Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Vanuatu Questions

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

Hi Guys

My partner and I are thinking about a 2 week holiday in Vanuatu next year (has to be then as he is a school teacher). We can get over there and back for free with our frequest flyer points, but have been surprised at how expensive the accommodation is. (This is supposed to be a cheap trip as we are still paying off the last one!)

I was initially thinking about a week in Vila and a week on either Tanna or Santo, but, I was really surprised at how expensive the flights were when I looked on Air Vanuatu ($700 return for Santo).

Also the accom seems pretty expensive, I was initially thinking we could find somewhere like the Fales in Samoa but it seems that Vanuatu does not really have that kind of thing (aside from the bungalow link I saw that)

So, any suggestions for a two week holiday in medium priced accom for two people who just want to laze around and snorkle?

Also, would you recommend Tanna or Santo? Santo looks nicer but I think it might be a bit wetter than TAnna at that time of year?

(ps I know I am sounding ignorant, I am waiting for my LP to arrive)

Thanks

What that bungalow link describes is exactly the Vanuatuan version of the fale-type accommodation of Samoa. So I don't really understand what you want after all.

For general relaxing and beach-based activities Santo beats Tanna.

If the fare you quote for Santo is indeed correct, it has gone up to three and a half times more than what it was when I flew Santo-Vila about as many years ago. Sounds hard to imagine, but I woud say way overpriced if correct.

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$700 sounds like the normal return fare for Sydney - Santo.

Go to the Air Vanuatu website and look up the early bird fares. You must pay before the end of October and fly before the end of May. They are $594 Sydney - Santo return. You won't get any better.

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Have just booked flight to Santo for December return January with Air Vanuatu.
Port Vila to Santo return 24,880 vatu or $342 NZ. Its about an hour flight and
should mention that lugage allowance is ONLY 10 KG. That will be a bit difficult
to pack. Went to Tanna about 4 years ago and am sure the flight was a lot more
then so I do not mind the above fare.

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