Regarding Tahiti, many visitors will tell you to escape Papeete and go to Moorea, Bora Bora, or smaller islands like Rangiora. If you opt for Bora Bora (Michener's "most beautiful island in the world") here's an option. Fly to Bora Bora for about $200 rt on Air Tahiti. Stay at Chez Temanuata ($70 bungalow or $80 beach bungalow and eat modestly priced tasty meals at restuarant of same name or eat from market across the street). All this while looking out at the $500+ night overwater bungalows of the neighboring Bora Bora Beachcomber Parkroyal Resort (where you can walk-in and use their tourism services and bars/restaurants). Walk a few meters to Bora Bora's best beach. Alternatively, stay at mid-priced Chez Nono on the beach. Btw, diving in the lagoon was nice with shark feeding and giant manta sighting! The lagoon is truly fabulous. Cheers.