Air Calin New Caledonia

Advantages: Impressive route network, punctual, friendly crew
Disadvantages: If 'plane breaks down, there's no replacement

...on a tight budget may like to look into this option as a cheaper way to get there, although like Air Vanuatu, flights are not daily between any two given airports. (see www.virginblue.com for details). It is also possible to get to Vanuatu with Air Calin, the carrier of New Caledonia, which operates services from Oz and NZ via New Caledonia to Vanuatu. My feeling is that Air Vanuatu is the preferred option for getting to Vanuatu currently, but are now beginning to face competition from other airlines and so for the traveller this may mean lower fares. ---Frequent Flyer Programme--- In addition to codesharing with Qantas flights, Air Vanuatu is also part of the Qantas frequent flyer programme (which includes other major airlines like British Airways) so if you join this then you can get points with Air Vanuatu which can be used to buy... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful, breathtaking scenery.
Disadvantages: Expensive to get to!

...to New Caledonia can be problematic if you live in the UK. Air France fly direct from Paris, but the flight costs between £700-800. From the UK you can either fly to France and get a flight there or you can fly to Eastern Australia of New Zealand and pick up a connecting flight. these are generally inexpensive and can cost as little as £100. However, the filght out to Australia can be very expensive depending on which time of year you choose. I flew directly from Paris with Air France in September and the return flight cost around £700. ATTRACTIONS Noumea This is the capital of New Caledonia and in my opinion is one of the least interesting places to visit on the island. The highlights include the Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre, which reflects all aspects of island life and some interesting displays of arts and crafts from New Caledonia... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, extremely friendly people!
Disadvantages: Can be expensive to reach.

...Tonga is the first country in the world to see in a New Year. It lies just past the international dateline and became the focal point for the Millenium celebrations of 2000. This is how Tonga first came to my attention, I saw the broadcast from the isalnd and thought it looked fantastic and decided that I would definitely go. I happened to have the chance to go to New Caledonia and looking at a map saw that nTonga was nearby (relatively speaking). So wehn my two weeks in New Caledonia was over my girlfriend and I decided to make the short flight to Tonga and stay for as long as our money would hold out. We weren't disappointed! GETTING THERE We flew with Air France from New Caledonia to Fua'amotu International Airport which is about 10 miles away from the capital of Nuku'alofa. This flight cost about $150 for the round trip... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful