Vanuatu (South Pacific Islands)

When the opportunity to visit Vanuatu arose I jumped at it. I was aware that it was the rainy season and it would be hot and humid ( I don't do hot and humid very well) but the timing couldn't be helped as my husband was attending a seminar. Nothing I could imagine could prepare me for the initial blast of hot air.The heat coming off the plane as we walked across the tarmac made it almost unbearable and thankfully it was slightly cooler in the airport, but only slightly. We realised fairly soon that the locals pace is slow to very slow. In this heat it is basically a matter of survival. There ... more

Feeling stressed? Need to get away? Then imagine unwinding on a sun-drenched tropical island. Picture yourself swimming in turquoise-coloured waters meandering through lush rain forests, or mingling with exotic indigenous tribes. Does such a paradise still exist on earth? Why yes! In the remote islands of Vanuatu. Located roughly halfway between Australia and Fiji, Vanuatu is a Y-shaped Chain of about 80 islands in the southwest pacific. According to geologists, massive tectonic plates in the earth crust collided at this point to form lofty mountains that are mainly underwater. The peaks of ... more

When you step off the plan onto the tarmac at Port Vila International Airport you realise instantly that there is a whole different world you are about to explore. On entering the airport building you are greeted by a group of musicians singing welcoming songs (even at 11:30 at night). The air is warm and the atmosphere friendly. The customs officers greet you with a big smile and even some happy small talk - a far cry from the reception at customs in Australia. Depending on your holiday package, a representative of the hotel/resort you are staying at will be awaiting your arrival, also with a ... more