Perfect getaway for young families

By Anina Kazaz 18 July 2018, 12:00AM

A Kiwi mother finds Samoa a perfect family getaway, especially for families with young children. 

Auckland-based Shirley Raymond and her two children are accompanying her husband on a business trip to Samoa. 

As a first-timer to the island, Shirley said bringing the kids over to Samoa is easy thanks to its relaxing and laid back atmosphere. The family has been to other islands in the region. 

Discussing the options, they would take if asked to choose between Upolu and Savai’i, she said they would opt for Savai’i as Apia (on Upolu) is the business center and industrial capital of Samoa.

While the island has its attractions, seeing rubbish on the road during the drive from the airport to the resort was a concern for the Auckland residents.

“It is quite heartbreaking seeing the rubbish in Samoa and also driving from the airport to the resort, there have been plastic bottles and bags around. I know that the unemployment is quite high, so people could be picking up rubbish and the people could work and at the same time protect the environment,” she said.

“I guess for me when we come to the islands, we come to relax, to lay by the pool and walk along the beach. We don’t come to shop or the touring stuff. We just come to enjoy the culture, the music and sunshine.”

Nonetheless she said the music and the food were the best part of the trip and her family had the opportunity to visit a pineapple and banana plantation.

“I guess people like these sorts of things, to taste and visit plantations,” she added.

When asked if she was planning to return to Samoa, she said she will have to wait for her kids – who are four and seven years of age – to grow older before they can think of making a return trip. 

“I can imagine a good trip when the kids or we get older to come back not because of business,” she said.

By Anina Kazaz 18 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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