Why would you purposely schedule a 33 hour layover??? By definition, it is a break in a journey and I love finding these hidden gems that really jump start the first day of vacation.
Besides the common sense that it breaks up an uncomfortably long trans-Pacific flight (my first ever), who wouldn’t jump at the rare opportunity to visit one of the most photographed archipelagos in the world?
Plus anything I can do to ease the inevitable effects due to severe jet lag is always welcome. It was kinda hard to comprehend that on my westward quest I would be 5 hours behind my home base of Orlando, FL on my short Tahiti leg, but the very next day continuing the adventure to New Zealand I would then be transported to 18 hours ahead. Still doesn’t make sense.
And French Polynesia doesn’t require a separate visa. Bonus points for no stress.
Despite a 5 hour delay before this trip of a lifetime even started (due to an airline strike in Paris delaying our plane), I passed the time in LAX’s new terminal B with a complimentary stack of nachos, a brand new music playlist and closing out some work loose ends.
Finally getting the green light to board, I trudged to the back of the plane along with all my fellow budget minded travelers. While I was dreading my horrible middle seat assignment for the 8 hour flight, I was pleasantly surprised to have the row to myself… winning! I spread out and tried to calm my excitement to catch a few zzzs (being mildly successful actually), knowing that I would arrive now at 3:40am into paradise with only 28 hours to go explore.
Let’s go!!! That’s still 28 hours more than most people will ever enjoy, so I don’t intend to waste even a minute.
FearlessAdventures 