When I went to Australia, it was cheaper to get there by staying a few days in Tahiti. I got a cheap room, kind of like an air bnb, it hosted like 4 guest rooms with a very nice garden and the guy made a very good breakfast each day. I got a rental car and drove all around the island, went for a couple hikes, went to the public beaches, ate fresh seafood and very good french coffee and food. My roaming wasn’t working so I kinda just went at the whole thing blind. I couldn’t read anything because I don’t speak French, and directions were easy since there’s just one main road that goes around in a circle on the island. Driving a manual Suzuki Swift was fun as hell, way uhh “looser” of a car than I’m used to in the states.

Overall though, I had a great time in Tahiti. It’s beautiful and everyone there is very laid back and friendly. I saw a couple resorts there with private beaches and cruise ships and I could not imagine a worse way to experience French polynesia. I cannot understand the mindset of people on their honeymoons that are terrified to leave their perfectly curated hotel experience or whatever. When I travel I want to travel and see as much as I can of how things really are and how people live, eat, etc