Vanuatu over Christmas and New Year

cmontigny11:38 UTC11 Sep 2011

Pre booking hotels?
I will be in Vanuatu for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year, I don't like pre-organised travels and pre-booking hotels .Has any one got any experience of finding accommodation in Efate? Tanna and Santo during that period? Do I really need to pre-book because it's the Xmas hols?

Weather?
When is the rainy season? and does it mean overcast days/ raining all the time? or one or 2 hours rain per day and rest of day sunny? is the weather sunnier in the north island (santo) or wetter ( ie because it's more tropical)?

Accommodation costs?
I am on a budget, am prepared to stay in basic lodging most of the time, but would like to spend 3/4 days in a fare (bungalow) by a beach - basic but nice and affordable . Is there such a thing? Most resorts seem to charge $100 plus a night . Any suggestion?

Pre booking flights between the islands?
do I need to do pre-book internal flights?

Doing it by boat?
How long does it take to go from Efate to Santo by boat? Efate to Tanna? and do I need to pre book?

Realistically speaking?
Am i ambitious wanting to go to the 3 islands in 2 weeks or should I just focus on Efate and Tanna?

I would welcome advice from anyone who knows the region relatively well....

movedon23:39 UTC17 Sep 2011

Wet season is wetter than non wet season. Buy an umbrella on arrival to protect from the sun and as the clouds come sweeping in and you see the rain coming, from the rain if you haven't found shelter. You can take an umbrella on the plane or stick it with your luggage with a bit of string.
Today in Santo it is blustry and overcast, no rain yet

Dont expect to get flights just before or after Christmas or New Year on arrival (book before November for perfect choice) as people go home for the hols, may be full, full, full so try to book before. You may just have to spend your time around Efate! Ferries that do run will be packed to the gunwales at this time and may be uncomfortable. There is a weekly Big Sister and Efate Queen from Vila to Santo taking about 24 hours

Resorts esp on Santo tend to be booked out but you should get basic accommodation . Check out positive earth http://www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/ - an amazing site with lots of ideas. If you have the money try all three, my bias is not to spend too much time on Efate, though Pele and the islands off the north coast may be fun

cmontigny12:00 UTC20 Sep 2011

Hi Movedon , thanks for your reply. I think i am going to change my plans as i hate having to pre book everything. It does not look like the silly season is the best time of the year to discover Vanuatu . cheers and happy travels

Vanuatu over Christmas and New Year Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu
cmontigny11:38 UTC11 Sep 2011	Pre booking hotels? I will be in Vanuatu for 2 weeks over Christmas and New Year, I don't like pre-organised travels and pre-booking hotels .Has any one got any experience of finding accommodation in Efate? Tanna and Santo during that period? Do I really need to pre-book because it's the Xmas hols? Weather? When is the rainy season? and does it mean overcast days/ raining all the time? or one or 2 hours rain per day and rest of day sunny? is the weather sunnier in the north island (santo) or wetter ( ie because it's more tropical)? Accommodation costs? I am on a budget, am prepared to stay in basic lodging most of the time, but would like to spend 3/4 days in a fare (bungalow) by a beach - basic but nice and affordable . Is there such a thing? Most resorts seem to charge $100 plus a night . Any suggestion? Pre booking flights between the islands? do I need to do pre-book internal flights? Doing it by boat? How long does it take to go from Efate to Santo by boat? Efate to Tanna? and do I need to pre book? Realistically speaking? Am i ambitious wanting to go to the 3 islands in 2 weeks or should I just focus on Efate and Tanna? I would welcome advice from anyone who knows the region relatively well....
movedon23:39 UTC17 Sep 2011	Wet season is wetter than non wet season. Buy an umbrella on arrival to protect from the sun and as the clouds come sweeping in and you see the rain coming, from the rain if you haven't found shelter. You can take an umbrella on the plane or stick it with your luggage with a bit of string. Today in Santo it is blustry and overcast, no rain yet Dont expect to get flights just before or after Christmas or New Year on arrival (book before November for perfect choice) as people go home for the hols, may be full, full, full so try to book before. You may just have to spend your time around Efate! Ferries that do run will be packed to the gunwales at this time and may be uncomfortable. There is a weekly Big Sister and Efate Queen from Vila to Santo taking about 24 hours Resorts esp on Santo tend to be booked out but you should get basic accommodation . Check out positive earth http://www.positiveearth.org/bungalows/ - an amazing site with lots of ideas. If you have the money try all three, my bias is not to spend too much time on Efate, though Pele and the islands off the north coast may be fun	1
cmontigny12:00 UTC20 Sep 2011	Hi Movedon , thanks for your reply. I think i am going to change my plans as i hate having to pre book everything. It does not look like the silly season is the best time of the year to discover Vanuatu . cheers and happy travels	2