I didn't let travel restrictions stop me from visiting French Polynesia and it was the best trip of my life

Kara WilliamsDec 10, 2021, 18:35 IST

Bora Bora is a bucket-list destination I'd happily return to again, even with coronavirus-related travel restrictions.Kara Williams

I just traveled to French Polynesia, despite strict COVID-19 travel requirements.
The trip required advance planning, but I felt very safe and the rules didn't hinder my trip at all.

Back in January, eager to travel internationally "once the pandemic was over," my husband and I booked a 12-day dream trip to French Polynesia for November of 2021.

French Polynesia is true paradise, even during COVID.Kara Williams

Vacationing in this idyllic island locale was as magical as I'd hoped it would be, even with COVID-19 travel and testing requirements.

Before you can arrive in paradise, you’ll need to take care of some documentation.Kara Williams

Visitors must follow specific instructions regarding entry requirements.

I’m glad the hassle of travel requirements and restrictions didn’t deter me from witnessing the beauty of French Polynesia.Kara Williams

En route, we kept multiple copies of required travel documents at the ready.

We carried hard copies and digital versions of all of our paperwork.Kara Williams

On arrival in Tahiti, we presented the important QR code and got a COVID-19 self-test.

At the Papeete airport, we waited to present documentation and get a COVID-19 test.Kara Williams

Immediately, we noticed signs everywhere requiring people to wear masks indoors.

We saw these types of signs posted on doors and entryways throughout French Polynesia.Kara Williams

Locals seemed to wear masks the most. Tourists seemed to need reminding.

Hotels seemed to enforce mask policies well.Kara Williams

Hand sanitizers were also prevalent throughout French Polynesia.

There’s no dearth of hand sanitizer in French Polynesia. It’s offered in all public places.Kara Williams

While I can't speak to what French Polynesia was like to visit prior to the pandemic, my first trip to the country was beautifully free of crowds.

A quiet slice of beach at Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.Kara Williams

At all the hotels I booked, I noticed adjustments for COVID.

We enjoyed amazing views from our hotels at sunset.Kara Williams

Personal serving utensils were common at breakfast buffets.

We either picked up our own serving tongs at our table or snagged a set prior to entering a buffet line.Kara Williams

Some hotel services were limited, but it didn't affect us.

Plenty of room to socially distance in the spa’s relaxation room at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.Kara Williams

We were still able to take advantage of complimentary stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

My husband stand-up paddleboarding in paradise, at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.Kara Williams

Hotel group excursions were still plentiful, from food tours to snorkel trips and sunset cruises.

Renting our own pontoon boat in Bora Bora was a highlight of our vacation.Kara Williams

When it was time to eat, I never waited to be seated at restaurants, food arrived quickly, and the staff was gracious.

Poisson cru, which is raw fish in coconut milk, is a local favorite.Kara Williams

Dining outside was always an option.

Food trucks were popular among visitors and locals in Papeete, Tahiti.Kara Williams

French Polynesia's tropical weather made it easy to stay outdoors breathing in the fresh air.

Snorkeling at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa with no one else around.Kara Williams

The romantic setting almost seemed tailor-made for social distancing.

Overwater bungalows like these at the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort made it easy to socially distance from other tourists.Kara Williams

At the end of our trip, we needed a COVID test to return to the United States.

We interrupted our time relaxing at the pool to get COVID tests at a local pharmacy before our departure from French Polynesia.Kara Williams

Ultimately, COVID-19 travel requirements and health precautions didn't take away from our tropical vacation in uncrowded, romantic French Polynesia.

Our final spectacular sunset at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa.Kara Williams

Had we chosen to postpone our trip, we wouldn't have experienced these fun adventures.

The snorkeling in French Polynesia is outstanding — some of the best we’ve ever experienced.Kara Williams

If there's anything that the pandemic has taught me, it's that we cannot predict tomorrow.

Watching the sun go down at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa.Kara Williams

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