Tonga

If you're looking for an amazing, South Pacific island nation to add to your travel bucket list, look no further than the Kingdom of Tonga! This archipelago of 176 islands (36 of which are inhabited) is located in the western Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand. Tonga's closest neighbors are Fiji to the southwest, Samoa to the northwest, and Niue to the southeast.

Some interesting facts about Tonga; it is the only monarchy in the Pacific, Tongans never cut down a tree (they consider it bad luck), and the capital city, Nuku'alofa, means "abundant land of love".

There are many reasons to visit Tonga, but some of the most popular include its stunning natural beauty (from its white sand beaches to its lush green mountains), its friendly and welcoming locals, and its rich culture.

Tonga is also a great place to enjoy some delicious Polynesian cuisine! Some must-try dishes include: Poi: A traditional Tongan dish made from the root of the taro plant. It's often eaten with meat or fish. Kokoda: A Fijian dish that's similar to ceviche. It's made with raw fish that's been marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Lu Pulu: A type of stew made with chicken, pumpkin, taro, and coconut milk. And last but not least, Sapasui: A dish made with rice, pork, and vegetables. It's often served with a sweet and sour sauce.