Tonga is a small island nation and the only monarchy in the South Pacific between New Zealand and Hawaii. It consists of 172 islands, out of which less than 40 are inhabited. This place is like a slice of paradise amidst the sparkling blue waters of the Pacific.
Gorgeous beaches, a wealth of marine life, verdant forests – nature is at its most beautiful in Tonga. Life here moves at a relaxed pace with no “touristy bucket list” to complete. It’s all about soaking up the easygoing lifestyle.
You can fly into Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii via Fiji. Direct flights operate to Tonga from Australia and New Zealand as well, but before you board your plane for Tonga, be sure to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance to protect against any unforeseen illnesses, injuries, or accidents during the trip.
Tonga Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Accidents or illnesses on vacation will catch you unprepared. Medical facilities in Tonga are not of the best quality. Evacuation to Australia or New Zealand would entail high expenditures, so keep yourself protected from such expenses by opting for travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Tonga?
It’s not legally required for you—the international traveler—to have travel medical insurance to visit Tonga. However, you need to keep in mind that travel medical insurance coverage will guard your finances should you need medical treatment while in Tonga.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Tonga?
Any medical emergency ruins your vacation. And going by the risk factors, there’s no guarantee that nothing untoward will happen to you. Getting treatment in a private facility will dig a deep hole in your pocket. So, it makes sense to buy Tonga travel medical insurance before boarding your flight.
Tonga Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Trip cancellation is something all of us loathe to think of. But there are so many reasons that might necessitate it, like a death in the family, sudden unwelcome developments at work, or weather issues at the destination. Cancellation results in the mental pain of not being able to take the trip as well as a substantial financial loss.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Tonga?
You would lose all the money you paid in advance for the trip in the event of a cancellation. But the trip cancellation insurance can protect you from such a loss—if you cancel for a reason covered by the policy. If you’re eligible for benefits, you can receive reimbursement for your pre-paid, nonrefundable expenses.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Tonga?
Standard reasons for cancellation like death, injury, and illness of the traveler, a traveling companion, or someone in the traveler’s family are usually covered in standard trip cancellation policies. Other reasons such as natural disasters, terrorist activities, bad weather, and so on might also be covered. Check the policy wording before you buy Tonga travel insurance so you can travel with ensured peace of mind.
Things to Do for Travelers in Tonga
For sea lovers, Tonga is nothing short of heaven. Exquisite beaches dot the country, inviting you to simply lie down and relax with a book or a drink in hand. Need some exercise? Jump into the turquoise blue waters and have the swim of your life. For those who cherish non-vegetarian food, Tonga offers an amazing array of meat dishes.
There are lots more to do in Tonga. Let’s look at a few activities:
- Swimming with the Whales: This is going to be one of the most memorable occasions of your life. The southern humpback whales come to the tropical waters of Tonga from Antarctica to give birth to their young from July to October. See them up close, swim with them, and enjoy the company of these gentle giants.
- Explore All Around the Landscape: Not a swimming aficionado? Not to worry. Take a walk through the Tongan villages and hike up to the summit of Mt. Talau for a brilliant view of the islands. Spend some time at the villages and get a feel of their lifestyle and habitats before checking out the Vava’u and Ha’apai island groups. And don’t forget to visit the spectacular blowholes at Mapu’a a Vaea.
- Diving: The underwater marine treasure trove awaits you at Tonga with more than 170 life forms. Dive down to explore the submarine caves and coral reefs teeming with tuna, marlin, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks. You can get to experience Tonga’s geological past in its waters, along with some of the most exotic marine ecosystems.
- Beaches: If you are the kind who simply wants to have a leisurely vacation at Tonga, its exquisite beaches are where you should head. Be it a beach full of people or one which is much more private – you can pick whatever you’d like. Enjoy with a group, or simply lie down all alone on the white sand and watch the sun go down into the ocean.
- Day Trips to Islands: You can take day trips to one or all three islands in close proximity to Nuku’alofa – Pangaimoto, Fafa, and Atata. Relax at the resorts there, laze around on the beach, go snorkeling or kayaking, and enjoy the exquisite local cuisine prepared by experienced chefs while looking out at the ocean.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Tonga
Tonga has appreciably low crime levels, but it isn’t entirely a crime-free nation. Break-ins, petty thefts, and bag-snatchings from international tourists do occur from time to time, so exercise some basic caution.
- Avoid secluded places, more so after dark. Resist any overt display of cash or valuables while you are out on the streets.
- Tongans, while being very friendly, are reserved and conservative in their attitude. So, dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection.
- Being an island nation in the Pacific, Tonga is prone to natural hazards like cyclones (mainly from November to April), earthquakes, and tsunamis. Pay proper attention to any weather hazard warning from the relevant local authorities, and follow all related instructions.
- Strong rip currents frequent certain spots near the coasts of Tongatapu and Pangaimotu. These can cause serious troubles to even the best of swimmers, so stay aware. Sea snakes, jellyfish, and poisonous cone shells near the corals also pose threats to swimmers.
- Avoid consuming partly-cooked or raw food and tap water. Also, protect against mosquito bites that can cause diseases like dengue and malaria by getting vaccinated before the trip and using mosquito repellants.
Before You Travel to Tonga - Do This
Three important points to remember before your Tonga trip:
Keep your travel documents well-protected.
Keep the cash and cards in different places and not everything in your purse or wallet.
Get adequate Tonga travel insurance. Enter some basic trip information, compare a wide variety of options, and select the plan that best matches the needs of your itinerary, destination, and budget.