Holidays in Vanuatu open up a world of smiling faces in a warm tropical setting. The essence of the laid-back South Pacific, Vanuatu is a cluster of tropical islands about 1700km off our east coast. As a near neighbour, Vanuatu is a relaxed, fascinating and accessible holiday destination for families, couples and singles.
Vanuatu is a diverse island nation. From perfect white sand beaches to flourishing tropical rainforests, brilliant marine life to sunken WW2 relics, lofty volcanoes to underground caves, there are plenty of tropical treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, is on a magnificent natural harbour on Efate; the main island. It’s the international gateway and is an appealing, unsoiled, orderly town with a waterfront so pure you’ll be amazed to look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish swimming about. It’s a cosmopolitan town with a mix of Melanesian, European and Asian influences and harbours a wide variety of accommodation types from the standard through to luxury 5 star resorts. There’s a good selection of dining and entertainment options and you can organise scenic coach tours or flights around the islands.
The rest of the island offers a rugged coastline and lush countryside split by rivers and waterfalls. The coastline features sandy bays and tranquil lagoons where tropical fish dart among the coral reefs. On the islands you’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe, leaving footprints on beaches seemingly untouched by man. Attractions like the Mele cascades waterfalls, Survivor Beach and Pele Island constantly attract visitors for their beauty and drama, and don’t miss a sunset cocktail cruise for scenic vistas of Port Vila on the calm waters of the lagoon.
One of the Vanuatu’s popular attractions takes place on Pentecost Island each Saturday between April and June. A legend sparked the tradition of 'land-diving', where young men test their mettle by launching themselves from towers constructed of branches, tied by vines at the ankles, and plunge towards the ground.
Vanuatu fun facts
Archaeological evidence shows that Vanuatu has been inhabited since at least 2000BC
Vanuatu was previously known as New Hebrides
Vanuatu means “The Land That Has Always Existed”
FIJI
Thursday 3rd June 2010
Travel Counsellor: Trish Hollis
Bula = Hello/Good Day in Fiji. No matter where you venture in Fiji you will always receive the warmest of welcomes Fijian style. From your meet and greet at the airport, where you receive your first lei, welcome drink and a cold towel to refresh, you certainly are ready to embrace the experience and will be guaranteed to fall in love Fiji.
I also specialise in destination weddings, and was lucky enough to attend a Romance Me trade day on Plantation Island, which had all the island resorts and coral coast resorts attending. I was able to discuss their product and pick up a lot of information on what they had to offer for a wedding, honeymoon, or even just your family holiday.
After Plantation Island I visited and stayed at a lot of resorts to see and experience their facilities, wedding venues and family activities. With so much variety from all resorts in Fiji, there is certainly something for everyone.
Marriage, honeymoon or renewing vows - imagine a beautiful, fragrant garden... view full story
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