Cook Islands | A Hidden Paradise Rivaling Tahiti 💙🫧

Visited by only 1% of the world's travelers, the Cook Islands are a jewel of the South Pacific, located right next to Tahiti. Its crystal-clear waters are just as stunning as those in Tahiti and the Maldives 🏖️ This is the ultimate way to experience an island getaway! 🥥 **Day 1️⃣** Sydney ✈️ Rarotonga (main island), then Rarotonga ✈️ Aitutaki (outer island). Direct flights to the Cook Islands are only available from Sydney/Auckland/Tahiti/Hawaii. **Day 2️⃣** Join Aitutaki’s classic activity: **Lagoon Cruise** 🛥️ (recommend **Teking Lagoon Tours**). Boat tours showcase Aitutaki’s stunning islets and lagoon, with opportunities for snorkeling 🤿 to see coral 🪸 and tropical fish 🐠 up close. Highlight ‼️ Visit the famous **One Foot Island**, where you can get the world’s most unique "big footprint 👣" stamp at its tiny post office. **Day 3️⃣** Deep-sea fishing with **Kaotea Charters** 🎣 The best-value fishing charter in Aitutaki, where you might catch marlin, tuna, sailfish, or mahi-mahi 🐠. If lucky, you might even spot dolphins 🐬‼️ Other activities on the island: - Kitesurfing & windsurfing 🏄‍♀️ - Kayaking & paddleboarding - Biking around the island to explore its scenery and culture **🔖 Tips:** 1️⃣ **Visa-free** for Chinese passport holders, but transit visas may be required for layovers. 2️⃣ The **NZD** is the main currency. Cash is often needed, so bring enough 💰. 3️⃣ Limited **WiFi** (usually paid) and spotty signal—consider buying a local SIM card. 4️⃣ **Rental cars** 🚗 (left-hand drive) are available in Rarotonga & Aitutaki with AU/NZ/international licenses. 5️⃣ Pack instant noodles/snacks—dining options are limited. 6️⃣ Top **accommodations**: - **Torea Heights Luxury Villa** (sleeps 6, host is super friendly, best value 👍). - Resorts: **Pacific Resort Aitutaki** & **Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort**.