My girlfriend and I are stopping in Samoa on the way to New Zealand. We have a couple of weeks and wonder if it is worth visiting American Samoa while we are there? Also, if we do go, how do we get between the two? Dan Baxter, London
Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: American Samoa is a very underrated group of islands, just 90 miles from its neighbouring, and better known Samoa.
But it is easy to get to and I’d say a visit is well worth it, especially if you are the sort of travellers that are always curious about what is just over the horizon. That said, the laid back lifestyle of Samoa is so contagious that you’ll be amazed at just how difficult it is to do anything other than relax.
Compared to the delightful sleepiness of Samoa, you might find the marvellously named capital of American Samoa, Pago Pago, a tad disappointing. Certainly the country’s ties with the US (it is an unincorporated territory) means that you’ll see some jarring American imports, like LA style police cars and pick up trucks, which look rather out of place in the South Pacific.
However, the main island is undoubtedly spectacular, with an impressive mountain backed harbour, some brilliant and deserted beaches, and a textbook South Sea island jagged-peaked interior.
Advertisement
There are few sights as such, but it pays to venture around the island on local busses the best way to really get a feel for the place. They are similar to the quirky little buses on Samoa, and as you’ll immediately discover that islanders here too, are some of the most disarmingly friendly folk on the planet.
Polynesian Airlines and Inter Island Airways operate flights between the two capitals, with fares for the 45-minute hops starting at £80 return. Make sure you book a flight leaving from the local Apia airport, rather than the main international airport, which is 22-mile schlep from the town. For more information, visit www.amsamoa.com