On French PolynesiaWhen on Bora Bora take a 4WD tour around the island, this way you will have access to the best views and therefore the best photo opportunities.
On CanadaWhen driving along the Icefield Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise break your journey at the Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier, the only glacier in the world that you can be driven onto.
On SamoaIf you can manage a night without luxuries, get back to nature with a night in a traditional beach fale. Just a raised platform on the beach with a mosquito net, it is a magical experience.
On SamoaKeep small change on you when visiting local beaches around the island as all are village owned and you are expected to pay a very small fee.
On SamoaBook a table at Bistro Tatua in Apia for a fantastic yet inexpensive meal.
On French PolynesiaThere are so many wonderful islands and resorts in French Polynesia but they do get full quite far in advance. The key is to think as far ahead as possible.
On CanadaAlways pre-book your Calgary Stampede tickets well in advance, this is a popular event and is often sold out.
On French PolynesiaAlways take cash out at the airports when you have the opportunity as there are very few cash points elsewhere on the islands.
On New ZealandFor a real taste of Kaikoura stop for some crayfish at one of the many mobile vans along the coastline.
On New ZealandDrive out to Greytown and have lunch at the French Baker, the freshly baked breads and pastries are fantastic.
On CanadaOn your first day in Vancouver buy a 'hop on, hop off' ticket for the Trolley Bus. This is valid for two days and is the ideal way to explore the city.
On SamoaThe Flea markets in Apia are a great place to pick up souvenirs.
On French PolynesiaFood and drink is expensive in French Polynesia so stock up at the local supermarket in order to make yourself a picnic lunch.
On FijiWhen visiting a local village always take a gift with you for the village chief and check with local guides to ensure you will be welcome.
On FijiFijians do not put chicken in the same category as meat, so always be clear when ordering food if you have special dietary requirements.
On FijiTravel as light as possible when visiting Fiji, the domestic luggage limit is 15kg per person and the rest of the time you will be hopping in and out of boats.
On New ZealandTaking the ferry out to Rangitoto Island will give you fabulous views back over Auckland, great for those iconic city scape shots.
On CanadaThe best time to see polar bears is late October and early November. Take a tundra buggy to enjoy unobstructed views of the bears.
On CanadaWhen staying in the Lake Louise area opt for one of the lodges that are located away from the main lake as you will avoid the crowds that visit on a daily basis.
On French PolynesiaRather than staying on Tahiti itself, stay on nearby Moorea which is much more picturesque. You can then take the ferry across to Tahiti for a day trip instead.
On SamoaWhen arriving into Salelologa on Savai'i stock up at the supermarket as this may be the last opportunity you have to do so.
On New ZealandWhen visiting Te Papa Museum, join one of the guided tours. The informative hour long tours give you a great introduction to the museum.
On FijiAfter your international flight, consider transferring to the islands by helicopter instead of boat. This gives you amazing views as you whizz past.
On CanadaIf you don't have time to stay on Vancouver Island visit on a day trip. This will give you a full day to explore Victoria, Butchart Gardens and even give you the chance to go whale watching.
On CanadaIf you only have time to do one whale watching trip then go to Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island. The Johnstone Strait is one of the best places in the world to see Orca.
After graduating from Canterbury University with a BA honours degree in English and American Studies, Lucy backpacked around Australia, New Zealand and North America. Once back in the country she could not shake the travelling bug or her love of New Zealand and after completing her Masters degree in Museum and Heritage Management spending time working alongside the National Trust, Lucy joined Audley Travel. As well as re-visiting New Zealand with Audley many times and exploring the South Pacific Islands of French Polynesia and Fiji, Lucy has recently returned from a product research trip to Canada which has allowed her to indulge her passion for wildlife and the great outdoors.
"My most vivid memory of Bora Bora (French Polynesia) is not the beautiful turquoise waters or the fabulous overwater bungalows. Instead what I remember most was the day our guide took us to swim with sharks and rays, standing waist deep in water surrounded by gentle freiendly manta rays is something I never dreamed I would do but will remember for the rest of my life!
This once in a lifetime trip also saw me don flippers and a snorkel and jump into shark infested waters (ok they were the small, none of man-eater variety but they were still sharks!)
This trip is one that nearly every resort in Bora Bora can organise and is well worth doing for an experience that you will never forget."