Perhaps you feel like joining the thousands of tourists who flock from far and wide every year to the idyllic shores of Vanuatu, just so you can see what all the fuss is about. Well, you are unlikely to be disappointed! There are many good reasons that this island region in the South Pacific was named by the Happy Planet Index report as, ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’. If you find some good, central accommodation to base yourself at for your trip, then it won’t take long to find out why.
Port Vila is probably the best place to find accommodation for your stay in the Vanuatu islands, as it is the capital city and centrally located on Efate Island in the Shefa Province. From here, all the delights of Vanuatu are at your fingertips! You can sample some of the culturally diverse heritage of Port Vila, which has a strong British and French background. French is commonly spoken by the locals, along with English and Bislama, and French cuisine is also readily available. So say ‘Bonjour!’ to the warm island sun, and get ready to experience all the attractions that keep tourists coming back every year.
In planning what to see and do, it can often be helpful to consult with the staff or owners at your Port Vila accommodation. They may have connections to local tour companies and be able to offer advice on popular activities. You definitely need to check out the ‘Mama’s Market’, where the local ladies of Port Vila gather to sell their handmade garments and crafts. There are many other places to shop around Port Vila, and it is easy to find unique gifts with a Vanuatu flavour to bring home.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors and want to add some excitement to the time away, you might like to investigate taking a boat trip from Port Vila to one of the other neighboring islands. You can then explore native jungle, or perhaps go caving. Swimming with the dolphins in the clear, warm water is another option. Or, you could add an animal protection element to your trip and sponsor one of the rare turtles in the local hatching reserve.
Returning to your Port Vila accommodation after a fun day of activities should be something to look forward to, so make sure you choose a comfortable, well situated resort as your holiday base. There are such a number of things to do in Port Vila that it is unlikely your stay will be long enough to tick them all off the list… which is why you’ll probably end up coming back for more!