Fiji or Vanuatu for independant traveller?

I used to be a frequent contributor to this site but can't seem to access it under my old username.

Anyway I have made an out of character, impulsive decision to go to either Fiji or Vanuatu TOMORROW (due to costs and flight & accommodation availability I have narrowed it down to these).

I have been to Vanuatu before for only about 6 hours and loved it. Am wondering which place is better for someone who wants to meet people (especially locals), wants to see the culture and relax a bit. I can't dive but love to snorkel and am not immensely fit so long arduous bushwalks are not on the cards. I love photography, singing and dancing. I am not a shoe string traveler nor can I spend a lot.

I need to decide in the next few hours? Anyone want to give me any advice or confuse me more :)

Oh and I only have 6 days. Have to go back to work after that :(

Both are good.

Fiji is cheaper and easier to get around, with more sights on the main island you land on.

Vanuatu is friendlier, less touristy and is really the perfect place to meet the locals and experience Melanesian culture. It also has better coral.
If your budget allows you to get off Efate by flying to Santo or Tanna for a few days, it would be my definite choice!
Even just Efate could be good (with side-trips to more accessible nearby islands maybe) if "sights" are not your priority. If you already liked Vanuatu on your first brief stop, you are bound to like it even more if yiouy stay longer!

I haven't been to Vanuatu yet, so can't make a direct comparison - and maybe that in itself is a consideration. I have no doubt that Laszlo's evaluation is correct.

Pre-booking accommodation might get you into the middle of tourist-land in Fiji, since it is the more popular destination. In that respect, you may need to travel a bit on Fiji to find something that you'd land immediately into if you chose Vanuatu - but I'm only guessing here. It all depends on where precisely you go in Fiji.

On the other hand, if cost is the determining factor I wouldn't worry too much about which is "best" on the other criteria. Flip a coin. Both countries have a lot to offer.

Thanks!
I decided on Vanuatu. I really want to go back and hopefully get to know it better in the week I have there.

I have no idea what I am doing- exciting and scary. If you have any more suggestions Laszlo especially on places to stay where I will meet locals and see some culture I would love it.

So excited. Hopefully I get some sleep tonight! :)

I found myself meeting lots of great people even in the capital, Vila - but not necessarily at my place to stay, more while exploring around the town.
However, rural areas are no doubt even better - and pretty much any of the locally-run places recommended on this website should provide what you are looking for!
If sticking to the Efate area, the nearby smaller islands of Pele, Nguna and Emao receive consistently raving reviews from visitors.

You might like to check out one of the posts in the FAQ above by Mandja, particularly the part about Nguna Island. This would be a great side trip from Villa and afford great snorkeling. If you run a search on Google for Nguna Island you can read about the marine reserve there and the accommodations, although it's possible to do just a day trip from the mainland. I would also second Laszlo suggestion of a visit to Tanna - just amazing!