Thursday, June 3, 2010

Why Vanuatu is a Better Holiday Destination than Fiji

In our current economy, many people are struggling to make ends meet. It can be difficult to balance daily needs and recreation. Many are counting every penny so that they can still afford to go on an island getaway.

During such a time, when vacationing seems to be out of one’s budget, it is important to make sure you gain the most value for your money. A trip to an island in the South Pacific may sound too good to be true; however, by choosing to go to the lesser known Vanuatu as opposed to the tourist hub Fiji, you can stand to save a lot of money without loosing any of the experience.

One might think that traveling to the lesser known of the two islands would create a difference in accessibility; however, both islands are very convenient to get to. They also each offer affordable accommodation that is close to the beaches and other excursion locations. Both are fantastic travel destinations, and though Fiji is more publicized, there are a number of reasons why traveling to Vanuatu could lead to a more pleasurable vacation.

One major reason why Vanuatu is more ideal is that it has been less commercialized than Fiji. Yes there are a great range of Vanuatu Hotels and Vanuatu Resorts, but built in a way as to not spoil the environment. In Vanuatu you don’t have to deal with the same hassles associated with top tourist locations including the large crowds, needing to bargain for goods, and the overall higher prices.

Another benefit of opting for Vanuatu is that you are not trapped in the “resort” experience, your Vanuatu hotel is likely to have luxurious facilities but leaving it and experiencing the real community should be a part of your Vanuatu holidays. In Fiji, a good portion of the island’s population consists of visitors. In Vanuatu, there is a lot more opportunity to see the local culture and traditions. Vanuatu was rated the happiest country in 2006 and it is no wonder when you whiteness the smiles and warm greetings of the local people.

Vanuatu is home to 83 different islands, each with unique cultures and sights. There is a wide variety of experiences you can have, so long as you have the time to see it all. Vanuatu is known for its acres of untouched wilderness and waters that are highly accessible from local accommodation. These sites are praised for having excellent and affordable tours from basic island tours, to rides on a buggy, to horseback riding on the beach. You can even take a helicopter tour if you have the budget for it.

Vanuatu is known for it’s great cuisine due to both the British and French influences. Great restaurants can be found throughout the islands, and are not limited to the resort locations. Vanuatu is also known for being the one place on earth where you are able to stand on the edge of a live volcano.

As you can tell, Vanuatu is not simply the low-budget alternative to Fiji. The country has a lot to offer in terms of sites, activities, and history. If you are looking to save some money on a trip to the South Pacific without missing out on the many experiences to be had, Vanuatu is the place to go. If you are looking for a luxurious stay in a beautiful country, Irriki Island Resort and Le Lagon Vanuatu would be right up there in world class terms.