Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# What should I take? Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu
sallylimon 22:21 UTC 25 Dec 2008 | Hi, I'm going to Vanuatu in January and am trying to sort out the practicalities of what to bring, given that there will be a 10kg baggage limit on the internal Air Vanuatu flights! I will, at this stage, be visiting Efate, Tanna and Espiritu Santo. I would appreciate any advice. Although I love the idea of camping, I am assuming that it would be impractical in the middle of cyclone/rainy/malaria season, so I can probably do without my tent. Is this right? Is there always somewhere to hook up a mozzie net, or would I be better off with a self standing (heavier) mozzie dome. Would it be worthwhile to bring a sleeping mat? I have been told that the weather will be warm, but I'm still a little paranoid about being cold! How cold does it get at night? Do a need a light sleeping bag? Thanks in anticipation! Sally |
eddyv 02:04 UTC 26 Dec 2008 | I carried 20kg baggage on 2 air Vanuatu flights (Malekula - Espiritu Santo and Espiritu Santo - Pentecost) and they didn't even charge me extra. I wouldn't bother bringing a tent as locals will always be happy to put you up in their house. I didn't bring a sleeping mat and was usually provided one. At night I always just wore a hooded mosquito net jacket that covers your whole upper boddy and face and is very light. I would definitely bring a sleeping bag though if you're going to be trekking in the mountains as it does get quite cold up there at night. | 1
sallylimon 10:07 UTC 26 Dec 2008 | Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate the advice! Sally | 2
ozziegiraffe 12:06 UTC 26 Dec 2008 | It is really important, if you are travelling outside the tourist areas, and not staying in resorts, to wear modest clothing. If you are a woman, that usually means a skirt that covers to legs to below the knees, or at least a sarong that will do the same. This is in respect of local custom, and will also ensure you are treated with respect by the locals. I would agree that a tent is not necessary - all land belongs to someone, and you would need the chief's permission to camp. Then they will offer you a bed in a local house. A sarong can double as a bed cover in warmer places, but if you are travlling by local boat overnight, a sleeping mat can be useful. One warning - many local people return to their villages for the summer holidays, (Christmas and January) so village accommodation may be tight. | 3
Laszlo 16:44 UTC 26 Dec 2008 | The only times a tent might come handy is in touristy places, where locals may expect you to stay in a local guesthouse, which may well charge a lot more for a room than for tentspace. I camped at Lonnoc on Santo for example, for 500VT instead of 3000+. | 4
sallylimon 04:35 UTC 27 Dec 2008 | Thanks, I will make sure I bring some long skirts! Are T-shirts OK, or should arms be covered up as well? Sally | 5
Laszlo 11:41 UTC 27 Dec 2008 | T-shirts are perfectly fine, local women almost never cover their arms, just shoulders. | 6
sallylimon 21:39 UTC 27 Dec 2008 | Thanks, I will leave out my tank tops! Sally | 7
ozziegiraffe 13:19 UTC 28 Dec 2008 | I wouldn't be too worried about tank tops - I tend to go sleeveless all the time in Solomon Islands - T-shirts with sleeves can be too hot. In Melanesia, people worry about the top half of the leg, much more than the top half of the body. | 8
sallylimon 12:36 UTC 29 Dec 2008 | Thanks, I will get out my 'Arnhemland wardrobe' for this trip, because it sounds like the dress code is similar! | 9