20 Cook Islands Essential Travel Tips | Perfect Vacation Guide

[@roseannemilner5064]

I love people videoing my Home the beautiful island of the Cook Islands❤

[@AlexanderAyling]

Such a beautiful place! Hope to get back soon.

[@CrystalHefner]

The dog on the paddle board is everything. The dogs were one of my favorite parts of Rarotonga

[@AlexanderAyling]

Haha seriously they were so cute! The lab looking one we essentially adopted for our second week there. Wish we could have brought her home!

[@CrystalHefner]

AlexTheVagabond how adorable. I love it. Literally my dream travel places are the ones by the beach where dogs randomly come and hang. I remember a pack of three dogs on Muri led me into the water and I watched them try to fish. It’s too cute and I just love how you and Carrie adopted Lanka. The Sri Lanka dogs were incredible as well. All my money goes to travel and dog charities. I had no idea you could volunteer in Raro at one. I’ll have to look into it next time. Thanks for all the helpful info, can’t wait to go back to Cook Islands 🇨🇰 🙏

[@AlexanderAyling]

Aww thank you! Yeah I only found out about the volunteering as we were leaving I was bummed!

[@gardenofe12]

Crystal Hefner I would love 💕 to have a hitch hiker on my paddle board too !! 😂

[@pamyh.37]

Please dont take this as patronising because that's not how this is meant but your unique selling point is the intellectual approach you take. Geography, geology and socio- economics are fascinating, useful to know and very rare in travelogues. Keep them coming because I love them!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Pamy! I really appreciate hearing that my content is resonating. Much more on the way so stay tuned!

[@nlcke3265]

Well put together video with good balance of information and your experiences. Well done! 💪🏻

[@sallyrakoia2919]

Thank you for sharing my beautiful island to the world I’m so glad that you both enjoy your trip to the Cook Island 🏝

[@AlexanderAyling]

Kia Orana Sally!! We hope to come back and visit soon once travel opens up between NZ and the Cook Islands again :)

[@n.e.s_offcl]

As a born and raised Cook Islander, it's so interesting to see the genuine surprise from visitors at the local way of life, which is commonplace for me but so exotic to them.

[@aaliyahali5537]

How does it feel to be Born in such paradise I am planing to come there and even sty for a long time. Love beaches and isolated areas or islands hoep the locals are as friendly as we expect

[@luxurytravel759]

So cook island is a country of its own? I’m confused by his description.

[@shannon8389]

I loved this video. I went about 6 months ago. Dogs and roosters in abundance. Man them roosters are relentless, they go at all hours. I stayed near Muri in Matavera by the KAPS gas station. I was bummed because the day I went to Aitutaki the snorkeling wasn't great. But I am hoping to make it back next year to bring my niece. Charlie's doesn't mess around, huge portions. I got lucky and stayed at an airbnb that was an organic farm and cooked us breakfast everyday. Oh I also got lucky and got to know the owner of the pearl farm. I think she lived on Mangaia but came to the main island to reload on her jewelry supply. They supply pearls to all of the stores on raro. I brought back some beautiful pieces. Man, i love watching your videos. It sparks something in me to just wanting to go and try new things.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahah Shannon you’re not joking about those Roosters lol! Thanks for watching and hope you make it back wit the niece and get to give Aitutaki another chance. So beautiful there. All the best! Alex

[@jrmetmoi]

Excuse me please Shannon but does that pearl farm lady ever sell to the public directly? Does she sell pearl necklaces? Please advise when you can. Stay healthy and safe.

[@lrobson27]

This is awesome! Who knew I needed to add these islands to my list.... I do now! 😉

[@AlexanderAyling]

Great to hear Leah! I hope you enjoy :)

[@vagabrothers]

Yes!! Great job!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!!

[@ashapickard7866]

I appreciate your guidance about being respectful as a traveler land cleaning up trash ❤

[@scottishgirl1100]

Love the Cook Islands!!! Aitutaki day trip was my favourite!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Did you do the flight/lagoon tour combo?

[@scottishgirl1100]

AlexTheVagabond we did! I am really wanting to go again next year before the Cooks become over populated with tourists and the prices sky rocket like what happened to Tahiti/Bora Bora

[@myrtlesamuela3432]

I'm from the Cook Islands, born raised in U.S. haps home is calling me back. Miss home...

[@emilynorman4726]

This is the best video I have ever seen about the Cook Islands. So so informative! It’s my favourite place in the world and now I can use this to convince everyone else to go.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Aww thank you Emily! Make sure you watch my vlog from the trip too. It’s on my channel. Which island there is your favorite?

[@emilynorman4726]

AlexTheVagabond That’s a really hard choice but I think I have to say Aitutaki. That place is out of this world.

[@WrecklessJustin]

Great and informative video, thank you very much 😊

[@MrRamyon74]

Had our honeymoon there.... 20 years ago, so relaxing

[@AlexanderAyling]

Oh my! I can’t imagine how relaxing it was 20 years ago! Did you go to Rarotonga and Aitutaki?

[@MrRamyon74]

The budget would only allow for Rarotonga back then. We've been meaning to go again and would definitely visit Aitutaki as well. We're from New Zealand so its quite convenient as they have the same currency etc.

[@peterashietey9523]

Thats wonderful. I am enticed. Great. Thank you

[@arronbryan5314]

Such a paradise! Aitutaki is not be missed, totally worth the extra cost. For Brits based in the UK, the best way to see the Cooks is with Air New Zealand. You can book an Auckland return via LAX or Singapore from as little as a gr and (depending on the time of year). So if you've a trip planned to NZ then the Cooks are super easy to add on. One thing to remember is that on Friday's only there's a direct flight from Rarotonga to LAX so that's worth bearing in mind too. Possibly the cheapest Round the World ticket out there!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Arron! Really appreciate you sharing your tips in the comments, that’s what makes this community of Vagabonds so amazing!

[@MrNavarro71]

The water the food the mountains everything his so awesome, beautiful..I've heard of the Cook Islands..But thank you Alex for giving my wife and I a more insight of this Island gem..👍✈

[@AlexanderAyling]

My pleasure Christopher! Safe travels 🤙🏼

[@CarrieRad]

The most beautiful waters I have ever seen! The came together beautifully love. 😍

[@AlexanderAyling]

Love you!

[@AisleorWindow]

@@AlexanderAyling you guys are too cute. Congrats again on the upcoming wedding, hope you have a lifetime of adventures and happiness.

[@AlexanderAyling]

@@AisleorWindow THANK YOU :)

[@TK-fv5jv]

Wow, you guy's went up the needle!! Didn't realise you could

[@samnewzealand]

great video dude thank you, heading over there in a few weeks for the first time, cheers!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Sam, you're gonna love it. Check my vlog from Raro and Aitutaki here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5eqlIWGirOLmMU

[@PortlyTravellers]

Looks like a great place to relax and get away from the hustle of life. Great info in an fun storytelling format. Cheers Shawna🍁

[@AlexanderAyling]

It really is. Thanks Shawna!

[@AisleorWindow]

Always love your videos, and this is a great video for a cold Saturday. Thanks, Alex!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!!! Where are you watching from?

[@AisleorWindow]

@@AlexanderAyling Washington, DC today. It was 21 degrees when I got up this morning. Considering we haven't had much of a winter yet, it was a bit of a chilly shock.

[@romaboutilier8462]

The Needle was a great hike. It’s one of my favourite places to holiday.

[@callmexx5656]

Heard that it is also possible to do some kite surfing there:).

[@AlexanderAyling]

Oh yeah great Kite Boarding there. Muri Beach in Raro and The Lagoon in Aitutaki are world class

[@surendersingal9122]

Awesome explaination. See m.j s like peaceful n scenic place.

[@AlexanderAyling]

It’s so nice!

[@seasidecreations4526]

Bravo! 👏. Thank you! Great video(s)!! 🏞️💙🏖️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lauren_aida]

Been so high on my bucket list ever since learning about Rarotonga in my intro to anthro class years ago!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awesome! Are you studying Anthropology?? I got my BA in Anthro and History! What did the class say about the Cook Islands? Thanks for watching Lauren!

[@Lauren_aida]

@@AlexanderAyling I remember you saying that! I'm actually an anthropologist now 😄 It was the intro chapter in a book that I use for teaching now called "Stumbling toward Truth: Anthropologists at Work" about one anthropologist's misconceptions about fieldwork being debunked early on during his first field stint in Rarotonga.

[@AlexanderAyling]

@@Lauren_aida AMAZING! I LOVE IT

[@dannydirven]

Such a beautiful place! Also love the completeness of this travel guide

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Danny! I strive to make the best guides I can. Glad you enjoyed

[@DelightfulTravellers]

We've been thinking about going there for a while now. Wow.. what a place Alex! 👌- Trevor

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Trevor. It’s definitely worth a visit! Stay tuned I got the vlog from the trip coming soon

[@guac_mantaters5683]

absolutely adore the way this guy describes the islands 😂 reminds me of how awesome it is to live here ❤

[@peterandreadakis3851]

You're an idiot to ignore the lack of real information in this video shilling for Cook Island tourismo.

[@suziekeasthunt6272]

Really helpful video. Thank you

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leonaustin6993]

Kia orana , Great video! Have been to Raro 7x and you summed it up bloody well in a short space of time!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Leon! Where are you tuning in from? Hope you’re safe and your family is well. Check out my Cook Islands Ika Mata

[@leonaustin6993]

@@AlexanderAyling From New Zealand, so nice and close for us to travel. Hopefully can again from 1st July as us and Raro both have no virus cases :-)

[@danielapaz1737]

Those islands look beautiful!

[@AlexanderAyling]

They are incredible. Make sure you watch the vlog if you haven’t seen it yet. Cheers

[@lalochan3491]

fantastic video Alex, thank you! need to lose the baby weight before booking flight tickets but Cook Islands are on the list for sure.

[@AlexanderAyling]

No judgement, go now. 🙌🏼

[@marbleful2009]

Awe so lucky!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😊😊Thanks for all ur tips and videos!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you for watching and leaving a kind comment Maribell!

[@tinatoka]

Thanks bro for the video . Really happy you got to explore my culture ..🇨🇰 much respect 👍🥰

[@tunetankmusic]

Amazing content, Alex! Always nice and satisfying to watch your videos

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!! I really appreciate hearing that. ✌🏼

[@laila00s]

woww, I see the difference of your videos and hiw much get clear and bright

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hello Layla!! I’m not quite sure what your comment means but I think it’s a compliment so thank you. 🙏🏼

[@theshadowman1398]

Thanks for the warning about dragon fish.

[@rimasmeleshyus6545]

Absolutely fantastic video, many thanks. Warm greetings from the garden island of Kauai

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Rimas. Have you seen my Kauai video too? Do you live there?

[@katymaloney]

That threadfin butterflyfish at 10:39 is amazing! So beautiful it's inspiring me to paint a series of terracotta pots inspired by obscure, but beautiful designs found in nature. This one is so modern looking, those opposed black and white stripes with the bright yellow, just wow! Thanks for exploring the nooks and crannies of the world and sharing the amazing footage with the rest of us who can't or won't get to go to these amazing places, from the tip of a mountain to the depths of a reef!

[@katymaloney]

Funfact, there is a variety of butterflyfish called the Vagabond butterflyfish!!! And it looks exactly like this one, but with black stripes on its yellow fins instead of the black dot on its upper fun (which I'm guessing is meant to look like an eye, probably to scare off some sort of predator!).

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Kate!! I guess I’m the Vagabond Butteflyfish! Haha. Send me a DM on IG with the finished product once you’re done. All the best!

[@katymaloney]

@@AlexanderAyling Will do! Still haven't gotten around to sending a postcard back from the one I got for Christmas, oups, so I'll get to that too! Thanks again for that btw!

[@CrystalHefner]

Ten thumbs up!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Crystal!!! Couldn’t have done it without ya!

[@Nutritionbypaolao]

Always super informative♥️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Gracias Paola 👋🏼😊

[@ScenicSpotter]

Stunning ❤️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!

[@Milz_13]

Amazing, inspiring video as usual Alex! Keep up the good work! :D

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you! More videos on the way!

[@helendoolan5242]

Where did you stay on the Island of Rarotonga ? Lots to choose from!! Thanks for the informative video 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hello Helen - we stayed at an Airbnb on Raro (beach front cabin) so lovely and very affordable. Have a look here www.airbnb.co.nz/?_set_bev_on_new_domain=1678345678_MzlmMGMzYTlkZmNj

[@gardenofe12]

I would love 💕 to have a hitch hiker in my paddle board too !! 😂😂

[@AlexanderAyling]

He was a pleasure to drive lol

[@christianpien]

Sooner than later. Wifey say leggooooooo!!!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahaha 😆🙌🏼

[@chrisbrindle4993]

Thanks so much Alex for a great, informative video. My wife and I are going for a week in Aitutaki the last of March. It's been on our list since we flew near there on our way back from Australia years ago. I went to kindergarten in Guam so I love the Polynesian culture. Did you have any issues with mosquitoes in Aitutaki? I teach geography in a high school and I have shared some of your previous productions. It was so great to show them relevant footage from the Aral Sea. Much respect for journey through life.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Chris! Thank you for watching and leaving your comment. As a former teacher I love that my videos make it into classrooms and help share the world with the younger generations. We didn’t really have much of an issue with mosquitos one or two bites but nothing to write home about. I’ve never been to Guam but it sounds interesting. All the best dude 🤙🏼

[@sebastianmartinez3166]

Amazing! Which one is the best month to go there? When did you go? 😊

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey there Sebastián. We visited in December

[@alisaskitchen8728]

Love your videos! Subbed and liked!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Alisa. Really appreciate it. Have you seen my other channel @Vagabrothers, there are a lot of videos there too

[@ScenicSpotter]

I felt like I travelled with you

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks!

[@RitaCruz]

Great video!

[@ranyabotan9825]

Videio veri nice❤

[@lolabeerobinson3519]

Beyond beautiful

[@AlexanderAyling]

Seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been

[@rnmultimedia7162]

hey Mr Alex awesome Vid - Question - music? sounds awesome! whos the artist[s]?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey there! Unfortunately I’m not sure off the top of my head. The songs are all from the free KZbin library though. Cheers!

[@thekneesbs]

You just keep increasing the length of my bucket list lol

[@AlexanderAyling]

Good then I’m doing my job well right Brittany?

[@thekneesbs]

AlexTheVagabond definitely! Love watching your videos:)

[@MANCHESTER312]

Guess what ? I am going to Aitutaki this Sunday 13th June 2021 I love the colour grading and the sharpness in your videos I’m a bit of a amateur but I’m taking my Gopro 9 and Mavic 2 pro With my filters so hopefully I’ll get some good shots Great work bro!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

You’re going to have so much! Make sure you check out my vlog from there too!

[@PikaQPika]

How was it?? I purchased my family tickets and we're heading over mid October :) I hear Muri Lagoon had a problem with algae, has this cleared up? Really keen on snorkelling xD

[@MANCHESTER312]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZWtdGaBZ96Me6M

[@MANCHESTER312]

This was the weather last week and me playing with my drone first time trying editing so forgive me for the amateur video

[@PikaQPika]

@@MANCHESTER312 Amazing! Heaven on earth

[@legambaz]

What a wonderful production. Did you film this all by yourself or you have a team to work on these videos?

[@jungll34]

Alex could you tell me more about the internet in the cooks? How it works if I rent a house, or how much itll cost

[@SinFernweh]

I hope that I will go there soon. I am currently in New Zealand soo maybe the borders will open soon 😁👍

[@AlexanderAyling]

See you soon in NZ :)

[@darreneldrett4078]

Hi Alex hope you are well I just watched your trip to the Cook Islands I really loved the video and the information will help me in my trip in June I was wondering if you could help me with some information about drone use in Aitutaki I believe there are restrictions on using your drone I see from your video you used your drone What information do I need to No about using my DJI drone Hope you can assist me Regards Darren

[@sher_3771]

Thanks for the video, but ROFL, lionfish are extremely painful, but not at all deadly! My 6 year old was stung 13 times by a lion fish & while it was horribly painful, it did not warrant a trip to the doctor. Just very hot water & some Benadry cream.

[@lizavisser6118]

Great video however you said the books name you referred to as 'The Wayfarers' but the title of the book you show is 'The Wayfinders'. Considering your field of profession how could you miss that. But like I said....great video.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Only human.

[@svenheilborn1537]

Congratulations for your national holiday on 4th August Cook Islands from your friends in Germany

[@EverydayEnglishTipswithAmit]

Alex -- big hugs from KOLKATA India 🙏☺️♥️

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Amit! Hope to make it back to India this year

[@EverydayEnglishTipswithAmit]

@@AlexanderAyling Please do come if it works out for you both. 🙏

[@jorgeacevedo7934]

Alex, What are we looking at in cost? Flights/hotel

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Jorge. Flights really depend where you are flying from. Also right now with Covid-19 I wouldn’t suggest flying anywhere for the time being. That being said I flew roundtrip from LAX (Los Angels) for $750

[@ultramimo]

Alex, we're going in June. What sort of license do I need to rent a scooter in the island?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awesome! You’re going to have such a good time. I think just a normal drivers license for a scooter

[@ultramimo]

@@AlexanderAyling thanks brother, and also thank you so much for the video, beautiful and very informative. I am @marcelo.travels on IG if you want to check it out, and I have to say, because of you and your brother, we are getting ready for a major trip later this year, starting in Uzbekistan.

[@shannon8389]

If you have a motorcycle license, you will be good. If not, you will need to test at the police station. My suggestion is get one from where you live, if you don't have one or if you want their license as a souvenir. I think you can get more info about scooter licenses on the tourism site.

[@ultramimo]

@@shannon8389 thank you so much!

[@shannon8389]

@@ultramimo no problem. Enjoy this amazing trip! So many beautiful things to see. Scooters are definitely the way to go. If you don't have tickets yet, which im sure you do but check out secret flying. Always having crazy ass deals. I flew from la for less than 600.

[@domsvideos1196]

Do you recommend the cooks or bora Bora? For natural beauty not for like amount of people

[@AlexanderAyling]

I haven’t been to Bora Bora although I’d love to go someday. I have heard Cooks are much less expensive than French Polynesia.

[@mikedv39]

how do you do your travel purchase? who do you go through? Im in California.

[@AC-cj]

Is the internet connection fast now? I'm not talking about Netflix, but in 2007 it cost something like NZ$1 per 10 minutes and took longer than that to even refresh my emails.

[@2ak215]

😄😄 ika mata ta akari you pronounce that perfect 👏👍😂

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!! I always try my best to pronounce local languages and words correctly but it can be a challenge sometimes lol.

[@PapLab]

Did you need to do some application form or follow some strict regulations to use a drone in Cook Islands?

[@ScenicSpotter]

I'm gonna go to A village called Mangia

[@KaiAden-bu9ow]

What is best was to go to the cook Islands from GERMANY?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Travel to Australia or New Zealand first then fly from there to Cook Islands

[@Brandon-rq6jg]

Nowhere near Fiji. Located between American Samoa & Tahiti.

[@michaelaallenby9782]

Nice video.. Lion fish are not going to kill you tho and treatment is just was it with walm water.. there isn’t any official reports of death, ever! They are very tasty.. just cut spines off and fillet like normal fish

[@paulineboaza8125]

Home ❤️

[@AlexanderAyling]

An amazing place to call home

[@paulineboaza8125]

AlexTheVagabond It is indeed! Thank you for showcasing our wonderful Cook Islands 😊

[@hogyoku8388]

What is the name of the background music are you playing?

[@faithwithsheldon]

I was just on holiday in Cape town now my bank account is crying

[@AlexanderAyling]

LOL. Cape Town is gorgeous but it’s a bit pricey

[@mohammedsamiantor4391]

How many cost in cook islands of 15 days minimum

[@AlexanderAyling]

It really depends on which type of accommodation you choose and what, if any paid activities you do. Also being able to cook at your own accommodation (I.e. Airbnb) really helps keep cost down

[@mohammedsamiantor4391]

@@AlexanderAyling brother Can I go directly to Cook Islands from Bangladesh as it is free visa.. and if I take usd 1000 then what is possible to stay for 5 days

[@BernardFestus]

Please can you help me to cook island

[@srithianjali2691]

Thankgod a place on earth without stupid skyscrapers

[@AlexanderAyling]

Watch the full vlog. Such a dreamy place! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5eqlIWGirOLmMU

[@sagarpradhan238]

Means of communication there

[@AlexanderAyling]

What do you mean? Language? Main language is English

[@sagarpradhan238]

@@AlexanderAyling i mean network internet etc

[@sagarpradhan238]

@@AlexanderAyling it was quick (appreciate it)

[@AlexanderAyling]

sagar pradhan there is WiFi but you need to purchase vouchers from local stores to use it. It’s called Blue Sky. There’s more info about WiFi at the end of the video

[@kingtime9269]

As of April 2020 vodafone runs all communications...a big upgrade from bluesky...sea cable laying completed Aug 2020...

[@Cali_in_the_city]

What about most beautiful island One foot island??? Most beautiful place on Earth 😉

[@AlexanderAyling]

So nice there

[@Cali_in_the_city]

@@AlexanderAyling can you make a video about one foot island? Did you needed a special permission to visit or it's all under cooks islands? Thanks

[@simontowart2225]

Located between American Samoa and Fiji?...ummm what???

[@jsmith6259]

I HATE IT WHEN PPL USE CAPS AND TELL ME TO LIKE THEIR VIDS

[@noname-tk2qq]

+

[@AlexanderAyling]

🤙🏼

[@markd7358]

You where never there. Thats crap

[@nhanmonewzealand2551]

Bro you talk to much i mean “ showing your face “ can’t you tak and just showing the trip without your face appeal on the video ? Improve that will get you more like and follows thanks