World's Most Beautiful Tropical Island? | Rarotonga & Aitutaki Cook Islands Travel
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Is this the world's most beautiful tropical island destination? It just might be! Welcome to the Cook Islands, home to some of the most beautiful islands on earth. In this 4K travel vlog I'll guide you through the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki, take you hiking up volcanic peaks, swimming with giant fish, to the unspoiled beauty of Honeymoon Island as well as learn the traditional cooking methods of the local islanders. Don't miss out! #CookIslands #Travel #paradise
+ Subscribe HERE: bit.ly/ClickToSubscribeToAlex
+ INSTAGRAM | / alexander.ayling
+FACEBOOK | / alexanderayling
---
+ Book CHEAP Airfare: bit.ly/CHEAPFLIGHTSNOW
+ BOOK YOUR HOTEL: booking.tp.st/stLkfI5d
+ Affordable Rental Cars: discovercars.tp.st/teBb8YQ9
+ Book Your Activities Here: viator.tp.st/OLzT6k8V
+ Great Travel Insurance: visitorscoverage.tp.st/YWHfLkCj
+ SIM CARD FOR TRAVEL: airalo.tp.st/5pkpPYWS
+ Book Your Bike: bikesbooking.tp.st/MknuYg8s
---
MY PHOTOGRAPHY PRINTS | alexthevagabond.darkroom.tech/
----
GET $55 Dollars FREE For Your Next AIRBNB!
www.airbnb.com/c/alexa7733?cu...
---
SHOP ALL MY FAVORITE GEAR AND TROPICAL TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: www.amazon.com/shop/alextheva...
---
BOOK RECS
+ Obstacle Is The Way | amzn.to/2PueGFk
+ Discipline Equals Freedom | amzn.to/2L70th7
+ The Power Of Habit | amzn.to/2PsGLwU
+ Can't Hurt Me | amzn.to/2PtljYk
---
+ MY HAIR GEL | amzn.to/2UHBup3
---
TRANSLATE MY VIDEOS: ua-cam.com/users/timedtext_cs_p...
Watching this makes me miss the Cook Islands, my family come from Rarotonga and every now and then I try to catch a flight over to visit them. I just love watching people’s vlogs of our little Polynesian nation and seeing how much they appreciate their visit. Meitaki ma’ata, thank you for helping show the world how beautiful it is!
Meitaki! Are you not living in the Cooks now? Where is home for you now and what’s happening in regards to the virus?
AlexTheVagabond I live in New Zealand, born and raised. Many of my family members, such as my grandfather still live in Rarotonga. NZ is currently in Lockdown but the Cook Islands isn’t. Of course this has a negative impact on our tourism industry. Hopefully, once this all clears up many people will go on holiday in Raro.
It's true, it's really beautiful... I'm from Brazil... here too many similar places... but there's no way to know other places.... I loved it with all my heart😍😍😍
Aitutaki the best island in the universe, especially my village Amuri.
So beautiful there! Already miss it haha.
Lies
I have been there it is so nice and pretty
Aitutaki's lagoon was a magical, unique, colorful sight to behold when I visited your island. I LOVED it! It's so dream-like!
Tautu!
Thank you for visiting my island .. Aitutaki ❤️❤️❤️🌸🌺🌸
Paradise is real. It’s called Aitutaki 🙏🏼
Aitutaki my heaven on earth, love my home
Such a beautiful place to call home Joshua
Its paradise there
Kia Orana AlexTheVagabond definitely is a beautiful part of the planet love the vlog Alex thank u sharing & experience the wonders of my home land.
Ever since I saw pictures of the Cook Islands I said to myself I may or may not get to visit this amazing place
I myself find Raro so haunted with a mystic jungle... If u in takuvaine.. theres a bridge up there... I stood there and was mesmerized by that mountain... Te Manga..
Takuvaine valley yessir
Beautiful 😍 21:07 was like a painting in the sky! "The heavens are declaring the glory of God;The skies above proclaim the work of his hands." (Ps 19:1) How thankful I am to God for giving us such a beautiful Earth and to you for uploading this video!😊
I just wanted to say... how much I really enjoyed your vlog. I've watched so many vlogs about the Cook Islands, and this is the only one I've come across where you didn't make assumptions about the people and culture, you really immersed yourself in our traditions, and the way you described it made me feel even more homesick. Manea tikai! Thank you for putting the best of the Cook Islands on display! 💕
One Cook Island I'd like to visit some day is the unusual island of Atiu; the more I read about this small island the more interesting it gets. I assume it has its share of rather unique island features, yes?
My friend Ralph Westover a native Alaskan who in the 40s homesteaded near Anchorage. The winters were brutal and they would go to the cook islands every year. I met them in Apache Junction Arizona in the early 90s. They would travel to Ratonga almost every year. They invited me many times to come along but being young and trying to start a business kept me very busy and I never went. After seeing this video see what it would be like 40 years ago I think I missed a lot. I Will have to make a plan. Thank you for making this video cheers Joe
What an incredible story! I can’t imagine what it was like back then. It’s cool this video tipped the scales for you. I hope you enjoy
Thank you for this video, I love you and Carrie (will miss Marko of course). You guys introduced me to the concept of being a traveler and not a tourist, of learning about culture and history which is really what makes the experience so much more soulful. What you do matters, more than you can imagine. I changed my entire outlook on life with your help. The dance was so awesome haha, and your quote at the end made me tear up. I’ve never met any of you but I love you guys so much and wish you all the best that life has to offer, you deserve it.
This comment is exactly why I do this. Sharing your life and opinions online can be tough at times but you exemplify the reason why I share! Thank you so much for this kind and positive comment. Wishing you all the best!
Most beautiful place on earth for me......
This video turned out incredible! I want to go back!!!
Couldn’t have done it without you babe. You’re the star :)
I enjoy watching you two travel together. You make a beautiful couple and an excellent team.👍
♥️🇨🇦
Why is your wife sooo beautiful?💕 and I a woman saying this!
@@AlexanderAyling No shes not 😑😜😂
@@WellnessandTruthMinistry She is absolutely correct, sir, you're very lucky to have such a DYNAMITE looking, gorgeous wife. No offense, I'm just saying the obvious......I'll bet this lovely little lady is good for you Alex
I was back home on Rarotonga just over a month ago, but it's been ten years since I last went back to Aitutaki and your video truly made me miss my island paradises even more. I'm so glad you and Carrie enjoyed your time there and I hope you get to go back and see some of the other outer islands very soon (Mangaia, Mitiaro and Manihiki just to name a few). Between July and October is a great time to return to because whale watching season, and July-August is Te Maeva Nui, where the nation celebrates its Independence Day with various events and festivals on Rarotonga.
My Rarotonga; my Aitutaki; my ipukarea (paradise). Thank you so much for this video! Kia manuia 🌺💛
Thank you so much for leaving this lovely comment. It is so inspiring when locals leave me messages like this. I LOVED your country and can’t wait to get back and explore the outer islands too. All the best
I've been to Raro several times and in some ways it's the PERFECT Pacific paradise; it's large enough to have a lot of interesting features to explore, but still small enough it's very quick and easy to explore the island through bus or rental bicycle or even hitch-hiking. Raro always seemed like a perfect balance of a Pacific paradise to me.
I'm glad your enjoyed our beautiful little country🇨🇰❤
I had such a great time. Thanks Ashleigh
I've been to Raro several times over the years, always staying at Vara's along Muri Beach. And yes I found your country extremely pleasant/interesting/colorful, your island most certainly gave me a warm, comfy energy vibe every time I've been to the Cooks. This yank certainly enjoyed your beautiful little country very much, that's for certain.
It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. The "spell" is forever with me.
I spent nearly three weeks in the Cooks last year, and 5 days on Aitutaki as a solo traveller. It was a dream coming true. The people are so nice over there and I came back with so many impressions. Thanks for sharing this beautiful video and wish you both all the best for the future. Greetings from London.
Hey Nils! Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment. Three weeks there must have been so nice. We did 16 days and didn’t want to leave
So excited , I’m going there soon!
Very cool place to forget about everything :) beautiful, beautiful :) stunning all around and so much relax !
So much relax lol. Thanks for tuning in :)
Beautiful…Thank you
There is some magic in volcanic islands in the middle of pacific...
It’s an artery to the center of the earth
Loved this video so much. Love watching you and Carrie, you guys are the perfect hosts. My goodness that water is so gorgeous. I miss it. I hope you guys got to see the stars as well. Truly mind blowing
Thank you Crystal! We did see the stars one night, so many! Really is a magical place!
Great video! TY
That was such a beautiful coverage of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it :)
What a beautiful place to visit, and too hard to leave. I could stay there forever. Love the video!
Honestly it was hard to leave haha
I miss Rarotonga.. Can’t wait to go back.
Woww! This video is exactly what I needed in this crazy time. You've done a truly great job creating it!
Thank you Afra! Glad you enjoyed it. Stay well!
This video is so poetic....
Thank you!! I’m glad you enjoyed
Top notch video quality
Thank you Suranga!
Great video. Thanks!
And the puppy....the best ever!!!
Hahaha they are such water dogs it’s ridiculous
You made my morning. Cook Islands here i come
🙌🏼
Wow
🙏🏼
woow! Beautiful tropical islands for relaxation and adventure.. love from Philippines.
We need to get to the Philippines too! Thanks for watching Chet
i really enjoyed viewing Cook Islands serenic beauty through your cameras eyes.
Headed here in July, cannot wait!
Honestly you’re going to have such an incredible time!
Very beautiful place on this globe. Love it!
Such a unique place 🙏🏼
Oh yes 👍 in my dreams . Thank you for sharing
Hope you can make them a reality someday soon!
What a beautiful island, Rarotinga Cooks Island. Greetings from Hawaii islands. .
Well done Alex & Carrie for this wonderful vlog of of our homelands.. I love your appreciation for custom & tradition, no matter where you go in the world. It's a great attitude like yours that brings so many great responses & comments. Thank you for shining your great video, all the very best for your wedding latter on..
Thank you for sharing your amazing vacation to the cook islands it's magical place and little heaven on earth paradise really appreciate of you sharing it on your UA-cam channel 👍👍👍
Thank you for watching and leaving this nice comment. Are you watching from the Cook Islands?
@@AlexanderAyling I'm from Melbourne Australia I'm going there in may this year can't wait
took 6 months off and went down to aitutaki in 2016 and worked as a bartender at pacific resort. Became a really good friend with Quentin (wet&wild). Miss everything and everyone. great video :)
Hey Alex
Thank you so much for your video of my home. I’m an Aussie born Cook Islander who was raised on Rarotonga. As many locals do, I made the decision to head back to Australia when I was 20 to see what the whole world had to offer. 14 years later my fiancé and I made the decision to move back to the Cook Islands. As they say “there is no place like home” She is part Cook Islander and was raised in Australia all her life. During her first visit to Rarotonga 4 years ago, she fell in love with the island and knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life here. That is when we met. I was very fortunate that she lived in Sydney where I was living! Small world huh 😅 And now we are living our best life here in the islands. I suppose as a child growing up here I took everything for granted and as we said back then “ I can’t wait to get off this rock” haha
I’m so grateful that I was raised here and look forward to raising my children here.
Meitaki Maata and God Bless 🙏🏽
Kenny Ben
Meitaki Kenny. Comments like yours really make my day. I appreciate reading about your life and how my video makes you appreciate your home.
Wishing you all the best
Was just in Aitutaki this past weekend. Still beautiful.
Beautiful
Thank you Lisa! Where are you watching from?
Really very special indeed! And your final comments, extremely stimulating! Loved the video!!
Thanks Sam
What a majestic island😍.
It really is...
Thank you and Meitaki Maata for sharing our beautiful Cook Islands paradise. Your acknowledgement of the need to continue share our ancestral knowledge is very important to us as people of the Ocean and Polynesia. This vlog was absolutely beautiful and although I reside and live in NZ now, this makes me proud to be from such a special place in the world :)
I’ve been there twice.....Beautiful beautiful love love love it!...best wishes from Wellington N.Z. That dog is hilarious....😂😂😂
Thank you!! I love Windy Welly! Thanks for watching. Stoked to come back to NZ in a week!
AlexTheVagabond cool.....I rank Wellington as the best city in N.Z. Even the wind is better than other winds 👌👌👌🤣🤣🤣
Beautiful video , you showed the beauty of the Cook Islands 🇨🇰 in a really special way , new to your channel loving it thanks
I've been to Rarotonga (& other South Pacific island paradises) and I've always LOVED that sweet Iki Mata dish (or "poisson cru" as they call it in Tahiti). It's a raw fish salad made of raw, diced Ahi tuna soaked in lime juice and coconut milk, as well as other shredded vegetables. I couldn't get enough of it! It really is tasty.
wow
👍🏽
The feeling you described of groundedness there, is the same as what I experienced when I was fortunate enough to spend time there.
Absolutely amazing place.
Gorgeous footage. 🌺
Thanks Bec! Rarotonga and Aitutaki are special places!
So beautiful, ill never be able to go so it's wonderful to see this on you tube xx thank you xx
I’m glad my videos can help you see new parts of the world 🙏🏼
I think I saw you guys when I was over there for Holiday. That hike was never ending the first part. But was worth it once I got to the top of the chain track. The view was priceless
Everything worthwhile requires effort right? The hike was so cool! We were there in December
WOW 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😀In this video I saw everything I wanted to see... I mean: a little bit of everything.😍💐😍🌹😍🌻
Thanks Queen 🙏🏼
Hey Alex. I'm from NZ. I climed the needle about 20 years ago. But I went on the wrong day. On the day it was, I think 28-32 degrees The sun was out, no clouds, humidity 80-90. I swear, after I completed the walk, I must have lost 5-8 kilos.
Looking at your video (correct me if I'm wrong) the weather looked over cast, and not so sunny. Which is the best time to do the walk
Thanks for the upload. Keep up the good work. Peace and love to you and your family.
Kia Ora! The weather was overcast which was a lifesaver for the hike but it was still humid and hot.
Really great hike though. I can’t imagine what the islands must have been like back then.
Where in NZ are you from? I’m a Kiwi citizen, believe it or not, and heading down there next week!
Cheers
Alex
We also did the needle a few years ago and got terribly lost! spent half the day lost in the jungle following the powerline to get back!! ended up quite the fun adventure
@@AlexanderAyling Auckland. My parents are Cook Islanders and separated. But I was born in NZ.
Such an awesome review-from ur eyes 😍
Thank you Charlene!! Where are you tuning in from?
Hi Alex thanks for showing the great raratoga I will now go there awesome.
Thanks for watching Manoj! Glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great trip
Great video. You captured Aitutaki just like I remembered it.... Paradise! Thank you :)
Thank you 🙏🏼
Awesome vlog!
Thank you!
was there in dec for three weeks. hdid tge criss island hike. great views lush forest great waterfall at the end.
Isn’t it amazing!!!
Wow, this is such a well made video. meitaki ma'ata.
Meitaki Abraham! I’m glad you enjoyed my video 🤙🏼
Wow! Fantastic video! This is an incredible place that is definitely on our "must go to" list now. Aitutaki looks like the place where heaven meets the earth. I am impressed by your dedication to learning the local customs and history on your travels. We seek the same on our travels, especially with our kids. I hope we can make it to Rarotanga soon.
Wow again Alex. I showed your Aral Sea video again last week with new students in my Freshmen Geography classes in Kansas City, KS. I will be showing them this the last day before Spring Break to show them where my wife and I will be traveling... to Aitutaki...we depart on March 21st for a week in paradise.
Thanks for creating this and your wonderful journal writing at the end.
This is so cool to hear Chris! As a former teacher, and I guess still sharing knowledge in video form, I love that educators use my videos in class.
All the best and enjoy your upcoming vacation!
The way you are going soon you will speak the lingo fluently. You pronounced the words correctly and that made me smile :) I grew up next to the golf course. That stretch of beach between the Seawall and Black Rock was my childhood playground.
I did the hike to the Needle twice, one when I was in primary school. My class did the trek to the Needle and across to the Wigmore Falls. I also hike alone to the Needle when I was about 15-16. Back then, I know most of the plants and trees along the trail. Now I can't remember LOL I am too much of an Aussie these days Hahaha.
I thoroughly enjoy your video, it brought back memories of my childhood. Thank you for sharing :)
Kia Orana
Everything about this video is beautifully done. Your commentary and knowledge (kudos on the pronunciations) music background, scenery 💓 interaction with locals. Made me teary it's so majestic, not forgetting your dancing skills 👏👍 Thank you for sharing our paradise with the world.
Meitaki Ma'ata (Big Thanks)
Meitake! Thank you. Comments like yours keep me inspired to create and share!
The top of the needle is something I gotta do..Thank you Alex/Carrie..👍
Yes!! You’ll love it Chris!
I’m headed there in a few weeks! Solo traveler waiting to explore and have fun. Thank you for all the fantastic tips.
Amazing! You’re going to love it Kathleen! Tag me in some IG stories when you go so I can see what you get up too! All the best, Alex.
My husband and I will be there in 3 weeks! We can hardly wait! (Stay away Corona Virus!)
Grammy Patriot you will love it!!!
AlexTheVagabond, we fortunately have been there 3 times but not for about 15 years. You stated so beautifully in your piece that the Cooks get into your “soul” and never let go. I couldn’t agree more! Thanks again for the great piece!
Aww thank you so much!
you will have a great time.I recently spent three weeks in Raro. Its great.Any questions about tge island contact me.
this video makes me want to visit cook islands more than i already do. thank you for sharing 🤍
My pleasure Linda! Thanks for watching. I hope you make it down there soon.
Spectacular. It bought back my fond memories of six wonderful journeys to the Cook Islands. I made many friends who would welcome me back any day. I also went to Atiu. The Aitu coffee is magnificent. The Lagoon of Aitutaki is as great as they show. Kia Orana. From down under.
Thank you Philip! I’d love to go back and check out Aitu and the outer islands next time
My travel agent said this is one of her favourite places to visit... true tropical place
It really is incredible Natalie. Highly recommend. If you want more information watch the travel guide video I made for the Cook Islands too. All the best
I love my island, my paradise. Aitutaki 🤍🌹
Such a beautiful slice of paradise! I already want to come back.
Wow. Always wanted to visit this island. Thanks for the video. Amazing job
Travel Junkie glad I could help!!
Where are you watching from?
Dallas,TX
nice to see Quinton driving the boat - Wet & Wild
He’s the MOST CHILL dude out there. Such a good day with him and his daughter 🤙🏼
Wow😍 this was beautiful.
Honestly the place is unreal! Glad you enjoyed Miriam. Where are you watching from?
Miriam Renteria I’ve lived here for 4 years and I can’t see any filters.
AlexTheVagabond 4 weeks late, Southern CA . Thank you for replying Alex. Much love to you and Carrie ❤️
Im leaving in 6 days so excited cant wait. Excited for the hikes and dives. Rarotonga here i come.
Have fun!!
Also make sure you watch my Cook Islands Travel Guide video before you go
Alright
How deep was the lagoon?
Kia orana and welcome 2 my home island
Maitake! We had such a great time and hope to come back again soon. 🤙🏼
Hey Alex i love your video. I'm glad you both enjoyed your trip to the Cook Islands. I'm from Rarotonga living in Las Vegas. My house is about a mile and a half from the Pacific resort. My kids love Rarotonga.
Such a lovely country! Glad we could experience it
Subscribed because of this Epic video. Amuri Aitutaki I’ll be coming soon.
I am so purchasing the cameras and drone you used for all of this stunning footage. You captured some beautiful memories of these gorgeous islands. Love love love 🌺
If you do please consider using my affiliate codes in the description of this video. Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for taking me on your journey to two places I call home - I miss being here so much. Well done on pronouncing the local place names too. Such a great little video - thanks again..
Thank you so much! It means a lot when locals enjoy and approve. Already want to go back to the islands lol. Where are you from in the Cooks?
AlexTheVagabond I’m from both the islands you visited (Rarotonga and Aitutaki) but live in Australia and don’t get back much.
Love your video'"s Alex, your narration and way of filming and voicetechnique. Very professional. Asha
Thank you Asha! I hope you check out more of my videos. Much love ❤️
Love your videos Alex! Me and my partner are travelling there in June from NZ, and was only planning on staying in Rarotonga since we are only there for 8 days. But I think you have convinced us to plan a day tour to Aitutaki! Looks absolutely unreal. Thanks for sharing :)
Cannot wait to go here one day.
🙏🏼
Cannot wait to go back❤️ May 2021 cannot come soon enough
Amazing!! When was your last visit Justine??
@@AlexanderAyling May 2019
Love cook island ❤ One day i will be there.
🤙🏼
Ohh heyyy its my homeland! This popped up out of nowhere! Born in Aitutaki raised in Raro. Watching this made me missed home
Awww such a beautiful place to grow up in! Hope you liked the video Jaz :)
Home ♥️
What a great spot to call home
@@AlexanderAyling Glad you and your partner enjoyed it!!
Just got back last week after having been "trapped" on the Cook Islands for 3 months. We had a great time and made a lot of new friends from all over the world. I took plenty of pictures and video, but nothing as pretty and polished as your work! Very cool! We were one of only a couple of hundred foreign nationals left on the island so (1) a lot of stuff was shut down, (2) we got good deals on everything. We were sad when inter-island flights were shut down, but we were finally able to make it to Aitutaki for a week before we left. We soooo want to go back someday soon. Thanks for the lovely video!
Damn I wish we got “trapped” on the Cook Islands too! Hahah glad you made the most of it and thanks for the nice comment. Where is home for you?
@@AlexanderAyling we started to feel like locals in the Cook Islands (parties every weekend), but our home base is in Auburn, Washington (just south of Seattle). We actually went to the Cook Islands because it looked like they would be spared a hit by COVID-19. The borders shut down the day after we arrived.
❤️🤩
Been to Raro twice once for my honeymoon and last year for my birthday, got to see the humpback whales swimming past our resort every morning,.Raro is my favourite Tropical Island.
Wow I wish we saw some whales! So cool
Thank you for sharing our little paradise with the world, we’ll catch you both in Aitutaki for your honeymoon 😉
Wouldn’t mind another trip haha. Thank you Gerald!
Honeymoon island in Aitutaki is my favorite place on earth so when I saw that you started the video there it was funny lol. The most beautiful place I have ever seen. I have been to Raro and Aitutaki in 2007 and 2010 I stayed in Aitutaki a total of almost 1 month. Want to go back.
Aitutaki is a dream
Just back from French Polynesia 🇵🇫 it was the best trip of my life
Awesome. Which islands?
AlexTheVagabond Tahiti,Moorea,Fakarava,Rangiroa
Awesome video :) Can't wait to get married in Rarotonga and honeymoon in Aitutaki!
Wow, I've always wanted to here 😍
It’s so incredible. Watch till the end, the best bits are back there ;)
Its such a gorgeous place
New Zealand Adventures isn’t it? Where in NZ are you watching from?
@@AlexanderAyling Based in the beautiful Tauranga! Also working on a Cook Islands film the last 1.5 years from my trips there! Such a dream destination! Cook Island Adventures is the FB & insta pages :)
@7:30 i'm pretty sure I hung out with that exact same dog on my honeymoon.....that or one of that dog's ancestors. It was 10 years ago. Made me fill up man. Great doggos on that island!
Hahahah they are the best!
that raw fish looks freaking amazing i miss island food
I have a recipe for it on my channel! Check it out :)