About Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a country that is consists of eighty-three islands offering diverse landscapes from tropical views and beaches to rainforests and oceans. The country has established itself as one of the popular countries for tourism and investment but it still is not the leading tourist spot of the world which means that there are considerably fewer tourists and lower prices if compared to other islands in the Pacific.
Places to Visit and Things to Do in Vanuatu
A long list of options is present for places that can be visited by tourists and the experiences that they can enjoy during their trip. Water sports are present. You can go diving there, bungee jumping, scuba diving, zip-lining, kite surfing, parasailing, and other water activities. The country is culturally rich thus you can become part of village tours where you can engage with the local population and learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the country.
Port Vila is the capital and most developed urban center of the country where you can notice the influence of French and British culture. A great variety of cuisine can be experienced in Port Vila especially in its downtown. Then there is Mystery Islands which is inhabited and reserved for tourists for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the lovely beaches.
Mele Cascades are the popular waterfalls in the country that can be accessed by hiking. These waterfalls are just ten kilometers away from the capital and the hike takes about two to three hours. Vanuatu is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Domain of Chief Roi Mata and other archaeological sites along with the national museum and cultural center where you can get a look at the culture and history of the region. Another exciting yet unknown site to visit is the underwater post visits located near the coast of Mele.
Traveling Costs
Accommodation is budget-friendly in the country. Budget guesthouses, hostels, and dorms are available in the country starting from $28 while Airbnb is also easily available with rooms starting from $30 and increasing during peak season. Home and apartments can also be acquired for $50 per night. Camping is not allowed throughout Vanuatu. A variety of food options are available in Vanuatu. The local cuisine is heavily dependent on fish, vegetables, and fruits while foreign cuisines are also available in resorts and restaurants. Kava is the popular Pacific beverage that is available throughout the island and is extremely popular. The drink is a bit sedative and thus should only be consumed in small portions. Traditional cuisines can cost $15 and three-course meals including drinks can cost about $29. If one is traveling on a budget, then an estimated expense of $70-80 can be incurred while the mid-range budget can be $225 per day.
Suitable Time to Visit Vanuatu
The most popular time to visit the country is during warm weather that is from April to October when the temperature is between 18 to 28 degrees. The wet season is from November to March when the crowds are smaller and prices decrease.
Safety and Security in Vanuatu
The crime rate is pretty low in Vanuatu however petty thefts are a common occurrence, therefore, it is advised to take care of your valuables and lock them in a safe and keep accommodations lock as well. Crime increases during peak season and holidays such as Christmas. Female travels are advised to avoid walking alone at night in rural areas as a safety precaution as a low risk of crime exits. The country is a bit conservative therefore one should not be wearing too revealing clothes while traditional clothes are preferred so that tourists can mingle with the locals. Cyclones, flooding, landslides, and earthquakes have been witnessed in Vanuatu in past years therefore it is better to be aware of emergency exits and have travel insurance.
Citizenship through investment is increasing in the case of Vanuatu. The option is to invest in real estate or local development funds and attain Vanuatu residency through investment.