Do pristine beaches excite you? Are you keen to check out an exotic culture in a remote location?
If the answers are yes, then you should visit Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is an archipelago consisting of about 80 islands in the Oceania region of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an ancient location, consisting of rugged islands, lovely beaches, and opportunities for some memorable diving experiences. Add to these acres of rainforests, some lip-smacking local fish cuisine, and sincere hospitality of the local people, and you will have an unforgettable time in this island nation.
Before you leave for Vanuatu, be sure to buy travel medical insurance to protect against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries that might occur during your trip.
Vanuatu Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
Mishaps don’t come with advance notice. And in a place like Vanuatu, medical facilities are far from world-class. In the event of a medical emergency, a medical evacuation via air ambulance would burn a hole in your pockets. To stay guarded against such a situation, opt for travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Vanuatu?
Though it is not mandatory to buy travel medical insurance before visiting Vanuatu, it is highly advisable. Having insurance will protect you financially in the event of an emergency medical situation.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Vanuatu?
Any illness or accident is unwelcome, but they do occur. And they can make your turn your perfectly pleasant holiday upside-down. In Vanuatu, both natural and human reasons can cause illnesses or mishaps. Treatment in private facilities or after medical evacuation would cost you a lot of money. So, it’s better to buy Vanuatu travel medical insurance before your trip.
Things to Do for Travelers in Vanuatu
There are multiple ways to keep yourself blissfully engaged in Vanuatu. For those intrepid souls seeking some real-time adventure, you can hike or drive up to the top of Yasur—the world’s most accessible active volcano—on Tanna Island. Stare down at the frothing, bubbling mass of lava. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For those seeking some relaxation, there are many options, as well. Here are some of the things to do while you are holidaying in Vanuatu.
- Scuba Diving: You’ll experience a fascinating underwater world off the coast of Vanuatu, with its grottos, tunnels, caves, and diverse marine ecology. You can also check out the wreckages of the destroyer USS Tucker and the SS President Coolidge luxury ocean liner, ships that sunk during World War II. This is among the largest wreck dives in the world. Also, visit the Million Dollar Point, the dump yard of military equipment post-war. Scuba diving off Vanuatu is going to be among the most thrilling experiences of your life.
- Marvel at the “Naghol”: From April to June, experience this event every Saturday at Pentecost Island. This event is the precursor (that, too, a few millennia old) to modern bungee jumping. Men tie their legs with vines and jump from trees a few hundred feet high, in celebration of the yam harvest.
- Visit the Mystery Island: This island lies off the coast of Tanna Island. Two flights per week operate at this location. It’s an uninhabited island. Laze around on the awesome beaches, take a walk in the jungles, or go for some snorkeling. You’ll have a great time amidst all the peace and quiet.
- Trip to Hideaway Island: This marine reserve is quite close to the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila. You can enjoy some diving and snorkeling here, or just a relaxing time on the beach. And here, you are in for a lifetime experience: You can visit an underwater post office, the only one in the world, and even mail waterproof postcards!
- Visit the Mele Cascades: You will get to see wonderful waterfalls here that are a series of limestone cascades. The tallest drop is around 30 meters (about 100 feet) high. Hike up to the top of the waterfall, cool yourself in the pools at the base, or take a walk through the surrounding jungles – you will have lots to do here.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Vanuatu
Crime rates are low in Vanuatu, and the locals are mostly warm and friendly to outsiders. However, international travelers need to take certain precautions to be on the safe side; any mishap can ruin a vacation. So, do adopt these measures to stay safe.
- Violent crimes and sexual assaults against foreigners are rare, but they do occur. So, avoid traveling to secluded places after dark. Keep your valuables under lock and key whenever you leave the hotel/home-stay.
- Vanuatu is part of the notorious “Pacific Ring of Fire”, so seismic activities are frequent. The risks of tsunamis are associated with these seismic events. Before visiting volcanic or notably seismically active zones, please check with the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-hazards Department for any related warnings.
- Take the necessary precautions against diseases like malaria, dengue, Zika virus, chickenpox, etc.
- Avoid tap water and raw, uncooked, or undercooked food, as it can severely upset your stomach.
- From November to April, it is the cyclone season in Vanuatu. If you happen to travel during that time, stay updated regarding cyclone warnings.
- The waters off Malekula and Santo are shark-infested. Pay heed to shark warnings, and avoid swimming alone.
Before You Travel to Vanuatu…
Keep multiple photocopies as well as soft copies of your important travel documents.
Go through the related travel advisories for the destination countries to stay up-to-date about the risk factors.