Life and Travel with Jessica
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Travel
  • Bucket List
  • Contact

10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List

8/16/2017

3 Comments

 
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of a ton of tropical islands. lt is actual paradise. Like, for real!
​I traveled to Vanuatu when I was 19, and had the time of my life (it even made it onto my "Top 30 Moments of My 30 Years of Life" List!). It is a must to add to your travel bucket list,  and if you don't believe me, I have 10 reasons why! But before we get to those, here are a couple Vanuatu facts, tips, and a small disclaimer.

Picture
Port Vila is the capital, and largest city of Vanuatu. We flew into Port Vila, which is what I would recommend you to do. 
The currency of the island is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). An American Dollar (USD) is worth approximately 108.23 Vuv. I would recommend you to not exchange money in the airport, as the exchange rates are always sky high at airports. We exchanged money at the post office.
Most people in Vanuatu do speak English, so communicating in Vanuatu is not a problem.

Now for the disclaimer; as with any time you travel, it is important to be safe! Vanuatu, like any place in the world, has dangers. While there, I got caught in some treacherous waters while swimming, and also had to fight off a drunk guy on the beach. As with all places, be smart, cautious, and aware of your surroundings.
Now, here are the 10 Reasons why Vanuatu must be on your Bucket List!
​
Picture
1. A string band will be waiting for you at the airport
Enough said!

​
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
2. The picturesque beaches
Want to go to a beach that is off the beaten track and not crawling with tourists? Vanuatu is the place for you!
​
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
3. The infinity pools
This is at Breakas Beach Resort. We actually did not stay here, we were living in a nearby house, but we would walk along the beach until we got there, and they let us swim for free (if we bought a drink!). I'm not sure if they still do that, but either way, it is a must visit, and there are plenty other infinity pools to dip your toes into in Vanuatu.
​
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
Picture
4. The Markets
Open air markets are the best. It is real life. It is the perfect way to interact with locals, try local foods, and there is always something interesting to be found!
​
Picture
Picture
5. The sunsets
The sunsets in Vanuatu, as with most other beautiful places, are spectacular!
​
Picture
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
6. Waterfalls
Waterfalls are pure magic, and Vanuatu's waterfalls are no exception!

10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
7. The locals
These people​ are wonderful! So friendly, kind, genuine, open-hearted, and interesting!
​
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
Picture
Picture
8. The food
Because Vanuatu is an island, it offers plenty of fresh fruit, coconuts picked right off the tree, ​fresh seafood, and plenty of other interesting things!
​
Picture
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
Picture
9. The ocean
Yes I am aware that I already mentioned the beaches, but come on, look at it! The ocean deserves its own category on here! Look at that water!

​
Picture
Picture
Picture
10. Adventure is everywhere
​When you are in Vanuatu, you know for certain that you are not in the United States. My favorite places to travel are the ones that seem to have been forgotten by time. The reason for this is that you never know what's going to happen. Everything, from going to the bathroom, to eating, to walking to the store, can (and probably will) turn into an adventure!
​
Picture
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List
Picture
Picture
So have you added Vanuatu to your bucket list yet?!!
​
10 Reasons Why Vanuatu Must be on Your Bucket List

​Peace Love and Vanuatu
Jess <3

3 Comments

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia

1/30/2017

1 Comment

 
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
After five years, it is finally here; the final post to my Top Ten Places to Travel Series! All ten of these were places that I had visited before I started this blog, so I used this series to revisit those places, and have a chance to share with you some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. But don't worry, I will continue writing about my world travels on here!
​
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Yes, I have been to Australia! It was not my favorite country, as I prefer third world countries, and places very different from America, but it was still a very cool place to visit! And since I am constantly hearing people say that Australia is one of their top places to visit, I wanted to tell you all about it, and give you a list of must-dos in the land down under (Oh, and that's Karla, don't mind her, we brought her along with us to three different countries and had a blast with her, you might be seeing more of her popping up)!

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Of course a must-see in Australia is the Sydney Opera House! Not only is it one of the most famous buildings in the world, but it is stunning to see (and super fun to take pictures at!).
​
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Find some kangaroos!
​

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Or a koala! This little guy was at an animal sanctuary. Don't try to find one in the wild, not only are they endangered, but there are strict laws surrounding them.
​

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Oh hey Karla!
​

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Don't forget that they drive on the other side of the road than us Americans do!
​
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
Walk around beautiful downtown...
​
My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
...and do some underground shopping!
​

My Top Ten Places to Travel Part 10; Australia
The beach is my happy place, so it was no surprise that my favorite part of Australia was visiting its many beaches! We visited a couple different beaches, and they were all absolutely breathtaking! We went to some busier and more touristy beaches, but we also knew someone who lived there, so she took us to a secluded local beach as well! If you love crystal clear waters with every color of blue imaginable, then Australian beaches are for you, they are completely perfect!
​
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
Don't have a raft? An inflatable mattress is a blast!
​
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
 My Top Ten Places to Visit Part 10; Australia
So now that my Top Ten Places to Travel Series has concluded, what was your favorite?! Which one made you want to hop on a plane right away and never come back? Here are all ten of them to refresh your memory! Comment below telling me which was your favorite!
​
Picture
1. Xi'an, China
Picture
2. Vanuatu
Picture
3. Thailand
Picture
4. Arvada/Denver, Colorado
Picture
5. Lanzhou, China
Picture
6. Pingyao, China
Picture
7. Beijing, China
Picture
8. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia 
Picture
9. Fiji
​
Picture
and 10. Australia
Is Australia on your bucket list?! If it wasn't before, it probably is now! So don't forget to add it to your list, so you can begin working toward that goal! If you're worried about finances (Australia is a bit expensive), re-read my post about my #1 Secret to Saving Money for Travel, so you can start planning your trip to Australia (or your favorite from the above list)!
​
Outerwear

​Peace Love and Australia
Jess <3

1 Comment

My Top 10 Places to Travel Pt. 9; Fiji

9/28/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
In 2006 I had the amazing opportunity to visit Fiji! 
In my lifetime, I have been to 24 states, and 15 countries, and Fiji is by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!
It was an experience unlike any other, obviously, because it made it onto my Top Ten Places to Travel list! So here I have for you, my top things to do in Fiji!
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Live like a local!
Sure when you think of Fiji you think of white sandy beaches, clear blue water, and basically paradise (we will get to that later!). But that is not how most Fijians live, believe it or not, Fiji is actually a third world country!
When I was in Fiji, me and my friends stayed in a little church in the middle of nowhere. During the day, we rode around in the back of a little pickup truck, visiting the locals, and experiencing their culture! This is how you truly experience a country! Through the eyes, customs, traditions, and lives of the locals!

Picture
This is out back of the church. That little building was where we showered. We washed our laundry by hand, then hung it up to dry in the tropical breezes!
​
Picture
Picture
Fiji Travel Guide
The church we stayed in.
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Experience local transportation.
Buses, boats, vans, the back of a pickup truck! Either way, getting from point a to point b is never dull in Fiji!

Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide

​
Prom Dresses
Fiji Travel Guide
Explore the nearby city.
The city is a great place to experience the local markets, shops, restaurants, we even found a karaoke night club!


Fiji Travel Guide
Picture
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
​​
Fiji Travel Guide
Climb a mountain
Making your way to the top of a mountain (whether it's by walking or driving), is one of the most worthwhile things you will do while in Fiji.
Ask the locals about a good mountain, or just find one yourself!
​ 
Fiji Travel Guide
Picture
Fiji Travel Guide
Dress like a local.
While I was in Fiji, one of the guys at the church braided my hair, and a wonderful woman gave me her sari!
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Walk!
​You never know what you will see, who you will meet, or what kind of adventures you will come across when you are walking through the mountains and villages of Fiji!

Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Tropical Island it up!
Now this is what most people think of when they think of Fiji!
The South Pacific Nation of Fiji is made up of 322 islands! We found one of the smallest, and most touristy ones to take a day trip to!

Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
This breathtaking island took only about ten minutes to walk the entire way around it!
​

Fiji Travel Guide
We got to this tiny little island by boat! It was amazing!
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
Upon arrival, natives were waiting with instruments and songs!
Fiji Travel Guide
There was a building with live music, a bar, and sand floors! Paradise!
​

Fiji Travel Guide
Soon after arriving on the island, my friend Collin had a guitar in his hand, and was singing Jack Johnson's "Banana Pancakes" with the house band! It was super cool!
​
Fiji Travel Guide
Picture
Fiji Travel Guide
I swam, explored, and even got to drive a water ski!
That was one of the coolest things I have ever done! Even though it was 9 years ago, I still remember it perfectly! I was out in the middle of the ocean, zipping around on a water ski, when all of a sudden I looked down, and I could see straight down into the crystal clear water! I saw coral, and rocks, and fish! It was just plain magic!
​

Fiji Travel Guide
Fiji Travel Guide
So what do you think?!
When you find yourself planning a trip to Fiji, don't forget these tips!
Don't have enough money to even dream about a trip like this? Read my tips on how I travel the world working only 2-3 days a week as a waitress!

Picture

​Peace Love and Fiji
Jess <3

1 Comment
<<Previous
      
    ​
    Picture

    I'm Jessica!

    I've traveled all over the world, but Ohio is where I call home. I'm a lifestyle & travel blogger, and author. I love setting goals, reading, and snuggling up with my fur babies. I can usually be found at my local thrift store, or in the hammock in my backyard.

    About Me
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
     
      
      

    Popular Posts

    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture
      
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Asia
    Atlanta
    Beauty
    Blogging
    Bucket List
    Caribbean
    Changing The World
    China
    Christmas
    Coffee Break Retro Style
    Diy
    Fashion
    Food
    Goals
    Guest Bloggers
    Halloween
    Health
    Home Decor
    Inspiration
    Money
    Music
    My Favorite Posts
    My Life
    North America
    Oceania
    Ohio
    Parties
    Sponsored Posts
    Support Small Businesses
    Volke House
    Wedding
    World Traveler
    Zero Waste

    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    January 2021
    December 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012

    *Disclosure; This blog is a personal blog written by me. This blog accepts forms of paid advertising and sponsorship. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. Even though I receive compensation for some posts or advertisements, I will always give my honest opinions, findings, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.*
    Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.