Meet Karen, Margaret and Ian.

They are from Australia and are in Samoa in search of relaxation.

And just after two days of their 12-day trip, they have already found what they are looking for.

 The trip so far has been amazing, they all agreed.

“There’s so much that makes Samoa a great place; I mean just everyone coming up to us and wishing us a Merry Christmas all the time. The friendliness is amazing.

“That’s one of the reasons I came to Samoa and I have found that it is beyond expectation. I have traveled and been in many airports but I have never found somewhere where the people are very friendly at an airport lounge.

“It was mainly Samoans on the flight and at the airport lounge; everyone was queuing politely. There was no pushing and everyone was polite and nice.

“When we got here, the taxi drivers weren’t too pushy and I felt safe.”

The trio added that while in search for relaxation, they found just that and so much more.

In comparison with the fast and hectic pace back home, they said that island time is a great and welcomed change in pace for them.

“I loved all the beautiful churches and lights at night on the drive in from the airport, it’s very relaxing.

“We came here to relax and we are already feeling relaxed. Time moves nice and slowly; it’s not hectic like the cities.

“We are here on holiday and to enjoy Christmas together. We wanted to go somewhere tropical where we can just relax.

“On Christmas day, we just chilled at the hotel pool, swam a little, ate a big feast; we did two days of that.”

Asked about their itinerary while in Samoa, they said that they plan to see the whole island and maybe even visit some popular tourist spots.

They added that their trip is more of a “go with the flow” type of visit.

“So today we are going to pick up a hire car and then drive around the island to get our bearing and plan the rest of the trip.

“We have quite a while here to plan. We are planning to explore both the Islands of Samoa. Today we’re just going with flow.

“We found out about Samoa through the tourism market in Australia, ads, and travel agents.”

But why Samoa out of all other tropical options in the region?

“I heard Samoa is much friendlier,” Karen said. “I mean I have been to Fiji; it is very beautiful, but once you’re on island then there’s nothing much to do. It’s beautiful for little small beach resorts, but there’s nothing to do.

“We wanted to come to a place where we can stay in a resort but have so much more to do like go for a drive to a waterfall or to see a church.”

But according to the trio, there may be still areas Samoa needs to improve on in order to become more visitor-friendly.

“The only thing that’s difficult is finding out information that’s correct,” they said.

“Information like opening times, closing times or what’s open and what’s not; it’s difficult to find out correct information but nevertheless, everyone is so beautiful and wonderful.

“Other than that, we love your country and thank you for having us. Please keep welcoming your tourist.”