australasia consists of Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands, including: Tasmania, Christmas Island, the Cocos Islands and Norfolk Island.

[edit] Melanesia

Melanesia includes: Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

[edit] Micronesia

Areas included in Micronesia are: the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

[edit] Polynesia

The area of Polynesia includes: American Samoa, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Niue, the Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna.

[edit] Countries

• American Samoa
• Australia
• Cocos Islands
• Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• French Polynesia
• Fiji
• Guam
• Indonesia
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• Nauru
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Niue
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Islands
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna

[edit] Transport

[edit] Get There

[edit] Get Around

[edit] See

[edit] Highlights

With such diverse climate variations the traveler can venture into the sparkling blue sea and swim with the dolphins, hike into the eco-lands of Australia’s northern rainforest, or search the world’s largest coral reef. One can wander through fabulous floral gardens in Fiji, discover the ancient mountains in Papua New Guinea, or enjoy the wonders of pineapple farms in Hawaii.

[edit] Itineraries

[edit] Cruising

The islands of the South Pacific offer the traveler history, culture and fun, all rolled into one. A good way to get the most out of a South Pacific vacation is by ship. There are many cruise packages available that allow shore excursions to many of the islands. By taking a cruise, the intricacies of each island can be explored, instead of settling for one destination.

Cruising Australia and New Zealand, the traveler can choose from extended cruises, which also encompass the South Pacific Islands, or simply choose to cruise along the coasts of either country or both.

[edit] Stay Safe

[edit] Health

[edit] Trouble Spots