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.
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.
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!
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!
1. A string band will be waiting for you at the airport
Enough said!
Enough said!
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!
Want to go to a beach that is off the beaten track and not crawling with tourists? Vanuatu is the place for you!
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.
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.
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!
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!
5. The sunsets
The sunsets in Vanuatu, as with most other beautiful places, are spectacular!
The sunsets in Vanuatu, as with most other beautiful places, are spectacular!
6. Waterfalls
Waterfalls are pure magic, and Vanuatu's waterfalls are no exception!
Waterfalls are pure magic, and Vanuatu's waterfalls are no exception!
7. The locals
These people are wonderful! So friendly, kind, genuine, open-hearted, and interesting!
These people are wonderful! So friendly, kind, genuine, open-hearted, and interesting!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
So have you added Vanuatu to your bucket list yet?!!
Peace Love and Vanuatu
Jess <3
