Tahiti, in general, is a difficult place to travel. It is my recommendation that you get a professional to help you plan. I have been called multiple times at odd hours for help by people who didn't heed this advice. Honestly, there isn't much I can do for you if I didn't book your trip. But here are my tips for all the DIY lovers out there. (Get help! It will save you time, energy, headaches, and tons of money in the long run, I promise.)
1. Know your geography. The Island of Tahiti, Bora Bora, Le Taha'a, and Moorea are not the same places. The nation of French Polynesia (otherwise known as Tahiti) comprises a lot of small islands that are hundreds of miles apart. So know where you are going, it will make getting there so much easier!
2. Focus on Logistics! Be aware of the time differences. If you leave here on a Monday, you most likely won't arrive in Tahiti until Wednesday. Also, the international airport in Papatee (which is on the Island of Tahiti) does not offer flights to the other islands after 5 pm. So if you are moving on, your plane needs to arrive NO later than 2 pm to ensure that you have time to make your connection. You could end up stuck for the night.
3. Overnight on the Island of Tahiti. Don't want to worry about logistics? Book a hotel on the Island of Tahiti for the day you arrive and then book a flight to your final destination for the next day. It will save you money and ensure; you have a place to stay regardless.
4. Go all-inclusive. I usually do not encourage clients to pay for the inclusive option. Tahiti is the exception to that rule. Food and drink are imported from France so that they can be VERY pricey. If your resort offers an all-inclusive option, it will save you a ton of money.
5. Choose Moorea. If you want to save time and money, Moorea is an excellent alternative to Bora Bora. It is just as beautiful and has the overwater bungalows you crave. It is far closer to the Island of Tahiti, making it less expensive. Ferries travel to and from Papatee several times a day. Bonus: the resorts are less costly because Moorea does not have the cache that Bora Bora has.
6. Island hop. If you have to spend time in Bora Bora but need to keep costs down, consider island hopping. Spend a few days on Moorea, Le Taha'a, and end your trip on Bora Bora.
7. Embrace the family. If you are island hopping, take advantage of sister resorts in Bora Bora and Moorea. If you are staying at the Intercontinental, Sofitel, or Hilton in Moorea, you can get a price break on one of its sister resorts in Bora Bora.
8. Know when to go. High Season (June through October plus the holidays) will cost an arm and a leg. Consider traveling during Low Season (November through May). Off-season travel will save you a bundle on both flights and hotels.
9. Take advantage of Free Nights. Many resorts offer 1-2 free nights with stays of 7 nights or longer. Tahiti is far away, and the flights will be awful! Enjoy as much sand and surf as you can, while you can.
10. Book early. Many resorts offer as much as 25% off for people who book months in advance.
There you have it my tips for planning the perfect Tahiti trip. I do have advice for picking the best overwater bungalows for you, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for that.