We started our trip by spending ten days in Rarotonga, one of the Cook Islands. This part we did right. We were both feeling very tired and stressed from all the work we had to do before we left, so relaxing here was a great way to start our trip! We stayed at the 'Rarotonga Backpackers Hostel' on the NW part of the island and had a private room next to the pool for $50/night. The hostel wasn't right on the beach, but it was an easy walk to it. Some of the other people staying at the hostel (mostly young Brits) told us about a nearby resort which had good facilities (showers and beach chairs) we sneakily made use of. It was also a great place to snorkel.

Here I am relaxing on the beach shortly after our arrival.