Avoid Wearing Anything On This Part Of Your Body While Exploring Villages In Fiji

A stunning archipelago made up of 300 islands, Fiji is a picture-perfect tropical paradise for beach lovers, sun worshippers, and adventure enthusiasts. Tucked away in the South Pacific — and a roughly 4-hour plane ride from New Zealand — the country is well-known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, bucket list-worthy coastlines, and vibrant local culture.

That said, and given Fiji's year-round warm and sunny climate and beach-centric culture — both of which make it the ideal Polynesian island for your next tropical getaway — you might feel tempted to pack your favorite wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to wear throughout your trip. And while these accessories might be perfect for lounging on the beach or visiting crystal clear rivers and waterfalls in a local park, they're best left behind when venturing out to a traditional Fijian village.

Why's that? According to local culture, wearing anything on your head — like a hat or your sunglasses — is actually considered disrespectful. This, because locals believe that the head is the most sacred part of the body that connects people to heaven — and wearing anything to cover the head can ultimately disrupt said spiritual connection.

Along with removing your headwear while visiting a traditional Fijian village, there's a handful of other etiquette rules and customs that you'll want to keep in mind in order to show respect to the locals. First, there's the importance of dressing modestly and covering up. For both men and women, wearing a sulu — pronounced "soo-loo" — or sarong wrapped around your waist is customary. Along with that, you'll also want to wear a loose-fitting shirt that covers up your shoulders, knees, and bare chest.

Beyond the unexpected dress code you should follow while visiting Fiji, your behavior matters just as much as your attire. For example, if you're carrying a backpack with you during your village visit, make sure to slide it off your shoulders and hold it in front of you, or on the nook of your arm like a purse. Additionally, other considerations include openly and actively participating in local events with respect (never mockery), not lingering in doorways once you've been invited in, never bringing your shoes into someone else's home, lowering your voice when speaking to others, and always asking for permission before taking photos.