What an incredibly beautiful, breathtaking part of the world! A true paradise. Yes, that was our over water bungalow in Bora Bora!

If you have this laid back island life destination on your bucket list, do yourselves a favor and make it happen.

French Polynesia is a territory of France, made up of 118 islands with coral reefs, turquoise lagoons and volcanoes. Our trip consisted of a visit to three most famous ones, namely Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. All those photos you see of clear blue waters, the overwater bungalows, the vibrant Polynesian culture, are all real, they're not just pretty photos. See our own photos below.

The culture is vibrant, deeply and proudly rooted in the islands' cultural heritage, and the hospitality is as warm as its waters. French is the official language, but locals also speak Tahitian and other Polynesian languages. Since we speak French fluently, this made our lives much easier, but I believe the hotel staff speak English as well.

For authentic entertainment and to learn about the French Polynesian culture, taking in some dance performances can help. They tell the traditional cultural stories of legends and myths, the costumes are colorful, and the music is captivating. One of our best experiences was at a beachside luau in Moorea one evening. The food was amazing and the dance performances which included traditional fire throwing elements were a thrill to watch. We even participated in some dance lessons which was awesome!

In addition to my packing tips, I have a specific packing list for French Polynesia below. Top things not to forget are sunscreen and insect repellent! Not trying to be funny, but Islands are tropical, lush and they have critters, so plan ahead.