oceania

vanuatu

This picture perfect island archipelago with its sub-tropical climate, white-rimmed islands and rich marine life fits the bill as a Pacific getaway. Vanuatu is suitably photogenic – both naturally and with it’s photo-loving people and hip-shaking festivals. The land diving (the original bungee) will have your fingernails bitten right down if you are the nervous type.

You might rub shoulders with the locals at Kava bars – intoxicated by the roots leaf. Traditional life continues and villagers will likely welcome you, providing you cover up. Be warned that they may love to eat root vegetables (kasava, taro or yam) but you probably won’t, though you should at least try.

The capital, Port Vila, errs on the touristy side of things but has colonial charm and dining in its restaurants with water vistas can’t be beat. You can get your fix of live-it-up decadence but consider also checking out Vanautu’s active volcano, adventure sports or diving down to a Titanic-esque luxury-liner shipwreck.

Just remember to leave your city slicker mentality at home – it’s chillaxed to the max – even in the capital there’s no bargaining and hawkers.