Hi all
I’m looking to take my wife & 2yr old to Fiji in July 2026, wondering on the best way to do so?
I have:
~650,000 velocity points
~175,000 Amex points
Is it best to use Amex points for hotels and velocity for flights? I presume I’ll have to fly via BNE? (I’m SYD based). Is it worth booking business on such a short flight and with a toddler?
Any suggestions on hotels good for 2yr old?
Never been to Fiji so this is all new to me, any/ all suggestions welcome!
Thanks!
Hi and welcome, Henry.
I surprised myself when I found that Virgin Australia flies from Brisbane and Sydney to Nadi, Fiji.
Amex points are generally better used for flights. The conversion rate is not the greatest. However, if you wish to use it on hotels to save some cash, no one can tell you what to do with your points.
For a 2 years old, they will need their own seat. Flying with a toddler in business class has it’s challenges but the 2-2 orientation of a 737 makes it still manageable (compared to on some wide body planes). Your child is still within arms length with one of you. For 49500 points per person from Sydney in business, and with your point balance, I would not hesitate to book the family in business class. Unless of course, if you are saving your points for a longer flight in the future.
The flight to Nadi is 4-5 hours from Sydney, so it depends whether you value the additional comfort, space and privacy. The business class in a 737 is not ground breaking but some value the additional bit of comfort and lounge access.
Otherwise, you could pay for some slightly better seats in economy. 3-3 configuration isn’t too bad for a family of 3 if you can handle the flight duration with a toddler.
On hotel recommendations, I wouldn’t know any better. I’ve only stayed at a Marriott when I had some Marriott points in my disposal before kids.
Fiji is well known for their kids club. Some hotel or resorts have arrangements where you can have staff from kids club tend to your kids while you have a short break. Some would have kid friendly activities. You will need to do some research on your own or wait for recommendations from others. i’m sure a quick google search would bring some up. Heck, time to put ChatGPT to the task. I have had some fun asking for some imaginary itineraries.
Good luck.
Hi Henry,
I took my wife and 2 year old last year to Fiji.
Booked flights through velocity points. Flight to Fiji was bit more expensive through points so booked economy X. Flight back I booked separately as it was cheaper to purchase a business class flight then booking a return trip (35k points each).
I paid for the hotel as value paying compared to points was a no brainer but then again that is up to the individual.
Thanks Both! I’ll have a play around with points and see what’s the best value once they open up.
Any hotel suggestions? Is it better to stick around Denarau with a 2 yr old, or easy enough to venture to the islands?
To be honest being the first time I flew with my 2 year old at the time I just stuck to Shangri La. I have a mates who loved Outrigger and other who loved intercontinental