The Pacific region, or Oceania as it's sometimes called, comprises those far-flung islands like Fiji and wildlife-rich havens such as Papua New Guinea. The Pacific region can easily be incorporated on a round-the-world route, and there are some volunteering projects available there too. It's also a great place for watersports and diving!

The Pacific region is the part of Oceania that doesn't include Australia and New Zealand. Unfamiliar to a lot of career breakers, it includes Papua New Guinea and Fiji as well as some other countries and overseas territories (ie islands that are governed by a different country).

If you want to take part or all of your career break there, you should be able to include it in a round-the-world ticket. Fiji is the most popular route but you could also go via the Cook Islands, Tahiti or Easter Island. Travelling throughout the region is possible but obviously all has to be done either with short flights, or travel by boat.

There aren't as many career break activities in the Pacific region as in most other parts of the world. Most career breakers go there to chill out between North or South America and working or travelling in Australia and New Zealand.

Volunteering in the Pacific on your career break

There are a few volunteer projects in the Pacific region and obviously its location and weather makes it perfect for marine research! You will get your diving course included on a marine research volunteering placement, and any training you need to carry out conservation or scientific research.

You can also volunteer in teaching and childcare. Away from the beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters, some parts of this region have poor areas (just like everywhere else) and the children there can benefit enormously from your involvement in helping them learn English or supporting staff in an orphanage.

One obvious advantage in volunteering in the Pacific region is that during your time off, you are free to explore some of this fantastic region, and spending longer there than most people do will help you gain a real understanding of the area.

Most volunteering placements in the Pacific region are in Fiji, but you can also volunteer in Samoa and in some other places too.

Diving and other watersports in the Pacific on your career break

The Pacific region is wonderful for diving. Clear waters, warm weather and amazing wildlife make diving there affordable and accessible. You can get your PADI certification here, and can continue on to divemaster or diving instructor qualification if you want.

There are other watersports courses available, such as yacht crew and surfing.

For many water activities, you don't need to do a course - just hire yourself a kayak or jetski and away you go!

Travel in the Pacific region on your career break

"Travel" is a bit of a misnomer here, as most career breakers fly to their stop off point and just relax for a bit!

It is possible to travel around if you want to though. Depending on where you land or where you go, it could be as simple as a taxi from the airport, or you may take a boat to another island. If you want to do any more travelling around, you will probably fly between islands or countries.

Most airlines fly in and out of one place (usually Fiji) rather than offering continent passes or open jaw tickets. Your round-the-world ticket will only pass through one airport here. You will have to get separate, local flights if you want to travel around - or go by boat.

You can see all our organisations with career breaks in the Pacific region here.