Ians’ love of the tropics began with a holiday in Fiji in 1994. Those two weeks were life-changing. After a few more visits to Fiji he, and the family, took a vacation in Vanuatu in 1999.

While there, his wife Annie was offered a job teaching at Port Vila International School and Ian couldn’t think of a better place to continue his career as a writer. They lived in Vanuatu for three years until reality dictated a return to Australia and, until the children complete their education, tropical sojourns can now only be holidays.

2003 saw the publication of his travel guide to Australia (The Small Guide to A Big Country) and his acquisition of a travel agent’s licence, Small Guide Travel, with business partner Jenny Cowles.

After years of hearing people say, “if you love Vanuatu and Fiji, you’ll really love the Cook Islands”, Ian went to find out in February/March 2004. He now really loves the Cook Islands, and hopes this site encourages others to visit this beautiful part of the world.

In 2008 Eileen McBride joined the Small Guide team. Eileen grew up, went to school and worked in the Cook Islands (work lunch breaks were spent sunbaking at the beach!). Eileen married on One Foot Island in Aitutaki and has designed her very own Cook Islands skin care range.

Now living in Sydney, with her local knowledge and experience as a Travel Consultant, Eileen offers expert advice on where to stay and what to do when visiting her untouched paradise. Email: Eileen@SmallGuide.com.au - and more on Small Guide Travel here - www.SmallGuideTravel.com.au.