'Everyone knows about Bali and Thailand, but I stumbled across this island paradise by accident.'

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When you mention wanting a relaxing, affordable island holiday among Australians, the usual suspects immediately spring to mind: Bali, Thailand, maybe even a cheeky Byron Bay escape.

So when I decided to take some time off over ANZAC Day and Easter, I naturally started my search with these familiar favourites. That cleverness quickly evaporated when I was staring down $2,000 return flights for what was meant to be a simple 10-day island getaway.

But I was determined to travel overseas during this period without returning home bankrupt. My Google searches got broader, more desperate, and frankly more creative.

That's when I stumbled across Samoa.

Watch: Modern Etiquette: Travel. Post continues below.

The destination hiding in plain sight.

Here's the embarrassing truth: I knew almost nothing about Samoa, despite it being practically next door to Australia. As the search results loaded, I was genuinely shocked. The pictures were stunning, the flights weren't eye-wateringly expensive, and it ticked every box I was looking for.

The beaches were spotless — no plastic floating around your legs, no 6am wake-up calls to secure a decent spot. Just pure, uninterrupted serenity.

Image: Supplied.

Two islands, endless possibilities.

We spent 10 days split between Savai'i and the mainland, and honestly, it was the perfect balance.

Savai'i — where we spent six days — is like Bali's Gili Air, except quieter, more beautiful, and infinitely cleaner. Imagine having pristine beaches almost entirely to yourself, where the biggest decision of your day is whether to read your book under a palm tree or take another dip in crystal-clear water.

Pro tip: Hire a car. It's the best way to explore at your own pace and discover those hidden gems that aren't on the typical tourist trail.

The mainland offered a different kind of magic. We chased waterfalls, attended a traditional cultural showcase and explored the island, stopping at local shops and soaking up the genuine warmth of Samoan hospitality.

Image: Supplied.

The moment that broke the internet (well, my Instagram).

But the absolute highlight? The Sua Ocean Trench.

It was one of the most unbelievable sights I'd ever seen. When I posted it on Instagram, my DMs exploded with "WHERE ARE YOU?!" messages. For about five minutes, I felt like a travel guru who'd discovered something truly special.

The trench is an incredible natural swimming hole — a collapsed lava tube filled with impossibly blue water. It's the kind of place that makes you question why you've been paying premium prices to fight crowds in more "popular" destinations.

Image: Supplied.

Why Samoa works for everyone

This isn't just a couples' retreat or solo adventure destination. Samoa works perfectly whether you're travelling with your best friend, your partner, your parents, or as a family.

There's something beautifully uncomplicated about it — no chaotic streets to navigate, no endless must-see attractions to tick off, no guilt about spending an entire afternoon doing absolutely nothing.

Image: Supplied.

The reality check we all need.

Samoa reminded me that incredible travel experiences don't have to come with packed itineraries or the chaos of well-known island spots.

While everyone else fights for space on overcrowded Bali beaches or navigates the well-worn tourist trails of Thailand, Samoa quietly offers everything you actually want from an island holiday — without the hassle, without the crowds, and without the financial hangover.

So next time you're planning that island escape, skip the obvious choices and consider the Pacific paradise that's been waiting patiently just five hours from home. Your bank account (and your sanity) will thank you.

Feature Image: Supplied.